Makers In Action: Meet Visiting Gang of Ten Member Greg Ash!

August 1, 2011

Greg is ADX’s traveling expert. Not only has he crossed the globe on various occasions, he’s visiting us from the UK and has also connected us with a large network of international co-working offices across the world.

While summering in Portland (if you can call it a summer this year!), Greg has been manning one of our Gang of Ten spaces while he works on a variety of writing and filmmaking projects. Though we are only lucky enough to have him with us through August, we’ll be hosting a special edition of our Hump Day Happy Hour barbeques. Join us on Wednesday, August 10 from 5:30-7:30pm to wish him “Bon Voyage,” enjoy a bite n’ beer, and watch his short film Mr. Mzuza — fresh off a screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival!

Name: Greg Ash of Big Bright Lights
Occupation: Writer/Filmmaker/Actor/Photographer
I’ve been making films of different kinds for 9 years. Although only seriously for just over a year.

What led to your passion for filmmaking? Have you always been a maker in some fashion?
Since an early age I’ve always loved comedy and making people laugh, and film is one of the most effective and immediate mediums to do that. I have an active imagination and enjoy the possibility in film of creating new worlds or new ways of seeing the world we live in through film. I’ve never considered myself a particularly technically minded person so feel less comfortable with the hands on kind of making I see around ADX, and more at ease with more cerebral forms of creation. Perhaps being at ADX will challenge these assumptions about myself.

Sum Up Mr. Mzuza in 2 Sentences
“Mr. Mzuza” is a dark comedy about frustrated writer Alex, who is struggling to end things with his long-term girlfriend Lisa. When he discovers a local African Spiritual Healer specialises in breaking up relationships, he decides to pay him a visit, hoping for an easy solution to his problem.

Do you have any specific projects in the works?
I shot my next short film “Fired!” in May, and it’s currently in post-production. It’s a comedy about a Dad who is fired by his 7 year old son. We’re looking to screen it in London sometime in October. I am currently developing 4 feature film ideas, 2 of which are based in Oregon. I hope at least one of them will go into production next year. And I’m also working on a sit-com pilot that I am looking to pitch to various channels when I get back to the UK. I’m busy, but I like it like that.

What significance does collaboration have in your creative process?
I love working with other people. Writing can be a lonely, introspective existence, but filmmaking is the perfect antidote as it involves so many talented people working together. I enjoy the way that an idea can grow as new people contribute to it, from art directors to the actors, and I find myself a lot more motivated working in a team rather than on my own. Helping other people achieve new things is also something that gives me real pleasure, and I love it when new possibilities are reached through collaboration.

What led you to ADX and why are you involved here?
I first became aware of ADX through a friend who lives in Portland. I contacted Kelley way back in January to tell her I was coming to visit the city for the Summer from London, and that I’d love to be involved in their new venture. When I arrived 5 months later, they invited me to join the Gang of Ten. I like being around other creative people while I work, and ADX has provided me with a solid base as I get to know the city.

Why Portland? Will you come back after spending this summer abroad?
I first became aware of Portland when I met my friends Aaron and Emily in Uruguay a couple of years ago. I was looking for a new place to be, and they convinced me Portland was the place. I visited last year and found it to be everything I was looking for. So I moved out here for 3 months this summer to experience it properly. After being here 2 months and meeting lot of great people, I’d say I’ll definitely be coming back… if your delightful immigration officials will let me.

What’s your dream project you’d fabricate/design/build if you had the skills and materials at your fingertips?
Probably a Time Machine. Or, perhaps more realistically, some kind of robot that gives foot massages.

Make sure to join us to watch Greg’s film on August 10 and send him off properly! For more information about Greg, please visit his website.