Lucien is a Bristol based filmmaker & all round creative, who’s recently taken the brave dive into the world of full time freelance. I’ve had the pleasure of watching his career unfold from sketchy dad cam edits at the local skatepark, to high end fashion productions. We caught up over a pint to discuss this transition, tips for getting started & his plans for the future….

Cheers for making the time to do this, seems like you’ve been flat out recently?
For sure, feels like it! Last couple months have been pretty intense.

Feels like it’s you’ve stepped more into the fashion world recently, is that the direction?
I like it all man. I wouldn’t want to box myself in to do one type of video do you know what I mean?
I like skating, I like fashion, I like music. Hopefully if I keep doing a bit of everything I’ll be able to jump between them. That would be the dream man.

Pull the different inspirations together?
Exactly, just combine them, mush them all together

Have you always wanted to be a film maker?
Not exactly, I always like coming up with ideas, being creative, drawing, painting doing whatever. Then filmmaking kind of found me. I was like okay this is cool, I like it, I’m going to run with this.

You grew up skating in Bristol, how’s that influenced you?
You’re always outside getting into weird situations, mixing with people, you get older people, younger people, just different types of characters. You’re forced into weird situations and have to learn / adapt how to talk to everyone which is something I’m grateful for now.

How did you learn to edit?
All the technical stuff’s just YouTube. It’s pretty lucky man I don’t know people would have done it back in the day. It’s so widely available to everyone, you search for it and more than likely there’s something there.

So sick. I met the guys who runs Clint’s in Manchester a little while back and he’s learnt to make the best shoes and clothing, all through YouTube. University of YouTube.
Big up YouTube

How do you juggle your time when you've got a bunch of projects running simultaneously and so much in the pipeline?
It does get hectic for sure. Now I’ve just been writing to do lists all the time, I learnt that from my dad. It’s easy to be motivated and work on something, but without that structure it’s really hard to maintain.
There’s going to be so many days, more days than not, when you’re not motivated, so just writing to do lists everyday.

In the mornings?
I do it the night before. I literally wake up, walk to my desk and my to do list is open, I’m like cool, I know what I’m doing today.

One thing creatives seem to struggle with is pricing their work and knowing their worth, what’s your process?
It’s difficult and it varies so much. A good place to start is just a timeframe or day rate. Also depends on the size of the company. You might take a job on with a small brand for free to start with if it gives you more creative control. You don’t want to undervalue yourself, or take the piss either, so it’s a balance.

What’s your ideal editing environment
Just at home, cozy.

How do you switch off from it all?
Simple stuff, hanging out with friends, skating’s really good. If I’m editing a lot I’ll try and go out for an hour skate just for my excessive. I spend so much time indoors editing its good for mind, some time where you can just not think about anything.

Do you ever get creative blocks?
Yep, all the time. 100%. The best way to get through it is just that structure again. You kind of just have to keep trying and it can feel shit because it’s not working but if you can keep chipping and punching at it you’ll get through it.

Have you ever felt like quitting?
I definitely have moments where I’m tired and feel over it, I’m lucky that I’ve found something I do want to do, I’ve done other stuff and it’s not as enjoyable, so just keep going.

What advice would you have for someone who wants to get their foot in the door, maybe start a film career?
I think before even thinking about the job aspect of it, just start doing something. It doesn’t really matter what it is. Just small general steps in the direction. It doesn’t have to have a huge end goal or final destination.

You’re going to have to start at some point and you need something to show people what you’re into. Then start the usual stuff, emails, asking people. Maybe someone will like your work and day let’s work together. Just start.

That’s great advice. How do you come across the bulk of your work?j
Starting out I just sent so many emails.

To anyone who might want to do a video, or would want to look at my video, give me some advice, any help. 

Now most of its through Instagram, it’s become my own mini portfolio and most people contact me through there..

I feel like being able to reach out to that many people at the start is something not everyone’s prepared to do…
Yeah it’s always scary. I’ve got admiration for anyone who puts themself out there for anything creative of work wise. It takes guts.

Even like back in the day kids in school kids doing YouTube videos, it was so easy for people to rinse it and hate on it. But it takes so much guts. If you can just block people out, and say, I like this, I’m going to try it. I always have respect for people who can do that.

Any major creative goals for your work in the long term?
I would love direct music videos, bigger high end fashion brands, films. I like it all. The part that’s fun for me is getting to learn and try new skills, that’s really exciting.

Legend, cheers for your time!
Thanks for having me.