I want my own studio ... why not in Mansewood, instead of Hollywood?

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MARIANNE TAYLOR

ASKED to pinpoint the pivotal moments in the development of his career as a filmmaker, Iain Henderson doesn’t hesitate.

“As a kid I was always around cameras and I developed an eye for seeing shots,” explains the 22-year-old media entrepreneur from Glasgow. “I was at a party one night and got talking to a guy who was studying filmmaking at college. Until then I hadn’t realised you could do that.

“Then, a few years later I entered a competition and my film The Wee Hings won a competition and was shown at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I learned so much through that experience and at that point I realised this was something I could take forward and make a career from. But it was also important because I realised it was possible to make films that really come from the heart.”

Three years and a Scottish Bafta later, Mr Henderson has a reputation as one of the most exciting and talented young filmmakers in Scotland, having grown a burgeoning film production company that makes promotional films and documentaries for a wide range of clients, including music festivals such as T in the Park, hit Scottish bands The View and Be Charlotte, and the Educational Institute for Scotland teaching union.

The initial conversation at the party led to an HND in filmmaking at Glasgow Clyde College, and he says the college’s business incubator service also played a key role in his journey, in both creative and business terms.

“It was vital after finishing my HND to learn how to formalise a creative process into a business,” the director adds. “The incubator provided edit suites, printing services, business workshops and office space – it was fantastic.

“Going to college also helps you meet the people you can go on to collaborate with and make things happen – that’s certainly how it has gone for me.

“I also learned a lot about the DIY ethic through working the Scottish hip hop scene. You can grab a camera, make your own music and video and put it up on your own YouTube channel. These days the world of media is accessible for everyone. If you’ve got something to say, get out there and find a way to say it.”

He feels particularly passionate young people should consider seriously the option of setting a business, particularly in the current economic climate. “My generation is dealing with the effects of austerity,” he explains. “Many of us are being hit with zero hours contracts, poor working conditions, bosses that gives you a hard time. Why not skip all that and do things for yourself? Yes, there will be a bit more stress, but going out on your own gives you the chance to define your own career and make money doing something you love. A zero-hour contract won’t bring you any more security or financial reward anyway.”

He admits the responsibilities involved can be daunting, but believes the right attitude will see you through – no matter what age you are.

“The most challenging thing about being your

Iain Henderson’s film was shown at the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and he has since won a Scottish Bafta. own boss is there is nobody there to tell you what to do,” he says. “Young people obviously want to go out and enjoy themselves. But if you have your own business and something needs delivered on a Monday, you have to spend the weekend doing it, even if that means staying up all night so you can deliver on time. There’s no one to pass the buck to and you need to be able to knuckle down. But if you can build a strong mental attitude and be constructive with your time, you’ll do what you need to do.”

As for the future, Mr Henderson is about to start a Master’s degree at Screen Academy Scotland. After that, he plans to start work on a feature film, created and crafted on home ground. His ultimate dream also relates to matters close to home.

“I come from Mansewood, in the south side of Glasgow, and I would love to build a studio there, somewhere that has the facilities to allow people in the community to be creative, somewhere that utilises local stories and talent and has a social conscious,” he says. “Why not Mansewood rather than Hollywood?”

Having come this far at the age of 22, you would not bet against Iain Henderson achieving his dream.