My London: Director Nick Franco

Director and producer Nick Franco founded 1185films in 2003 where he has married a talented team of collaborators, both emerging and established, within his creative east London co-operative.

The boutique production company, set in Spitalfields, provides editing suites for hire and produces film projects with high quality production values – from low budget productions to multi-million pound projects.

Nick has worked with a range of artists including Stephen Tompkinson, Suggs, Bill Wyman, Gary Whelan, Scott Williams, Lisa Stansfield and UB40. Here he reflects on squat parties, getting soppy and London’s best kept secret…

What is your favourite area of London?

‘I don’t necessarily like going out around Shoreditch because it’s just become too commercial. There are some areas around Hackney Wick and London Fields – the offbeat parts of London – that I really like. The less commercial areas are the most appealing to me. If I have to say my favourite part of London: it’s anywhere that the tourists don’t go.’

What’s your most vivid London memory?

‘Ah, see there’s this saying “if you remember the ‘60s you weren’t really there”. Well, if you remember London you weren’t really there! I have many memories, but not one stands out in particular. They’re all good.’

What would your perfect London day out involve?

‘Just being with really good friends, that would be a perfect London day out – and it being sunny as well. London in the sun has got to be one of the best places in the world.’

And your perfect London night out?

‘It’s gotta be a house party or some squat party that you just walked in on and it turned out to be absolutely amazing. The unexpected is always my perfect night out.’

What makes London unique?

‘London is such a cosmopolitan, mixed hot pot. Everyone just melds into London and you get such a mix of cultures and artists. You can get everything in London, but then that makes it more difficult to leave. Londoners tend to think their city is the best in the world, but then so do New Yorkers.’

Where in London do you feel most creative?

‘On a good day, at 1185films! It can be really, really creative and when I’ve got free time and a camera and a group of friends we just come up with some ridiculous ideas and go out and shoot them. And even though they might not be the most creative ideas they become a catalyst for better ideas. I can’t put my finger on any particular place but right now I find sitting outside the café in the morning reading a book for an hour before I start my day really makes a big difference to me.’

Where in London have you never been but always wanted to go?

‘There are lots of places in London which I’ve never been and always wanted to go, or forget they’re there. If there are any of my relatives out there who want to come and visit me then that will give me a good reason to go and see the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Wellcome Trust! I wanna go and see the Wellcome Trust.’

What do you think is London’s best kept secret?

‘Gerry’s on Dean Street. And it’s probably best kept a secret.’

Which song, book or film best encapsulates London?

‘Alfie, the original film.’

What do you miss most when you’re away from London?

‘I miss the fact that you can do anything you want in London, whenever you want to do it. That’s what I miss. There’s always somewhere you can go and there’s always someone you bump into. Sometimes London’s way too small.’

How does London drive you mad?

‘It doesn’t drive me mad anymore because I sold my car two years ago! The worst thing about London has got to be driving. I don’t know how people do it. I don’t know why people do it. There are taxis, buses, trains… and they’re a much better way of getting around town.’

Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

‘One is my father who has always worked hard for his family, and the other’s my brother, who actually got me involved in the creative part of my life. He’s an artist, Massimo Franco, and he’s the one who inspired me to get involved in film. So there’s a soppy one for you.’

What would you recommend everyone in London do at least once?

‘Run down Primrose Hill naked.’

Happiness is…

‘Working with the best people I know at 1185films.’

1185films
14a Hanbury Street
Spitalfields
E1 6QR

Tel: +44 (0) 207 247 8880
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