Long Story Short is the result of a brand-new talent initiative from BBC Writers, created to shine a light on the next generation of UK screen talent. Spanning all four nations of the UK, Long Story Short pairs fresh writing and directing voices with local production companies to develop authored, ambitious short films destined for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three. The result is a slate of seven remarkable short films, each one a testament to the energy, imagination and craft of the teams behind them. Long Story Short champions homegrown storytelling, amplifying voices from every corner of the country, and providing a platform for fresh perspectives that reflect the richness and diversity of the UK today.

The seven writers are alumni of BBC Writers talent-development work. Each film is produced by an independent production company which has been supported by the BBC’s Small Indie Fund.

This project was made possible thanks to the support of colleagues across BBC Drama Commissioning, BBC Three, BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Wales, alongside screen agency partners Creative Wales, North East Screen, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “BBC Drama has always been about backing the best of UK storytelling, and Long Story Short reflects just how exciting this future looks. These films are bursting with originality and ambition, a powerful reminder that the next wave of storytellers is poised and ready to shape television in bold and surprising ways. It’s been a joy to see these distinctive voices come to life on screen and I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next.”

Jess Loveland, Head of New Writing for BBC Writers and Drama Commissioning says: “We designed Long Story Short to give writers a meaningful opportunity to see their work come to life onscreen and achieve that all-important broadcast credit. We’re incredibly proud of what these seven creative teams have achieved, and we’re delighted to be able to give them a platform to tell stories that surprise, challenge and connect with audiences across the UK.”

Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three says: “Projects like this are essential to shaping a new generation of diverse screen culture in the UK and we can’t wait to share these exciting new films with our audience.”

The films will premiere at UK film festivals in late October and early November 2025 before reaching wider audiences on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three in early 2026.

Find out more about each film and the creative teams behind them:

Beyond

Wales

Writer: Alex Mathias
Director: Martin Thomas
Cast includes: Tomos Rhys, Leisa Gwenllian, Iwan Rheon
Production Company: Triongl

A shy teenager tries to fit into his new hometown on the night of their annual paranormal festival but finds himself marked for abduction.

Doppelgänger

England, Northeast

Writer: Alison Carr
Director: Zak Harney
Cast includes: Sarah Balfour
Production Company: Candle & Bell

When ten-year old Josie Johns met her doppelgänger, it kicked off a decade of intense and bitter rivalry. Now an adult, Josie is about to confront her double, settle some scores, and take back control of her identity once and for all.

Jealous People are Ugly People

England, Midlands

Writer and Director: Theo James Krekis
Cast includes: Loris Scarpa, Emaan Durrani, Zak Wadley
Production Company: The Fold

Consumed by his jealousy of his best friend’s sudden career success, Vasilly’s resentment festers, feeding a dark, supernatural force within him.

Peak Male Excellence

London

Writer: Adam Grant
Director: Karimah Zakia Issa
Cast includes: Ali Khan, Shanay Neusum-James
Production Company: Joi Productions

Desperate to impress his crush, awkward fresher Rohan turns to an online masculinity coach for advice, but his quest for peak male excellence leads him to question if alpha status is all it’s cracked up to be.

Pineapple

Scotland

Writer: Rachelle Atalla
Director: Alia Ghafar
Cast includes: Harmony-Rose Bremner, Dylan Blore
Production Company: Barry Crerar

Lonely and disaffected twenty-something Mabel finds connection over a pineapple in the local supermarket.

Privileged

Northern Ireland

Writer: Anthony Moriarty
Director: Naomi Waring
Cast includes: Sean Landau, Sophie Lenglinger
Production Company: Out of Orbit

After a raw stand-up set earns aspiring comedian Tony a cancellation from his university’s most powerful influencers, he is faced with a choice; either sanitise his material or find the courage to embrace his voice.

True Love and Wormholes

England, South

Writer: Dave Florez
Director: Annabel Vine
Cast includes: Anjana Vasan, Corey Mylchreest
Production Company: Indefinite Films

Maggie’s from the West Country; Craig’s from the Future. Together they might just save the planet. He’s funny, intense, impossible to resist… but the closer Maggie gets, the more she suspects his story hides something darker. As their bond deepens, the danger escalates, smashing the boundaries between reality and delusion, monotony and wormholes, betrayal and True Love.

LH2

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