Private Project

The Filmmaker

Jamie is an enthusiastic Canadian-Italian filmmaker with a burning desire to direct his debut feature film. . He's been working hard on various projects and writing stories in his second language while saving up to afford the cost of living in the UK. Jamie's life takes an unexpected turn when a well-known producer from a previous show offers him a golden opportunity: assisting a renowned producer on a high-profile TV show for seven weeks. Balancing this chance against a secure year-long editing program contract, Jamie is torn. Encouraged by his loyal friend, Doris, he takes on both roles, crafting a viral biopic-style short comedy about his journey that propels him towards his directing aspirations.

  • Jay Manari
    Director
    Director, Director
  • Luca Nappa
    Producer
    Producer
  • Carlo Zaccheo
    Producer
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short Script
  • Genres:
    comedy, biopic, short
  • Number of Pages:
    20
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Writer Biography

Jay Manari is an independent director-writer-producer, member of Directors UK, protecting the rights of UK-based screen director members.

Jay started out working on independent films and commercials both in Europe (Italy) and in the U.S (California - LA & New York) back in 2014 where he worked with LA producers, such as Ed Polgardy, and, in the last years, in the UK, with series producer Jon Jennings, assisting directors like Ben Taylor (known for popular shows like for ‘Sex Education’) and Amanda Brotchie (known for ‘Gentleman Jack’).

In 2018, Jay founded MiraBan, an Arts & Entertainment running film events, online film courses, and networking opportunities, such as the MiraBan UK Film Awards (MUFA), a British, London-based, Film Festival focused on diversity in auteur movies. Member of Film Hub London and winner of the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, MUFA provides a spotlight for under-represented, emerging, and experienced independent, auteur filmmakers.

We work as a bridge from the festival circuit to film distribution, ensuring that independent filmmakers reach a wider audience thanks to meaningful partnerships with Independent Streaming Platforms, such as StreamAuteur.

In June 2024, Jay was nominated 'Filmmaker of the Month' by My First Job in Film Company, the largest community of emerging filmmakers in the UK.

In the last five years, Jay has been working both as a producer's assistant and director's assistant in London-based High-end TV Dramas (such as 'Renegade Nell' by Disney Plus), as well as producing his own independent film productions available on multiple online distribution platforms.

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Writer Statement

"Making the impossible possible depends on your determination, strength, and ability to convince others to believe in your ideas."
Jay Manari