International recognition for short film refocusing victims of terrorism
A short film by LSBU graduate Edd Chettleburgh has created waves internationally, giving insight to what the family members of terrorism victims feel in the aftermathA UK-produced short film with a budget of just £150 has created waves internationally, tackling the tough subject of what the family members of terrorism victims go through.
Promises, created solely by London South Bank University (LSBU) film graduate Edd Chettleburgh, details how one man’s Friday night commute goes horribly wrong as he discovers his family has been involved in an attack on London’s Underground network, while he is helplessly stuck in his car trying to get to them.
The film has already won four awards from various film festivals across the world including nods for Best Cinematography (NYC Indie Film Awards and Lake View International Film Festival India), Best Micro Budget (Discover Film Festival London) and an Award of Merit (Best Shorts Competition California) and will be featured in a New Film Makers Los Angeles film festival celebrating up and coming British filmmakers.
On the film’s subject matter, the Dunstable local said he wanted to make a film that was socially relevant.
“I am extremely interested in current events and I think Promises highlights an extremely prominent subject that all of society is currently facing today,” he said.
“The film is based around normal people and stars normal people, which provided a more organic feeling to their performances and to the overall film.”
The 12-minute film is shot almost completely in a moving vehicle, which provided both challenges and creative opportunities for direction and cinematography.
“I created lots of methods and formulas during the planning stages to ensure I could overcome the logistical and technical challenges that stem from shooting a road movie,” Edd said.
“The directing process took place over the phone with each actor performing their lines in real time, then I would give feedback and continue the process until I got the best take.
“Shooting in a single location meant I could keep the budget down to £150, but it also allowed me to create an off-screen world beyond the frame allowing the audience to imagine what’s happening at the other end of the phone.”
Edd’s next piece will be a feature-length film venturing into the sci-fi realm, shooting this summer.
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