Experiencing Interruptions?

Skin & Blister

Victoria cares for her sister Bella who has Cerebral Palsy and is wheelchair bound. Victoria’s love and dedication to her sister is evident however, cracks begin to form in their routine and Victoria is put under pressure to make an important decision.

A glimpse into the daily life of carers for the disabled from a sibling’s perspective. Based on personal experience and real life events.

  • Elise Lamb
    Director
  • Elise Lamb
    Writer
  • Elise Lamb
    Producer
  • Wade Copson
    Cinematographer
  • Russell Smith
    Cinematographer
  • Daniel Tupou
    Cinematographer
  • Greg Scurr
    1st Assistant Director
  • Tennielle Copson
    Hair & Makeup Artist
  • Wade Copson
    Editor
  • Elise Lamb
    Key Cast
    "Victoria"
  • Amie Rankin
    Key Cast
    "Bella"
  • Jonathon Devitt
    Key Cast
    "Michael"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 31, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    500 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival
    Sydney
    Australia
    November 16, 2020
    Official Selection
  • WIFT (Women In Film & Television) V-FEST
    Brisbane
    Australia
    March 26, 2021
    NOMINATED - Best QLD Film
  • Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    September 20, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Melbourne Women In Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    February 10, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Elise Lamb

Hailing from Brisbane, Australia and classically trained as an actor at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Elise's filmmaking career is preceded by almost two decades of work as an actor, dancer and theatre-maker in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Driven by the desire to create and tell her own stories, Elise expanded into writing and directing in 2012 when she made her first short film BLOWN for Tropfest.

In 2016, Elise earned her Master of Arts in Advanced Theatre Practice from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London and was awarded the Ian Potter Cultural Trust. Upon graduating, she was accepted onto the Young Vic Director’s Program and was awarded a Bursary from Sir Nicholas Hytner to develop her writing at the National Theatre. Her debut full length play THE AUSTRALIAN GIRL was workshopped at The Old Vic Labs and produced Off-West End at Theatre N16. Other plays presented in London include A DANCE OF TWO SISTERS and DEEDS, NOT WORDS at the Pleasance Theatre and LOST IN BANK at Greenwich Theatre.

In 2019, Elise obtained a Graduate Certificate in Screen Production from Griffith Film School with her graduating film METHOD IN MADNESS being selected as a Semi-Finalist for the Los Angeles CineFest.

Her recent short film, SKIN & BLISTER was the recipient of the Regional Arts Services Network Community Fund. Inspired by Elise’s own personal experiences caring for her sister who has cerebral palsy, the film is currently in consideration for numerous international film festivals.

Continuing to maintain her theatre roots, Elise presented and performed her play DEEDS, NOT WORDS at the Brisbane Powerhouse as part of the 2019 Short+Sweet Festival.

Elise is currently developing her own slate of work including a Proof of Concept for the screen adaptation of her play THE AUSTRALIAN GIRL and a Television Drama.

As a filmmaker, Elise creates powerful imagery and utilises the camera to capture intimate moments. Her background in theatre is a solid foundation for her understanding of story and character. Her extensive acting experience allows her to connect with her actors and guide authentic visceral performances with her dance knowledge aiding the development of the physical narrative. As a storyteller, she is passionate about points of difference and exploring the female experience through the female lens.

Elise is a member of the Australian Writer’s Guild (AWG).

www.eliselamb.com

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Director Statement

This film is incredibly personal to me because it is based on my own experiences caring for my sister who has cerebral palsy. Currently, 1 in 8 Australians care for a family member or
friend with special needs. At some point, the workload of the carer may become too much. Putting a loved one into assisted living is a difficult and heartbreaking experience. The guilt of feeling like you are abandoning them to put yourself first is overwhelming. This film is an opportunity for those in similar circumstances to see themselves and their story represented on screen and to allow society to witness a world often hidden behind closed doors. I hope this film will generate conversation about disability and those that care for them and help develop a more understanding and compassionate society.

In regards to casting, I was adamant about casting an actor with a disability in the role of Bella. After months of searching we found Amie, who like my own sister also has Cerebral Palsy and was perfect for the role. I believe that filmmakers have a responsibility to ensure the future of cinema is inclusive and it begins with casting.

Myself and the filmmakers would like to thank Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC) and Regional Arts Services Network (RASN). Without their support this film wouldn't have been possible.