Genre: Drama/Comedy.

Within this compelling piece, Ntiarna collaborated closely alongside Shotglass Productions to write and direct a project that is exceptionally personal to our actor; this work marks his first short film debut. The filming took place in the vibrant city of Brighton with a small, dedicated two-person crew. Ntiarna skillfully directed her actor to extract genuine emotions during some sensitive and impactful scenes, while also successfully tapping into his comedic side. Maintaining the emotional depth in her directing style involved creating a nurturing environment, allowing her actor the necessary space to reflect on how past experiences have shaped his feelings. Though this method has proved effective for her as a director, she was always careful to articulate her guidance thoughtfully to prevent leaving him feeling vulnerable once the scene was complete. This approach fostered a safe and approachable environment where he could thrive creatively.

Ntiarna took a proactive and hands-on approach to the comedy aspect of the film. The filming kit was strategically positioned to minimize any margin for error, allowing her to orchestrate a detailed movement plan in collaboration with the Director of Photography (DOP). She then demonstrated this movement to her actor, who quickly grasped the concepts and incorporated them into his performance.

The foundation of inspiration for this short film emerged from several insightful meetings with their actor, during which they delved into his personal struggles with relationships and acknowledged how societal standards have not influenced his distinctive sense of style, speech, or overall demeanor. In contrast, many of the people he encounters seem to conform to societal expectations, striving to fit into perceived molds.

The ultimate goal of this short film was for her actor to enrich his showreel and consider submitting it to various film festivals, such as BFI Flare. The creative process also embraced workshopping the scenes with her actor, empowering him with the freedom to explore the script. The script served as a foundational framework, which Ntiarna adapted alongside her actor, encouraging him to express what felt real and relatable, particularly since this was his first role in acting. She was committed to making this an authentic and significant experience for him.