We caught up with Louis Dempsey over a pint of Guinness in his local pub. We always enjoy a sip of the dark stuff whilst chatting with an Irishman; it adds authenticity. And this particular Irishman; being an actor, writer and keen gardener (he made us add the last bit) meant we had plenty to talk about.
“Gardening’s a great way of keeping things in perspective” he remarks after we’ve settled at a quiet table. There’s a twinkle in his eye as he says it.
This is an actor who’s starred in the West End (Stones In His Pockets), wrote (and performed in) the feature film Shooters (Universal Studios) and played alongside a host of stars in Troy and Revolver.
What we really want to do is ask about his fight scene with Brad Pitt, or what Guy Ritchie’s like as a director, or Liverpool’s form in the Champion’s league, but Louis’s here to talk about filmmaking, screenwriting and production.
“I have no illusions about the film industry” he adds, after taking a long sip of Guinness. “That’s the main reason I found isca media so attractive. isca media is a radical concept; a media company set up to enable artists from all walks of life to create real and exciting work.”
Dempsey is animated – and it’s impressive that not only is his profession still an important subject; but there’s real passion behind the words and gesticulations.
“In this country, at this present time, film and arts finance is controlled by the same clique of London-based career bureaucrats who know how to get on the right committees and get funding for star vehicles. This, of course, gives them a higher profile and the circle of self interest remains unbroken.”
“isca media are offering a workable and realistic alternative to the usual ‘let’s put on a show right here’ naivety that so often masquerades as a possible antidote to artistic frustration. They have also set up their own not-for-profit organisation, Making Me, with the specific task of integrating with the commercial business model and thereby including artists who are routinely ignored by so called funding bodies. isca’s not interested in whining about how bad things are in the artistic community – they’re interested in holding up a mirror to the hypocrisy, waste (artistic and financial) and commercial stupidity that seems endemic within the arts-funding bodies, both in the UK and beyond.”
We sit back and let this passion unfold in front of us. It’s both refreshing and emotional. But as importantly – an exact fit with our philosophy.
“When I saw isca used the phrase ‘ethical filmmaking’” continues Dempsey, “I just had to know more. What I discovered was a real plan to change the way films are made, produced, financed and distributed. A real plan to give artists financial independence. I discovered more people, like myself, who have been in the business long enough to know that it simply isn’t working. isca media is offering a real alternative. I’m in.”
Photo: Courtesy of iscaphotography
Reading this has left me with even more warm feelings about iscamedia, (if that were at all possible), than ever before. I feel so happy & proud to be part of this fantastic ‘growing’ family, and very excited for the future of iscamedia.
Dear Lesley-Ann
So glad you feel the way you do about Iscamedia and I am delighted the interview left you feeling happy and proud. I feel incredibly passionate and positive about Iscamedia and it is really encouraging to see the calibre of people such as yourself drawn towards its ethos of creativity.
Welcome aboard!
Many thanks
Louis Dempsey