Today we’d like to introduce you to Harry Guest.
Hi Harry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started as a script developer for companies including Heyday Films and Number 9 in London and ten years later I’m writing my own scripts. It’s been a long, wild road and I’ve loved the journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The film industry is quite a closed-door business. You have to find a way in to figure out what happens behind the curtain. In that vein, I think my struggles initially related to throwing myself into jobs to find out if I liked them or not. I worked hard and was lucky enough to become good at being a producer, an assistant director, a script reader, a developer, a writer, and a director. But there’s worlds within these brackets that you may or may not enjoy. I certainly reached the end of the road with some of these jobs and I think the struggle comes in pushing yourself to take the risk to move on, whatever the potential end result – to edge you towards figuring out what it really is you need to do to make your art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a writer/director. I write drama, comedy-drama, action, sci-fi, and more for TV and Film. I also write and develop factual shows and series. I work hard off the scripted scene too, directing commercials, music videos, fashion, and factual content.
Beautifully, these two worlds cross over and I learn a huge deal directing on short-form sets that plug into my scripted writing and directing.
My work hones in on a clean aesthetic, painting a picture for great scenes to play out in. I love understated beauty and set pieces. I also love a match cut and a fun transition.
I’m deeply interested in human stories and the nuance of what we tell ourselves about ourselves, and the reality of how we actually behave in reality. I think the world needs a little joy and I believe you can tell great stories that are funny and have a happy ending – without compromising on real, hard-hitting issues and topics.
I’ve recently directed a music video for Krept and Konan ft Popcaan and commercials for Contiki and Liverpool football club. I just screened a short film I directed in LA with the amazing Monroe Cline, Valerie Loo, and Natasha Kalimada starring.
The first TV pilot I wrote won a FilmMarket Hub award, and that script has talent attached and is in development in the UK. I have multiple other scripted projects in conversation both in the UK and Los Angeles.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles is the city of sunshine and it’s undeniable how good that dose of VIT D can make you feel. People you meet have often traveled miles from their hometowns to come and make art, and I think this lends to the feeling of an artistic melting pot. It’s a wonderful place to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: harry-guest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_harryguest_/
