THEGAYUK WINTER 13 /14 Issue 1
FEATURE
got an email from a film maker friend asking
for me to check out their project on
Kickstarter and donate to their film. I had no
idea what crowd funding was but very quickly
realised I could raise money for the film. I
started a campaign on February 14th and the
next three months were an amazing
whirlwind of hard work, very little sleep and
lots of fun. I surpassed my goal of $50,000
and was able to secure more funding from
private investors. I did another Indiegogo for
finishing funds and again surpassed my goal
of $25,000. I've been so lucky to have such an
amazing amount of supporters from all
around the world, for this film.
!
Social Media: I follow you on Twitter,
and remember your tweets relating to
the film. I'm curious how you feel
about social media and the part it can
play?
So you've seen my crazy antics!? I love
Twitter. I'm still blown away by how amazing
everyone is and how powerful it can be. I
think it's incredibly useful for getting ideas
out there and for indie artists I think it may
be the new way to fund projects. I love that I
can be having a conversation with someone
on there that I've never met and we've got
something in common to talk about. Plus it
really shows what a bunch of like minded
people can achieve. Social media is the only
reason I DO got made at this point and for
that I will be eternally grateful.
!
Boy band member - hope or
hindrance?
I think that's changed over the years but I
think now it's all good. I didn't want to be
defined by it for years and really struggled
with coming to terms with how I was viewed
in the public eye. But these days I've
lightened up and look at it as a great time of
my life where I did something some would
call extraordinary and in America they all
think it's incredibly cool, which I find
amusing. I think making I DO, from writing
to producing it, has really solidified
something inside myself about who I am as
an artist. I'm glad to be in film but I miss
performing and touring. Too much fun.
!
And finally - what's next?
I'm working on a new script that I intend to
direct and also play a small part. I have Helen
Mirren as my muse. She's plastered all over
my desktop right now. And the intention is to
make it in the UK so I get to come back for a
while. I miss drinking beers outside the pub
and Sunday roasts with friends. ∎
‘I was in the
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