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The Stork

The Stork is a character driven comedy that follows well intentioned, but clueless, parents of a queer woman wanting to start a family via artificial insemination using Norwegian semen ordered online – a popular method for queer couples. However, typically, the receipts of said semen tend to sign for their important delivery but on this occasion they’re not in but, (un)luckily, one set of parents are! On delivery, there is a slight altercation that results in the sample being destroyed leaving the delivery driver and parents in a bit of sticky (or rather NOT sticky) situation that needs to be rectified before their daughter returns home. All three characters are on very different pages regarding their plan of action and have very different perspectives when it comes to understanding the queer community – supportive but not necessarily accurate. Through miscommunication and audience the short pushes moral boundaries, questioning how far would a parent go to secure their child’s happiness. We follow the trio as they stumble their way through learning about their daughter’s journey (despite their ignorance) and its complexities - from a place of love. It’s an uplifting, family centred story showcasing the importance of unconditional love of queer people.

  • Stephen Gallacher
    Director
    McDonald & Dodds, Harold & Mary, Unexpected Item
  • Ronan McCabe
    Writer
    Swim, Changing Ends, Alexander: The Making of a God
  • Rhydian Lewis
    Producer
    Pathway, Head Over Heels
  • Ronan McCabe
    Producer
    Swim, Changing Ends, Alexander: The Making of a God
  • Bernadette Flynn
    Executive Producer
    Burnt Toast & Cigarettes, Toast Soldiers, Better the Neville you Know
  • Duncan Western
    Executive Producer
  • Ioan Ings
    Assistant Producer
    Scopophobia, Protein
  • Siobhan Finneran
    Key Cast
    "Gwenda"
    Downton Abbey, Boy A, Happy Valley, Rita Sue & Bob Too
  • Tom Rosenthal
    Key Cast
    "Clive"
    Friday Night Dinner, Plebs, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre
  • Paul Chahidi
    Key Cast
    "Ian"
    The Death of Stalin, This Country
  • Oscar Garth
    Director of Photography
    Benji, Matriarch, Code of Silence,
  • Aideen Johnston
    Offline Editors
    The Spin, Love Without Walls, Brittania
  • Jasmin John
    Offline Editors
    The Pursuit of Love, On Call, McDonald & Dodds
  • Matt Parry
    Online Editor
  • James Drake
    Sound Designer
    Boiling Point, His Dark Materials, Lion
  • Blair Mowat
    Composer & Music Supervisor
  • Sacha Garrett
    Casting Director
    Morbius, Jurassic World Dominion, 1917
  • Katie Rodgers
    Production Designer
  • Emma Donna
    Costume Designer
  • Eleanor Whiting
    Hair and Makeup Designer
  • Matt Welfare
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Sam Harvey
    2nd AC/Camera PA
  • Edward Dorman
    Script Supervisor
  • David Erwood
    Production Sound Engineer
  • Alex Butler
    Gaffer
  • Georgia Marshall
    Spark
  • Anastasia Argent
    Runners
  • Joe Lappin
    Runners
  • Adam Dolniak
    Colourist
  • Alun Daniel
    VFX Artist
  • Paul Marke
    VFX Artist
  • Anna J Gallacher
    Stills Photographer
  • Cam McBain
    Stills Photographer
  • Carl Staples
    Storyboard Artist
  • Jules Wood
    Re-Recording Mixer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, LGBTQ+
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 23, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Stephen Gallacher

With a journey spanning a decade, Stephen has had the fortune of directing films recognized with various awards. His works have found their way to esteemed platforms like the Academy Awards and BAFTA-recognized festivals, allowing him to share stories close to his heart with audiences worldwide. Recently, Stephen had the privilege of directing Episode 3 of ‘McDonald & Dodds 4’ for Mammoth Screen and ITV—a project that was both challenging and rewarding. He has also contributed as the second unit director for notable series’ such as ‘London Kills’ for the BBC and ‘Fifteen-Love’ for World Productions in collaboration with Amazon. Guided by the insights of Peter Hoar, through the Directors UK Inspire Mentor Scheme, Stephen has had the chance to learn and refine his craft along the way. Stephen has worked alongside gifted actors like Aidan Turner, Olivia Colman, Jason Watkins, Phyllis Logan, and Dermot Crowley; an experience he say “has been a genuine pleasure”. His focus has been on socio-political dramas, intriguing thrillers. Through the lens of storytelling, Stephen strives to bring authentic visuals to the screen, always serving the narrative and the characters at its core. With a deep-rooted commitment to honest and meaningful filmmaking, Stephen looks forward to every opportunity to contribute and learn in this ever-evolving industry.

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Director Statement

"The Stork" is a delightful exploration of visual and audio comedy, penned by the talented Ronan McCabe. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling prowess of cinematic legends Chris Columbus, Robert Zemeckis, and Steven Spielberg, my aim is to infuse every frame with cinematic vitality. Through the lens of absurdity and humour reminiscent of classics like "Back to The Future" and "Home Alone," the camera becomes a tool for storytelling, weaving a narrative tapestry of familial chaos amidst the unique journey of fertility.

Echoing the spirit of late 80s and early 90s comedies, particularly those by the masterful John Hughes, I seek to create a world where familiar family dynamics collide with the unexpected, resulting in a plethora of comedic moments. This collision of the ordinary and the extraordinary not only pays homage to cinematic greats but also breathes new life into the genre, blending British Americana with a vibrant, colourful aesthetic reminiscent of films like "Edward Scissorhands."
The setting of suburbia serves as a rich backdrop, evoking a sense of nosy neighbours and tight-knit communities where even the arrival of a seemingly ordinary delivery driver for a lesbian couple raises eyebrows and sparks curiosity. It's within this tapestry of everyday life that our characters navigate their way through misunderstandings and miscommunications, each moment ripe with comedic potential.

To capture the essence of "The Stork" in its fullest cinematic glory, I plan to employ a mix of track and slider shots, minimizing handheld camera work to maintain a polished, elegant visual style. This approach not only allows for seamless transitions between characters but also adds a dynamic energy to the storytelling, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.
Ultimately, "The Stork" is more than just a comedy; it's a testament to the power of love, family, and the unexpected twists life throws our way. With a talented cast bringing wit and charm to the screen, coupled with vibrant visuals and sophisticated camera movements, I aim to elevate McCabe's brilliant script into a poignant, joyful, and unforgettable short film experience.