Wake

A chance encounter between two women on the Mersey ferry leads to an exploration of the loss they both carry and how they navigate life and memories in its wake.

  • Karl Livingstone
    Director
  • Karl Livingstone
    Writer
  • Catherine Horn
    Producer
  • Selina Murphy
    Producer
  • Tracy Gabbitas
    Key Cast
    "Loretta"
    That Day We Sang, Don't Blame Jack, Wraith
  • Nicola Gardner
    Key Cast
    "Anna"
    Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Brookside, The Royal
  • Connor De Lio
    Director of Photography
  • Michael Mckay
    Sound Recordist
  • Tom Forfar
    Sound Mixer
    Sometimes Always Never, Unsung Hero: The Jack Jones Story
  • Karl Livingstone
    Editor
    Brutalism, Covid-19
  • Rebekka Busch
    BTS Photographer
  • Susan Hughes
    Supporting Cast
  • Joseph Livingstone
    Music by
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 21 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Glasgow
    United Kingdom
    September 21, 2023
    World Premier
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Karl Livingstone

Karl Livingstone is a Liverpool based filmmaker striving to tell human stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.

Originally trained as a theatre actor, Karl made the transition to film early in his career; learning the aspects, challenges and needs of many departments along the way.

During his time studying filmmaking at The University of Salford, Karl co-founded “The Salford Film Society", working with peers and professionals alike to hone his craft.

After finishing his studies, Karl created experimental short films whilst working as a freelance video producer. He worked closely with Joseph Cross of “Courteeners” fame to direct multiple music videos for Northern bands.

He now runs “Seven Streets Production House Ltd.” alongside his partner, Catherine and their partner in crime, Selina.

His directorial inspirations include Spike Lee, Steve McQueen and Denis Villeneuve.

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Director Statement

I view films as a collage of life and filmmaking as painting with the world.

Wake is a project I will forever hold near and dear to my heart. As someone who has struggled with loss and the tainted memories left behind, I wanted to explore this specific aspect of grief and delve into this universal process. It is also why I have dedicated this film to my grandmother and great auntie.

This piece is filmed in a 4:3, narrow aspect ratio and in black and white to show the bleak nature of this story and the distance in which we view it from. The cinematography is still and stark, with looming landscapes and cold horizons that turn what is normally the beautiful vista of the River Mersey into a haunting, cold world for our story to take place. We also chose not to highlight the more iconic buildings of the skyline and instead focused on the the brutal and the cold skyscrapers to rob the viewer of the comfort of familiarity, much like Loretta's own struggle to cling to any form of warmth.

I used my father's music to flank the piece. Music that I have heard since I was a baby, sleeping in his cramped studio in my childhood home. His music affects me deeply and his creativity has probably guided my own more than I realise. So when I was making this film, his music immediately sprung to mind and our art finally met. Unusual sounds and experimental compositions lay the backdrop for melodies and beauty.

I also wanted to use the opportunity to platform local and diverse talent. Helping people on their journeys and foster a network of collaborators on both sides of the camera. My home (Liverpool) and the wider region (Northern England) has vast talent and art just waiting to be shown to the world. I hope to be a part of this movement and contribute to its momentum.