This is Leo. This is Rosemary. They're a little lost...

Lost Verses is an upcoming short film, written and directed by Jack Mortimer in his debut creative project. This short follows themes such as self-discovery and coming-of-age, together with examining the delicate beauty of human connection. In the vein of Richard Linklater’s ‘Before Sunset’, and the mini-series adaptation of ‘Normal People’; Lost Verses consists of simple, naturalistic conversations between relative strangers, that weave between an array of periods in the protagonists' ever evolving lives.

We feel this project can be achieved with funding of £1,500, which will be spent on location fees, actor payment, equipment, and the on-set welfare of cast and crew.

Logline - Leo and Rosemary reflect on the bond that wove them together

Director’s Statement -

Hello! I’m Jack Mortimer, writer and director for 18:33 Films' upcoming short film, Lost Verses. Non-linear in approach to narrative, introvert Leo and extrovert Rosemary, former classmates, now teenagers that are struggling for purpose and understanding of themselves sexually, then adults eight years on from finishing school, reflect on how their unlikely bond helped one another come of age, and finally be happy in their own skin.

Lost Verses was conceived during October 2023, not long after I had moved to Liverpool. In a time where I was facing immense personal growth, I was allowed time to reflect on the experiences that led to the decision to uproot my life, in the name of opportunity, community, and creative expression. The fear that I had lost valuable time to facets of the teenage experience, and wondering how differently my life could have panned out if not for them, for better or worse, is the pivotal bridge for Leo and Rosemary’s eventual companionship. I felt it was key to conceptualise my first major creative endeavour on these very intimate foundations.