Why UK Producers Call Hollywood Ties a Double-Edged Sword

British producer Mike Goodridge spoke about the advantages of going global on Tuesday. He appeared at a San Sebastian Film Festival event in Spain. The event was part of the fest’s Creative Investors’ Conference.

Goodridge, founder of Good Chaos, shared his experiences with international filmmaking. He highlighted the challenges and rewards of working across borders. His talk provided key insights for industry professionals.

Navigating the British Film Industry’s Unique Position

Goodridge reflected on the UK’s complex relationship with Hollywood. He noted it is both a blessing and a curse to share a language. This creates a crowded market for truly independent British films.

According to his discussion, many UK technicians work on American productions. Films like Harry Potter and James Bond are culturally British but American-funded. Goodridge advocates for a path through this “clutter of Americanism.”

He acknowledged the strong support from UK institutions like the BFI. However, his personal focus remains on international co-productions. This approach allows him to explore new voices and styles globally.

The Immense Challenges of Filming in Macau

Goodridge detailed the difficulties of shooting Ballad of a Small Player in Macau. He described it as one of the most challenging projects of his career. The city-state’s small size and unique bureaucracy created countless obstacles.

Identifying landowners for shooting permissions was nearly impossible. Even the government sometimes did not know who owned specific plots of land. Filming in the famous casinos was also a major hurdle due to potential revenue loss.

Despite these challenges, the film starring Colin Farrell was completed. This experience underscores the complexities producers face on international shoots. It highlights the need for meticulous planning and local partnerships.

The global strategy championed by British film producer Mike Goodridge is becoming essential. It allows unique stories to find financing and audiences beyond their home markets. This approach is shaping the future of independent cinema.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: Who is Mike Goodridge?

Mike Goodridge is a renowned British film producer and the founder of Good Chaos. He previously served as the CEO of Protagonist Pictures. He is known for producing international films like *Ballad of a Small Player*.

Q2: What did he say about the UK film industry?

Goodridge said the UK has a great cinema legacy but faces competition from Hollywood. He noted that many British technicians are employed by American companies. He believes independent British films must find a path through this “Americanism.”

Q3: What challenges did he face filming in Macau?

Shooting in Macau presented significant logistical problems. The team struggled to identify landowners for permission to shoot. Filming in active casinos was also difficult due to concerns about disrupting revenue.

Q4: What are some of his upcoming projects?

Goodridge mentioned several projects, including *Sisu: Road to Revenge* and *Paris-Hollywood*. The latter is a rom-com adapted from a French novel. He also expressed ambitions to move into television producing.

Q5: Why does he focus on international co-productions?

Goodridge prefers exploring the world to discover new voices and styles. He feels comfortable working globally and plugs in UK financing when possible. This strategy allows for more creative and financial flexibility.