Posts made in November, 2009

I cannot know why I took the photograph of these shoes. Perhaps it was the contrast between the elderly man in the background and their lit form? Perhaps the reversal of perspectives? Perhaps it was their femininity and style? Whatever it was, the image has been at the back of my mind since I shot it three years ago, and it’s been kind of stuck there, waiting to see the light of day. Last week we were on the home stretch of a long edit, yet something didn’t feel right and it wasn’t coming together as I wanted! The end frames – where the credits appear – had to reflect the spirit and essence of the films, but I was thinking too hard about them, and it felt uncomfortable…….. We had cut seven short natural history projects in ten days...

It’s been many years since I last read “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and I’m sure if my Granny Bryce were still alive today she’d wonder why I’m making the connection with this book and her. Well, the reason is twofold! I’m about halfway through the book for the second time and have recognized some uncanny parallels – between Robert M Pirsig – and myself. We both lost our first sons in tragic circumstances and have undertaken journeys across the continental divide of Montanaand down to the Pacific coast, although for different reasons. Re-reading the book now – with the benefit of hindsight – and some 35 years of perspective, it has struck an even deeper chord and resonance with me, than in...

I’ve just arrived at Glasgow airport en-route to a new, blue stone film, preview meeting in the city. Key sponsors of the film including Pfizer, Gruenthal and Napp – are going to be there, as well as NHS clinical consultants and other leading figures in the health sector. It’s an important day and to be honest these occasions are a bit like giving birth! There’s always a heightened sense of expectation and uncertainty as everyone wants to see how the new baby is going to look and sound! However, for once, an event like this is tinged with some sadness. Today is the funeral of Dan Buglass. Dan was one of the first journalists to call me - many years ago – when I joined the BBC and extended an unconditional hand of friendship, and...

It seems to be the way of life, doesn’t it? When you’re least expecting it, a curved ball comes at you – apparently out of nowhere – and if you’re lucky, it catches you somewhere behind the ear, rather than right between the eyes! In the immediate vacuum of the aftershock, reactions are as many and varied, as there are souls on this planet, and therein lies the beauty and pain of life. Today I emailed the link of a film, to a dear friend, which Apple ran a few years ago and which always inspires me in times of uncertainty …. This is it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oAB83Z1ydE My friend replied that it almost made her cry and could inspire her to make a career change. I hope it does. She is a beautiful and sensitive person, with the...