Christine Hartland
Christine Hartland has over ten years experience as a corporate event, film and video producer. In 2004 she set up Patchwork Productions, which has a slate of feature films at different stages of development. She has just finished producing her first feature film, W.M.D., a political thriller by David Holroyd.
What kind of projects attract you?
I have chosen to work on projects based on their subject matter and who is on board, as when working with a low budget it is important to get on with the writer and director. Generally, I like projects which are either entertaining, take you on an emotional rollercoaster, or instigate a debate by raising important issues in an interesting way. It’s amazing when a film can make you discover a world you knew nothing about. I don’t favour any genre or style; it’s more about the story and how it’s told. One genre I can’t really work on is horror films, as I can’t watch them. Too scary for me!
You can produce the film of your dreams. What and who would that entail?
The film of my dreams would take the audience on a memorable and emotional journey, and be visually stunning. I would like it to be a film that would become cult, and that people, the next day, would have to talk about with their colleagues and friends. I would like that it doesn’t leave the audience indifferent whether they enjoyed the film or not. In terms of who would be in the film, there are so many amazing actors it’s difficult to choose but I have always liked, to name a few and in no particular order(!): Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Vincent Cassel, Audrey Tautou, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, Gérard Depardieu, Jack Nicholson.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a producer?
A producer I worked with told me that I don’t need to know everything but to make sure I’d surround myself with people who knew what I did not know.
Most significant moment in your career so far?
Producing my first feature film and getting a mentor. Producing W.M.D. by David Holroyd was an amazing adventure over a relatively short period of time as we filmed early this year and currently we are in sales negotiation after having had a market screening in Cannes. The learning curve was very steep. Also thanks to the Guiding Lights Mentoring Programme I have a mentor which I am very pleased about: I feel much more confident for the next projects.
You’ll die happy when…
George Clooney begs me to produce his films! ■
