The Space: Wayne Imms

Star Wars producer to be interviewed at Latest Music Bar

May the 25th marks 40 years since the US release of the first Star Wars film. I had the immense pleasure of seeing it as a seven year-old with my dad at Maidstone’s Granada cinema, upon its UK release in December 1977. I then became a big fan. On June 7th, at The Space event, which I organise, there’ll be an interview with its producer, Gary Kurtz. To me he’s a legend as he played a major role in the making of the super film, as well as its sequel, the even better The Empire Strikes Back.

Although called The Space, the event, usually held three times a year, isn’t space or science fiction-related. It’s an acronym, Southern Performance and Creative Energies, but now we simply stick to calling it The Space.

It began 11 years ago as a networking event for arts and media people to connect with each other and to hear from Brighton-based guest interviewees. Now the focus is very much on the guests who are more high profile figures. From film, these have included directors Mike Leigh and Sir Alan Parker. Other guests have included comedian Frank Skinner, Glastonbury’s Michael Eavis and lyricist Sir Tim Rice, among so many others.

Recommended for those in Brighton and beyond with an active interest in film

As well as Gary Kurtz, June’s event will also welcome the Chief Executive of the BFI, the British Film Institute, Amanda Nevill. The BFI is the UK’s leading body for our film industry and it supports filmmakers and exhibitors in many ways.

I would recommended the event for those in Brighton and beyond with an active interest in film. As well as the guests always being interesting, they’re often really inspiring and sometimes unexpectedly funny. For example, there were many amusing anecdotes from January’s guests: director Mike Hodges (Flash Gordon, Get Carter) and producer Tony Garnett (Kes, Cathy Come Home).

The Space is a rather cosy and intimate gathering, held at the Latest Music Bar. There’s a chance for the audience to ask their own questions, to meet the guests and to take part in a raffle, which has a selection of fabulous prizes. Although I often love hearing from the guests, the best thing out of it all for me is that I’ve made some good friends during my time with The Space.

This event takes place on June 7th at the Latest Music Bar, doors from 7:15pm. Book at thespace.uk.com