Janis Pugh

Butterfly

 

At the end of 2008 Janis finished directing the short film Butterfly for ITV Wales which was screened on the 8th of December. It was produced by 'It's My Shout', a National Short Film scheme supported by the film industry to provide practical experiences in film, television and media for young people in Wales who would not normally be able to access such opportunities, providing hands-on training, alongside film professionals.

"I wanted to work on this scheme for numerous reasons", says Janis. "One, it was working with young people from small hard up towns; Two, it was in Wales; Three, I'm genuinely concerned at how young people are looking at fame and celebrity as a way out of poverty. If I could make a film that sent that message and it got through, I'd be happy."

Butterfly, aimed at a young audience, is about a young single mum whose desire for instant fame, coupled with hero-worship of so-called "celebrities", makes her lose sight of the real inspirational figures around her, ordinary workers, mothers, fathers, the value of families & friendship, and a sense of real community.

"Even though the scheme's rigid time and budget constraints made making the film a challenge, it was a fantastic learning curve", says Janis.

"We wrote Butterfly to be a visual experience, the only words in the film were all sung so it was an ambitious formula given the tight schedule - four day shoot, two day edit, two hour sound mix, two hour grade= finished film!

"As a Director you have to prepare of any circumstances that arise when filming, but what I wasn't expecting was the short ration of equipment that really would test my visual concept for the film. I had in mind this fluid motion for the beach scenes with the gold podiums and Charley Meyer, the DOP on all my films, and I had worked out the shots in advance, but all we had to work with was a tripod, and two feet of tracks!

"But that's filmmaking, and all in all it was a great experience working with some very talented kids. My thanks to a team of designers and crew who really put their hearts into the message we were sending."

Janis' determination to achieve her vision paid off and she won the Best Director award for Butterfly at the 'It's My Shout' 5th Annual Film Premiere & Awards Ceremony. Jenny Scourfield also won the Best Actress award for her role in the film.

Photos courtesy of P9 Photography

If you would like further information please email me at: pughjan@yahoo.co.uk