Declan Smith is an East Midlands based filmmaker with an overwhelming passion for cinema. Whether it's writing, directing or acting, Declan has always been involved in storytelling, wearing multiple hats. After studying Stage and Screen at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2019, he pursued filmmaking. A fan of thinking outside of the box, not going with the norm and delivering refreshing ideas, Declan chose to create a romance drama that utilises visual storytelling; whilst also staying relevant with the problems of modern day dating for their first professional short. They Directed, wrote and produced Ghosted (2022) it was filmed around the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas in August 2022 and completed post production in October 2022. With the help of five creatives involved in the making of it: two actors, one composer, one director and one cinematographer. On a budget of £300, it has since been accepted in over 31 festivals worldwide and picking up awards for Best Soundtrack and Best LGBT romance. Declan's follow up short film Fade in to Murder is a Columbo esque murder mystery, is also on the festival circuit receiving two awards so far 'Best Producer' and 'Best Debut Actress'
Filmography
Producer (4 Credits)
Fade in: to Murder 2023
Short
Flying Backwards2022
Short
Ghosted 2022
Short
Surroundings2022
Experimental, Short
Writer (4 Credits)
Fade in: to Murder 2023
Short
Flying Backwards2022
Short
Ghosted 2022
Short
Surroundings2022
Experimental, Short
Director (4 Credits)
Fade in: to Murder 2023
Short
Flying Backwards2022
Short
Ghosted 2022
Short
Surroundings2022
Experimental, Short
36 Awards & Selections
Winner - Best Short Film Fade in: to Murder
Milton Keynes International Film Festival Milton Keynes
2024
Winner - Best Actress in a Leading Role Fade in: to Murder
Midlands Movie Film Festival 2024 Leicester
2024
Best Hair & Make Up nomination Fade in: to Murder
Wolverhampton Film Festival Wolverhampton
2024
Best Director nomination, Best Cinematography nomination, Best Actress nomination, Best Editing nomination, Best Acting Ensemble nomination Fade in: to Murder
Big Fridge International Film Festival London
2024
Official Selection Ghosted
Oska Bright Film Festival Brighton
2024
Winner - Best Producer Fade in: to Murder
We Make Films International Film Festival London
2023
Best Actress Nomination Fade in: to Murder
Stockholm City Film Festival Stockholm
2023
Winner - Best Debut Actress Fade in: to Murder
Luleå International Film Festival Luleå
2023
Official Selection Fade in: to Murder
Repton Festival'23 Repton
2023
Official Selection Fade in: to Murder
Indie Filmmaker Showcase Leicester
2023
Official Selection Ghosted
Sheffield Global Cinema Festival Sheffield
2023
Best LGBTQ Ghosted
International World Film Awards London
2023
Best Production Design Nomination Ghosted
Wolverhampton Film Festival Wolverhampton
2023
Official Selection Ghosted
Golden Short Film Festival Avezzano
2023
Official Selection Ghosted
Love Actually International Storyteller Showcase New York
2023
Best Soundtrack Award Ghosted
England International Film Festival Grantham
2023
Best Actress Nomination, Best Editing Nomination Ghosted
Newham Film Festival London
2022
Best Actress nomination Fade in: to Murder
Monthly Indie Shorts Film Festival
Best Editing Nomination Fade in: to Murder
Golden Short Festival Abruzzo
Official Selection Ghosted
LGBT History Month 2024 Film Festival London
Official Selection Ghosted
Milton Keynes International Film Festival Milton Keynes