BBC Fresh Profile: Gary Marshall
Gary Marshall explains the thinking behind his film The Land, I Farm
Gary's character portrait explores the theme of identity in a rural setting.
How/why did you get started in documentary filmmaking?
For my undergraduate degree I studied Politics & International Relations while spending a lot of time producing shows for the student radio station. In my final year, I started to think about ways in which I could combine my interests in current affairs and media.
I had always watched documentaries to engage with the subject matter I was studying and decided that I wanted to produce and direct my own. This led me to undertake research for an MSc in Documentary Film Practice, which provided a great platform for experimenting with documentary filmmaking.
Why did you pick this subject for Fresh?
It was during the editing stage that a friend directed me to BBC Fresh website. After reading the brief, it seemed like the themes of identity explored in the film were relevant to the BBC Three audience. As Howard says, farming is a way of life and I hope that other young farmers can watch the film and relate to how he feels.
What motivated you to make this film?
This character portrait was my first opportunity to make a film on my MSc course. I had always been interested in farming and knew that Howard was about to return to the family farm after graduating from university. I thought that this would be an interesting juncture to make a film about his thoughts on the future.
What camera did you use to shoot your film?
A Panasonic Lumix GH2.
Who/what inspires you?
Films that explore broad topics through an individual’s journey. I like the idea of making an abstract idea more human with engaging character-led films. Sean McAllister’s work is brilliant for that.
Before shooting The Land, I Farm, I watched a number of feature length documentaries for inspiration. Sleep Furiously by Gideon Koppel and Modern Life by Raymond Depardon - both examinations of rural life - were particularly influential.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m hoping to continue making documentaries either independently or as part of a production team.
What is the most important thing you have learned so far?
Show your work in progress to people you trust, then listen to their feedback. When you’re trying to independently condense hours of footage into a short film, it’s sometimes difficult to keep perspective on what matters most. That, and persistence.
