London based Naomi Waring has an MA from London Film School and is a member of BAFTA Connect. Her work which has won awards and has been selected for international film festivals, highlights hidden cultures and marginalised communities.
Her first film Little Ones, an autobiographical documentary about motherhood and creativity was supported by Film London. Naomi is currently developing her debut feature film.
Alongside filmmaking, Naomi has worked on various community projects including a peace-building workshop with the British Council in the Philippines as well as working with young people affected by domestic violence, a commission through Victim Support and a continuing collaboration with Hatch Films and the Princes Trust on supporting people from underprivileged backgrounds make a pathway into the Film and TV industry.
Describe a typical day for you.
I have always tried to be a routine person, but it’s just not part of my DNA, so pretty much every day is different. My son is almost 16 now and needs me less and less which is a whole new level of heartbreak but it does mean I have way more time to focus on my work and film projects. So generally, I’m running around town meeting up with collaborators, rustling up new ideas, or teaching screen acting at LAMDA where I work part-time.
I will always finish the day off with a bath, It takes me quite a long time to wind down so a soak in the bath is a must.
What do you feel are your greatest achievements?
Just having the courage and resilience to keep going, the film and TV industry is pretty brutal. There are a million reasons to give up but I think I’m a bit like a dog with a bone, I find it very hard to let go. I do hope that the work we are doing with MILK, my short film about the formula cost crisis, will bring about some real change and if we can achieve that, I would say that will be my greatest achievement!
What’s in your handbag/ satchel?
My laptop, a little notebook and a special pen! I never know when I might have an idea or need to write down an image that might come to me for a work project. I always have a water bottle, I am like a camel, and then lots of random things, like I found a shell in there the other day, and a few lip balms that I thought I had lost.
What are your ambitions in life?
To always have a close relationship with my son, he is pure magic and way too cool for me but I hope as he grows, he will let me hang out with him from time to time, hahaha! Aside from that, I would love to have the opportunity keep making films and bringing about social change.
What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?
The toughest times in my career have been when I stopped playing and got stagnant, afraid that I wasn’t good enough and the reality is, i’ts a long journey! So slow down and enjoy the ride a bit more. I think if you are doing anything creative, for most people it takes a long time so don’t give up just before it starts to get interesting!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Making work, learning new things and having a lovely home with my partner. We currently live separately as we both have children with previous partners so that’s an exciting new chapter that will be coming up fairly soon for us. And then just continuing to be surprised at what life offers up!
What advice would you give a budding director?
Just start, make your own work, don’t wait to be given permission, make work with your friends, on your phone, watch films, loads of films, and experiment with your voice, some people have a real sense of identity and know exactly what they want to say but for most people, it takes time so don’t be afraid to just put yourself out there, what’s the worst that could happen!
What advice would you give to a new parent?
Oh gosh, this was such a long time ago, but I would say don’t try to control it all, you cant! Be kind to yourself, it took me 2 years after having my son to feel in any way like myself again, so go easy, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Finally, happiness is…Something that I can’t quite put my finger on, it comes in so many wonderful and unexpected ways but mostly it comes to me from connections with my family and friends or a piece of music or a line from a book that just resonates, and sometimes a good dance around the kitchen on my own.
Please support the crowdfunder for short film MILK here.
MILK is not just a film; it’s a testament to resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Follow Alisha, a young single mother, on her poignant journey to secure formula milk for her baby. Through Alisha’s story, we delve into the complexities of infant food poverty, exploring themes of desperation, judgment, and the inadequacy of support systems. Yet, amidst the challenges, “MILK” offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us of the power of kindness and human connection.
To bring MILK to life and amplify its impact, we require your support. With a budget of £25,000, we will cover essential expenses such as locations, special effects, equipment, crew, post-production, and marketing. Every contribution propels us closer to our goal of influencing policy and changing misconceptions surrounding infant food poverty. Together, let’s make MILK a catalyst for meaningful change.
Read about Naomi’s article in The Metro here.
Follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milk_shortfilm/
Photo credit: Patrick Baldwin.
Buy my bestselling book in paperback or audio
My debut book is my guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home and offers insight into how to create a digital business or return to work with confidence.
Mumboss: The Honest Mum's Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home
(UK 2nd Edition)
Available on Amazon or Audible
The Working Mom: Your Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home
(US/Canada Edition)
Available September 8th 2020. Order now on Amazon
