Top row: Louisa Fielden, Tommy Gillard, Joe Auborn Bottom row: Jordan Thomas, Phil Spencer

Those fantastic folks at Exeter Phoenix have revealed the recipients of the 2019 Film Commissions. We think they do a sterling job here in Devon, so are pleased to share the news that after ideas for new short films were invited from filmmakers across the South West… the five final filmmakers were selected. Between them, the successful filmmakers have been awarded a share of over £10,000 worth of support to turn these ideas into a reality. 

The awards span three categories:

Two Short Film Commissions have been awarded which will see the creation of a new film from Louisa Fielden, creator of the viral-smash short film People You May Know and a new film from Tommy Gillard exploring 21^st century homosociality.

In the Micro Film category, commissions have been awarded to Jordan Thomas, who will be creating Exeter Phoenix’s first commissioned film presented entirely in British Sign Language, and Phil Spencer who will draw on his experiences in Afghanistan to create an intimate exploration of how PTSD can manifest itself in veterans.

Finally, the South West Documentary Commission has been awarded to Joe Auborn whose documentary follows the reintroduction of Eurasian wolves to the Finnish archipelago of Åland.

SHORT FILM COMMISSION WINNERS

Louisa Fielden for Patrick

Tommy Gillard for Shuttlecock 

MICRO FILM CATEGORY WINNERS

Jordan Thomas for Flicker

Phil Spencer for House Hunting

 SOUTH WEST DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY WINNER

Joe Auborn for Åland

 Speaking about the announcement Luke Hagan, Digital Coordinator at Exeter Phoenix said:

‘We are really excited to be able to announce this years film commission line-up.  We have a fantastic selection of up and coming filmmakers, with diverse stories and unique voices, and we’re thrilled to be able to help them develop their ideas and showcase the incredible talent we have here in the South West.’

These commissions demonstrate both the wealth of talent within the region’s filmmakers and many previous commission winners have gone on to win awards gaining recognition within the industry and some are now developing feature length work. 

The films will be completed over the coming year, and audiences will have a chance to see them at a special commission premiere screening which will take place at Exeter Phoenix’s Two Short Nights Film Festival in November.

For more information on our commission schemes and how Exeter Phoenix can help get filmmaking projects off the ground, visithttp://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/creative-hub.

Alongside annual commissioning opportunities the city centre arts venue also provides an extensive range of support, from practical training in software and equipment use, kit and room hire and a platform for screenings at Exeter Phoenix’s bespoke independent cinema Studio 74.