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Fresh from her recognition at BAFTA
Scotland Awards, Director Lynsey Miller
(Deadwater Fell) makes her
on-screen debut in the latest EE Film Stories short film.
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As part of EE’s partnership with BAFTA,
the
EE Film Stories: BAFTA Scotland
, highlights how technology is keeping
the film and TV industry connected
throughout change – with mobile
connectivity relied upon for casting,
communication and directing in “the new
normal”.
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Made possible through EE mobile
connectivity, the short film features
cameos from Scottish stars James Cosmo(Game of Thrones and His Dark Materials) and Katie Leung (The Nest and Roadkill), as well as Glen
Wallace (The Secret
and Marcella).
Following on from the annual British Academy Scotland Awards on Wednesday 8th December 2020, EE
has debuted its second short film, which stars the BAFTA Scotland nominated
Director, Lynsey Miller (
Anne Boleyn (2021), Deadwater Fell)
, as the leading lady among a star-studded cameo cast.
In a step away from her current role directing the major new three-part
drama about
Anne Boleyn (2021)
, in
EE Film Stories
, Miller provides a glimpse into production life in the “new normal”. The
short film highlights how technology advancements, such as 4G and 5G on EE,
are keeping the industry connected through change, seeing Scottish-born
Lynsey Miller connect with, cast and direct, all over her handset.
It comes as earlier this year, the worldwide filming industry was brought
to a standstill due to the global pandemic with the resulting quarantine,
social distancing rules, and travel restrictions resulting in production
becoming nearly impossible to continue. However, thanks to an increased
roll-out of technology, connectivity has made it possible to deliver with
only a skeleton team on the ground, while the director can be remote, or
even on a different continent.
EE Film Stories
opens at a film base unit in the Yorkshire countryside, before we see
Miller travel in an Audi Q7 to the set of her latest project,
Anne Boleyn
, coming to the UK on Channel 5 in 2021, at the famed Bolton Castle.
On the road, Miller catches-up with actor James Cosmo (
Game of Thrones and His Dark Materials
), of the release of his long-awaited film
The Glass Man
, who jovially says he’s glad to see Miller “Back into production again” as
Miller chimes back that she’s “Excited to get going”.
As we near her destination, we hear Miller say, “Being able to keep in
touch with my team, no matter where I am, is so important to my role”, as a
shot of medieval castle comes into view.
BAFTA Scotland nominated director Lynsey Miller
Sat outside the historic 14th century landmark, Miller is seen again on her
mobile, this time running lines with actress Katie Leung (
The Nest
and
Roadkill
), who is based in London. Miller can be heard saying “Video castings are
now part of my new normal”, before we see Leung gazing down the phone
camera, delivering her final line, “And they lived happily ever after”.
As Miller makes her way through the iconic building, we hear her say
“Technology has definitely made my life simpler. I can virtually be in two
places at once.”
She continues “And now, I can even remotely direct shoots, if I can’t be
there in person”. The shot opens in a new location, where we see an actor
and socially distanced skeleton crew are being verbally directed by Miller
via phone. It is then that actor Glen Wallace
(The Secret
and
Marcella)
appears over video call where he discusses the next take with Miller who
stands miles away atop the turrets of Bolton Castle.
As the camera pans away, and the film comes to a close, we hear Miller
reflect that “Escapism is essential. Now more than ever and it’s been great
that we’ve been able to adapt and keep doing what we love”.
Director Lynsey Miller in front of Bolton Casle
Lynsey Miller, BAFTA Scotland Award Nominated Director, says of the film:
“
One of the key requirements of a director is the ability to communicate.
You have a crew full of people relying on you to relay decisions and
formulate plans. Technology is absolutely vital in the continuing
conversation between myself, and the team of brilliant professionals that
make a piece of tv or film happen. It is now possible to deliver so much of
the important pre-production and post-production process remotely - digital
recces, online castings and read-throughs, reviewing large media files...
The list goes on! Technology has enabled us to adapt and keep doing what we
love.”
Jude MacLaverty, Director at BAFTA Scotland, adds:
“Our screen industries have all shown incredible creativity and ingenuity
this year, and have adapted to this 'new normal' by embracing technology in
new and exciting ways. Despite the challenges faced, technology has enabled
the industry to continue to deliver high quality content that educates,
entertains and keeps us connected, which is what we all need, now more than
ever.”
Pete Jeavons, Marketing Communications Director at BT and EE comments:
“
During such a tumultuous year, it’s been encouraging to hear stories, like
Lynsey’s, to understand how industries, like film and TV, have been able to
adapt and evolve. As we continue to bring the latest technology to even
more people, we are confident that 5G will play a huge role in helping
re-imagine what is possible with mobile technology. Behind the camera, we
are proud to play our role in ensuring the show goes on, for this industry
and beyond.
”
James Cosmo, actor, adds:
“In all of my years in the industry, I’ve seen fads and trends come and go.
But in the face of great hardship, it has been truly wonderful seeing how
technology has connected people to ensure the show does go on. You can now
cast a whole film without meeting someone face to face. A director can
watch a scene play out and critique it live from across the globe. We will
continue to create in whatever way we can, and as long as it is making its
way to audiences, then the magic of Film and TV continues.”
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