(Released 2016)
Set over the course of a single night, Night Owls is the story of two lost souls coming together. When teenage runaway Mari (newcomer Holly Rushbrooke) breaks into the house of reclusive thirty-something Kent (Jonny McPherson, Emmerdale), they discover that they have a mutual disdain for their lives, and build the type of unlikely friendship they both sorely needed. We were delighted to collaborate with Lauren Parker of Kato Pictures (formerly Team Chameleon) and Sophia Ramcharan of Stella Vision Films to bring this project to life.
Originally intended as a pilot for our feature film 'Night Owls & Early Birds', Night Owls the short had an incredible life of its own, premiering at LSFF in 2016 before going on to win 17 awards at festivals around the world. Full list of awards and reviews at the bottom of this page.
Jonny McPherson in Night Owls. Photo credit: Neil Oseman
Holly Rushbrooke in Night Owls. Photo credit: Colin Smith
Night Owls official poster. Designed by Dan Lord of Forecast Designs
Holly Rushbrooke in Night Owls. Photo Credit: Neil Oseman
Filming Night Owls. Photo credit: Dan Lord of Forecast Designs
Filming Night Owls. Photo credit: Elly Lucas
Filming Night Owls. Photo credit: Elly Lucas
Filming Night Owls. Photo credit: Elly Lucas
Holly Rushbrooke in Night Owls. Photo credit: Neil Oseman
Jonny McPherson in Night Owls. Photo credit: Colin Smith
Filming Night Owls. Photo credit: Elly Lucas
Filming Night Owls. Photo credit: Dan Lord of Forecast Designs
"The world seems to focus like a perfect moment in time... Delightful acoustic soundtrack and intimate framing... It shows masterful craftwork by filmmaker Sophie Black....
The enduring themes and picturesque aesthetic make it a beautiful film to behold."
The enduring themes and picturesque aesthetic make it a beautiful film to behold."
(Chris Olson, UK Film Review)
"A long-to-be-remembered treasure of independent cinema... This tale of companionship and discovery will chime true in the hearts and minds of many people. "
(Mike Rhodes, Daft Films Blog)
"Contrasting feelings of gain and loss filter through every shot, every angle... There is a quiet power at play here that is so rare to find,
and that is a testament to the filmmaker’s ability to tell a good story."
and that is a testament to the filmmaker’s ability to tell a good story."
(Theo Alexander, Unsung Films)
"Age, time and the contrast of young and old are motifs that appear throughout. McPherson deftly plays a character unsure of his place... A well thought-out short, the film’s themes are its greatest asset. I’d recommend catching this great short on its inevitable successful festival run. Black’s elegant style and nods to bygone eras make this a charm to watch."
(Michael Sales, Midlands Movies)
"[Rushbrooke] plays off the subtleties of McPherson’s accomplished performance beautifully, doing more than justice to a very good script.
Black’s direction too is subtly effective, utilising the strengths of both actors, as well as a stunning location."
Black’s direction too is subtly effective, utilising the strengths of both actors, as well as a stunning location."
(Ashley Carter, Leftlion Magazine)
"Beautiful soundtrack from a variety of sources, with original music aplenty... Black knows the language of cinema, and Night Owls looks great...
very solid performances from both actors, who are without question professionals in every sense of the word."
very solid performances from both actors, who are without question professionals in every sense of the word."
(Nicholas la Salla, Forest City Short Film Review)
"...Showcases a commitment to craft and character. A film soaked in loneliness and coaxed-out emotional intimacy,
there is a tenderness to the actors which draws the audience in... [The filmmakers have] a sharp eye for framing and an admirable devotion to [the] scenario..."
there is a tenderness to the actors which draws the audience in... [The filmmakers have] a sharp eye for framing and an admirable devotion to [the] scenario..."
(Review one, Largo Film Awards)
"The two leads are exceptional and their connection is tangible... The rich colours and clever lighting provide a dark yet warm atmosphere which mirrors the subtext of the film... Despite its humour there is a very real emotion within its core that holds the audience. Well structured and put together, Night Owls is a delightful little film
that goes deeper than you would expect."
that goes deeper than you would expect."
(Review two, Largo Film Awards)
"The choices for set dressing, hair styling and costuming is absolutely perfect, and adds a lot to the type of people they are surrounding.
Beautifully made, lighting and music help get the atmosphere right..."
Beautifully made, lighting and music help get the atmosphere right..."
(Review three, Largo Film Awards)
AWARDS
WINNER - Best Actor, Jonny Mcpherson - LA Film Awards 2016
HONOURABLE MENTION - Drama - LA Film Awards 2016
WINNER - Best Cinematography (Neil Oseman) - Festigious 2016
WINNER - Best Actor in Drama (Jonny McPherson) - Actors Awards 2017
WINNER - Best Actress in a Drama (Holly Rushbrooke) - Actors Awards 2017
WINNER - Award of Excellence, Film Short - The IndieFEST Film Awards 2017
WINNER - Award of Excellence, Leading Actor (Jonny McPherson) - The IndieFEST Film Awards 2017
WINNER - Actor in a Lead Role (Jonny McPherson), Original Screenplay, Hair & Makeup - Midlands Movies Awards 2017
WINNER - Three Counties/MMBF Rising Star Award - Beeston Film Festival 2017
WINNER - Award of Excellence, Lead Actor (Jonny McPherson) & Exceptional Merit - Depth of Field International Film Festival
WINNER - Audience Award: Actress in an Indie Film (Holly Rushbrooke) - Top Shorts 2017
WINNER - Best Actor (Jonny McPherson) - London Independent Film Awards 2017
WINNER - Judges' Award & Best Midlands Filmmaker - Out of the Can Film Festival 2017
NOMINATED - Performance of the Festival (Jonny McPherson) - Actors Awards 2017
NOMINATED - Best Picture (Short), Costume Design, Music (Original Song), Production Design - Midlands Movies Awards 2017
NOMINATED - Best Drama, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Three Counties Long - Beeston Film Festival 2017
NOMINATED - Best Cinematography - The Largo Film Awards 2017
NOMINATED - Best Short, Best Actress, Best Female Director, Best Poster - Out of the Can Film Festival 2017
NOMINATED - Best Actor in a Short Film (Jonny McPherson) - The Short Film Awards 2017
