In The Room

As a writer and director of short films, you are always searching for the idea. Not “an idea” (as a writer, you churn out loads of them), but the idea - one which sparks a fire narratively and thematically, is rich in cinematic potential and crucially, fits the short form.

In October 2022, I wrote down a couple of sentences that were the seeds of what would eventually become In The Room, and suddenly there it was - the idea. With Louise Oliver’s (Producer/Co-Writer) background as a fierce advocate for change within the industry, I knew that she was the ideal collaborator to bring this story to the screen.

Film offers an opportunity for audiences to experience the world through another person’s eyes, to feel and understand the world as that character does. This is what draws me to make films, as it is an artform that offers a uniquely visceral way to do this.

FROM LOUISE OLIVER (Co-Writer / Producer) - Our film speaks to the present moment. While the #MeToo movement opened the door to conversations that were long overdue, we wanted to explore the lingering question of whether real, substantive change has followed. How do we ensure that those conversations continue and lead to action? While progress has been made, it’s still very obvious that the financial bottom line is the priority over any policy changes that benefit equality, diversity and safety. There is still a great deal of work to be done to create a compassionate and more equitable industry, not just for women, but for any marginalised or vulnerable group.