JASON EDWARDS
Biography

CALLING
(by Peter Devonald)

DIRECTOR: JASON EDWARDS
Prod Co: Vermilion Films

FILMED: 22/23RD MAY 2005

THE SHOE
(by Peter Devonald and Kevin Scrantz)
A shoe lies in the middle of the street....

DIRECTOR ATTACHED: JASON EDWARDS
Prod Co: Vermilion Films

Biography
Foundation Course in Art and Design, Cumbria College of Art and Design

BA (Hons) Degree in Design, Specialising in Film and TV, Staffordshire University

Following my degree I moved to London and began working as a runner on a wide variety of productions, including music promos, commercials and feature films.

Experience gained on these jobs include set design and construction, second unit camera, (16mm and super8), assistant editor, 3rd assistant director, in addition to all the usual runner jobs. Over the course of two years I learnt the production side of the industry from the floor up.

Moving up the ladder, I began working as a second assistant director, again on promos and commercials, eventually getting jobs on three feature films in this capacity. During this time I also worked on a number of short films as a 1st assistant director for various independent companies and the National Film and Television School.

Began writing a number of short film scripts to develop scriptwriting skills. One script stood out and together with a friend from college I co-wrote what became 'Some Small Cycle'. As my first directing experience outside of college, it was necessary to finance it myself, however I was able to attract some very talented and experienced actors to the project, Andrew Lancel, (Cardiac Arrest, The Bill) Manouk van der Meulen, (Inspector Frost) and a stalwart of British comedy films, Norman Mitchell.

'Some Small Cycle' is a fifteen minute romantic comedy set in a launderette. Jack the attendant falls hopelessly in love with one of his regulars, the beautiful and unattainable Rachel. Crippled with self doubt and shyness he tries to make his feelings known but with little success.

This film led to being asked to direct two test commercials for Ben Sherman. Written by a creative team at Grey London, they led to me being featured in Shots New Directors section.

These two spots together with my short film got me signed to my first production company, Studio AKA. Though predominantly an animation company, at the time they were pushing live action as well.

After a year there and a handful of jobs for HHCL and Fold 7, I left and did a stint as a freelance director for six months.

During this time I completed a short course in directing at the National Film and Television School. (I had previously made it to the last twelve entrants for the three year directing course there, but didn't make it to the final eight)

In 2000 I signed to Flying Colours Film Company. A busy two and half years followed where amongst a number of commercial jobs I also wrote and directed three more short films.

'Shirking' is a five minute film that illustrates how to avoid buying your round when you're out with your mates in the pub.

'Dave and Nigel' is a series of sketches that charts the spikey relationship between two friends who live together, spend all their time together but don't actually like each other.

'Viva Mumbo' is a ten minute comedy that follows the exploits of two Mexican wrestlers and their sidekick who come to London on a promotional trip. Expecting glitz, glamour and the five star treatment, they are severely disappointed.

During this time I was a runner up in the D and AD New Director awards and a segment from 'Dave and Nigel' finished in the top ten of the Micro Shorts competition at The Brief Encounters Film Festival, Bristol.

I left Flying Colours in 2003 to join Vermilion Films. I shot a number of commercials over the next year and half and also directed several music promo's, a promo for saint Silas Intercession being featured on MTV2.

In late 2004 I moved to New Moon Productions. (I am still represented by Vermilion Films for Saatchi and Saatchi work)

Commercials over my directing career have included jobs for Birdseye, News International, Cereal Partners, Telstar, Ministry of Sound, Sunny Delight, Bombardier Bitter, T Mobile, United Utilities, Russell Hobbs and the Fire Brigade.

CLICK HERE FOR RESUMES