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Ken Marshall • Producer

Producer on the Move 2006 - UK

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Learning by doing is the strategy Ken Marshall seems to have chosen to become a producer. Unarguably 'on the move', from his Toronto university back to the UK via the rest of the world, Ken worked in distribution and development, explored all the areas of production and did not forget to learn how to work a camera. Last January, he and writer/director Paul Andrew Williams set up Steel Mill Pictures "to make exciting and vibrant feature films". Their film slate already includes Wisdom's Last Legs, The Cottage and London to Brighton, all in production.

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Cineuropa: How would you define your mission as a producer? What makes a good (European) producer?
K.M.: My mission must be to produce films that not only I can be proud of, but that will be seen by an audience. I also want to have lasting relationships with talented filmmakers that I can support and help get the best out of.
A good producer is someone who knows a bit about everything (raising money, script development, being good on set, understanding the market/industry, psychology) but at the same time is a people person that can be respected, and hopefully trusted. A producer must be able to network, and particularly in Europe must be appreciative of different cultures. But most importantly, a producer needs to know where all the soft money is!

What makes you decide in favour of a project? What films would you have liked to have produced?
The most important part of any project is a strong script, the foundation for any good movie. I am attracted to scripts that are fresh and original, with well-developed characters and great dialogue. The genre of the project is irrelevant, as long as it is a film that makes me feel something and knows its audience. Obviously directors who are collaborative, have a clear vision and who you can enjoy spending endless hours with are an important element as well!
Films I would have liked to have produced … there are so many! Memento, Fight Club, Spinal Tap, Requiem for a Dream, Amores Perros, Say Anything, Get Carter, Evil Dead … the list is endless.

What led to the creation of your own production company, Steel Mill Pictures? What will its philosophy be?
I partnered with Paul Andrew Williams (writer/director of London To Brighton) because we saw Steel Mill Pictures as an opportunity to have more control, financially and creatively, over our own destinies within this business.
Steel Mill Pictures was created to become a significant British producer of quality low budget films for the international market. We plan to develop and produce a slate of feature films that will be original and intended for a cinema-going audience. Each film will aim to have a budget under £3 million, giving it the best possible chance of recouping its budget.

What is your experience of co-production? With which European country would to be interested in working?
I was exposed to some of the intricacies of co-production at the previous company I worked at, but to be honest I still have a lot to learn. I have a project that is mainly set in Spain, so that would be the most interesting European country I want to work with at the moment.

What do you expect from the Producers on the Move event?
I expect to meet some new people that I can hopefully collaborate with in the future. I also expect to garner some exposure for myself. And some nice meals and cocktails would be nice too!

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