As the YDA gears up to open the call for entries for this year’s Award Show in Cannes we launch a new series of interviews with previous winners. First up is Karen Cunningham who following years of managing her own thriving production company is now working as a successful director out of Partizan in London.

Please tell us what you’re doing now and where ?

I am now at Partizan who represent me globally.

What were the key moments from winning at the YDA to the present?

I was really thrilled to win the YDA and having that award attached to my reel gave me a lot of credibility and Kudos. It also brought my reel to the attention of a wider audience. I was really lucky as I also won Best New director at Kinsale that year and I am sure winning the YDA would have helped.
In the audience at the awards was a producer from Famous in Belgian. They immediately sent me a script for Electrabel which I went onto direct and was really pleased with.

Which piece of work are you the proudest of and why?

In different ways I am proud of all my work but if I had to mention one piece it would be WONDERFUL WORLD. The first piece that I wrote and directed to help raise funds for the HALFMOON CHILDRENS THEATRE. I won several awards with this including a Silver at BTAA.

What would your dream job/script be?

I love anything to do with performance and detail and capturing real life and I am working on a documentary at the moment.
In terms of what I like to direct…… well any script with a great idea. but I would love to direct a fashion or performance piece with women that feels fresh and real and depicts women as they really are.

Who are the most inspirational directors for you?

Before I started directing I produced for some really talented directors. I had a great aprentaship and learnt a lot including what not to do. I have always admired the work of directors such as Andrea Arnold and Sam Taylor wood and I think it is great that female Directors are getting a chance to shine.

What are you watching, reading, listening to? Where do you see ads or branding most?

Right now I am working my way through the Bafta shortlist as I have to vote by next week. I just watched the “Descendents” which I though was Brilliant. And ‘We need to talk about Kevin where the casting was exceptional.’

I am always on Best ads, David’s Reviews, Shots, youtube and Ads of the world looking at what’s out there and who is doing what and wishing that I hade done it. I am very excited about the future and I love the challenges that film making bring to my life and the different places in which I find myself. I love advertising. I love the speed at which it moves and adapts to the public’s wants and desires. I enjoy meeting and working with new teams and and problem solving. I find I learn something new on every job and I love that. It makes me feel challenged and alive.

Nothing much changes, what makes a film or a commercial stand out is always a great idea that’s well cast and well executed. And that’s what I strive to achieve.

I do feel blessed that I am finally doing what I always wanted to do and making a success of it and I wanted to say thank you for your support and to the YDA for believing in me. It definitely has made a difference.