We are so happy to announce that Living With It by Holly Summerson has been commissioned by Short Circuit's film scheme.
In April 2021, Short Circuit invited one-page outline submissions. Holly submitted her idea and was one of the 16 selected to take part in further development and to pitch. Following the successful pitch - this project has now been commissioned and we are in pre production already.
The film
Accepting the long-term effects of disease - and making the best of an imperfect situation - are explored through the relationship between two dysfunctional flatmates in this animated mockumentary.
Holly Summerson will direct and take the lead in animating. Niki Rooney is writing and Reece Cargan is producing.
Director, writer and animator Holly Summerson:
I’m so excited to create this fun, fantastical, emotional film with an amazing team and the incredible support of Sharp Shorts!
The story
Perfectionist Lee must adapt to the imperfect reality of living with a disease - brought to life as a chaotic supernatural flatmate 'BUG'.
Upbeat light-entertainment show ‘Dream House: Nightmare Housemate’ is attempting to renovate their relationship through a series of home improvements. Lee wants to ignore Bug and steam ahead with her perfect home makeover, but her surface-level changes changes keep backfiring.
Eventually, she is forced to confront the real issue: that Bug is a permanent and significant part of her life.
Lee & Bug
Themes of Living With It
Living With It’ explores the universal theme of making the best of imperfection, as well as an under-represented perspective on disease, focused on enjoying a life that’s slightly different from conventional expectations.
The comedic flatmate relationship and striking visuals discuss illness, grief and shifting identity in a creative, captivating and understandable way.
Writer - Niki Rooney:
It's so thrilling and moving to be working with an editorial team who all identify with disability/chronic illness for the first time in my entire career. This representation on and off screen is so important to me, and I've never been prouder to have my name attached to a project.
I'm looking forward to sharing with the world our funny, authentic portrayal of the lived experience of 'Living With It' through Lee and Bug.
Producer - Reece Cargan:
I am excited to work with Holly again after our time working on Bombito's Who I Am Now (currently in post production) as I know we work well together and will craft something unique and beautiful.
I'm also ecstatic to get to work with an established talent such as Niki who has a knack of being able to write scripts that can make you laugh out loud one second and then slap you in the feels with an emotional sucker punch the next!
The scheme
Short Circuit is a film talent initiative for Scotland delivered by Film City Futures in partnership with Glasgow Film, and funded by The National Lottery through Screen Scotland and BFI NETWORK. The programme aims to support new and emerging filmmaking talent across Scotland through a combination of funding, events and training opportunities.
Each team will each receive up to £15,000 to produce their film. Teams will also take part in intensive production training, and will be paired with an established Producer, Director or Writer who will mentor the team to help them to deliver their final film.