Private Project

Shipshape

Keeping a secret is like holding your breath.

An independent and self-sufficient man tries to cope with his own mortality after hearing the worst news a person can get. He realises that he can not manage this ordeal on his own and decides to put family rows behind him. Only then can he confront reality and stop holding his breath.

  • Jake Balfour-Lynn
    Director
  • Jake Balfour-Lynn
    Writer
  • Alex Mill
    Writer
  • Marisa Polin
    Producer
    Too Far Gone
  • Si Martin
    Key Cast
  • Tommy Alexander
    Key Cast
  • Paul Sockett
    Key Cast
  • Jon Constantinou
    Cinematography
  • Gernot Fuhrmann
    Sound Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 20, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Cannes Festival, Short Film Corner
    Cannes, France
Director Biography - Jake Balfour-Lynn

Jake accidentally got into filming through light painting and slow motion. He lived for sometime in China where he realised a couple of corporate and event films and also got his BA in Chinese. Recently finished his filmmaking masters at Central Film School London where he graduated as director with Shipshape.

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Director Statement

This is a movie about undercurrent feelings of anger and love. I’m trying to portray this without much dialogue, instead focusing on soaking up the atmosphere seen through the eyes of our protagonist.

I took inspiration from two very different styles of film. One is Import/export (2007), where Ulrich Seidl is not scared to leave the camera on the tripod and let the actors create the movement and the second is Fruitvale Station (2013) where Ryan Coogler follows the action with tight handheld camerawork. The aim was to blend this contrast to represent how we all go through the motions, in waves. One moment we can find ourselves swirling in thoughts and the other in muted calm. The key for casting the brothers was to find two people that fit the character’s as oppose to altering personalities to suit the role. This would allow me to let them breath into the role and discuss ideas without saying “he would…” but “I would.”

In terms of soundtracks, I have worked with music Producer’s, Alex Daniell and Bogdan Mlinarevic, who could help me transform my piano compositions into palpable, well-rounded constructions.