The Late Robert Redford set up the ‘Sundance Institute’ in 1981 with its headquarters in Utah. Its purpose was to support and develop aspiring independent writers, and directors to rehearse, shoot and edit four to six scenes from their own screen play, under the mentorship of accomplished directors, cinematographers, editors and actors who served as creative advisors.
Way before that in 1976 John McGrath had been invited by the Edinburgh Television Festival, part of the Edinburgh International Festival, to give the first James MacTaggart Memorial lecture.
Much later, somehow or other, John’s erudite words had crossed the Atlantic and he was astonished to receive an invitation from Redford, inviting him to his headquarters inUtah. This was a meeting of like minds with Redford agreeingto share his Sundance format with McGrath.
So, in 1997 John created ‘Moonstone International Screen Labs’ in consultation with Redford to operate in the same way as Sundance, but this time for talented European Film Makers. McGrath would be the founding artistic director and Michael Caine the Chairman. I had already directed the photography on several of John’s films, so was invited on board to advise on the cinematography.
Among the directors who gave up their time to mentor the selected film students were Jim Sheridan(In America, My Left Foot). Neil Jordan(The Crying Game). John Irvin(TinkerTailor Soldier Spy, Hamburger Hill) and two-time Oscar nominee Stephen Frears.
John sadly passed away in January 2002. His unique energy and creativity had inspired hundreds of emerging film makers from all over Europe.
