The Shortlist: Justin Waite, The Hobbyist

The Hobbyist is a 'mockumentary' featuring an amateur garden shed inventor and his remote controlled person. Justin created the film after a stint as Johnny Vaughn's sidekick on London's Capital Radio.

Where did your film idea come from? What inspired you?

The idea of a remote controlled human came to me after I saw an advert for a vacuum cleaner that can apparently do the vacuuming itself. It made me wonder how it knows where it is going and that it probably needs to be supervised, but of course that would defeat the object. Then I had the idea of a robot to supervise it and the rest as they say…

How long did it take to make?

From the idea to the final product took 2 days in total.

How many people were involved?

4 people.

What did you find most challenging about making it?

The most challenging part was getting the penultimate shot right, where Pete goes into the water on his bike. We could only do one take because he only had one set of clothes and had to look as much like a robot as possible on hitting the water. This meant he couldn’t flinch like a human as he fell face first into the water. The water was also full of duck and geese poo. We were concerned Pete may die of a duck and geese poo related disease, if one such disease exists. Having said that, I'm sure Pete would've seen his sacrifice as worthwhile expense for our art.

What was the best part of the process?

Pete falling into the water. I found it hard to keep a straight face and I had to edit out Steve's laughing!

Would you do anything differently if you could do it again?

I wouldn't, but I’m sure Pete wouldn't have mind us changing roles.

Who are your film influences?

It's probably a cliché, but I love Quentin Tarantino's work. He is a genius, right down to the small details included in every film. You can watch his films over again and never get bored, as there is always something new to pick up on.

How do you feel having made the shortlist?

Really chuffed. Everyone likes to be told that what they're doing has been recognised as being good, especially by an organisation who knows what it's talking about. It's one of those times in your life where you allow yourself a secret smile and a pat on the back.

What is your favourite of the other shortlisted films and why?

My favourite is Black Hole because it's an excellent idea well executed and brilliantly shot.

What's the film project you would work on if you won the cash?

I have loads of ideas for films, so I'd love to work on one of those.