WHAT IS IT?

The Stork is a character driven comedy that follows well intentioned, but clueless, parents of a queer woman wanting to start a family via artificial insemination using Hungarian semen ordered online – a popular method for queer couples. However, typically, the receipts of said semen tend to sign for their important delivery but on this occasion they’re not in but, (un)luckily, one set of parents are! On delivery, there is a slight altercation that results in the sample being destroyed leaving the delivery driver and parents in a bit of sticky (or rather NOT sticky) situation that needs to be rectified before their daughter returns home. All three characters are on very different pages regarding their plan of action and have very different perspectives when it comes to understanding the queer community – supportive but not necessarily accurate. Through miscommunication and audience, the short pushes moral boundaries, questioning how far a parent would go to secure their child’s happiness. We follow the trio as they stumble their way through learning about their daughter’s journey (despite their ignorance) and its complexities - from a place of love. It’s an uplifting, family centred story showcasing the importance of unconditional love of queer people.

Is it actually funny?

OF COURSE! It's hilarious! If you don't believe us, here are some out of context lines of dialogue for you to laugh at and then think to yourself 'Oh I want some more'... 

MEET THE CHARACTERS

As a character driven short, it's just as important to know about the characters as it is the plot!

SIOBHAN FINNERAN as GWENDA

That's right! You read it correctly!

Siobhan Finnneran is our Gwenda.

Siobhan has appeared in productions such as Benidorm, Downton Abbey, The Syndicate and Happy Valley. 

We are so happy and excited to have Siobhan onboard and can't wait to see what life Siobhan will breathe into Gwenda!

WHO ARE WE?

Broadside Films is an independent BAFTA Cymru Nominated Production company based in South Wales UK. We are a team with expertise in Producing, Post-Production, Camera, and writing. We work with writers, directors, and co-producers to take their films through from development to distribution. We make content that is distinctive, amusing, and thought-provoking. Our mission has nothing to do with genre or format, and everything to do with providing a distinctive window into the world. Our business is telling stories; funny stories, serious stories, but always human stories full of heart.

Our roots at Broadside Films go deep - back 14 years in fact, to a group of ambitious 12 year-olds with a camcorder in the seaside village of Ferryside, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The name Broadside was coined then and there, and it stuck. Four years later we had made several shorts and two feature-length films in and around Carmarthenshire with other aspiring filmmakers and actors alike, many of which were filmed in a community centre in Ferryside. Today.

In 2017, we set ourselves a little task (it was actually quite a big task!) A Short Film a Month, where, as it says on the tin, we made a short film for each month of the year. The plan was to broaden our experience in and portfolio of fiction films at the same time as expanding our contact pool with a range of crew members and actors from across Wales. We worked with different writers, directors and cinematographers to create a collection of films diverse in voice, tone and style. Ultimately, in this year we wanted to act as a small-scale production company in preparation for our longer term goals, condensing the process down into short films with very fast turnaround times. At the start of the month we would feedback and finalise the script, then pre-production, then shoot the film in the middle of the month, then straight into post-production, and repeat.

Over the years, we have worked in corporate and creative mediums, working in a variety of formats and genres giving us a well-rounded knowledge of the industry. 

​We currently have a slate of projects from TV Series to feature-films in various stages of development and Production keeping the team on their toes, and we're always on the lookout for new provoking material.

MOVING MOOD BOARD - NARRATED BY RONAN

MEET THE TEAM

RONAN McCABE - WRITER

Ronan is a Welsh born, London living Writer with over 8 years experience in the industry. His work has been screened at Academy Award, BIFA & BAFTA qualifying festivals including Edmonton, Bolton & Galway Film Festivals as well as BFI Flare 2023. 

Ronan has worked within two of the industry’s most renowned Talent Agencies; The Curtis Brown Group & United Agents Ltd working across the film, television and theatre space. 

As a writer, his passion lies in the creation of social dramas and comedies centred around the queer community told through confusion and misdirection that delivers an impactful message designed to breakdown the idea of stereotypes and create an engaging and enlightening experience for audiences. Ronan recently had a successful stint at the Edinburgh Film Festival, and is also treading the boards at Londons’ comedy clubs.

His writing credits include Swim (Short Film) and Orange Juice (Comedy Theatre). 

STEPHEN GALLACHER - DIRECTOR

With a journey spanning a decade, Stephen has had the fortune of directing films recognized with various awards. His works have found their way to esteemed platforms like the Academy Awards and BAFTA-recognized festivals, allowing him to share stories close to his heart with audiences worldwide. Recently, Stephen had the privilege of directing Episode 3 of ‘McDonald & Dodds 4’ for Mammoth Screen and ITV—a project that was both challenging and rewarding. He has also contributed as the second unit director for notable series’ such as ‘London Kills’ for the BBC and ‘Fifteen-Love’ for World Productions in collaboration with Amazon. Guided by the insights of Peter Hoar, through the Directors UK Inspire Mentor Scheme, Stephen has had the chance to learn and refine his craft along the way. Stephen has worked alongside gifted actors like Aidan Turner, Olivia Colman, Jason Watkins, Phyllis Logan, and Dermot Crowley; an experience he says “has been a genuine pleasure”. His focus has been on socio-political dramas, intriguing thrillers. Through the lens of storytelling, Stephen strives to bring authentic visuals to the screen, always serving the narrative and the characters at its core. With a deep-rooted commitment to honest and meaningful filmmaking, Stephen looks forward to every opportunity to contribute and learn in this ever-evolving industry.

OSCAR GARTH - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Oscar has worked as a DOP on a series of award nominated and award winning shorts. 

How about a statement from Oscar? 

"I strive to combine my filmmaking skills with unique artistic flair to bring a huge variety of projects to life. With experience shooting features, music videos, travel documentaries and promotional content, I always endeavour to create striking, innovative work that sets me apart from other filmmakers. "

RHYDIAN LEWIS - PRODUCER

Rhydian is a founding member and Producer for Broadside Films, starting the company (in its earliest form) when he was 13 with his best friend. Rhydian also works as a Carpenter and Automation Technician on Musicals in The West End and on International Tours. Rhydian has also worked as a Production Manager for theatre shows. For Broadside, Rhydians main focus has been on it’s community outreach, creating and successfully delivering workshops on how to create films, and also producing micro-budget films for those who may have the idea but no know-how on how to get their film made. 

As a producer Rhydian has a passion for bringing talent and experience together whilst also giving opportunity to those who may not get it otherwise.

How are we getting the cast? Meet Sacha Garrett

Sacha has worked across film and television projects including the BAFTA award winning 1917 directed by Sam Mendes and Misbehaviour directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, the latest Edgar Wright film Last Night in Soho, the Marvel film Morbius and The Power, for Amazon. Sacha has built their experience with Nina Gold and is excited to be onboard as the casting director for The Stork

What will the money be spent on?

Your contributions will help us fund the production of this amazing short. Locations set the scene for our story, while talented actors bring our characters to life with depth and authenticity and to capture everything, we have a fantastic crew. Every pound invested in these areas will directly contribute to the quality and emotional impact of our film, ensuring that we can effectively tell our story and connect with audiences.

What is Stephens' vision?

Well he gave us a statement and a moodboard. Check them out!

The Stork" is a delightful exploration of visual and audio comedy, penned by the talented Ronan McCabe. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling prowess of cinematic legends Chris Columbus, Robert Zemeckis, and Steven Spielberg, my aim is to infuse every frame with cinematic vitality. Through the lens of absurdity and humour reminiscent of classics like "Back to The Future" and "Home Alone," the camera becomes a tool for storytelling, weaving a narrative tapestry of familial chaos amidst the unique journey of fertility.

Echoing the spirit of late 80s and early 90s comedies, particularly those by the masterful John Hughes, I seek to create a world where familiar family dynamics collide with the unexpected, resulting in a plethora of comedic moments. This collision of the ordinary and the extraordinary not only pays homage to cinematic greats but also breathes new life into the genre, blending British Americana with a vibrant, colourful aesthetic reminiscent of films like "Edward Scissorhands."

The setting of suburbia serves as a rich backdrop, evoking a sense of nosy neighbours and tight-knit communities where even the arrival of a seemingly ordinary delivery driver for a lesbian couple raises eyebrows and sparks curiosity. It's within this tapestry of everyday life that our characters navigate their way through misunderstandings and miscommunications, each moment ripe with comedic potential.

To capture the essence of "The Stork" in its fullest cinematic glory, I plan to employ a mix of track and slider shots, minimizing handheld camera work to maintain a polished, elegant visual style. This approach not only allows for seamless transitions between characters but also adds a dynamic energy to the storytelling, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.

Ultimately, "The Stork" is more than just a comedy; it's a testament to the power of love, family, and the unexpected twists life throws our way. With a talented cast bringing wit and charm to the screen, coupled with vibrant visuals and sophisticated camera movements, I aim to elevate McCabe's brilliant script into a poignant, joyful, and unforgettable short film experience.

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