The making of Life Just Is

I've been following this film for quite a while so to discover there are two books coming out about the film piqued my interest. The first one is about making the film and the other is the script. This isn't the normal "here is the script" book but it also has the first draft so you can see how the film evolved from the first idea to what was actually filmed.

London, 13th December 2012 – To tie in with the release of the debut feature film LIFE JUST IS, the film's writer-director Alex Barrett will be publishing two books, available in both printed and digital versions. The books will be officially launched during a special event held at the Shortwave Cinema on Thursday 10th January 2013 at 18h30.

LIFE JUST IS: DIRECTOR'S JOURNAL

Graduating from a university film course in 2005 at the age of 21, Alex Barrett had an idea: he wanted to make a feature film. Flash forward seven years, and the idea has been realised as his debut feature LIFE JUST IS, nominated for the Michael Powell Award for Best British Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2012. But how did a young graduate with no industry connections manage to get a film made, sold and distributed? And why did the process take so long? And what was the toll it took?

LIFE JUST IS: DIRECTOR'S JOURNAL offers all these answers and more. Giving an unparalleled exploration of what it takes to get a debut microbudget film made, the journal presents a fascinating glimpse into the conception, development, production and postproduction of a film.

Alongside its insight into the development of a film, LIFE JUST IS: DIRECTOR'S JOURNAL also builds a vivid picture of the development of an individual. Edited as it is from seven years of daily entries, Barrett's passions and frustrations are laid bare in full, while his honest, open and engrossing journal entries are filled with anecdotes, musings, reviews and thoughts which slowly build into a coherent philosophy of film and of life.

Throughout the production of LIFE JUST IS, writer/director Alex Barrett has been documenting the process of the film's creation. In keeping with this open exploration of the making of the film, LIFE JUST IS:SCRIPTBOOK presents not only the final draft of the script, but also the first draft, thereby offering a unique insight into the film's development.

LIFE JUST IS tells the story of Pete, Tom, David, Claire and Jay, a tight-knit group of friends who share neighbouring flats in London after recently graduating from university. As they hang out, throw parties and navigate the new responsibilities of adult life, romantic tensions and existential crises begin to simmer beneath the surface.

ABOUT WRITER-DIRECTOR ALEX BARRETT
Alex Barrett is an independent filmmaker whose films collectively have been selected for over 50 international festivals, including such prestigious events as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Hamburg International Short Film Festival, and the Tribeca Film Festival. In addition, his work has enjoyed a number of non-festival screenings, including showings at the BFI Southbank, Riverside Studios, Brixham Theatre and the Victoria & Albert museum. To date his films have garnered eight awards, including 'Best Lo-Budget Film' at the London Short Film Festival and 'Stoli Emerging Filmmaker Award' at the Babelgum Online Film Festival. His work has been described by the writer and broadcaster Sarfraz Manzoor as 'witty and profound', while Sight & Sound contributor Brad Stevens has called his first feature, LIFE JUST IS, 'one of the most promising debuts in contemporary cinema'. The feature was released in the UK in December 2012, after being nominated for the Michael Powell Award for Best British Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June 2012. www.alexbarrett.net.

LIFE JUST IS SYNOPSIS

Pete, Tom, David, Claire and Jay are a tight-knit group of friends who share neighbouring flats in London after recently graduating from university. As they hang out, throw parties and navigate the new responsibilities of adult life, romantic tensions begin to stir beneath the surface. When Jay begins a relationship with the much older Bobby and Pete goes on a quest to discover the meaning of life, their friendships are put to the test. www.lifejustisfilm.com

Life Just Is hits the big screen

We've been following the story of this film for a long time here under the small umbrella. Now the film is about to hit the silver screen all over the UK.  With that we have been sent not only the trailer but some images to go along with it.  The poster was designed by students and was voted on by industry "insiders".  I do like the poster as it's not following the normal run of posters nowadays, a badly slapped together montage of the leading cast members!

Independent Distribution announce the UK release of LIFE JUST IS, a debut feature by writer-director Alex Barrett, with a comeback performance from TV star PAUL NICHOLLS (Eastenders, Goodbye Charlie Bright) and featuring Screen International Star of Tomorrow JACK GORDON (Fish Tank), in cinemas on 7th December and out on DVD and VOD on 10th December, 2012.

From award-winning young independent filmmaker Alex Barrett, whose films to date have garnered eight awards, including 'Best Lo-Budget Film' at the London Short Film Festival and 'Stoli Emerging Filmmaker Award' at the Babelgum Online Film Festival, LIFE JUST IS offers a fresh take on the independent character drama with an outstanding group of young British and Irish talent.

Pete, Tom, David, Claire and Jay are a tight-knit group of friends who share neighbouring flats in London after recently graduating from university. As they hang out, throw parties and navigate the new responsibilities of adult life, romantic tensions begin to stir beneath the surface. When Jay (WISENER) begins a relationship with the much older Bobby (NICHOLLS) and Pete (GORDON) goes on a quest to discover the meaning of life, their friendships are put to the test.

LIFE JUST IS boasts a critically acclaimed young British ensemble cast, with JACK GORDON (Panic Button, Fish Tank) and including JAYNE WISENER (Jane Eyre, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, TV Series The Inbetweeners & Misfits), FIONA RYAN (Airborne, The Tudors), NATHANIEL MARTELLO-WHITE (Hard Boiled Sweets, Misfits), WILL DE MEO and PAUL NICHOLLS (Faintheart, Goodbye Charlie Bright, Eastenders, City Central) in a return to the big screen.

Hitting UK cinemas December 7, 2012 and then on DVD from December 10, 2012

Life Just Is to World Premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2012.

“This is precisely the sort of small, quiet film that festivals lust to discover” – Robert Koehler

London, 30th May 2012 – LIFE JUST IS, debut feature by writer-director Alex Barrett, with Screen International Star of Tomorrow Jack Gordon (PANIC BUTTON, FISH TANK) and a comeback performance by TV star Paul Nicholls, will have its official World Premiere at the 66th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The news was revealed earlier this morning when the festival unveiled the full lineup for its 2012 programme. The film will be released in the UK & Ireland in Autumn 2012 by Independent Distribution.

The film is screening as part of the Michael Powell Award Competition section, and will play at the following times/venues:

• Thursday 21 June 10:45 Cineworld 3 (Press & Industry Screening)
• Saturday 23 June 15:15 Cineworld 3 (Public Screening with QA)
• Wednesday 27 June 21:00 Cameo 1 (Public Screening)
• Friday 29 June 13:00 Cameo 1 (Press & Industry Screening)

The film's writer-director Alex Barrett will be attending the festival from 20th-30th June, as will stars Jack Gordon (22nd-25th), Nathaniel Martello-White (22nd-25th) and Fiona Ryan (22nd-24th). Also attending are Producer Tom Stuart (21st-24th), Executive Producer Christine Hartland (22nd-24th), Editor Murat Kebir (21st-27th), Sound Designer Jason Creasey (22nd-24th), 1st A.D. Alice Caronna (22nd-27th), Assistant Producer Roland Holmes (28th-30th) and Production Designer Niina Topp (20th-25th). The cast and crew will be happy to answer questions and be interviewed during their time at the festival.

Commenting on the news, writer-director Alex Barrett has stated: 'I am absolutely thrilled that we have been given the chance to premiere the film at a festival as respected and as prestigious as Edinburgh'. The festival previously screened Barrett's short film HUNGERFORD: SYMPHONY OF A LONDON BRIDGE in 2009.

LIFE JUST IS tells the story of a tight-knit group of Londoners who share neighbouring flats after recently graduating from university. As the five friends navigate the responsibilities of adult life, romantic tensions and existential crises simmer beneath the surface. The film offers a fresh take on the independent character drama with an outstanding group of young British and Irish talent. After its first London press and industry screening, critics praised the realistic and natural performances by cast members Jayne Wisener (JANE EYRE, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, TV Series THE INBETWEENERS & MISFITS), Fiona Ryan (AIRBORNE, TV Series THE TUDORS), Nathaniel Martello-White (HARD BOILED SWEETS, MISFITS) and Will De Meo. UK TV star Paul Nicholls (FAINTHEART, GOODBYE CHARLIE BRIGHT, TV Series EastEnders, CITY CENTRAL) returns to the big screen playing Bobby.

Tickets for the film's two public screenings go on sale at 12:00 on 30th May for Filmhouse Members, and at 10:00 on 31st May for non-members. To book tickets please call 0131 228 2688 or visit www.edfilmfest.org.uk. Tickets are also available in person at the Filmhouse Box Office.

For further information about LIFE JUST IS please visit www.lifejustisfilm.com

Independent Distribution acquires UK rights to British indie Life Just Is which celebrates international market premiere in Cannes on Monday.

It's been a long time since I heard anything about this independant film. This has now changed for the better. The film now has a UK distributor and is searching for a partner for world wide distribution.

Cannes, 18th May 2012 – LIFE JUST IS, debut feature by writer-director Alex Barrett, with Screen International Star of Tomorrow Jack Gordon (PANIC BUTTON, FISH TANK) and a comeback performance by TV star Paul Nicholls, will screen to international buyers on Monday 21st May at 2pm at GRAY 5. Worldwide rights excluding UK are available.

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTION has acquired UK home entertainment rights and plans to release the film on DVD and VOD in autumn 2012. Producer Tom Stuart said of the deal: “We’re thrilled to be represented by INDEPENDENT, it’s brilliant news for everyone involved in the production and for the film’s future lifecycle”. INDEPENDENT‘s Head of Distribution Stefanie Fahrion commented: “This is an engrossing and accomplished debut. We’re very happy to give the film a home and foster our commitment to fresh and innovative filmmaking talent.”

LIFE JUST IS tells the story of a tight-knit group of Londoners who share neighbouring flats after recently graduating from university. As the five friends navigate the responsibilities of adult life, romantic tensions and existential crises simmer beneath the surface. The film offers a fresh take on the independent character drama with an outstanding group of young British and Irish talent. After its first London press and industry screening, critics praised the realistic and natural performances by cast members Jayne Wisener (JANE EYRE, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, TV Series THE INBETWEENERS & MISFITS), Fiona Ryan (AIRBORNE, TV Series THE TUDORS), Nathaniel Martello-White (HARD BOILED SWEETS, MISFITS) and Will De Meo. UK TV star Paul Nicholls (FAINTHEART, GOODBYE CHARLIE BRIGHT, TV Series EastEnders, CITY CENTRAL) returns to the big screen playing Bobby.

ABOUT WRITER-DIRECTOR ALEX BARRETT
Alex Barrett is an independent filmmaker whose films collectively have screened at 50 international festivals, including such prestigious events as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Hamburg International Short Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival. In addition, his work has enjoyed a number of non-festival screenings, including showings at London’s BFI Southbank and the Victoria & Albert museum. To date his films have garnered eight awards, including 'Best Lo-Budget Film' at the London Short Film Festival and 'Stoli Emerging Filmmaker Award' at the Babelgum Online Film Festival.

ABOUT INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTION (ID), a division of London-based production and sales outfit INDEPENDENT (WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, MR. NICE, MOON), specialises in the acquisition and distribution of content across all media channels (theatrical, TV, DVD, digital, etc.). ID has a team dedicated to digital distribution and new distribution models. ID also has a number of strategic partnerships in digital PR, marketing and distribution to ensure that our ?lms – whether genre, drama or documentary – get extra special attention. ID recently released the award-winning TINY FURNITURE by America’s latest break-out talent Lena Dunham (HBO’s Girls) and the Oscar-nominated documentary HELL AND BACK AGAIN by acclaimed photojournalist Danfung Dennis. Its quality home entertainment catalogue includes cult documentaries STRANGE POWERS: STEPHIN MERRITT AND THE MAGNETIC FIELDS and UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US. In 2012 ID will release A MATTER OF TASTE about celebrated chef Paul Liebrandt and previous Cannes Critics Week selection THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER. www.independentfilmcompany.com

Life Just Is Poster winner

I have been following this competition since it was announced way back in December. Voting for the winning design has just finished and the winner has just been announced. I actually prefer a couple of the other designs on the shortlist but I wasn't one of the judges.

Soledad del Real's Winning Design

London, England, 28th February 2011 – Earlier today the makers of independent feature film Life Just Is announced Soledad del Real as the winner of their global poster design competition. Launched in December 2010, the competition invited aspiring designers and creative students to submit designs for the film's lead poster. Over 100 entries were submitted by students and graduates from 23 different institutions based in eight countries spread over four continents. Nine of the entered designs were shortlisted by a combination of a public vote run on the film's Facebook page, and the decisions of a panel of industry experts comprising Robyn Larkin (What is Bobo), Stacey Parks (Film Specific), Stuart Coles (Walt Disney Studios UK) and Justine Priestly (Really Bright Media). The ultimate winner was chosen from the shortlist by the film's writer/director Alex Barrett, producer Tom Stuart, and executive producer Christine Hartland. On the reasons behind their decision, Barrett has stated: "We were particularly impressed by the way Soledad's design managed to set up the film's three main story strands and all six of its main characters in such a simple and economic fashion."

All 104 of the entered designs are currently being collated into an e-book which will be given away for free on the film's website in due course.

For more information on both the film and the competition, please visit
Official website ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ mySpace ~ Facebook ~ youTube

Pete, Tom, Claire and Jay are university graduates having trouble making the move into adult life. Beneath the hanging out and the daily routines simmers Pete’s desire to find a spiritual answer to life’s meaning, Jay’s desperate need not to get hurt again, and Tom and Claire’s ever increasing mutual attraction. A thoughtful character drama, Life Just Is is a film about love, death, and, most importantly of all, life itself.

Writer/Director Alex Barrett Biography: Alex Barrett is an independent filmmaker whose films collectively have been selected for over 45 international festivals, including such prestigious events as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Hamburg International Short Film Festival, and the Tribeca Film Festival. In addition, his work has enjoyed a number of non-festival screenings, including showings at the BFI Southbank and Brixham Theatre. To date his films have garnered eight awards, including 'Best Lo-Budget Film' at the London Short Film Festival and 'Stoli Emerging Filmmaker Award' at the Babelgum Online Film Festival. His work has been described by the writer and broadcaster Sarfraz Manzoor as 'witty and profound'.

The Cast: The film stars JAYNE WISENER (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Inbetweeners) as Jay, JACK GORDON (Heartless, Fish Tank) as Pete, FIONA RYAN (Love You Too, The Tudors) as Claire, NATHANIEL MARTELLO-WHITE (Misfits, Law & Order) as Tom, WILL DE MEO (Hands, The Bike Thief) as David, and PAUL NICHOLLS (Faintheart, Goodbye Charlie Bright) as Bobby.

Vote for your favourite poster

INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION LIFE JUST IS UNVEILS INTERNATIONAL POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ENTRIES

Way back in December I put up a post about a competition for poster design for the film "Life Just Is".  Now the time for entries has expired and voting has started.

London, England, 7^th February 2011 – Earlier today the makers of independent feature film Life Just Is unveiled the entries of their global poster design competition. Launched in December last year, the competition invited aspiring designers and creative students to submit designs for the film's lead poster. Announced via the film’s official website, social media sites and at a number of selected British universities, the competition grew beyond all expectations to see over 100 entries submitted from all over the world. The posters are currently being featured on the film's Blog, Website and Facebook page, where a public vote to shortlist three entries is taking place. Alongside the public vote, a panel of industry experts comprising of Robyn Larkin (What is Bobo), Stacey Parks (Film Specific), Stuart Coles (Walt Disney Studios UK) and Justine Priestly (Really Bright Media) will also be shortlisting three entries, with the ultimate winner being chosen from the shortlist by the film's writer/director Alex Barrett, producer Tom Stuart, and executive producer Christine Hartland. Voting ends on February 21^st, with the shortlist to be announced on February 22^nd, and the winner on February 28^th. Once the competition is complete, all of the entries will be compiled into an e-book to be given away for free on the film's website.

For more information on both the film and the competition, please visit
Official website ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ mySpace ~ Facebook ~ youTube

Full Project Synopsis: Pete, Tom, Claire and Jay are university graduates having trouble making the move into adult life. Beneath the hanging out and the daily routines simmers Pete’s desire to find a spiritual answer to life’s meaning, Jay’s desperate need not to get hurt again, and Tom and Claire’s ever increasing mutual attraction. A thoughtful character drama, Life Just Is is a film about love, death, and, most importantly of all, life itself.

Want to design a film's poster? Then this is your chance

Independent Prodction Life Just Is Launches International Poster Design Competition

Last week the independent feature film Life Just Is, www.lifejustisfilm.com, launched a global competition that gives aspiring designers and creative students the rare opportunity to design the lead poster for the film. The competition was launched via the film’s official website, social media sites and at 25 selected British universities. The contest will see selected designs featured on social media sites for Life Just Is: Blog, Website and Facebook. This will be followed by a two-week period in which fans will be able to vote on Facebook for their favorite poster, in order to select a shortlist of three posters. Meanwhile, a panel of industry experts will also select a shortlist of three posters. The Life Just Is Judges will select the winning poster from the shortlisted entries. This poster will be used for marketing the film and potentially for the DVD cover.

To view full details of competition, and the entry form, you can download it here (word document). The debut feature from award-winning writer/director Alex Barrett tells the story of a group of university graduates who are having trouble making the move into adult life. The film is being produced by Tom Stuart and executive produced by Christine Hartland.

Further assisting the competition entrants, during the shoot and the completion of the project the crew posted regular updates on their website and social media profiles (see below for details). These updates focused on the making of the film during the shoot and in time will expand to include a discussion of the film's many themes.

For more information please visit:
www.lifejustisfilm.com ~ www.twitter.com/lifejustisfilm ~ http://lifejustisfilm.blogspot.com ~ www.myspace.com/lifejustis ~ www.facebook.com/lifejustisfilm ~ www.youtube.com/user/LifeJustIsFilm

Full Project Synopsis: Pete, Tom, Claire and Jay are university graduates having trouble making the move into adult life. Beneath the hanging out and the daily routines simmers Pete’s desire to find a spiritual answer to life’s meaning, Jay’s desperate need not to get hurt again, and Tom and Claire’s ever increasing mutual attraction. A thoughtful character drama, Life Just Is is a film about love, death, and, most importantly of all, life itself.

The competition closes midnight on 6th February 2011. 
You have to be a student or a recent graduate to take part in the competition.
A full set of rules can be found in the competition form.