Do Not Disturb
George takes a detour on his way home from the office which sets off a dark tale of lies and confusion.
-
Jon James SmithDirectorSpira
-
Jon James SmithWriterSpira
-
Alexandra Glenn PratherProducer
-
Richard SheltonKey CastMy Week with Marilyn, Emmerdale, Joker Game
-
Kathryn LeemanKey Cast21 Outs, The Science of Ghosts
-
Steve WongKey CastGodzilla
-
Dominique MarsellKey CastHustle, Ridge War Z, Joker Rising
-
Ron McMahonKey CastLoose Ends,
-
Michael David FarrowKey CastLoud and Deep, Steven Spielberg and the Return to Film School
-
Candace QuirkKey CastIron Cross, Fox and Bing
-
Project Type:Short
-
Genres:Thriller
-
Runtime:13 minutes 20 seconds
-
Completion Date:July 1, 2015
-
Production Budget:4,000 USD
-
Country of Origin:United States
-
Country of Filming:United States
-
Shooting Format:Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:2.53
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:No
-
Student Project:No
-
Los Angeles Cinema Festival of HollywoodLos Angeles
September 28, 2015
North American Premiere
WINNER BEST NARRATIVE SHORT -
British Horror Film FestivalEmpire Leicester Square, London UK
November 7, 2015
London Premiere
WINNER BEST MUSIC (Nominated for Best Short, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor) -
WorldFestHouston
United Kingdom
April 17, 2016
WINNER PLATINUM REMI AWARD -
Awardeo
WINNER TRAILER OF THE WEEK -
Horror/Thriller Feedback Film FeativalToronto
Canada
November 16, 2016
BEST OF SHORT FILM
Jon James Smith is a British writer and director working primarily in the horror and thriller genre.
Acclaimed film critic MJ Simpson wrote; "It's Jon James Smith's attention to detail that really impresses" in his review of Smith's award-winning thriller Do Not Disturb (2015). The film screened at festivals worldwide, winning several awards. Smith then went on to win the Shriekfest Commercial Competition in 2016.
His latest horror film Last Orders (2021) starring Alastair Parker (Netflix's 'The Witcher') and Steven Elder (Netflix's 'The King'), has received wide praise in reviews, being described as a "masterwork" by Nevermore-Horror.com. Although still near the beginning of its festival run, the film has picked up several awards including the Grand Jury Prize for Best Horror Short at Film Invasion LA and the Best of Fest Skully's Choice Award at The London Horror Society Indie Film Showcase.
Jon's new short 'Babushka' starring Hayley McFarland (The Conjuring, Lie To Me) is in post-production, and his Screencraft Semifinalist feature screenplay 'Rangda' is in development with Thorny Devil Productions.
Studying cinematography in the UK at the prestigious Bournemouth Screen Academy (alumni include, Edgar Wright) under Witold Stok BSC, was a great technical and creative base for his career. With a lust for hands-on experience Jon worked on over thirty 16mm productions, his student cinematography work has been screened at festivals around the world, winning various awards. He went on to work in the industry in the camera department and then as a cinematographer for several indie productions before focusing on writing and directing.
In between making films, Jon has created content for some of the biggest brands around, has worked for Google as a cinematographer and tech specialist, and works in special effects, recently on Warner Brothers 'Pennyworth' and BBC's 'Killing Eve'. Jon was also second unit director on horror feature 'Fanged Up', starring Steven Berkoff (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Beverly Hills Cop).
"Seemingly every scene is a twist that dramatically shifts your opinions and predictions of the plot. Every line of dialogue, camera movement, or cut could potentially reveal new and astonishing information. Every sudden storyshift also leads to subtle, but clever, change in genre. [...] It is a perfect example of how to reveal the exact amount of information in a scene needed for the scene to work."
- UK Film Review
"...this is tautly plotted; not a word of dialogue, not a shot or edit is wasted in telling us an actually quite complex story... It's Jon James Smith's attention to detail that really impresses... hugely recommended. MJS rating: A"
- MJ Simpson
"Really thrilling and suspenseful stuff" - Film Shortage
"This looks and feels like it could be taken right out of a big budget Hollywood blockbuster thriller... If you get an opportunity to see this film please take it. You'll be glad you did. Strong recommend."
- ScareTissue
"...a beautifully crafted story and film unfold. Shot confidently and with an eye for flair, Director Smith never wastes a moment... Jon James Smith has crafted a clever and gripping film that made me want to see more than the 14 minutes given. His creative team and talent should be proud of this little gem and all the recent accolades are well deserved. I look forward to Mr Smith's future works"
- UK Horror Scene
"a compelling piece, composed of endless twists, turns and red herrings. Expertly shot, with keen focus and attention to detail [...] Smiths’ work is undoubtedly engaging- catching the viewer from the very first moments of screen time. The piece also employs interesting characters, compelling details, passion, and yes, even the occasional chuckle."
- FestivalReviews.org