Having single-handedly run my film production company, Delilah Films for the past 3 years, I am at a stage where I am growing and have dreams, but it’s hard, not only as one person, but as someone who works two side jobs. I have many project ambitions in the pipeline, two films in particular. I grew up in a lesbian household and having written and performed a one-woman show ‘That’s SO Gay’ at drama school about my experiences, I would now like to write a feature film version. I have pitched the concept to both BBC Films and Film 4 and both are interested and would like to read a script, the trouble is, I have never had the time to properly sit and write it. Similarly, a short film ‘Hooves’ following protagonist Matt, asks can ex-offenders really be free and build a life on the outside – I’ve pitched it to BBC Films and this one I have written, I just need additional time to finesse the script before sending on to the possible broadcasters. Both projects with backing from either Film 4 or BBC, could be shot in Darlington and surrounding areas. Sadly even short films are expensive to fund and whilst £10,000 wouldn’t cover the cost of making ‘Hooves’ (for instance – it would probably take about £30,000), it would allow me additional breathing space to drop to fewer hours working which would provide time to write and develop my projects on. It would also mean that I could finally look at hiring someone to come onboard Delilah Films (even if it’s just temporary) and take over some of the day to day admin running, so that I can focus more on my artistic practice of writing.
I live in Barnard Castle and went to school in Darlington and am very much a Northern and particularly North-Eastern, woman. I have experienced first-hand the lack and then subsequent expanse of the film industry in the region, particularly as film festivals, like Darlington’s own Women X, starts to put us on the map. My hope is that both projects (‘That’s SO Gay’ and ‘Hooves’) can be shot in Darlington and surrounding areas using and featuring as many local cast/crew/organisations as possible. The films which I’ve co-written have been shot in and around the area which not only puts us on the map, but helps boost the local economy (through use of hotels, cafes, businesses etc). If I can successfully get BBC/Film 4 onboard, I’d be I’m proud to represent our region on screen. People know me in the area for my filmmaking and I hope I can inspire and help the next generation step-up through my work.
I am a multidisciplinary creative (actor/writer/producer) working in the realm of film. I founded Delilah Films because I was passionate about giving a platform to the stories that need to be told, particularly focusing on gritty, Northern narratives. With my projects up to now taking a socially revenant theme, but that isn’t a requisite. I didn’t want to wait for permission to have a space in an industry filled with nepotism and privilege, I wanted to create my own seat at the table. I choose projects I care about and try to find collaborators that fit with my vision. I can take inspiration from the world and life around me, or other filmmakers works – I’m a particular fan of Ken Loach (‘I, Daniel Blake) and Shane Meadows (‘This Is England’). When you watch a film, you feel something, be that love, hate, anger, sadness, whatever the emotion, it elicits a response. If I’m thinking about a film for hours or days after watching, I know it’s done something right, I’m looking to encapsulate that same response within my work. I’d love to create a film that goes down in cinematic legend.
Delilah Films’ latest work, ‘See The Mother’, which I produced for Northern Prize winners Frank Berry and Matthew Bates, was screened at Bradford International Film Festival last year. I’m currently writing a short and developing a feature (see earlier answer), both of which have been pitched to the BBC with positive responses.
Yes, I did my BA In Drama and Theatre Studies at Liverpool Hope University graduating with a 2.1 in 2014 and then undertook an MA in Professional Acting at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) in London, graduating with a 2.1 in 2018. I have also completed a short course in Production Co-ordination with The National Film and Television School (NFTS) in 2024 and was a mentee on Creative UK’s NE ‘Creative Growth’ Stage 1&2 programme.
My debut short film, ‘I’m Still Ethan’ won the Luna award for ‘Best Direction’ in 2022.
Yes, each of our projects/films are self-created, either I’ve co-written them or other writers have approached me to bring their vision alive for them. It’s a very collaborative process at each stage.
Not yet, receiving public funding/commission is something that I’m looking to get as part of my next step in moving up my creative practice.
Not yet, but that’s the goal – to create films that get distribution with online streamers/platforms and channels after completing a successful film festival round, particularly featuring in BIFA/BAFTA qualifying ones.
No, I have no representation currently as a writer or producer, but I do have acting representation with DQ Management.
Yes, particularly the Creative UK North-East ‘Creative Growth’ programme at stage 1&2
Email: delilahfilms@outlook.com
Address: 24 Cecil Road, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8AN, GB
Local Authority: Durham County Council
