Twelve films in as many months

Both of us have made films in the past, but we wanted to learn, experiment, meet new people and create a body of work rapidly and consistently. The format of the project was inspired by Kin Marie, whose film For Genesis was made as part of a similar undertaking. We saw the film at a screening that included our film KINGDOM at last year’s Fringe! Queer Film Festival in East London, and wanted to give the project a try.

The project was initially called Take 12, but just in case we don’t make it to our goal, Richard suggested the mathematical symbol for the unspecified number: n. And so Take n was born.

We will likely shoot most of the films in London, as that is where we are both based. We may also film some of them in the Lake District or Cornwall, as we have family connections there. If we’re working on a story that’s unique to a certain location, we’re open to filming anywhere in the UK.

We are concentrating on narrative, scripted shorts. So far, they are mostly dialogue-driven scripts that span drama, horror, thriller and romance, and the films we are making all range from 2 to 10 minutes. However, we are open to making music videos and docs as we also have experience in these areas.

Most of the scripts we are working with have been written in advance, sometimes with some development help from Cassia. Occasionally, we will write a script the same month (or week) that it is shot. If you’re interested in writing for us, we are more than happy to work with pre-existing scripts, which you can send through our script submission form.

If you’re interested in getting involved as crew or as a director or actor and you’re based in or near London or the Lakes (UK), please email your CV/reel/Spotlight to snapgatefilms@gmail.com. We’re usually looking for crew of all kinds and we’d love to work with anyone who wants to contribute to a positive atmosphere on set.

If you’re interested in working with us either as a producer or in pre- or post-production, we’re happy to work with people anywhere in the world. Email your CV/reel to snapgatefilms@gmail.com.

If you are a writer with a script that you’d like us to consider making this year, please submit it through our script submission form. Scripts must be between 2 and 12 pages, have a cast of no more than 4 characters, and be set in a location accessible to us, with minimal costume or production design needs. If your script doesn’t fit these parameters but you’re keen to get some workable feedback on your short, Cassia would be happy to help in a professional capacity for a fee. Email snapgatefilms@gmail.com for more information on that.

The short answer is: yes and no. We are looking for both paid and unpaid involvement in the project.

As with a lot of short films, this is a self-funded project, and one where the emphasis is on learning, experience, experimentation and building networks. We definitely can’t afford to hire professional crews for every set, as we are not making money off this project. However, we’re happy to reciprocate support! Cassia works as a professional script editor and Richard can DoP, AC, gaff and grip to a reasonable level, and even do a bit of sound. If these are roles you need on your projects, then definitely send us an email at snapgatefilms@gmail.com.

We haven’t thought too hard about distribution yet. If we think one or more films are good enough, we will enter them into festivals, as we’ve had reasonable festival success both in the UK and internationally over the last few years. Equally, we’re also thinking about other forms of distribution, but this is still TBC.

We will also do a screening of all n films for cast, crew and friends when they are ready.