Recently graduating from University of Brighton, young designer/cinematographer Max Smith has a slim portfolio at present – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. His emotionally-charged look at young British anarchism – No Gods, No Masters – is a gripping and beautifully shot two minutes of film, whilst his other pieces – Abiogenesis for example – show adept graphic skills from the young creative.
As we continue Create GB, our look at 21st century British creativity, we talked to the graduate about punk, London, the Olympics and “proper Devon farm cider”…
Where’s your hometown, and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Devon, but am currently living in Brighton having just completed my degree here.
Do you think location affects creativity?
My location has had a huge effect on my creativity. Moving from a town in the South West to a city in the South East has led to much of my work being inspired and influenced by the natural world, living away from natural landscapes has made me appreciate them more, and not take for granted their continued existence.
Is Britain’s creative industry too London-centric?
I can’t say for certain as I have not lived in London, but moving there seems to be almost a rite of passage for designers. I think the perception amongst many graduates is that to seriously pursue your career this is the only option. I too am moving there in the near future, as to whether this is a good or bad decision? I’ll let you know in a year…
The Swinging ’60s, punk, Hacienda-era Manchester… is there one period of intense British creativity that you’d like to have been a part of, and why?
Punk has always had a place in my heart, and I still kind of think I was born in the wrong generation. I love the D.I.Y ethos of the era, and I do feel now that the internet is almost a continuation of this mentality. I love the fact I can create a piece of work independently and deliver it directly to the viewer without any mediator.
If you could collaborate with one GB creative, from any field, who would it be, and why?
I would collaborate with Wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, I especially admire his photographs of South Georgie & Antarctica, and the way he experiments with lighting. I would love to try and incorporate his techniques into my cinematography, and if we collaborated I’d probably get to use some of his insane camera gear too, which would be cool.
Will you be watching the Olympics?
Yes, we’re trying to get three different TVs set up in our living room, to watch as much of it as is humanly possible.
Which sport would you like to compete in at London 2012?
Cycling – people often say I’m like Chris Hoy but a bit musclier. I’m kidding, he could kill me with one hand.
We’re going to the pub and we’re buying, what are you drinking?
A pint of proper Devon farm cider, the sort that knocks you out after about 2 pints.
