on set with
LoraineFfrench
Shooting for the stars
A.G
O
n the smoke-filled set of the Fstreet matter who‘s on set, treat everybody the
video shoot, I immediately spot same as you never know who is who.’
director Loraine Ffrench. The only This attitude seems to work well on
female amid a small crowd of men she the Fstreet shoot. Loraine has worked
stands, centre of attention. with several members of the crew before,
As she watches the action through her and they respect her and the work they
monitor, confidently giving instructions, have to do. Without the ego of a director
I can tell that this woman is all about her to contend with, the atmosphere is a
business. So it was no surprise when she relaxed bustle. Light enough for Loraine to
told me: ‘At twenty-one I was like “I’m just perform her customary dancing behind the
going to be a director” and I decided to director’s monitor, yet serious enough for
start up my own company as well.’ all involved to create a polished product.
True to her word, in 2004, Loraine gave When asked what she would shoot with
creative birth to F2R Films production an unlimited budget, without hesitation she
company, with business partner Ben tells me: ‘I would shoot a musical. But if
Peters - director of Bashy’s Black Boys it was for a music video, I would probably
Remix video. Housing three companies, want to direct an epic, kind of like Thriller.
N22 films deals with short films and I’d make it into a mini movie with 35mm,
features; Grind deals with music videos aerial shots, motion capture, telescopic
under £5,000 and Artic Tango concentrates crane – the lot. Yeah, I would have fun.’
on the more expensive range of music
videos. F2R has all its bases covered. What is your motto for success?
If you truly want to do it, just do it.
From small beginnings
Originally starting off by posting amateur Tell me about a career high?
videos on the Channel U forum, the The Alyssia featuring Panjabi Hit
twenty-five year old, now armed with more Squad video shoot.
experience, boasts a trailer for the Money
and Grime feature film and a documentary Tell me about a career low?
for Channel 4. Turning her mental visuals My first ever music video. Members of
into celluloid, music videos are her forte at the crew were not co-operating and the
the moment, and her CV displays a diverse shoot had to be cut early.
line-up of artists she has directed for.
Projects range from the chaotic What is the best advice you can
24-style editing for Skepta’s track In A give someone trying to succeed
Corner, to gold saris and sports cars in this industry?
in water for Panjabi Hit Squad, to a Get a camera, for an amateur it’s probably
tongue-in-cheek musical in the office for best not to gt anything too expensive.
newcomers Common People. Choose an FX1 or a Z1E, and just start
Admiring the work ethic of Canadian shooting. That is the best way to learn.
director Little X (who has directed videos
for Jay Z, Usher, and Sean Paul), her motto Do you have a favourite website
is, ‘Go that extra mile’. When speaking that’s useful for people in your field (or
of Little X utmost respect is evident in those trying to get in) to look at?
Loraine’s tone; one could artone;onecouldargue that he is guethatheis Information on music video directing is
(unofficially) her onscreen mentor. quite limited. Directing is more about
Young, black and female, Ms. Ffrench is learning through practical experience.
under no illusion that she is an anomaly in
her field. ‘Even on shoots, I still get asked Who is the one person that
whether I’m the dancer or whether I’m inspires you in your field?
the model. The last shoot I did they asked Little X. His videos are vibrant and they
if I was the makeup artist.’ Still, in 2008, tell a story. The way he builds things up
assumptions remain in areas of the UK and uses his sets is amazing.
ds by Rachelle Hull
entertainment industry. Yet, like a camera
or in focus, Loraine is unfazed. Instead she www.f2rfilms.com
W chooses to lead by example. ‘It doesn’t www.myspace.com/loraineffrench
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