AJ must navigate the fallout of a terrorist attack in a Home Office meeting, with 10 minutes until the Prime Minister arrives and demands a statement.
our project:
Instead of having to do a ten-thousand-word dissertation, Film students at Reading have the option to make a 10-minute short film that answers a critical question. Our group of talented and aspiring filmmakers opted to explore how film can be used in real time, meaning that 1 minute of the film reflects 1 minute of actual time (compared to how many films constantly cut between days or hours).
10 Minutes opens with our five government employees looking out at the smoke billowing out of Waterloo station in the distance from their office window. They then race to establish facts and build a statement for the Prime Minister who is exactly 10 minutes away from the office. AJ is distracted by an overwhelming worry for his partner, who works at Waterloo and isn’t replying to his messages. Dan Goulding, meanwhile, fights with the expert media secretary, Leila, demanding that the government blames a key suspect from Syria without true confirmation that they were involved, to scapegoat them and prevent the government from taking blame and looking weak.
AJ drafts a statement that blames the Syrian man and, distracted by Jonathan, the Police Liaison Officer (who is looking over a list of casualties), presses send by accident, just as it’s announced that it was in fact a British national who caused the attack. As the false accusation begins to be broadcasted across the nation, the Prime Minister remains just a few minutes out, and the officials must race to rectify their mistake…
This project has the opportunity to show the film industry what we’re capable of, helping us establish the beginning of an exciting career by attracting the eyes of employers.
who are we?
Director: Josh Watkins
Josh provides dedication, organisation, effective team leading, and fantastic creativity for the project. Josh will also edit the project.
Producer: Naomi Denton
Naomi oversees the project, managing countless logistical aspects flawlessly. Naomi will also provide the sound design for the project.
Cinematography: Mimi Lindsay
Mimi works closely with the director to curate a visual style for the film, using creativity and drawing from visual references to do so.
Scriptwriter: Fred Hanson
Fred’s superb writing skills have created a well-developed, high tension, fast pace, and deeply technical script. Fred will also take on the role of our audience standpoint: AJ.
Production designer: Daisy Ahern
Daisy’s attention to detail has helped her plan and develop an intricate set, with huge influence taken from real government offices and meetings.
Where will the money go?
Set, props and costume: £300:We will be dressing our set with name tags, large flags, water jugs, government documents and more. Our costume will mainly be suits or suit dresses, with our Police Liaison Officer being the standout cost, as a police vest, hat and blue hi-viz (as used by PLAs) being required.
Travel: £500 and Food: £100:We are sourcing actors outside of the University, and will be paying for their expenses, including travel and food.
Total: £900.
£900 is a large target, especially in the most difficult financial period of the year, and we really appreciate any support you can provide us with.
Support us!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our project! A donation would go a huge way for us, but as would sharing to any friends or family you know who may be interested in donating too.
