*This interview has been edited for clarity.
Vidal Dcosta for The Movie Buff: How long has Underscore studios been up and running for? How did the idea for it sprout and what were the goals behind starting it?
Underscore Studios is quite a new company, we’ve been operating for close to two years now. The inception of Underscore Studios came from a very unromantic place and instead was a practical step forward for all of us. The team and I had been making films for a while and as we learnt more and grew, we realised that it just made sense to house our work under one roof so to speak. For me personally, whatever ambitions, ideals, and principles I had, now had a megaphone called Underscore Studios. It was an odd feeling. Nobody ever taught me that starting a company, a very public entity, would hold me accountable for the things I believed in.
What do you look for in a project and what would you say captivates audiences more? As a production company, do you feel more inclined to invest in a big budget project that will surely reel in high box office collections or a low budget project with a good script and talent attached to it?
We wanted to start small with this and include a space for creators to arm themselves with the right knowledge. For me, I love meeting creators who haven’t gone down a traditional path.” jordan john, director of underscore
As a young company, we do eventually want to enter the feature film arena; but, for now, I’m quite content with the forms we’ve experimented with. I feel feature films are definitely within reach though and as to what my preference is—I’d go where the heart is, and it just so happens that in my experience, the indie filmmakers have tugged on my heartstrings harder. I love films outside of the spotlight. The ones who nobody thought would ever come to life. I’m also interested in TV and find that a lot of big budget TV explores very indie, story rich territories.
Your website says that you ‘provide tools to creators’. Could you elaborate on what these tools are and how they benefit aspiring filmmakers and creators in the film industry?
We wanted to start small with this and include a space for creators to arm themselves with the right knowledge. For me, I love meeting creators who haven’t gone down a traditional path. The best thing you can do is to make yourself as resourceful as possible, which sometimes feels like a full-time thing you know. The tools for creators are resources that aim to point them in the right direction. We also host workshops that are hyper-specific and flexible in their nature. Whilst being a small company, we know we gotta be sustainable and remain open, affordable, and accessible for creators wanting to learn more.
What would you say are the biggest shortcomings or obstacles that a newcomer can face in the industry?
A few things. Not feeling like they have a voice to add to the discussion. But that is a very internal thing that probably has a lot to do with Imposter Syndrome. All I can say on that is that there are tonnes of people like you, but only one you. You have a voice and if people don’t hear it then those who dominate storytelling will continue to take up the space. A lot of newcomers feel like they don’t know where to start and that is a valid feeling. Voice that, again and again, to each other or through social media or forums or whatever. Something or someone will come through who will help you to start.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, especially with regards to competition from other rival production companies or from media conglomerates?
It’s easy to think that conglomerates and larger production companies are always going to have more reach than the little guy. In most cases that is true, but for the most part that is out of my control and doesn’t add anything of value to what I aim to do. I’ve faced challenges like getting funding and getting noticed, two areas that almost every creative faces. It sucks sometimes and you feel sh*t about it but then you just jump back onto the path and keep walking forward.
All I can say on that is that there are tonnes of people like you, but only one you. You have a voice and if people don’t hear it then those who dominate storytelling will continue to take up the space.” jordan john, director of Underscore
Has the current pandemic hindered Underscore or has it mostly been viewed as a blessing?
A time of reflection no doubt and I feel like a lot of people would say the same. The pandemic has been devastating for a lot of people. With Underscore, I feel it slowed things down in a way that would make me reflect on more pressing personal things. Underscore was always going to be there; and true to form, it was, and we picked up where we left off.
Could you share some details about any ongoing events or any projects that are currently underway?
Absolutely! We’re really excited about our latest poetry film here in England. It’s called “These Streets” and uses spoken word to address Class in the arts industry. I come from a working-class background, and I find it such an interesting topic that needs to be explored more. It’s currently in post-production!
Lastly what are the future plans or goals that you’ve set for Underscore?
We want to expand our workshops more. Hopefully in the new year, we can begin to invite people to participate in in person workshops and really start to build that community. A lot of what we are trying to do is amplify working-class voices. I hope that with the completion of “These Streets,” we can do achieve that!
To learn more about Underscore Studios and their projects, visit their website at this link: https://underscorestudios.co.uk/. You can also follow them on the Underscore Studios Instagram page: https://instagram.com/underscorestudios?utm_medium=copy_link
