Adam Young

Specialising primarily in commercials, music videos, film and digital content - Paper Sky's motto is: 'Passionate About Possibility.' Utilising the power of story-telling through beautiful visuals, innovative ideas and cinematic aesthetics. 

Being a full-service production company, Paper Sky covers all bases: conceptualising, screenwriting, producing, directing, editing and so on. Bringing on board talented and passionate individuals to take great ideas and turn them into reality. 

www.paperskyfilms.com 

Jobs so far have included: 

• Director, Producer, Editor, Camera-Operator & DOP: A multi-camera documentary, which set out to capture an actors' workshop with actors Jamie Lomas, Jacob Roberts, Anthony Quinlan. The event and documentary sought to raise awareness for and funds for CentrePoint UK. 
• Camera-operator and DOP: Live camera broadcast piece for Liverpool FC TV, capturing vox pops and a live audience during the final UEFA match between Real Madrid and Liverpool.  
• Director, Producer, Editor, Camera-Operator & DOP: Multi-camera documentary for Knight Frank - discussing how technology and worldwide real-estate can come together. 
• Photographer: Handling a studio photography shoot with live coach for website, printing and promotional materials. 
• Camera-Operator: Live studio shoot with Liverpool FC TV - camera-operator filming presenters as they discuss events before, between and after football matches.
• Camera-operator and DOP: Ladies football match, Liverpool vs Everton. 
• Director, Producer, Editor, Camera-Operator & DOP: Short promotional documentary to showcase the launch of a 24 hour video gaming marathon for disabled children and young adults to engage with computer consoles that would otherwise be inaccessible due to their conditions.  
• Director, Producer, Editor, Camera-Operator & DOP: A series of online instructional videos to guide website visitors on how to utilise each aspect of the site itself.
• Director, Producer, Editor, Camera-Operator & DOP: A promotional video that features highlights, interviews and product advertising of a new designer wristwatch. 

The role was based in a media production company that creates and develops media-based campaigns, which raises awareness for a social issue of the clients’ choosing - for example: bullying, homelessness, crime, equality, mental health or social activities, to name a few - by creating short films and advertising, documentaries and broadcast, photography and print-based advertising, such as creating posters, leaflets, as well as organising and filming events and live performances.

The job was a 'jack-of-all-trades' position where, as the producer, I was solely expected to be proficient, skilled and competent throughout every stage of pre-production, the production itself and post production throughout each and every project that was assigned to me:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their target audience, message and create a concept surrounding those points.
• Draft out treatments and budgets (which, must be below £250).
• Write scripts for my own projects as well as scripts based on outlines created by others.
• Handle all producer responsibilities, such as hiring actors, locations, necessary equipment, freelance crew, props, materials.
• Write risk assessments and call sheets.
• Direct the shoot (video or photo) – including handling the cinematography, supervise sound-recording etc. guide the cast and crew, whose experience and skills may vary.
• Fulfil two productions a month and submit a project every fortnight consistently.

Each project had to be completed within the tight constraints of a small budget, follow company guidelines and criteria, whilst working inside a short time-scale. Every film and product had to be short and concise, yet must fulfil its purpose by informing and enlightening/inspiring its target audience, and encouraging pro-activity and action for its campaign.

I have made over 200 short films, along with a handful of short documentaries and broadcast pieces - many of which, have been on featured on ITV and screened at the BFI cinema in London (7 films at once during a Mental Health film festival), plus other specific festivals and events - , plus a good number of posters, leaflets and booklets, which can be presented on request.

The role also entailed assisting other producers on their own projects through offering help and advice in pre-production, working behind the scenes to help their project come to fruition during production, and providing second opinions and suggestions in post-production. As well as giving feedback to completed projects on how to improve the existing material before going through final approval stages and the online launch. 

A huge part of the job was knowing how to communicate with a large variety of people and personalities - including those with mental health issues, learning disabilities and difficulties, and shy and/or anxious characters, difficult and/or impatient individuals - I pride myself on knowing how to pitch an idea to anyone based on their disposition and preferences, and taking a client's idea (which might not be a very good one) and applying it to the final product in a way that allows them to feel valued in the creative process.

Through my own small independent production company, which kept me going through and after my university days , I have written, produced, directed, and edited a number of personal short films,  as well as hiring out my services in capturing and editing advertisements, corporate videos, live shows, theatre performances, and interviews. 

At least once a year, I do what I can to create my own personal 'no-budget' short film to satiate my own creative desires, my most recent ones being 'Evenfall' and 'Moving Atlas', both of which can be presented on request. 

I also write and direct my own stage-plays; in 2013, my play 'Crosstown Hotel' sold out all of its performances, and now I am currently in the process of rehearsals for my latest play 'Evergreen,' which I aim to have on the stage by mid-2018.

1st Year Units
Photography and Video; Screenwriting in Context; Media Production; Introduction to Screenwriting. Theoretical modules: Reading the Screen; Introduction to Media and Cultural Theory.

2nd Year Units
Digital Cinematography and Digital Sound; Screenwriting; Directing Actors for Digital Film; Creative Producing; Writing Short Films; Narratives and Audiences.

3rd Year Units
Screenwriting: One Hour Screenplays; Critical Theory into Practise; Work Placement; Major Personal Project; Screenwriters at Work.