‘Changing Times’ changed my life

Phillip Bresson, 27, is an actor and film producer who has featured in local shows including Muheshimiwa and Changing Times. He spoke to Shirley Genga

Describe yourself in a few words…

I am intelligent, composed and creative.

What do you do?

Phillip Bresson [Photo:Martin Mukangu/Standard]

I am a director of cinematography and a colourist by profession. My job is to direct how a scene is shot. Thus while a director is in charge of how the cast performs, my job is to ensure that the lighting is perfect and the shots taken capture the emotion of the scene. In the last three years, I have had a chance to try my hand in other areas in film and production. I have done everything from production, writing, to editing.

What shows have you worked on?

I have worked on Changing Times, Muheshimiwa, Track Masters and Comedy Club. I have also done advertisements for Aki Road Safety and KTN.

How did you get into the production industry?

After school, I had this long list of things I wanted to do. I wanted to get into the film industry, do music videos. I also wanted to do pro-bono documentaries. In 2006, I got my first job to head an Internet television station for Mars Group. It was so huge that within three months, it was being picked up by international media like BBC. It was a great learning experience for me.

When did you meet Jennifer Gatero and form your company, Insignia?

I met Jennifer Gatero around the same time I got my first job. We discovered that we had the same dreams and vision and so formed Co-Insignia in 2006. While Jennifer is a great script writer (she wrote Better Days), I am able to translate and bring her vision to life on screen.

What challenges do you face in your line of work?

In Kenya, quality of work does not sell. It is, unfortunately, about who you know. We had this vision to change the quality of production on local television but it took a while before anyone gave us chance. With Changing Times, we broke ?into the market and proved you could still produce something of quality? on a normal budget.

You handled a huge project when you were barely 25. What lessons did you learn from the Changing Times series?

To always work with professionals. Production comes with a lot of pressure; we used to shoot six times in a week. We would shoot an episode in two days and if you are in production, you know how insane that is.

The last two and a half years were crazy; I was living out of my boot. Sometimes I would wear the same clothes for two days and sleep and live off my car. Although in the end it was worth it, I am learning how to delegate. I have also learnt how to deal with different personalities. In production, you meet people with different needs.

What impact do you think you have had on the industry?

When we first came up with the concept for Changing Times, it was hard to get a station to give us a chance and I am glad KTN took a chance on us. And when we first hit the screens, we made history because we produced quality on a budget.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

We are currently in talks with European TV channel to produce a show and I am excited about it. It is a Swedish TV station and we are working on documentary drama. Also MNET loves Changing Times and are interested in screening it.

What do you need to be a great director of cinematography?

You need to have a good eye and be as detailed as possible in everything.

Are you dating?

Yes I am dating Joy Kendi; I met her while shooting Changing Times.

What qualities do you find attractive in a woman?

Cute, patient, supportive and attractive, with a sense of humour.

What do you do for fun?

I fix cars; I am currently putting together a vintage BMW literally from scratch. I also love cameras and as a result, I am always researching on them.

What are your future plans?

To turn Insignia into an international PR agency.

When it comes to film whose work do you admire most?

Martin Scorsese — he is a brilliant filmmaker. I also admire Michael Bay for not only his visual work, but also for his determination.

Tell us a little about your childhood?

I was raised in Nairobi. We were three kids and I am the last-born. I was a mummy’s boy. I was those kids who were always in trouble because I was very inquisitive. My dream back then was to own an advertising agency because I was very fascinated by the way advertisements were done. I attended Bohra Primary School then moved to Brookhouse for high school, and finally film school.

Any last words?

It is not easy breaking into any industry but you have to be determined and know what you want. Also do not listen to people who hate. It is your dream and it can come true if you work hard and are determined.