Experiencing Interruptions?

This is Zoe

Zoe's reserved nature speaks volumes when her familiar, unwanted inner critic comes out to play.

  • Hayley Reeve
    Writer
  • Stephen Gallacher
    Director
    Unexpected Item
  • Hayley Reeve
    Producer
  • Hayley Reeve
    Key Cast
    "Zoe"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, magical realism, coming of age
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 7, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    13,000 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
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Stephen Gallacher

Stephen Gallacher is a Blackpool born and London based director who has spent the last decade working in the industry as an AD. Starting his career as a runner, he's worked all the way up to 1st AD while simultaneously forging a path as a director.

Over the last ten years he has directed several short films including the multi award winning ‘Unexpected Item’ which stars Jamie Blackley and Olivia Colman. This is the story of a man with social anxiety getting dating advice from a self-service check out.

His recent films include 'This Is Zoe' which is currently on the festival circuit, winning the Audience Award at TweetFest, and ‘Harold & Mary’ a harrowing true story about a couple coming to terms with one of them having dementia. Starring the incredible Dermot Crowley and Phyllis Logan.

In his time in the industry, he has worked on several high-profile sets, including The Crown, Fleabag, and several others.

Last year Stephen gained his first TV directing credit as 2nd Unit Director on London Kills.

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Director Statement

This is Zoe is such a wonderfully colourful and vibrant film, it allowed me to explore camera movement and interesting choices.

Filming with actor Hayley Reeve (who also wrote the film) was a great experience. Her physicality and versatility gave so much depth to the film we were exploring.

I was originally drawn to the idea because of the subject matter and diving into someones subconscious. Filming with one actor playing two parts is a fun and vegetating adventure, one that Hayley took in her stride.

This film dives into themes that we tend not to talk about, especially in such a brutal way. It was so much fun to create and work with this team from building the set, the story and the characters within this neon world.