Thrilled to announce that short film 'Just Jackie' has been commissioned and will be heading into production.
Short Circuit announced today that 'Just Jackie' is one of the seven films that will be produced through the BFI NETWORK backed short film scheme Sharp Shorts.
The film
Just Jackie is about plus-sized 9 year old Jackie, who loves dressing up in his mum’s clothes, seeks sweeties (and approval) from the girl-next-door.
Just Jackie is an uplifting bubblegum pop tale of friendship, acceptance and belonging.
The team
Writer: Ali Taylor
Ali was on the inaugural BBC Writersroom Scottish TV Drama Room and has been a finalist twice for the BBC Writer's Prize for Drama. Her pilot 'The Hotel at the End of the World' was shortlisted to the last 21 of the C21 International Drama Competition.
“I’ve wanted to tell a story about a young queer character that’s joyous and celebratory for some time.
Thanks to Sharp Shorts’ support, I’m delighted and excited to be going into production with ‘Just Jackie’.
Michael was the first person I told the idea to and, from the outset, I had my heart set on them directing, so I’m thrilled to be working with them as well as our wonderful producers, James and Reece.”
Director: Michael Lee Richardson
Michael Lee Richardson is a writer and youth worker based in Glasgow.
Michael’s short film, My Loneliness is Killing Me – directed by Tim Courtney – won a BAFTA
Scotland Award in 2018. It has been shown on BBC Scotland, and at film festivals around the
world.
"I was so, so excited when Ali sent me this script. I love the warmth of her writing and the compassion she has for her characters - and I was over the moon when she asked me to direct it!"
Michael currently has film and television projects in development with Kindle Entertainment, Balloon, Projector Pictures, Tigerlily and feature project A Good Spell with Bombito.
Producer: James Heath
James Heath is a BAFTA nominated producer of feature film The Fitzroy (SXSW award winning), written and directed by Andrew Harmer ‘The Fitzroy’.
James joined MTP as an Exec in 2019, with a focus on developing a slate of original projects and international co-production.
"Delighted and excited to have the support from Short Circuit to bring Ali’s bold and uplifting script to life.
Michael is the most exciting director imaginable to get the opportunity to bring this script to the screen and its thrill to be partnering with an experienced and skilled producer as Reece – I can’t wait to get started!"
Producer: Reece Cargan
Reece is a producer and founder of Bombito Productions.
"I'm really happy to begin working with Ali and her amazing script and continue my working relationship with both James and Michael.
Extra delighted that, I'm able to produce Michael's first narrative short as director - while Michael and I continue to progress our feature project: 'A Good Spell' together".
Reece was recently selected by Screen International as a Rising Star Scotland.
The scheme
In April 2022, Short Circuit invited filmmaking teams to submit a one-page outline of their film idea. After a rigorous selection process, 12 ideas were selected to take part in further development.
The twelve teams then pitched their project to a panel that was formed by Short Circuit Talent Executives; Claudia Yusef, Head of Development at BBC Film; and Brian Coffey, Producer at The Highland Midgie for the chance to receive production funding to make their film.
Next steps
We are excited to work with experienced casting agent Anna Dawson to find our perfect Jackie and start pre production in earnest with a view to shoot late 2022 or early 2023.