NF01 November/December 2023

74 My nearfield
MY NEARFIELD
Keith Kopp
After recognising a few locations in his new film Translations,
we asked the Bath-based filmmaker how the area inspires him
Within ten miles you have a city with
modern and quirky architecture from
most time periods, and then a large town
with Georgian structures. The people
here also help create a tone and feel that
transfers so well to screen.
I
moved
to the UK 15 years ago and have spent most
of that time in the West Country. My better half was
born in Bath and, after a tour of service in the army,
we fell in love and decided to make it our home.
I found that between the southwest and
Wales, you can film almost anything.
There are so many different landscapes
and tonal differences between urban
spaces and rural areas. This is why half
of my work has been filmed here. I spend
a lot of time walking my collie dog in
the hills and wood patches of northeast
Somerset, and just outside Bristol. It
helps me clear my head but it’s also
been helpful for film locations. I’ve used
spots in Lansdown and Leigh Woods that
I’ve found hiking. It’s the same with the
urban contrast between Bristol and Bath.
“THE PEOPLE HERE HELP CREATE A TONE AND
FEEL THAT TRANSFERS SO WELL TO SCREEN”
I’m a bit of a history buff too, and find it
important that a film location has some
thematic connection with the material
I develop. Sometimes this happens by
accident. I’ve been developing a film
with my screenwriter and he suggested
a walk on the Somerset Levels to discuss
the story. While we were walking we
found a spot outside Athelney, perfect
for a scene where our central character
faces extreme odds. I didn’t realise it was
also a place where King Alfred faced his
greatest challenges against the Danes.
I believe these textures are felt by an
audience, even if they can’t consciously
verbalise the feeling.
Translations will be released on digital
platforms in late autumn
NF01