Carl Mason

I knew by the time I had my first camera, and was watching Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back on repeat that I was clearly interested in film. I had actively been making films since I was 9yrs old, after I received my very first camera. I started with pestering my parents through impromptu video interviews (to which they reluctantly partook in), then developing my own short films projects, which soon developed from a hobby into a profitable business, Carl Lewis Films - which I co-developed alongside my business partner. We specialised in short format drama and corporate pieces and worked closely alongside clients such as Vodafone, YourCash Ltd & Arts1 Performing Arts.

Having established my own company - I therefore consider myself to have a strong project management quality which I developed through my experience as a Digital Media Producer and Production Manager for London based production company Bleach Productions Ltd in 2015. Whereby, I effectively lead a production team and the development of live multi-cam music sessions called “The Crypt Sessions” overseeing the logistical and creative processes to conceive each project, working to strict distribution deadlines liaising closely with music labels and working under pressure to lead and assist with the full production process; and supporting the planning of hosting live music events streaming to-and-from cities worldwide, including London and New York. As well as assisting with Sky Arts on documentaries, thus integrating my production skills, ensuring I hit these deadlines and worked efficiently through creative quick thinking and insightful communication, which is essential for such a fast moving industry.

Whilst studying I wanted the opportunity to explore the film industry and lead the development of my own projects, learning from how I learn best - through practical experience. Through personal motivation I left school and directed & produced projects such as “First Response (2016)” & “Imagine (2015)” raising the relevant funds and working to tight budgets to conceive various projects against strict time constraints, such as raising £6000 through pitching to the charities in question to fund a short film to raise awareness of an extremely rare neurological condition called Niemann-Pick Type C. I co-ordinated the full production process, collating a cast and industry film crew with experience from Broadchurch, James Bond, Harry Potter & Shaun Of The Dead to bring the project into fruition - since generating over 480,000 views online and raising over £10,000 worth of donations on the day of its release to raise awareness of the condition. “Imagine” was nominated for Best Director Under-18yrs at the international Winchester Film Festival 2015 and Best Film at the National Student Film Festival Awards 2016.

Having recently attended the National Film & Television School as a Producer for the production of a series of short films, I appreciate the importance of effective collaboration, and I am indebted to the support of a solid and strong team which is something I particularly enjoy, as working in a team of passionate creatives really enhances my own creative direction. This became apparent through other projects I have co-ordinated such as "It's A Gift" which was the winner of the NHS Best Young Filmmakers Award 2013, "Dear May" winner of the Best One Minute Short 2014 at the British Film Institute, ITN Production's "Nativity Factor" which won Best Short Film 2014 where I worked as an Associate Producer and "Love In The City 48 Hour Short Film" which won the Best Young Filmmakers Award 2015 for the MK Film Network. Without the collaborative support of the team under my management, these films would not have achieved the amount of success as they did. Through projects like the 48 Hour Film Festival I believe I can handle pressure well, making quick and important decisions and solving potential problems throughout a project - leading the project and working closely with heads of departments, be it through co-ordination of admin and contractual agreements or organising the logistics of events and productions to ensure they are efficient, on schedule and to budget.