Kelly McCormack is an actress and producer who works with GM Finney Productions and suggests that filmmakers should be on the lookout for their wellbeing.

“I remember all of our team feeling like we were edging towards burnout in early 2020 so when the pandemic hit, a forced break was weirdly welcomed”, explains Kelly. “However, we vowed to remain creative during that time with each of us having a go at making short films in our homes to entertain the others”.

“During the lockdown when it was edging towards the idea that we might film again, we made sure each other was comfortable with even the idea of it before writing a number of risk assessments and a ‘traffic light’ code of scenes we still needed to film on our feature to order them in safest priority”.

Kelly goes on to say, “As lockdown one ended, we managed to film an indoor house featuring an actress having a phone call, another character walking around Leicester, as well as a short piece to support our upcoming crowd funder – all using minimal crews and open spaces”.

However, there has been some disappointment amongst the positivity. “It does feel frustrating at times that we cannot do what we love and motivation can be up and down however I feel proud that we have continued to do all of the paperwork and future thinking we could have done during the downtime rather than doing nothing at all. We’ve always maintained as individuals and a crew during this time that people’s health (and mental health) comes before anything else – everything else can wait”.

“And, hey, it can’t be all that bad – I nearly forgot that we managed to release two films during the year, Project 444 and Murder”. (Read our review for Project 444 here).

Reflecting on the year, Liam Banks of SuperfreakMedia says “2020 has been one hell of year”.

“I know I wasn’t alone when I felt like we were starting a new chapter this year…We just didn’t know that the chapter we were starting was one straight out of an apocalyptic thriller. I will say I have always been quietly curious, like a lot of fellow horror filmmakers I am sure, about what would happen if the zombie apocalypse we’d seen in so many films actually happened! This is definitely not the end of the world that we asked for!”

Liam adds, “Now not trying to make light of how challenging this year has been for so many, this year did provide a lot of us with the time to slow down and reflect. Whilst I am happiest when I’m working on a film set, SuperfreakMedia has been pumping out fresh content for over 11 years now and it sure can get exhausting at times”.

And Liam explains that although virtual working has been helpful, it’s no replacement for seeing your crew. “One of the most difficult things I have had to deal with this year has been not seeing the team I work with so often in person. Countless shoots were planned throughout the year but ultimately called off due to fresh restrictions and positive test results. I am thankful that this year has provided me with an amazing opportunity to write and plan so much. I think the best thing that any of us can do as creatives is keep that fire that we have alive. Keep working hard, prepare as much as we can and never lose focus of that end goal that drives us all. Although I have not been able to see them, I am happy to report that the team is safe and well and rearing to go as soon as we get the OK”.

“Although we’ve not been able to be as productive as we usually are, that’s not to say that we haven’t been working hard behind the scenes. The team has just relaunched the SuperfreakMedia Podcast ‘No Ghouls Allowed’ in a Covid friendly way and we have plenty of online content in the works for the new year - so keep your eyes peeled”.

“[Covid] struck down a few members of our proposed cast and crew and right on cue Boris announced further restrictions just in time for the shoot dates. Just like that we were back to square one with no film or way of shooting before Halloween. I think as a filmmaker some of the work I am most proud of, comes in the form of shorts I know I have had to get creative with. Blood Money was definitely no exception! Filming with people in my bubble and pushing the camera I had to hand to its absolute limit I was able to cobble together a film I am ultimately quite proud of”.

But there has also been some light amongst the difficulties: “It has been so inspiring to see so many fellow creatives in the Midlands rally together to keep inspiring each other through this pandemic. I have probably networked and connected with more people through this year than I probably did when we all had the chance to meet face to face which is crazy. Being creative in whatever field is something I know is so valuable to so many people and has helped them through so much this last year. I am confident that we will be all the better for it when we come through the other side of this thing and get back to doing what we love! Here’s to 2021!”

Anthony Michael Tracy-Winson of Mr. Stitch Films confirms what a lot of others have felt.

“Ask anyone and they'll all tell you how tough 2020 has been for everyone. Myself it's felt like a double-edged sword as I've found it frustrating beyond belief not being able to get out and make films. There's been numerous times I've had great concepts for short films and upon developing, it always comes back to the same situation; it goes over the rule of 6 the government has set out so abandoning the ideas is a must for now”.



He goes on to explain, “At least I'll have a back catalogue of ideas to lift from when things are a bit safer. I was lucky to shoot Coven of Lovelies with Lindsay Foster in October just before the stricter tiers were introduced, I was getting really anxious I wouldn't have anything to release this year, Halloween is my absolute favourite time of the year and I always try to get a scary and fun short out”.

“So, feel I've accomplished something this year albeit small. The other side of the sword, it's given me a lot of time to finish up old projects. I finally released Cry of The Magpie as a 4-part YouTube series which has been a long time coming but the feedback has been great so far! I'm looking forward to the time we can all get back to normal and arrange those fun film shoots and create our next masterpieces haha”.

For further info and guidance please check out these important Covid guidance links from the BFI and the British Film Commission

https://www.bfi.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/working-screen-industry-during-covid-19

http://britishfilmcommission.org.uk/guidance/regarding-covid-19-coronavirus