Sam Turner is a film director and producer for the well-known Youtube content group Beta Squad. Sam is a great role model for many creative people and goes to show that with hard work and dedication you can accomplish your goals. In the fall of 2022, Sam was invited to Los Angeles, yes one must say somewhere I need to visit soon as it’s a city where dreams come true. As one was saying, Sam jetted to Los Angeles, thanks to Lift-Off Global Network to watch his film get played on the big screen and most recently his film “Point Five” was nominated at the Royal Television Society, Midlands. For those interested in film, you will certainly enjoy our interview with film director Sam as we get to discuss his journey, what’s it like working with Beta Squad and much more.
It’s great to have you with us Sam Turner! For our readers can you share a little about who you are and how you came to be where you are today?
Like most creatives or people who work in film/Youtube, I started at school by taking a media course and messing around with editing and creating short videos just messing around with friends. I quickly realised that creating short films and videos was where my passion laid, it just clicked in my head, but I also quickly realised that being behind the camera was much more interesting for me. From there I took a film course at Staffordshire University which got me out of my home town and taught me some discipline with my craft. During the summer of my first year of university, I took a trip to Canada where I got my first role on a feature film set as a runner. It was very much trial by fire at 19 years old in a different country, but it taught me vital set etiquette and just how important every person on a film set is.
During my time at university we were given access to crew and equipment, this is where I created my first few short films. The first couple were shit, but I learnt from my mistakes every time. After graduating from university I applied for about 100 jobs in London that were slightly related to film, eventually getting one yes where I started my first full time job at an editing company in Soho. From there I then went freelance in production, bouncing from job to job and working my way up the ranks until, boom, Covid. I’d worked my ass off to get in a good position in the industry so I didn’t want to let Covid hinder that. I took the spare time I had, wrote a script, started a crowdfunding campaign and created my first successful short film which wasn’t a student film, Point Five.
The short film then blew up in the festival circuit, reaching Hollywood, Switzerland, Germany etc. Simultaneously whilst the short was doing well, I started exploring the world of Youtube. I did a few jobs here and there and eventually got in contact with Beta Squad’s management about a trial role. The trial was successful and eventually landed the role as Beta Squad’s full time producer, which is where I’m at today.
Now you are a producer for Beta Squad, what’s it like working with the guys?
It’s never a dull day that’s for sure. Each of them are so amazing to work with, they’re extremely welcoming and despite the success of Beta Squad, it’s essentially just 5 friends coming up with creative ideas and having fun.
You have to also give a huge shoutout to the entire team, from the editors, management and crew. It’s a group effort. Combining the skill, you learn in the film industry with YouTube mindsets can be a beautiful synergy. We’re all learning from one another as they’re all creative geniuses in their craft.
Whether it’s film or YouTube, some days on set can be a real challenge, but watching 5 hilarious guys enjoy their job and create some of the funniest moments on camera always makes it worth it.
What is one thing that you’d like to change about the film industry?
Make it more accessible for everyone. I was always told “once you get your foot in the door, you’re in” which is very true. However, for young people starting out it’s very tough. It’d be great if there were more initiatives for people looking for simple runner roles.
It’s hard to build up your CV initially, and until you get enough credits you don’t get access to bigger projects. You find yourself doing a lot of roles for free or extremely low paid which is very unfair for people who are trying to gain access to the industry but also make a living.
Hollywood is the place to be and your film got screened there last year, how did that all come about?
I entered a short film competition through Pinewood’s lift-off sessions, low and behold my short film won the competition and before I knew it I was on a plane to LA to see my film screened in front of Hollywood producers and directors. It was an absolute blessing and I’m still extremely grateful for the opportunity to this day. As someone from a small town in England, being told your film will be screened in Hollywood is a dream come true.
Sam, have you been a film lover since you were young? Why did you make the decision to become a Director/producer?
Yes, I’ve always been a film lover. Long story short, when I was around 4 years old I watched the film “Jaws”. This film scared me so much I wouldn’t go near any water, including the bath, which drove my mom insane. I then was given a special edition VHS which had the behind the scenes footage, to show me that it wasn’t real.
From there the film industry and “Movie Magic” always fascinated me. And now here I am.
What films or pieces of art have inspired or influenced you and why?
The top 5 films everyone should watch if they’re looking to understand the art of film are:
- Jaws
- Shaun of the Dead
- American Psycho
- Trainspotting
- A Clockwork Orange
I consider these to be the best films ever made, not only because they’re amazing pieces of cinema, but also the story behind how most of them get made. Pressure creates diamonds.
You’ve been making moves recently, your short film “Point Five” got nominated at RTS Midlands Awards, what was the experience like?
Again, it’s absolutely surreal. To see a silly little film I wrote and produced from my bedroom be screened alongside ITV giants and big-budget commissioned shows was so weird. You get imposter syndrome a lot but everyone you meet around that industry are always so welcoming. Plus it’s always an excuse to dress up and wear a tux.
If you could bring back a Hollywood great to star in your next film, who would it be?
Either Heath Ledger or Micheal Williams from The Wire.
What’s your favourite aspect of the film industry?
The most satisfying part of working in film specifically is simply seeing the final result. In higher production shoots you can meticulously plan a shot, book everything, storyboard, block the shot, perfect the lighting and work tirelessly to get it perfect. Take after take, but when you get around to the monitor and watch the shot with the cast and crew and you all see the result of what you’re working towards, it’s such a satisfying feeling when it eventually works out.
To finish off with what can we expect from you next, do you have any exciting projects you can share with us?
A feature film is always the end goal, not sure when but the script is there and ready to go.
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Sam Turner
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Interview By Connor Mantle
Connor Mantle
Young entrepreneur and freelance model. Founder of the AW20 Hope & Glory Fashion show, with interests in mythology, spiritualism and astrology among many others. One can be contacted via Instagram @Connormantle