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Jules Nurrish: Brits to Watch

Director/writer Jules Nurrish is one of BAFTA's 2011 Brits to Watch, an initiative showcasing new British talent to the international industry.

Nurrish studied directing at UCLA, has written and directed eight shorts and is currently developing three feature screenplays.

Congrats on being selected as one of BAFTA’s Brits to Watch. What’s been your career highlight of the past year?

Directing a short film written by someone else (Small Ransom) – a first for me – under the tutelage of Oscar-winning filmmaker, Bobby Moresco.

What single piece of advice would you give to a young person trying to break into your discipline and get noticed?

Do what you love, and tell the stories that excite you, not what you think the ‘market’ wants.

How important is knowing people? Is raw talent enough?

Unfortunately, raw talent isn’t enough, but it certainly helps! I cannot stress enough the importance of having a wide and diverse network of people around you, especially in Hollywood where almost everyone you meet is in the ‘business’. My policy is to be nice to everyone; you never know how they might be able to help you, and vice versa.

Which of your projects are you most proud of?

A short film called Bend It that I directed while still living in London. It was a small, low-budget project made with a team of close collaborators that premiered at Sundance 2008.

Bend It from Jules Nurrish on Vimeo.

 

What’s your worst habit for procrastinating when you’re meant to be working?

Eating and Facebook. Sometimes at the same time.

How do think the UK film industry will change in the next few years?

I think there will be less emphasis on cinema going, and more focus on watching and selling films online. Ultimately, people want to see compelling and truthful stories on screen – no matter how big the screen – so hopefully there will still be a place for strong films and filmmaking.

Give us some insider info (shhh): Who would you chose as your ‘Brit to Watch’ in the coming years?

As a resident of the city of self-promotion, I’ll say Jules Nurrish. Optimism is key, surely.

 

From left: Jules working on Crazy Baby, location filming on Hard Times

View Jules's IMDb Profile

 

Brits to Watch Portrait: BAFTA/ Barry J Holmes