Rising Dorset filmmaker Daisy makes her mark

Daisy, from Beaminster in Dorset was volunteering internationally to support projects of poverty and development when she decided she wanted to be a filmmaker.

The 38-year-old said she googled ‘how to make a film’, and it said go to university, so she did.

Daisy graduates from her MA Screen & Film Production at MetFilm School Manchester later this month. As well as being a student Daisy also works two days a week at the university as a teaching assistant.

She admits she left school with no GCSEs. “I just couldn’t concentrate but I’ve loved doing my degree and feel so blessed with the people I have met so far.

“I love helping the students develop and working in a creative place with industry professionals.”

One of the highlights of her degree course, explained Daisy, was producing her graduation film, As the Bombs Fall.

The short filmwas selected by Bradford International Film Festival and screened at KINO SHORTS 81 at CULTPLEX Cinema 2, where Daisy and the director, Sean Ramsden took part in a question-and-answer session with the audience.

As the Bombs Fall is based on the true story of Betty Stevenson who was the first female driver in World War 1. The story for the film was created by Sean the director and writer Harry Woodhams by reading the book about Betty’s amazing life.

“She was a woman in a male dominated world where men went to war and women stayed at home,” said Daisy. “She put herself on the front line and put her trust in God. Sadly, she died during a bombing raid.”

The filming took place overnight in a church.

“It was exhausting,” explained Daisy. “Which is why the casting process and rehearsals are extremely important as you need to get to know your crew.”

Daisy and her team also paid a lot of attention to making sure the film was historically accurate, with correct dialect and costumes.

“We did a lot of research and worked with Stockyard North on the set design, explained Daisy. “And as a former hairdresser I did the hair and make-up.”

But, Daisy says, despite all their hard work they did have some issues with the sound on the film and as a producer she learnt a lot from this experience.

“Every single film and tv project has their challenges,” said Daisy. “But the most important thing is we didn’t give up.

“Sean, who is self-taught in sound design and mix, learnt a lot from talking to friends and basically persevering with the project and now it’s doing well.”

Watching Daisy progress from our Top-up course to the MA, then launch into project after project with such independence, has been a joy. She lifts others as she climbs – bringing students, staff, and graduates together into a real filmmaking community. I am always excited to watch Daisy’s latest projects, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.” – Milda Steel, Head of School MetFilm Manchester

Now Daisy is submitting her film to other film festivals as well distributing the film herself.

“I feel very passionate about this film,” said Daisy. “I learnt a lot and have put everything into it.”