BBC Fresh Profile: Jacob Harbord
Jacob Harbord describes his inspriations.
Jacob says he is inspired be people around him. Curiosity about life on the road led him to make a film about the circus.
Why did you pick this subject for Fresh?
I wanted to make a film about someone who’d actually done one of those things we all dream about, and explore the realities of realising your ambitions. I think lots of young people have fantasised about life on the road, so I asked myself, what’s it actually like to run away and join the circus?
What motivated you to make this film?
I decided to focus on Bippo the Clown for two main reasons. The first is that he’s a very genuine person and can charm an audience. The second is that, as the show’s main clown, he fills this iconic role that symbolises what circus is all about. As I got to know him I learnt that, unlike many circus people, he hadn’t been born into it, and realised that his story embodies all of the themes I was interested in.
What camera did you use to shoot your film?
I used a Canon 60D with a 50mm 1.8 for the interviews, and an 18-135mm for the performance. I used a DSLR Rode for sound.
Who/what inspires you?
Broadly speaking, I’m inspired by things that take me outside my narrow little world and help me appreciate the lives of other people. That could be a non-fiction novel like In Cold Blood, or a fiction feature like Tyrannosaur, or flicking through someone’s photographs on Tumblr. I’m a big fan of established directors like Marc Isaacs and Werner Herzog, and Sean Dunn is someone at the cutting-edge who I really admire.
More often than not, my actual filmmaking is inspired by the people around me, through chatting to my Mum or randomly meeting someone interesting. Making documentaries means you have to work with what’s available and talking to people is the best way to discover what’s out there.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep making films! In 2014 I want to start going beyond portraiture with stronger narratives that show journeys of transformation, and challenge myself to grow as a filmmaker.
What is the most important thing you have learned so far?
I’m always surprised at how receptive people are to being filmed, and how quickly you can turn daydreams into a finished piece of work. In that sense, the most important thing I’ve learnt is that it’s always possible to make a film. You may have no budget, no time, and no fancy equipment – but, as long as you’ve got something to record on, you can get out there and make something happen.
