St Mary’s Acting Alumni Begins Production on Short Film ‘Best Self’ with the National Youth Film Academy

BA Acting alumni Elliott Lawton who graduated from St Mary’s University Twickenham in 2020, and his production company Gr8ful Films have begun pre-production on their first short film Best Self.

The film is being made in partnership with the National Youth Film Academy, and has funding from Lionsgate UK and production company Procam.

Best Self is an ensemble psychological thriller illustrating the impact of growing up on social media focusing on how it can segregate society, wellness culture and how it can be used as a business tool.

The team are currently in the process of crowdfunding for the project with a target of £7,000 for the final budget. So far, they have raised £3,055 and they hope to reach their target by 26th June.

To show your support go to their Crowdfunder where you can donate and be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Speaking about the film, St Mary’s Graduate Elliot Lawton said “We’re very eager to start filming. It’s been really inspiring to be working again in an industry that’s been hit very hard over the last year, with some amazingly talented and hardworking people. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

The film will premiere at the Odeon cinema, Greenwich in September. It can also be streamed with the Raindance Film Festival’s online streaming service.