BAFTA winning writer Jack Thorne (This is England ’86 ’88 ’90, The Scouting Guide Book for Boys, Skins) came on as Film of the Month judge back in February. His first short was actually crewed through Shooting People, and went to Sundance.

FOTM was definitely feeling the love in February, all top 3 films were romantic(ish)- weaving in quite nicely with Valentines Day..

Jack had some great things to say and members were thrilled with his comments

Taking the lead, was this little Gem:

“A great short that really uses everything at it’s disposal. I loved the use of sound and music to take us into other worlds. Maybe I’m bias as an ex-McDonald’s employee but I found it really touching too – the first of a new genre of fast food romances perhaps. Exceptional lead performance by Thea Beyleveld too – full of intensity and longing, she’s got a real Anne-Marie Duff quality to her.” – Jack

“Winning Film Of The Month was a fantastic feeling.. To know that someone (other than my mum) loved the film was brilliant. His feedback really showed that he got what Luke and I were going for. Shorts are calling cards and to have Jack Thorne give it his stamp of approval will be a massive help getting my work out there.”

Writer – Luke Barnes

“The reason we make any art is to help revaluate our experience of being human. I feel very privileged to have our film chosen and I’m very pleased that our story about the human condition, that we did in a way that we enjoy, is being recognised by someone of Jacks calibre. Thank you”

Actress – Thea Beyleveld

“This little film, for me, is the gift that keeps on giving. I have Sophie Davies, our wonderful casting director to thank for bringing me on board, and of course Jon and Luke. It was my first short and from the moment I read Luke’s wonderful script I knew it was special. Jack has written some of the work that inspired and drove me to become an actor, the sort of work I hope to make. So to have my work recognised by him with such lovely comments is just the best feeling. Chuffed to bits! Thank you for the platform Shooting People.”

Secondly, Jamie Sim‘s Bus stop:

“A hymn in praise of Woking. Nicely written and shot with a real efficiency. A sort of Before Sunrise for the home counties- and it even allowed itself a happy ending, which I think is quite rare in shorts. Oh, and I now really want to see the War of the Worlds tripod in Woking.” – Jack

“I thought this had a lovely tone and sense of place and admired it’s silence, it really had a confidence in what it was trying to say and do.” – Jack