Experiencing Interruptions?

THE JOURNEY OF ALFRED SMALL

A reclusive old man crosses paths with a young mother and her son trying to escape an abusive relationship when their lives collide on the bus.

  • Mike Archer
    Director
  • Mike Archer
    Writer
  • Mike Archer
    Producer
    Oranges and Lemons
  • Oriana Ornithari
    Producer
    Two Days in the Smoke
  • Amy Holleworth
    Executive Producers
  • Mike Archer
    Executive Producers
    Easy Virtue
  • Ross K Foad
    Executive Producers
    No Place Like Holmes
  • Philip Goldacre
    Key Cast
    The Bill
  • Tayo Elesin
    Key Cast
    Law and Order UK
  • Dinarte Gouveia
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 15, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    5,500 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED 3DS 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards
    Los Angeles
    Nominated BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
  • London
    London: Clapham
    British Premier
  • Ozark Shorts Film Festival
  • Olympus Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Finalist and Nominated: BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
  • The British Short Film Award

    United Kingdom
    FINALIST: Best Short Film from the Archieves
Distribution Information
  • Old Lamp Entertainment Limited
    Sales Agent
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Mike Archer

Born in the North East of England, from a working class background, Mike graduated from York St John's University with a BA degree in Film and Television Production. Following this, he relocated to London and trained as an actor, first at Drama Studio London's Summer School and later with Redroof's Film and Television School. Since training, Mike has gained considerable experience as both an actor and director. His acting credits include "Easy Virtue" for Ealing Studios, Oscar winner "The Kings Speech", independent horror film "Voodoo Magic" and "The Genius of Turner" for BBC2.

As a filmmaker Mike has been involved with a number of projects. He directed his first film in 2005. Entitled "Suzie", the film presented a dark tale of unspoken obsession. Following this, he produced "Oranges and Lemons", starring 80's TV 'bad boy' Mark Savage (Grange Hill). The film received public screening in York and won the Avid Media Award for Best Editor.

In 2011 Mike founded Old Lamp Films Limited, through which he worked with a number of clients to develop corporate content, including the Maranda Education Project in Kenya. The companies debut film "The Journey of Alfred Small", was written, produced and directed by Mike. This was followed by a multi media immersive show at the Vaults Tunnels: London - 'The Crystal Egg Live' was an adaptation of seminal writer H. G. Wells' short story of the same name - combining the three faucets of film, theatre, and sound to immerse an audience in the story.

He is currently developing a slate of projects for the company, including "The Haunting of Boat 65", "The Siege of Sidney Street" and "Dorothy's War" for Old Lamp and recently negotiated to develop a high concept comedy film entitled "Berners Street".

Mike is represented by Rachel Breeze at Second Skin Agency

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Director Statement

"Initially, the story was about stereotypes, but as the characters and situations developed, so did the idea at the films heart. Key to this development was the reason 'why?'. Asking the questions about why people are motivated to act and say certain things. Why would we watch a violent attack but do nothing? And in searching for the answers, the film took on a new light.

"The Journey of Alfred Small" is a multi layered story, that addresses a number of issues that are prevalent in modern society. In a way, the film is a meditation on grief, friendship and perception. But at the same time, it brings into focus key messages in issues such as domestic abuse. We like to think we're Alfred, the man who leaps selfishly into action, but really most end up being the guy who needs a push. It's an uncomfortable notion.

Yet, the aspect that continues to touch the people who watch the film, is the grief Alfred feels, and I think that is because it's a moment taken from personal experience. It is a situation that we all have or will have to face. And that's the global appeal. It doesn't matter who we are, or the ideas and choices we make. At some point we will all experience that moment of grief. It's personal, not only to me, but to the viewer. But the idea is to present a film that perhaps gives a glimmer of hope. When Alfred tells Kendal to let go of the past, he also discovers something that is as much for him as her - the need to look to the future."