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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Small Indie Fund.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: \u201cBBC 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\u2019s been a joy to see these distinctive voices come to life on screen and I can\u2019t wait to see where their journeys take them next.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jess Loveland, Head of New Writing for BBC Writers and Drama Commissioning says: \u201cWe 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\u2019re incredibly proud of what these seven creative teams have achieved, and we\u2019re delighted to be able to give them a platform to tell stories that surprise, challenge and connect with audiences across the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019t wait to share these exciting new films with our audience.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Find out more about each film and the creative teams behind them:<\/p>\n
Beyond<\/p>\n
Wales<\/p>\n
Writer: Alex Mathias
\nDirector: Martin Thomas
\nCast includes: Tomos Rhys, Leisa Gwenllian, Iwan Rheon
\nProduction Company: Triongl<\/p>\n
A shy teenager tries to fit into his new hometown on the night of their annual paranormal festival but finds himself marked for abduction.<\/p>\n
Doppelg\u00e4nger<\/p>\n
England, Northeast<\/p>\n
Writer: Alison Carr
\nDirector: Zak Harney
\nCast includes: Sarah Balfour
\nProduction Company: Candle & Bell<\/p>\n
When ten-year old Josie Johns met her doppelg\u00e4nger, 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.<\/p>\n
Jealous People are Ugly People<\/p>\n
England, Midlands<\/p>\n
Writer and Director: Theo James Krekis
\nCast includes: Loris Scarpa, Emaan Durrani, Zak Wadley
\nProduction Company: The Fold<\/p>\n
Consumed by his jealousy of his best friend\u2019s sudden career success, Vasilly\u2019s resentment festers, feeding a dark, supernatural force within him.<\/p>\n
Peak Male Excellence<\/p>\n
London<\/p>\n
Writer: Adam Grant
\nDirector: Karimah Zakia Issa
\nCast includes: Ali Khan, Shanay Neusum-James
\nProduction Company: Joi Productions<\/p>\n
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\u2019s cracked up to be.<\/p>\n
Pineapple<\/p>\n
Scotland<\/p>\n
Writer: Rachelle Atalla
\nDirector: Alia Ghafar
\nCast includes: Harmony-Rose Bremner, Dylan Blore
\nProduction Company: Barry Crerar<\/p>\n
Lonely and disaffected twenty-something Mabel finds connection over a pineapple in the local supermarket.<\/p>\n
Privileged<\/p>\n
Northern Ireland<\/p>\n
Writer: Anthony Moriarty
\nDirector: Naomi Waring
\nCast includes: Sean Landau, Sophie Lenglinger
\nProduction Company: Out of Orbit<\/p>\n
After a raw stand-up set earns aspiring comedian Tony a cancellation from his university\u2019s most powerful influencers, he is faced with a choice; either sanitise his material or find the courage to embrace his voice.<\/p>\n
True Love and Wormholes<\/p>\n
England, South<\/p>\n
Writer: Dave Florez
\nDirector: Annabel Vine
\nCast includes: Anjana Vasan, Corey Mylchreest
\nProduction Company: Indefinite Films<\/p>\n
Maggie\u2019s from the West Country; Craig\u2019s from the Future. Together they might just save the planet. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
LH2<\/p>\n
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