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Laura Living Backwards

A reluctant time traveller, robs a bank on her birth-day to change the fate of the man who arrests her, and maybe her own.

  • Kate Horlor
    Director
  • Andrew David Barker
    Writer
  • Kate Horlor
    Writer
  • Kate Horlor
    Producer
  • Sarah Feltham
    Key Cast
    "Laura"
  • Edward Wolstenholme
    Key Cast
    "Moffatt"
  • Jason Adam
    Key Cast
    "Clive Stewart"
  • Damien Hyde
    Director of Photography
  • Steve O'Reilly
    Director of Photography
  • Rhys Morris
    Composer
  • Louise Pearson
    Editor
  • Rahel Denning
    Production Design
  • Claire Collins
    Costume
  • Veronica McAleer
    Make Up Designer
  • Andrew Jones
    Sound Mixer
  • Masarat Begum
    Colourist
  • Benjamin Peissel
    SOund Design
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, sci-fi, comedy
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    600 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4k Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Kate Horlor

Kate's journey began in the film industry as a runner, but her path twisted into the realm of factual and entertainment TV as an assistant producer. There, she took charge, pitching and directing commercials for a few niche Sky Channels, ranging from horse feed to wedding dresses to The Cayman Islands tourist board.

After globetrotting for a few years shooting Facts/Ents and commercials, she was made Head of Production. Yet, an itch persisted, urging her back to her roots: Drama.

One night at 3am, she applied for a runner's job on a daytime soap, starting her career anew. Despite longer hours and less pay, she found her happy place and felt at last, at home.
Climbing the ranks to 3rd AD, then 2nd AD, she transitioned to coordinating, while still dabbling in creative projects like online Social campaigns for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Now in development, she focuses on shows set in the Midlands, scouting for new hits in the region where she is proud to be from and still live, and works as an Assistant Producer on two of the regions best Cosy Crime Shows.

Laura Living backwards is Kate's first Short Narrative Film.

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Director Statement

The concept is simple. Imagine a time traveller who only travels back in time, one day at a time.

That’s the simple yet intriguing concept Andrew David Barker brought to me, paired with the title "Lionel Living Backwards," and I was immediately drawn in. As we developed it into a TV series, I suggested crafting a proof of concept short. Andrew agreed, on the condition that I direct it. The resulting draft, set in the 80s and revolving around Laura's bank robbery, was concise, gripping, and, most importantly for a no-budget short, written around available locations.

I wanted LLB to not only prove a concept but also have its own stakes, its own raison d’être, to breathe all on its own. With Andrew's encouragement, I worked on the next draft, my first attempt at narrative writing since university. Changing Lionel to Laura and delving into her motivations of saving Moffatt’s life injected depth into the project, as did adding the twist of it being her literal birthday.

I loved the script but couldn't find the courage to direct, worried I'd waste the opportunity or the script. In January 2024, the show the police station belonged to was cancelled, and I was given a deadline of two months to cast, crew, and produce the short. There's nothing like a deadline to get you moving. I dusted off the script and gave it one last draft.

Laura's journey struck a chord with me on a profound level. Simply shuffling through her time on earth, she only begins to truly live when she starts moving backward. Bringing Sarah on board and delving into Laura's emotional depths breathed life into her character. From her provocative opening line to her vulnerable finale, Laura's tumultuous journey serves as the heartbeat of the narrative.

For Moffatt's character, I veered away from the typical cynical detective archetype, opting instead for a nuanced portrayal brimming with compassion. He's the kind of detective who just might be swayed by Laura's story and give her the chance to tell it, and he is most definitely a person you’d want to save.

I worked closely with the DOPs, having marathon evening sessions of talking about shot composition, colour palettes, and moods. Colour became a vital tool for capturing Laura's journey. In 2019, her world is devoid of vibrancy or detail, but as we journey back to 1989, the palette explodes with rich, textured hues, symbolizing her newfound vitality and freedom, while shots pick up details in the interview room.

One of my favourite films is Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru, and I guess, in some ways, I wanted to make the same point – that life needs to be lived, and you should take whatever chance you can to do good in the world, even if you won’t see the consequences.