FILMCLUB Meets Steven Spielberg

Ahead of the release this Friday (Jan 13) of epic new film Steven Spielberg.

Spielberg is one of cinema’s most successful film directors – and the man behind movie classics such as Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan – and the charity spoke to him about his latest film and about why he believes watching film is an effective way for young people to learn. 

The three-time Oscar-winning director chatted to 16-year-old FILMCLUB Young Ambassador Lily at the Royal premiere of War Horse and told the charity:

“Children learn, as we know, exponentially from media today and we feel responsible that when we make a movie that even touches on historical fact that there has to be more than a kernel of truth in the history of, especially the First World War.”

The junior reporter also interviewed the author of the book, Michael Morpurgo, about what he thinks of the big screen adaptation, and spoke to many of the film's cast members, including Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), David Thewlis (Harry Potter series, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas), Tom Hiddleston (Midnight In Paris, Thor) Emily Watson (Cemetery Junction, Angela’s Ashes) and newcomer Jeremy Irvine.

Jeremy - who plays the lead role of Albert - told Lily:

“It wasn’t just my first film - it was one of my first jobs! I was playing a tree in a theatre show with no lines when I got the job so the whole thing has been beyond my wildest dreams!”

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch spoke about what it was like to work with Spielberg:

“It was an absolute dream come true, he is an absolute master of film and also a very nice person. He makes you feel that you’re very important and welcome and integral to the day's work – and we struck up a great friendship and mutual respect. I’m incredibly privileged that along with riding horses he is what made this job really special.”

Speaking about her experience at the premiere, Lily said; “I really enjoyed the atmosphere because it was really hectic - that kind of got my energy up. I was buzzing to meet Steven Spielberg and it was incredible! Interviewing Benedict Cumberbatch was amazing as well.”

Head over to http://www.filmclub.org/close-encounters/details/183/war-horse to watch the interviews!

FILMCLUB - the nationwide education charity and expert in film for young people - offers access to thousands of popular and classic films from around the world to be watched and discussed in school film clubs. Visit www.filmclub.org for more information or just to browse great film recommendations.

War Horse is released in UK cinemas on 13th January 2012.