Film and TV Alumni, Ambrose Samuel Miller recently had his short film ‘Banana Peel Man’ selected to be apart of the West End Film Festival.
We caught up with Ambrose and chatted about his film ‘Banana Peel Man’ and what is next for him.
Tell us a bit about ‘Banana Peel Man’ and the inspiration behind it.
Banana Peel man was originally a superhero I made up in primary school. I used to throw banana peels at my classmates all the time, so I would draw comics about that. I also grew up loving superhero films, especially Marvel. However, I found myself becoming bored with their later films. Same with DC. I felt as though the genre had become so predictable and repetitive in recent years. I thought all their cliché characteristics needed to be removed. So, I made a film where everyone else except the heroine is self-aware of how unrealistic Hollywood heroism is.
Talk us through how you were selected for West End Film Festival?
After putting the film up on 'Film Freeway' online. I submitted it to the West End Film Festival's short film section. After some weeks of waiting, I received an email saying I had been selected. It was cool reading that.
What’s the plan now for ‘Banana Peel man’?
Honestly, I’m not sure of what is next for Banana Peel Man. The film has already been released and accepted into multiple festivals which is awesome. I have been considering pitching it someday, perhaps as a feature or TV show. But I'm aware that's a while away.
What have been the biggest lessons you have learnt at JMC so far?
The biggest lesson I've learn so far is to be self-aware, even when you're stressed or angry. The nicer and more reasonable you are, the more people will want to work with you.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying film?
To anyone interested in the technical side (Cameras, Sound, editing etc), I'd say just study hard as you would in any degree. If you're more of a creative, look to do things that have never been done before, be as unique and daring as you can.
What has been your favourite thing about studying at JMC?
The thing I've loved most at JMC is being able to direct my own films. The feeling of sitting down in front of a finished cut which you are really proud of, just makes everything worthwhile.
