Tom Harper Q&A

 Tom Harper (Left) and Thomas Turgoose (Right) in a formal/casual ensemble at the 'Scouting Book for Boys' premiere in the West End, London.

Tom Harper is a young up and coming director, who began his career aged seventeen entering his works into film festivals; although none were accepted. Fast forward over ten years and Harper has directed televisions series such as Hollyoaks, Misfits, Phone Shop, 3 Minute wonders, This is England '86 and Demons.

Harpers first short film, made aged seventeen called 'Eyeline' was produced on a £50 budget using family and friends as cast with Tom writing the scripts himself. Tom says; "You don't need high production value for a good film, just well thought through ideas" He urges youngsters with a passion for filmmaking to enter their work into festivals as a kick start for promotion and marketing.


Harper describes his style of directing as organised as he plans shots carefully in storyboard formats then block's rehearsal with actor and completely alters his ideas according to the shooting environment but he tells us of the shift of directing from his short film days and how it was difficult for him to get used to working with a team of people, as he was used to working independently. Now Harper has a team of individuals from set editors to directors of photography who he works with.

Harper also continued his creation of short films with "Cubs" which won the PULSE award from the UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund in association with Film London. Harper creates his short films based on his perceptions of current affairs, Cubs was made shortly after the imposed ban on foxhunting, and the film draws parallels between the high society recreational activity and modern society gang involvements. The film is effective in allowing viewers to realise the similarities of killing as a 'sport' and killing in gang cultures. Tom says fox hunting is a "Barbaric practise of middle class traditions" Although the film being anti-foxhunting, the graphic scenes of the fox killing enraged animal rights activists.

Another short film of Harpers, inspired by the Iraq war is "Cherries", which is set in a urban comprehensive high school and tells the tale of a group of misbehaved teenage boys being forcefully sent to military schools to eventually fight for England in the war. This film explored the power of the army and government as well as raising awareness of the soldiers’ risking their lives to defend our country, Harper says it 'reminds us of the fact that things like this can happen' Friend and fellow director Noel Clarke, the creator of Kidulthood and Adulthood, is set to make 'Cherries' into a feature film. The name title has a sexual metaphor to suggest the loosing of virginity, but in this context the loss of adolescence and innocence.

Meeting Tom Harper has been an inspirational enlightenment that has encouraged me in to film-making. His sheer knowledge and passion for directing is contagious. Harper is a creative and insightful man and I wish him success on his upcoming projects.