Director: Jim Groom
Synopsis: The entire length of Britain’s non-tidal River Thames, all 123 twisting and winding miles, has rarely been explored via the medium of film: until now. This wonderful documentary takes a fascinating look at the people, the places and the events that make the river a rich and vibrant environment. Taking in all the seasons, and including hitherto unseen archive footage, this is a particularly fascinating exploration of the people who make a living from the river, and the problems they face.
With The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival will be returning once again from 26th – 29th May, I got an opportunity to ask Director Darren Kent a few questions about the film ‘Jim Groom’ which has been selected to play at the festival on Sunday 29th May at 6.30pm.
Q. What can we expect from the film?
A. Myself and Debbie Curtis wanted to make a program on the River Thames that would foremost entertain the audience. There have been numerous productions covering the non-tidal river but told without revealing how much fun it can be. Of course, in A Liquid Highway, we do take serious matters into hand such as the river’s future; the non-dredging, lack of maintenance of locks, etc, but we want the river to attract families to it who can spend a day, a week, a month boating, swimming and pulling people together with a laugh and fabulous memory to take home.
Q. How did the idea for the film come about?
A. When Debbie told me she had a couple of boats I jumped at the chance of taking trips out with her and, at that time, her great dane Roisin. Sadly, Roisin died but now Debbie has Dana and Goofy. Whilst out on a boating trip Debbie, knowing I had my own film cameras and editing facilities, suggested we film the river and its activities. I jumped at the idea.
Q. What was the process for bringing the footage for the film together and how long did it take to complete?
A. The camera we used is a JVC HD small and lightweight, perfect for swinging over the side of the boat. You have to be quick when capturing events unfolding around you. For a year we spent filming and that was followed by about six months editing. It was edited using Final Cut Pro and Debbie, being a big band musician, created the soundtrack. With so much great footage our idea of making a one-hour program expanded to what is now two one hours. Although held up by Covid we are now filming again and will be adding a third episode.
Q. Whilst researching for the film, did you find out anything unexpected?
A. There were a number of activities we knew took place, such as Swan Upping, but when filming began, we were amazed that so many other events were taking place. We were allowed to film the Illuminated Boat Parade, a beautiful evening spectacle. An event that only takes place once every seven years or so was an amphibious car gathering with amphibious cars joining from Holland, the USA and many other countries. China was showing off a modern amphibious car.
Q. Did the film change at all during the filming process?
A. Not really as we never had a stringent plan. The idea was to just tour the non-tidal river and film whatever we could. That included a large number of interviews with people working on the river and people associated to the river with their own scenarios – weddings by the river, pizza boat, etc. It was a fly on the wall type of approach.
Q. What were your favourite moments whilst making the Film?
A. That’s a tricky question as all of what we filmed was a huge joy but perhaps the Illuminated Boat Parade.
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
A. There were a few issues but nothing major. Fishermen not liking having us film them. There was one chap who chased us down the riverbank because he saw we were filming.
Q. What do you hope people will take away from the film
A. A huge sense of fun. We want people to see how much joy the river brings and hope the audiences leave with a smile on their faces.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?
A. Yes. We are working on a series based on real life, ordinary people who go about their lives not realising how bizarre, how trivial or how motivating and rewarding their actions are. We are at script stage but hope to be filming soon.
Q. If someone is looking to direct their first film, what advice would you give them?
A. I’ve always said to anyone who’s asked me this question, get a camera by beg, steal or borrow, preferably not steal and go out and film anything. Need only be a one-minute program, the arrival of your postman and a quick interview with them. With this footage sit down and start editing. There’s lots of free software for editing now and start piecing a story together. There are numerous ways to tell a story through film, none is the correct or wrong way but from it that person will adapt their own style and learn a lot through failure but also, success. There’s also film schools but I favour the, try and get a place in the industry, not matter how low down and learn from those actually doing it, not just explaining it. They’ll find filmmakers very happy to teach and share their knowledge.
You can find out more about ‘The River Thames a Liquid Highway’ on the Aqua Dogs Productions Website here: https://www.aquadogproductions.com/
The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival runs from 26th – 29th
You can find out more about the end and purchase tickets on the website here: https://www.southendfilmfestival.com/
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
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