Private Project

Out of Orbit

When Esme’s mum dies, her world falls apart. She struggles to navigate her day to day life until she gets an idea, fuelled by their mutual love of space, which may lead to the relief she so longs for.

Starring Amira Macey-Michael (star of Oscar Nominated Aardman Animation / Netflix Film "Robin Robin"); Michael D. Douglas and Kat Harrison.

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*Judges Selection - Lift Off London 2021*
*Best Art Direction - Lift Off London 2021*
*Official Selection - Manchester Film Festival 2022*
*Official Selection - Nottingham Film Festival 2022*
*Official Selection - Liverpool Film Festival 2022*
*Best Directors - Unrestricted View Film Festival 2022*
*Best Micro-Budget Short - Kino Film Festival 2022*
*Best Production Design - Kino Film Festival 2022*
*Best Directors - Visability Film Festival 2022*
*Best Drama Directors - London Director Awards 2022*
*Best Cinematography & Best Editing - Feel The Reel 2022*
+ more

  • Jess Kay
    Writer
  • Jess Kay
    Director
    Drift; Lucky Chicken; Ragdoll Productions.
  • Dann Emmons
    Director
    Termination; On Air; In Search Of A White Identity; Election Spy (BBC).
  • Dann Emmons
    Producer
  • Jess Kay
    Producer
  • Raghav Mukerji
    Producer
    Manfish; On Air.
  • Charlotte Hardick
    Producer
  • Amira Macey-Michael
    Key Cast
    "Esme"
    Robin Robin (Aardman/Netflix)
  • Michael D. Douglas
    Key Cast
    "Leo"
    Stargazer; Nom; Their Story
  • Kat Harrison
    Key Cast
    "Mum "Voice""
    In Servitude
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 5, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    996 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jess Kay, Dann Emmons

"My storytelling began as a childhood excitement for the incredible possibilities it can bring, so it was only natural that as an adult I'd gravitate towards creating stories for children and their wonderful imaginations. I began working in children’s theatre creating puppets and devising stories for numerous successful theatrical productions. I also work as a child support worker, which has spurred me on further in creating stories from the perspective of children, to express their sense of wonder and their unwavering belief in magic." - Jess Kay

"I love filmmaking. It's as simple as that. To tell a story visually is the greatest joy I know and I have been lucky enough to do this as a career across many platforms, whether it be commercials, television, film or documentary. As a filmmaker, I have always been interested in identity and the notion of approaching projects from the character first, whether they be real or fictional. I'm always excited to explore that ethos and drill down to the heart of who someone is and what their perspective on the world may be." - Dann Emmons

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"In truth, when my Dad died, everything became about that.

It was everything I thought about. It was everything I wanted to talk about. Every bad dream I had and every poor decision I made. Everything that surrounded me seemed to speak of the subtle and not-so-subtle emotions and thoughts that come with losing someone you love.

Not least of all, it became everything I would write about. Scribbling in hidden away notebooks, confessions of guilt, utterings of hope, contradictions and consolations; desperately trying to make sense of it all; wanting to make it all ok again.

One of these scribbles (albeit written several times and in different forms), spoke of the loneliness and the change in reality that losing someone close to you can bring. The knowledge that everything is now very different, whilst also pretending to be the same. I had the sensation that I was in the wrong place, that I didn’t belong anymore, that this wasn’t meant to be my life.

So from there "Out of Orbit" was born and as cheesy as it sounds, the sentimental stories that inspired the film offered a little release, someone else ‘got’ it. So I hope that "Out of Orbit" is able to provide that little emotional aid to anyone who might appreciate it right now or a little comfort and familiarity to anyone who has felt that in the past." - Jess Kay