1. When did you think about a career in photography and what were your first steps into it?
I was always a film lover and collected lobby cards and clippings as a child, but film set photography was a pipe dream for a kid in 1980s conflict-torn Northern Ireland. Movie photographer wasn’t a job for that kid... it was only for some American man. Although many years later the entertainment industry chose me anyway.
My first paid job was for some clowns I met in a Belfast pub. I ended up doing quite a lot of circus work all over Europe and beyond. My early jobs for screen were all low budget horror films, but eventually I was called on to shoot portraits for a big budget Hollywood film after a producer saw some of my circus portraits. Years later the same producer suggested I submit my portfolio for consideration to photograph a “new project” rolling into Belfast. Something about dragons. HBO saw something in my style that matched their vision for Game of Thrones, so there I was from day one of the pilot until the last day.
2. Best gig/exhibition you’ve been to?
Aidan Gillen reading James Joyce’s The Dead at Smock Alley Theatre in 2016. It was such a subtle and powerful performance. The audience was completely captivated.
Growing up in rural Ireland I’d been raised on a diet of watercolour landscapes – nothing wrong with those, of course, but I was lucky to be living and studying at Goldsmiths in London around the turn of the millennium and saw some incredible contemporary art exhibitions. Apocalypse: Beauty and Horror in Contemporary Art at the Royal Academy was one of my favourites and seeing Jenny Holzer, Susan Hiller and Cornelia Parker in person was spectacular.
The Game of Thrones season eight premiere in NYC. I felt immense pride having completed a decade working on the biggest show in the world. Seeing my posters in Times Square and collecting the first copy of my book with my partner by my side was special.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
NIN, followed by Madonna (circa 1995) to get us dancing, and then King Crimson or Pink Floyd for the cool down.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Pure Moods (1994). It’s cheesy but I absolutely love it.
5. And the book you’d take to a desert island?
We're On Your Side, Charlie Brown by Charles M Schulz.
6. Top three films?
The Dekalog series by Krzysztof Kieslowski, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Cremaster Cycle by Matthew Barney. It was the most incredible visual feast I’ve ever seen.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
Night Will Fall. I’ve never seen the horrors of humanity reflected on film quite like this. Essential viewing for everyone. Humans are capable of such cruelty.
8. Favourite authors?
I love short stories and poetry. Charles Schultz’s Peanuts books are great little nuggets of philosophy and I have amassed a vast collection. Will Self’s earlier short stories for a nice bit of surrealism. I’ve recently discovered Robert Macfarlane who writes beautifully about landscape, language, imagination and memory.
9. Sport you most enjoy?
Ice skating at the Olympics. I can’t ice skate, but a girl can dream.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
Northern Finland and Japan.
11. Pet hates?
Misogynists, homophobes, racists and the patriarchal system undoubtedly. Cruelty and elitism in any form. And people who take up the whole width of the pavement when walking in a group.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Christmas dinner at my friend Anna’s.
Dessert? Sharing chocolate and treats.
Drink? Sleigh ride tea from David’s Tea in Canada
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
Anna. Met in the last millennium doing a Btec at the now flattened Rupert Stanley College in Belfast.
14. Is there a God?
Organised religion is both a comfort, and a weapon - which I find very conflicting. I’m in the middle spiritually - believing there is something retained in the land and the energies around us - but also always seeking scientific reasons behind strange occurrences.
Helen Sloan will be speaking at the RENDR Festival in Belfast on February 23 and 24. The two day creativity festival shines a light on the creative industries of film, gaming, animation and immersive tech. For tickets and full schedule visit Rendrfestival.com.
She is looking forward to seeing her publicity work for the forthcoming new season of Foundation on Apple TV. Helensloanstills.com.
