The Flight of Ulick Underhill

Directors:

Writers:

Stephen Pierce

Stephen Pierce, Michael O'Neill

Producers:

Stephen Pierce, Michael O'Neill

Run Time:

0:14:50

Awarded for the following Category(s):

Awarded Category(s)

In the shadowy depths of an underground city, a young man is desperate to escape. As he rides the elevator, he encounters a series of sinister characters who seem reluctant to let him leave. But, even if Ulick reaches the world above, will the journey lead to liberation or is he fleeing to his death? This Neo-noir saga of escape and uncertainty poses questions about the nature of existence and the risks of freedom. Filmed using in-camera VFX, this virtual production short demonstrates how independent filmmakers can use emerging technology to tell stories in ways and in worlds that were previously beyond their reach.

Submitter Statement

The story is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey/Joyce's Ulysses, in 14 minutes, inside a lift, so it was an ambitious challenge from the beginning. We’re a low budget production and worked to a very tight schedule to retell this ancient narrative, in a new way, using emerging technology.

I really enjoyed getting to experiment with the LED volume on this short film, as Virtual Production uses technologies in which I've been interested for some time. However up until now, it seemed like VP was only accessible with large Hollywood budgets. This short film was made possible with the assistance of Ulster University, and the collaboration of a cast and crew that worked incredibly hard in a very small (and very warm) studio. This is a dark sci-fi reimagining of an ancient Greek adventure, and whether festival audiences get all the references to the original tale or not, I think it still serves as one of the most epic lift journeys you could take this year.

Stephen is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he studied Graphic Design and Advertising, moving on to direct TV commercials, and children's programming for UK networks; BBC3, BBCNI and E4. Stephen’s commercial work has been awarded in the UK and Ireland, initially as a student (Channel 4 - D&AD student Yellow Pencil) and professionally (National Trust - The Drum Awards). This is Stephen’s second short film, and what he hopes will be a step towards film and television directing.

Key Cast

Dylan Breen - Ulick Underhill

Tia Parker - Youth 1

Azeem Alahi - Youth 2

Robert Render - Man with drinks

Stephen Kelly - Man on phone

Orla Mullan - Woman in coa

Helena Bereen - Janitor

Mia Robbins - Administrator

Other Credits