28/11/2012 - Cineuropa interviews producer Christine Hartland, one of the participants in the Closing The Gap training course

Cineuropa interviews producer Christine Hartland, one of the participants in the Closing the Gap training course.

Please briefly introduce yourself and the films you have produced…
I have produced my first feature film, the political thriller WMD [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by David Holroyd (nominated Best Debut UK Feature at the East End Film Festival in 2009) which had a simultaneous independent UK theatrical and iTunes release in October 2009. WMD was described as ‘Gripping’ by both The Guardian and Channel 4. I had produced many award winning short films including Sick available at the BFI and on the Film 4 Forgotten Classics DVD Collection.
I have also been executive producer of the two debut feature films Life Just Is by Alex Barrett (nominated for the Michael Powell Award and part of the Best of the Fest at Edinburgh Film Festival 2012) and the award winner (‘Best Actress’ at the London Independent Film Festival 2012) Verity's Summer by Palme d’Or Nominee Ben Crowe.
I founded Patchwork Productions in 2004, which has a slate of feature projects at various stages of development; and was part of the 2009-10 Guiding Light Mentoring scheme with producer mentor Damian Jones (Iron Lady).
That is why I had experience in producing film before I entered the Closing the Gap programme last year with one of the feature project I have on my slate called Nitrate by Guy Ducker and Gavin Boyter.

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In what ways did the Closing the Gap Programme transform your experience?
Closing the Gap was a great way to meet industry experts specialised in cross-/trans-media as well as financiers. I also learn how to do a business plan with the help and guidance of all the tutors on the course.

How did your film benefit from your participation in Closing the Gap?
It was very useful as at the end of the scheme I had a good and very useful business plan for Nitrate as well as a key presentation (7minutes). I learned a lot about my project and what to look for in future feature projects. I am currently using the business plan and what I learned every time I talk to people about Nitrate therefore it has been an invaluable experience and learning curve.

What are the most important lessons you learned during the training programme? At what stage is Nitrate today?
Learning about doing a business plan was invaluable as well as the feedback from each tutors and industry experts. We are now looking for finance and pursuing casting for key roles. Closing the Gap helped move the project forward.

Would you recommend the Closing the Gap programme to other producers?
I have already recommended it and one producer I talked to is in this year’s programme, which is great!

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