THE TIMES

ARTS PROFILE PAGE

Rising stars in the arts firmament CHARLES TETON.

Profession: Film director

Age: 32

Calling card: Dark Summer, a visually expressive first feature about two young Liverpool lovers, recklessly shot in Cinemascope and made for some Pound 40,000. A one-man-band kind of movie: Teton directed, produced, wrote the script, served as lighting cameraman and editor. Just opened at the Prince Charles cinema, London, where it stays for a minimum of one week and a maximum of three; then to other independent cinemas.

Film school background, I expect?: No, no. Leant on the job. Began as a camera assistant in advertising, and moved up to shoot mostly for fashion companies, spending three years in Milan and experimenting with what he calls "social realism". Tried to get into the film industry in Dublin. A closed shop. Then assisted Marcus Thompson making a Black-and-White movie in Surrey called Malevolence. More low-budget work followed, as Assistant Editor, Sound Recordist and Lighting Cameraman.

So how come this feature?: "I wanted to tell this personal story about a failed relationship and lost innocence, and I had to jump in there and do it. I didn't approach the BFI for money. I went to the North West Arts Board for completion funds, but I really wanted to succeed or fail on my own. From idea to completion, it took four years including one year of pre-production, 18 months of filming at weekends with an Arri 2C blimped camera, six months editing, a case of suspected ulcers, a three-year driving ban. One location vehicle lost in the Mersey, and 16 stitches. An immense learning curve."

Any experience directing actors before?: Not really. But since the main actors, Joeline-Garner Joel and Steve Ako, had not any real acting experience, the playing field, you might say, was level. "I wanted people who would be receptive, and wouldn't make their characters theatrical."

Why Cinemascope, and why the lingering shots of skies and beaches: "Liverpool is seen a lot of the time in a negative light. But I think it's often beautiful, when the light is skimming off the sea, for instance." Has Liverpool been grateful? "As everywhere, the reaction's been mixed Having leant so much making it, now I can't watch the film; there are so many things I want to change. Still, I think people should allow film makers a margin of error on their first feature."

GEOFF BROWN