Ballymena Cultural Directory

Bigger Boat Films
  • Date of Formation: 31/01/2011
  • Number of Members: 6-10
  • Category: Visual Arts

Bigger Boat Films is the ident l have attached to short films l have produced over the last few years. Due to the downturn in the construction industry, at the age of 46 l embarked on a new career and completed a BTEC in TV and film production with excellent results. Having written and directed my own film productions with NO budget and then designing complicated but effective animated props and special make-up effects helped secure work as a part-time lecturer in the field of mask making and prop making.

  • Contact Name:
    Thomas J. Smyth
  • Telephone:
    07902442082
  • Email:
    biggerboatfilms@btinternet.com
  • Website:
    Bigger Boat Films on Facebook
  • Address:
    NRC Ballymoney for rehearsals
  • Social Media:

l have also created these for other film production companies and was recently on a team of make-up effects artists who won a prestigious award in the Freak Show Film festival, Florida. More recently l have helped co produce a local movie part funded by Northern Ireland Screen and have been responsible for make-up effects, prop effects and well as taking a large acting role in the movie. Thankfully l have just received approval for my skills as effects artist on Northern Ireland Screens website on their crew page.

Accolades

Splash Area (2012) feature - Yellow Fever Productions (completed) - Winner of Florida Freak Show film Festival award for best special effects
Beach (2012) https://vimeo.com/47592418 - 3 minute short - Bigger Boat films (completed) - Selected for Underground film festival Dublin (2012), and Yellow Fever Film Festival (2012), Winner of screening of recognition Yellow fever Film Festival (2012)

Frequently asked question

If I am interested in joining your group how do I go about it?

Just make contact to discuss future projects

Who is your group aimed at or who do you cater for?

Anyone with a decent idea for a script, filmmaking skills

Do I have to pay membership dues to join?

None....but you have to make the tea and coffee sometimes.

Are there any ongoing expenses associated with membership e.g. materials, insurance, fees?

Not as yet...waiver normally signed when in production. Pre-production, rehearsals shooting and festivals

Where do you meet?

NRC Ballymoney

Is there any criteria potential members must meet in order to join the group? e.g. experience

Like-minded people interested in imaginative short film making

What can I expect to learn if I join the group?

The art of film making.

Can I join the group as an observer or must I actively participate?

There are no passengers, everyone has a role to play.

What is the usual demographic of the group, gender, age group etc?

Depends on the production. Bigger Boat Films is making short films for fun, however careers can be made from being involved. We don�t have budgets yet and it�s basically a group of like-minded friends making short films

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Comments

What they say?

  • Lord Puttnam of Queensgate / CBE

    "Ballymena's Creative Citizens Programme is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the Arts."

  • Liam Neeson / OBE, Freeman of Ballymena

    "Ballymena and the Borough have always had a deep creative 'pool' in all the arts. It's wonderful and, personally, exciting for me that this pool is being tapped into and explored by this wonderful creative alliance. I'm very proud of you all!"