Feedback
Below is all the feedback we have been sent from the lucky few to have watched Meet Steve. It's a long list so use the links in the side bar to navigate through. If you've seen Meet Steve and would like to leave feedback, just send us an email.
9th September 2004
Guest, comment taken from www.thedvforum.com
"ok i check this out, the filming is really nice good work, this is
what i would change, the beging scene with the amp-its to long maybe cut
to a close up of his fingers (split the time up), i like how the music morphs
into the title screne (very nice)... i would say over all the film is nice
i like the cuts, i would just add some more close ups, it a portrait of
someone close ups are intimate it would be nice next time around (i.e. close
ups on his hands, he uses them a lot! maybe get some more photos from him
and mix those into it, when hes talking on the couch. nice work!!!"
Back to the top...
27th August 2004
Paul Stevens, old school friend of Steve's
"I enjoyed watching the film as I know Steve Heap from school, it’s
always fascinating to see someone else's perspective on something or someone
you know quite well.
To me, the positive aspects were firstly the portrayal of Marple as somewhere derelict and grim and grey and depressed rather than the twee, picturesque canal town it often paints itself as being. I’m from there myself and my abiding memories of the place are as quite an affluent suburb, but with an undercurrent of violence and no real sense of community at all. It’s an exceptionally dull place, a perpetual Sunday in the 70’s, and the film captures this very well with he shots of the precinct and the closed toyshop.
I also like the way the film is edited, music segues into snatches of interview, or is played over stills. Scenes such as Steve playing guitar are cut into and then returned to, and the pace of the film, and it’s slightly disconnected quality, reflects Steves vaguely manic personality quite well.
What I didn’t like was the way the film lingers on Steves recording process for too long, while obviously fascinating to Steve and the film maker, this would be completely lost on a non-muso, who would neither know nor care what “8 track analogue” was. Also I don’t think that the film maker made the most of the subject, Steve Heap is a fascinating and complicated character and I don’t think that this really came across very well. He can appear almost like some sort of idiot savant, able to recite episodes of long forgotten comedy programmes verbatim (and at great speed), or play a piece of music on the piano having only heard it once through, but is often unable to conduct a two way conversation properly, and who slips into a bewildering array of characters and personalities in the course of an evening. A night out with Steve Heap can be a bit like encountering a weird one man caberet and the film doesn’t attempt to grab any of that at all. The interview caught him at his most laid back and genial, and I feel it would have been a better idea to film him in a variety of situations (and drunk!), so the audience could have a better idea of the fascinating sort of person that Steve is.
Overall, it’s a bit of restrained portrayal of Steve which could
have been let of the leash a bit more, but enjoyable nonetheless, especially
for it’s portrayal of Marple.
6 out of 10!" Back to the top...
25th August 2004
Davewav, Winnipeg, Canada.
"I enjoyed the video immensely - the editing was very well done, I
took a few pointers, I like how you didn't miss the mundane little details
around the house like filming a few seconds of the mouse and cat clock -
and contrasting the shots of the nearby streets with very little activity
to the rather active Steve. This helped me both not tire of Steve and realize
his quirkiness anew after a few seconds mental break from the street
Of course the fact that Steve's music is as entertaining as he is couldn't
have hurt!" Back to the top...
5th August 2004
Angus McGill, Musician and friend of Steve's
"An interesting and well constructed short film about a fascinating
and talented individual who has always stuck to his ideals and never compromised
himself. Very professional. Perhaps a little bit more of the music could
have taken centre stage, but nonetheless, the documentary captures the mans
essence." Back to the top...
29th July 2004
Stephen Farr, Film & Photography Hobbyist
“I've just watched your video (finally!) and was very impressed. You've
done a really good job of it - especially if it's the first film project
you've ever undertaken. I wasn't at all sure what to expect when you gave
me the tape but I thought it looked professional and I enjoyed it.
I think you had a good subject in Steve - he clearly likes to perform a
bit in front of the camera and his music and personality must have provided
you with plenty of material! He seems quite natural and relaxed throughout
and there are some nice shots inside his flat giving some insight into his
lifestyle. My only significant criticism is that I would have liked to have
seen a longer section showing Steve actually performing his music as the
film shows that one way or another he nearly always IS performing be it
through music or his comic impressions. Mind you, given the constraints
of an 11min documentary there's still a good taste of his creative output
and its not a bad thing to leave your audience wanting more.
You've edited it well to give it a good pace after the slower atmospheric
shots of Marple which form the introductory sequence. You really don't like
Marple do you!? It looks bland and there's an air of deterioration. I don't
know if that might be unfair to the place but these shots do serve to contrast
with Steve's more lively creativity. I liked the fact that you gave enough
time to get a good look at things eg. the stuffed toys in Steve's flat and
the still shot without lingering unnecessarily. Also leaving the camera
alone and letting Steve just be himself seems to work well - perhaps if
he had done a more extended performance of one of his songs you could have
experimented more with that side of things.
Your voice over is clear and informative although I felt it wasn't ideal
to be speaking over sequences showing Steve speaking. For the most part
though you have let him and his music speak for himself which I think is
the most important thing. There are some nice touches to what you've done
- the soft toys that feature a little mysteriously; allowing yourself to
be heard chuckling in response to Steve's comic pomposity when explaining
why he agreed to be interviewed; and contrasting a still shot of Steve screaming
into a mic with his kazoo playing. All of these add interest and humour
in keeping with the relaxed, informal style of Steve's manner. That still
shot is great - maybe this guy's true calling might be as a professional
gurner! Anyway I thought it was an engaging, sympathetic and insightful
tribute to the creative life of an unusual character who is both friend,
unsung musical talent and one man 'Fast Show'. By the way - why were you
limited to 11mins?” Back to the top...
28th June 2004
DJ, Aspiring Filmmaker from Saratoga Springs
Taken from a Kittyfeet forum
message
"In short, I liked the film. Steve seems to be a fascinating individual,
and I was left wanting to know more. If that was the desired affect, good
job, mission accomplished.
As far as constructive criticism goes, I tend to look at a film and then
ask myself how I would do it. In this case, I would have gone for more that
a straight interview mixed with some random action and just sheer random
shots. I don't know if Steve ever plays in public, but I would have gotten
some public reaction to his music. My guess is that the music is what got
you interested in making the film. Therefore, in my own humble opinion,
I would have gotten some reaction from the public.
I did like the fact that the camera was mounted and not hand-held. The insistence
that a shaky camera adds verite annoys me.
Good job on making a movie and putting it out there for people to see. It
is an amazing act of courage to create, and it takes even more courage to
lay it out for the world to see. Keep it up!" Back to
the top...
25th June 2004
Paulo Davanzo, of Echo Park
Film Center
"I finally had a moment to sit down and enjoy your film. Great Stuff
my friend. It is funny because my girlfriend and I just spent the weekend
doing some home recording. I now have only 41 hours and 30 minutes to catch
up to the immortal Steve.
Your film was endearing, accessible and made me want to be sitting in a
pub on a murky day listening to Steve play lounge tunes...Nice work. What
is your rapport with him?? How did you meet???
We would like to screen it here at The Echo Park Film Center for our "open
screen" sometime in the fall once I return from tour." Back
to the top...
22nd June 2004
Robin Miller (Pure Jammy), IT Manager and DV Editor
"Absolutely superb!
Well Scripted. Well Shot. Well Edited.
Especially when you consider that 'documentary' is probably one of the most
difficult techniques to present, and one of the easiest to make a mess of,
then this is, frankly, a work of art.
You should consider presenting this professionally. Well done!" Back
to the top...
22nd June 2004
Gillian Cragen, Entertainment Agent/Manager
"Enjoyed the refreshingly honesty of the video, however points that
may be better not said about narrator commenting marple not being their
favourite place does come across amateaurish as a good narrator would not
make personal remarks about a place.
Steve was a most likeable character and is so like me in his outlook. the
smoking was the most unfavourable thing in the video and took the edge off
the whole project, I was amazed just how much my audience commented as that
being the one thing that spoilt the otherwise interesting video considering
it was only short. The dissapointment was we did not hear Steve perform
and sing one song only snips of. we do, however thank him for recording
the video as he obviously did not want to, what a nice guy he is."
Back to the top...
20th June 2004
Marc Peters, Administrator/Web Manager
Marc's website Digital Director has some excellent advice on digital filmmaking
and a very lively forum. After posting a notice about the Meet Steve trailer,
over 100 people from all over over the world have visited that page in about
ten days. Marc now kindly hosts a complete 28mb version of Meet Steve.
"Ian, your video is fab!!! Classic, we're gonna HAVE to get more people
to view it. Should have a web copy up soon..." Back
to the top...
9th June 2004
Michael W. Dean, Filmmaker and Author from Los Angeles. NB. Michael's book
$30 Film School, and his film DIY or Die have been enormously helpful in
getting Hawkinsian Productions on its feet.
"Thanks fur the flick. It's great.
You can quote me on that.
I'm honored you sent it to me. I'll pass it on to the Echo Park Film Center*."
* Echo Park Film Center
is a community focused Microcinema in Los Angeles. Back to
the top...
6th June 2004
Doug Candlish, Postgraduate Film Student
"I liked the non-judgemental approach - unlike the Michael Moore style
documentaries which paralyse the viewer into accepting a certain point of
view. Since you resisted the temptation to appear in the film yourself then
it let the viewer examine their own relationship to the subject rather than
your own. The voice-over was unobtrusive and informative, only telling the
audience what they needed to know.
It's also a topical film in that it deals with true musical passion in an age where the most important thing is to make an ass out of yourself on T.V. The unglamorous shots of suburban Manchester do well to illustrate this point - the editing delicately achieving this without becoming ironic or patronising to Steve.
You also managed to capture Steve's passion and humour without it feeling false or strained. It could easily have been a bitter film about the fickle nature of the music industry, but you have managed to put across that a true passion for music transcends this.
Also the intercutting of sound and visuals is really good and keeps the film flowing and interesting." Back to the top...
2nd June 2004
Phil Mate, Deputy Headmaster and Dead Head
"Meet Steve was an entertaining 11 minutes which deserved a second
look. It didn't disappoint." Back to the top...
26th May 2004
John Sewell, Building Conservation Manager and Writer
"Hi Ian, [someone] lent me your Meet Steve DVD. I watched
it last night it was excellent. I was very impressed...The only question
I wanted Steve to be asked was 'So where do you get your money from?'
Good luck with all your enterprises." Back to the top...
14th May 2004
Stuart Aiken, Musician and IT Person
"This was an interesting short film about an interesting person. I
was intrigued/bemused/scared by the portrayal of Steve in this rockumentary(?)
but overall was glad to have watched a piece of film about a local character
by a local film maker.
The main point I think this film raises is the superficial nature of the
modern music industry. When all forms of media are dominated by the likes
of the NME and the BBC, is it a surprise that those less willing to bend
to others musical whims and tastes, are not recognised for the music they
create (not that I'm saying Steve should be recognised, I've not heard enough
of his work). However, it is apparent that Steve is hugely talented and
could probably succeed in any of the facets of the music world if he tried.
Nevertheless, he appears to be happy with his life, his work and his cuddly
toys." Back to the top...
28th April 2004
Georgia Brown, Web Manager
"Just wanted to take a couple of moments to feedback on the short film
'Meet Steve' - first of all I would just like to say how much I enjoyed
the film and how funny and entertaining I found it to watch. The documentary
held my attention throughout and I particularly enjoyed the interesting
detail in the images of Marple, for example the motorbike wheelie up the
street and rubbish blowing around the town's high street - I found these
small things quickly helped to build up the atmosphere of the environment
in which this strange character exists.
In meeting Steve himself I felt somewhat voyeuristic, in that he seemed to hold no bars, almost like secret filming in 'Watchdog' or something similar, like he appeared completely unaware of the fact that he was being filmed and displaying none of the self-conscious characteristics I might have given away if I were in his position. This allowed me to feel that the experience of 'meeting Steve' was a very personal or intimate one, allowing me to feel privileged to gain such a close insight into Steve and his life. This got me to wondering whether anyone could really be like this all the time or whether 'Steve' was in fact a caricature developed to amuse and intrigue, perhaps similar to 'Alan Partridge' or 'David Brent' of 'The Office' fame! The tale itself was wonderfully bitter-sweet and effective because it was sensitively handled without being sensationalised, however I did feel it lacked a tidy conclusion (for me anyway!) and therefore feel sure that when Hollywood get hold of this material there will either be a sequel or perhaps a fairy tale end where Steve gets a record contract with EMI. (Imagine how many new soft toys he could buy with his first million!!!)
From a technical perspective I thought it was excellently filmed and edited,
without the 'amateur film makers camera shake' I had perhaps unfairly anticipated!
The lighting perhaps was lacking a little in places, although it could be
argued that this in fact added to the atmosphere. Occasionally continuity
was a little odd, for example with Steve's with cigarettes and biscuits,
but this also confirmed to me the fact that Steve did talk an awful lot!!
And finally I felt a little motion sickness when swapping between Steve
and the controls on the mixing desk. The shots of Marple were beautifully
executed, although again I wonder what Hollywood might do... I fear tumbleweeds
would be rolling across the set of Spaghetti Western style ghost town, with
saloon door swinging!!! :-) ... but maybe that's just my imagination!
All in all a great job! Well done, can't wait to see the next one!"
Back to the top...
28th April 2004
Kit Lam, University Finance/Accounts Person
"Watched the dvd, had mixed thoughts. Can't decide whether it was more
BBC2 or C4. Probably a bit of both. Really liked the editing and the choice
of background music was fab. Steve was a good subject but Marple was a bit
depressing, got the feeling that he had loads of good stories but didn't
tell for whatever reason....not sure about Ian's voice as narrator though,
is used to deeper voices or something. Overall, have to admit that I was
more impressed than thought I would be - was a few nice touches like the
opening and closing scenes. Suspect they had more fun making the doco than
we will ever know." Back to the top...
23rd April 2004
Debbie Richardson and David Scarth
"Groo*, your film is excellent. We both really enjoyed it and were
particularly impressed by the quality of your filmmaking and commentary.
As we had the benefit of your company during the screening, you will know
how thought provoking we found it.
Steve is such an interesting character, in a world where the approval an
individual receives from others seems to be given such weight. He manages
to pull off being quite self absorbed and very creative, without being at
all pretentious or judgemental about anyone else. What a feat. We await
your next project with much interest. Thanks for letting us see it."
* It's a long story, but Ian is known as 'Groo' by some.
Back to the top...
21st April 2004
Marie Knudsen, Asst. Curator, Manchester Art Gallery
"I saw your documentary the other day and was very impressed. I'm not
sure what I had actually had in mind but it looked very professional - no
shaky cameras (I know you were thinking dogme, but no-one wants to be sea
sick). Nice continuity, though I did laugh when at some point he just had
a cigarette in his fingers, and then all of a sudden a cigarette and a biscuit.
It reminded me of a Danish documentary maker called Søren Rye Petersen.
He makes documentaries about the people around him. They are all eccentrics
living in a normal world.
It was good how you told the story, without making a big deal of it. Look
forward to seeing what you make next - definitely think you have a talent
for documentary making."
Back to the top...
13th April 2004
Steve Heap. Yes, the man himself!
"Gosh! Thanks for all the kind words; I'm afraid my ego is a funny
shape and doesn't inflate properly, but nonetheless, colour me an appropriate
shade of "chuffed".
By the way, the toy cats etc are all mine, and most are presents from my
girlfriend. Re the film itself, I think it gives a fair impression of the
musical stuff; it efficiently covers a fair bit of ground e.g. the technical
processes, the current activities, and the history of what I'm suddenly
going to call my "musical project/object", as though I'm Frank
Zappa or something.
Generally the pace keeps going throughout the film - having music all the
way through, at least in the background, helps with this." Back
to the top...
12th April 2004
The McCanns, Flixton
"An engaging short. The film presents an interesting snapshot of a
curious and talented individual. Programmes of the "Meet Steve"
genre offer more originality than the often staid and predictable scheduling
we presently have available. Good use of technical facility, but for us,
the innovation was in the content.
We, and we're sure others who see the film, will look forward to meeting
Steve in the future." Back to the top...
5th April 2004
Mike Todd, Director/Producer
"Excellent documentary short. Steve is a very intriguing character
and his uncompromising and prodigious musical efforts made for interesting
viewing. For a first time effort, the direction, framing and, in particular,
the editing, were of notable quality. This could be going places."
NB. Hawkinsian Productions would like to add that Mike mentioned in conversation
that the lighting in some scenes could have been better. We do not wish
to detract from Mike's encouraging comments in any way, we just wanted to
be as even-handed as possible. Back to the top...
5th April 2004
Joanne Greenall, ICT Project Co-ordinator
"I thought it was very amusing :) and watched it twice! Seriously though,
very well produced, liked how you started off with shots of Marple then
introduced Steve - he is bonkers, but really entertaining - loved his funky
monkey jumper! What were all the cuddly toys about though? Does he live
with his girlfriend/wife or are they actually his? Liked the closing scene
too with the list of all the songs at the end." Back
to the top...
5th April 2004
Graham & Freda Hawkins
"Steve - the Movie. Observations in 3 categories:-
STYLE/FORMAT - enjoyed the clips of where the subject lived, help to put
a background to him. Thought the pictures & narrative "overlay"
were good - but selective.
NARRATIVE/COMMENTARY - thought their opinion of where the subject lived
was irrelevant to the story. Listener more interested in "facts"
not an individual's view. Better(?) to say "Marple is typical suburbia,
just like thousands of other places in the country" - then a selection
of shots around Marple so the viewer can make up their own mind.
SUBJECT - came over as a bit of a loner, but hell, so what? He enjoys his
own company doing what he clearly loves doing. He has a hobby which can
probably best be pursued on his own. I was left asking why he has not tried
to find out just how good his music is. Finding out does not have to be
Pop Idol - if fame beckons you don't have to reply - you can always go back
to your town house in grotty Marple & carry on enjoying your hobby."
Back to the top...
26th March 2004
Submitted by a colleague of Ian's (who wishes to remain anonymous)
"At last Ian has found his well hidden talent!
I think the film was a really well constructed and thought out project.
It gives the viewer an insight into the world of slightly strange blokes
that you pass in the street or avoid in the pub!
It was also nice to see someone who does not need to boost his self-confidence
or bank balance by jumping through hoops for other peoples' acceptance.
Steve is a revelation, who comes across as not needing to please the outside
world, but just being happy to get satisfaction from the music he produces.
Oh, did I say the camera work, theme music and editing were also good?"
Back to the top...
25th March 2004
Phil Wynn, Record Collector, Film Buff and friend
"The best documentary to come out of Withington this year! Absolutely
fascinating, a great insight into an unsung talent. Steve is a shining example
of an artist who has stuck to his guns and this film recognises and celebrates
his uncompromising work. I sleep a lot sounder at night knowing there are
individuals like Steve out there producing music on their own terms and
for its own sake. Masterfully edited with excellent web-links." Back
to the top...
24th March 2004 - Answerphone message
Damian Hunt, Fireman and Brother
Listen to the message (219kb)
"Hello Ian! I've just watched your outstanding film. It's very good
apart from making Nicola* sing Why Bother** constantly after she watched
it. But...yeah, very good and...I shall speak to you later for a full report
later...du do du dooo."
* Nicola is Damian's partner.
** Why Bother is the incorrect title for a song on the Meet Steve soundtrack.
NB. Hawkinsian Productions admit to some editing of the message. This was
deemed necessary due to Damian's inability to string two words together
without losing his train of thought. You wouldn't believe he was put in
charge of a Fire Engine. Only pauses and repetitions were removed.
Back to the top...
20th March 2004 - Answerphone message
Carl Doherty, ex-lead singer in Steve's old band - Elephant Glue (on his
way to the pub)
Listen to the message (242kb)
"Hi, Ian...I missed your message, I was on the tube. But...I watched
your DVD, and...I think the editing is fantastic. I was quite pleased about
the way...you didn't take the piss out of Steve and I half...well...I was
a bit...mmm...I thought at this stage you might do a Louis Theroux on him,
so I was...quite pleased about that, but I'll speak to you about it anyway
later. See ya." Back to the top...