Behind The Door

Trett Films

23/08/24

Something that I have always been in awe of is the magic of cinema- for two hours we can be disconnected from everyday life, be transported to an abundance of magical destinations and be immersed in an alternative reality!

A couple of weeks ago, I caught up with Josh and Matty Trett from Trett Films to discover their journey in the film industry so far, how it felt to recently work with Ian Fleming Publications, as well as how they capture the magic of cinema through their work!

When did ‘Trett Films’ begin?

Officially Trett Films was founded in 2019 but we used that name for all our work since we were kids making short films and all our freelance works into our career right up until we went full-time. We decided to go full-time when my brother Matty and I wanted to combine our passion for storytelling with our skills in video production. We saw a gap in the regional market for emotive, impactful content for businesses and wanted to create a business that could fill that void.

What inspired you both to enter the world of TV, Film and Video Production?

Our inspiration mainly comes from a love for cinema. We try and watch as much as we can. Going to the cinema whenever possible. Seeing rereleases of old movies as well as anything new. Having a connection to stories, combined with our technical and creative
skill, led us to the world of TV, film, and video production.

How are you feeling after the recent premiere of ‘Dial’ at Cinema City?

The premiere of ‘Dial’ at Cinema City was a surreal experience. Not only the tickets selling out but also seeing our work on the big screen and especially getting to see it at Cinema City was a dream come true. Sharing it with an audience was incredibly rewarding. The response was very positive and encouraging. It’s always nerve-wracking to put your work out there, but the feedback has been heart-warming and motivates us to keep doing more.

What was the inspiration behind ‘Dial’?

‘Dial’ was inspired by the passing of my late Grandmother. The film is a tribute to her and we credit her the end. After her passing, I had a dream that whilst her house was for sale I was able to speak to her for one last time on the phone. Also, there were (for some reason) some people practising dark witchcraft trying to make their way into her home so the script was built around these two elements. We wanted to explore themes of grief and missed goodbyes and see how they intersect in a quite grounded horror short. The story evolved from there and we wanted to tell a creepy yet bittersweet tale that resonates with a wide audience.

How did it feel to partner with Ian Fleming Publications to produce a cinematic video promoting the paperback edition of Charlie Higson’s “On His Majesty’s Secret Service”?

Partnering with Ian Fleming Publications was a huge pinch-me moment for both us and an exciting challenge. Being entrusted with the legacy of literary 007 and Charlie Higson’s work was a responsibility we didn’t take lightly. It was thrilling to bring our style of storytelling to such an iconic franchise, and we’re proud of the final product. It’s something we’ll always cherish.

What impact do you aim to have on those who watch your work?

We aim to create content that not only entertains but effectively meets the client's brief doing so with provoking thought and eliciting emotion baked in. We want our work to leave a lasting impression, sparking conversations and encouraging clients and potential clients to see the world of video production from a different perspective.

What power do you believe film holds?

Film holds a lot power as a medium of communication. It can transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through shared experiences. Film can inspire change, challenge societal norms, and offer new perspectives. It’s a tool for empathy, allowing viewers to step into someone else’s shoes and be those characters, even if just for a couple of hours. Just turn on the news right now and look at the world we are in, film is a much-needed tool at the most and a form of escapism at the least.

Where do you look for inspiration for your work?

Inspiration comes from a lot places. We both watch a lot of films and TV and draw from all these different pieces of work. We also draw a lot of inspiration from the world around us, be it the landscape of Norfolk or the real people we meet and I think this is evident if you watch our work. Staying curious, and avoiding becoming stale is key to finding new ideas. The local area is a hive for brilliant but untold stories and we want to be part of unearthing them. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ doesn’t apply here.

Describe your creative process!

Our creative process usually starts with a concept we want to explore. From there, we brainstorm ideas, often sketching out rough outlines or storyboards. Collaboration is crucial, as we bounce ideas off each other and our clients and refine them into a tight narrative. Once we’re happy with the concept, we move into pre-production. Matty and I are multi-disciplined Directors so we can both take on the various roles and responsibilities that play into our own strengths.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced since ‘Trett Films’ begun (and how did you overcome this?)

The biggest challenge has been navigating the unpredictable nature of the world and constantly trying to win new work in quite a small Norfolk video landscape. A few months after we got Trett Films going we hit covid. A proper spanner in the works. All this while maintaining our creative integrity and keeping bills paid. The pressure to constantly innovate and stay ahead of trends can be overwhelming as well. We’ve overcome this by staying true to our core values, focusing on quality storytelling, and building strong relationships with clients and collaborators who share our vision. We are lucky to work with some really cool clients but we are blessed that we get to work with nice people every day.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the world of film?

Every project is a learning experience, and the more you create, the better you’ll become. Networking is also crucial—surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can support and challenge you. The other thing to remember is everyone’s journey is different. So if your career doesn’t follow the same timeline trajectory as somebody else’s that by no means equals failure. It’s just a bit of rinse and repeat until you get there. Don’t burn out and work insane hours but also get up and keep going.

Have you got any more plans for the rest of the year?

We have a few exciting projects in the pipeline, including a lot of different video projects with Flagship Group and Crisp Malt, two of our clients. We’re also planning to expand our short film portfolio by exploring new genres and formats. Additionally, we’re looking for investment to properly start pre-production on a feature film that’s been in the works for a while. It’s going to be a busy year, but we’re excited for what’s to come!

And, if you want to keep up to date with the work of Trett Films, then you can check out their Instagram (@trettfilms)!