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Andy Taylor Smith

Director & Cinematographer

  • All Work
  • FILM & TV
  • Virtual Reality
  • About
  • Contact

SERIOUS SWIMMERS

DRAMA

// Writer // Director //

Synopsis:

"A supervised visit between estranged mother and son, Gail and Anthony gives hope for reconciliation. Can the water of the local swimming pool soothe their difficult past."

I was lucky enough to be given permission by esteemed writer Michel Faber (Under the Skin, The Crimson Petal and the White) to adapt his short story into film.

The film was funded by Rankin's Collabor8te and stars Kerrie Hayes (The Mill) & Brian Gleeson (Snow White and the Huntsman)

Produced by: Russell Noon & Mary Kearns

Collabor8te / Spool Films / MornRay Films / Rankin Film / The Bureau / Dazed & Confused

THE SCENT OF DOGS

DRAMA

// Writer // Director // Cinematographer // Producer //

Synopsis:

'Michael has given up. Greer, his Sister, is dying. When paralysis envelops her and their family reach breaking point, he agrees to help his terminally ill Sister to Switzerland for a dignified end. But together, they discover on their journey that there's more to life than death.'

Production Status: Financing

Production: We Are Caravan

HAITI STREET LIGHTING

DOCUMENTARY

// Director // Cinematographer // Producer //

In 2010 Haiti was hit by one of the largest earthquakes the country has ever known. Over 160,000 people died and 250,000 homes were lost.

In a country of extreme poverty the regeneration has been slow and difficult with much of the aid money locked in bank accounts unable to reach the people that most need it.

Villages and communities have become dangerous places to live, violent crime has become an epidemic in some areas.

Most homes have little to no power and communities are plunged into darkness when the sun sets.

In response to this, Oxfam have worked with communities to install solar powered lighting in villages, providing much needed security and a valuable community resource where children can once again do their home work by the illumination of the street lighting.

This film shares some of these stories.

STREET SMART

DOCUMENTARY

// Writer // Director // Cinematographer // Producer //

This film for StreetSmart was commissioned by Forward Worldwide to support StreetSmarts christmas campaign. StreetSmart was established in 1998 and since then they have raised over £7.4 million for the homeless. At participating restaurants during the festive months of November and December, with the benefit of a table card or a reference on the menu, a voluntary £1 is added to the diners’ bill. At the end of each month, the restaurant passes on all of these £1s to StreetSmart. They then use them to support reputable charities for the homeless. All StreetSmart’s running and operational costs are generously paid for by sponsors, Deutsche Bank, so every penny in every £1 raised goes directly to the people who need it.

We Are Caravan / Street Smart / Forward World Wide / Deutsche Bank

IF HIMMLER PLAYED GUITAR

DOCUMENTARY

// Director // Cinematographer //

'As his fascination with re-enacting grew, Jon discovered his uncanny resemblance to one of history’s most nefarious characters. Apparently it’s to do with the shape of the jaw.'

"What if you were a dead ringer for one of history's most hated war criminals? With tongue-in-cheek deftness, filmmaker Andy Taylor Smith captures the quirky, naive innocence with which the subject, Jon, accepts his curse, even though he despises his Nazi look-alike's genocidal ideology."

Producer: Nicola Clayton

Sodalite Films / Creative England

I CAN SMELL THE CORDITE

DOCUMENTARY

// Director // Cinematographer //

"Christmas Day. An underground bunker in an unidentified location in Europe. Two GI’s search for solace turns to reflection about their identity and relationships."

Commissioned by the Scottish Documentary Institute.

Producer: Nicola Clayton

Sodalite Films / EM Media / UK Film Council / SDI / BBC Scotland

NOTHING TO SAY

DRAMA

// Cinematographer //

A short film commissioned by children's charity What About Me, the charity support young people effected by other peoples substance misuse. The film tells the story of Laura a young girl trapped between her responsibilities at home and her teenage dreams.

Broadway Productions // Director: Owen Davies

 

THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME

DOCUMENTARY

// Writer // Director // Cinematographer //

Synopsis: While cerebral palsy confines Alan Martin to a wheelchair and inhibits his speech, he refuses to limit himself. When he gains access to technology that enables him to find a voice, his life is transformed.

“Utilizing stunning visual vocabulary and subtle re-enactment, THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME presents a cinematic experience as unique as the subject himself.”

“Visually stunning and the best use of voice over in a short. Emotional engaging and moving in its simplicity.”

“Nothing affected me like this. I thought the use of sound was pretty unique and the images in the film stay with me - in particular moments in slow mo. The young girl dancing in joy in the chip shop. The butterfly on the lamp. It was simple but beautiful - not a little tragic and yet greatly uplifting. Three cheers!”

“Stunning cinematography and beautifully scripted. Well done to all involved.”

Anthem Films / Creative England / UK Film Council

ELLA

DRAMA

// Cinematographer //

Experimental short. Atmospheric and ambiguous, a young girl travels on her own through the hinterland of England.

NEW SHORTS: Women Under The Influence program as part of London Short film Festival 2017

Production: We Are Caravan / Director: Owen Davies

80,000 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

DOCUMENTARY

// Director // Cinematographer // Producer // Editor //

Following several tragic events, Jo and Amy attempt to come to terms with their new life as another Christmas in the care system approaches.
Using audio interviews with brother and sister, Jo and Amy we listen to their memories as they deal with loss, separation and acceptance.

Producer: Russell Noon

We Are Caravan / Film London / BFI

MAGIC MAUDE

DRAMA

// Cinematographer //

Andy was asked to shoot award winning director Deborah Haywood's short film 'Magic Maude' which was produced as part of the Shine A Light scheme.

The film follows 4 year old Maude as she withdraws into her own imagination to escape her difficult home life.

Director: Deborah Haywood / Producer: Wendy Bevan-Mogg

Knapp-Ridge Films

NHS - 'think before you dial'

DRAMA

// Cinematographer // Producer //

'Think Before You Dial' is an educational drama film aimed at 11-16 year olds and is part of a comprehensive education package for teachers and schools.

It is aimed at educating young people about the importance of the emergency services, demonstrating the dangers and cost of misusing these services.

Production: We Are Caravan

NOTT BALLET

DOCUMENTARY

// Cinematographer //

A short documentary about the experience of 60 children from Nottingham city as they worked with Birmingham Royal Ballet to create a performance ready for the stage in just 5 days.

Director: Owen Davies

Birmingham Royal Ballet / The Renewal Trust / The Arts Council

SERIOUS SWIMMERS

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THE SCENT OF DOGS

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HAITI STREET LIGHTING

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STREET SMART

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IF HIMMLER PLAYED GUITAR

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I CAN SMELL THE CORDITE

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NOTHING TO SAY

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THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME

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ELLA

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80,000 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

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MAGIC MAUDE

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NHS - 'think before you dial'

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NOTT BALLET

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