Juliet Ellis, an artist who work spans many arenas, was one of two successful UK participants who attended the Toronto Talent Lab in Sept 2008.  Found out what she had to say about the experience.

Why you think the panel chose you?

This is a hard question - I'm sure that most of the people that submitted to Talent Lab deserved to go. All I can say is that I have a very diverse background when it comes to making work, performance art, acting, directing theatre etc so I think it informs the type of films I make. I guess they must have just liked my film clip and C.V.

Who did you met whilst out there; what were the highlights?

Well I met the visiting film makers who were part of the Talent Lab these include Brian De Palma, Steve McQueen, Samira Makhmalbaf, Atom Egoyan, Deepa Mehta, Ed Harris, Feranando Meirrelles, Don McKellar, Terence Davis, Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. I talked to several people from the UK Film Council who are very helpful. The highlight for me was being able to talk with other Talent Lab filmmakers discussing creative practice, process and politics. 

How did you prepare?

We were given a Motorola z10 to create a short film (less than 10 minutes) exploring the theme "courage". I also prepared by having an early night before my flight.

What did you want to get out of it?

I went to Toronto with an open mind without trying to have expectations. But when you have people like Brian de Palma, Fernando Meirelles, Steve McQueen, Ed Harris and Terence Davies it's hard not to let some expectation seep through. What I got out of the week was being inspired by these filmmakers to take risks and even when everyone else is in doubt if you believe in the project then forge ahead. The passion these film makers carried was infectious - I also felt a sense of validation I didn't go to film school but the way that I have worked with my last two films seemed to correlate with some of their working methods.

What are your career aspirations?

Well for starters I don't think I have a career, I am a working artist who works in many mediums - Theatremaker, actor, director and filmmaker. I want to just keep making work that I believe in and that somehow explores the human condition as truthfully as possible.