How Bombay Sapphire Turned One Script Into Five Films

Fusing the words from a short script written by Academy Award winner, Geoffrey Fletcher, this year’s five films showcase the imagination and talent of the next generation of aspiring filmmakers from across the globe.

Independent Films again worked with with agency Gravity Rd to produce the films, having secured the accolade of the 2014 British Short Film BAFTA, for one of last year’s films, Room 8, directed by James W. Griffiths. “The Imagination Series celebrates creativity and is committed to the intrinsic beauty of film as an art form. Year on year we continue to support and offer a platform to creative and innovative ways of thinking and as another group of highly talented filmmakers' work is realised we look forward to similar successes in 2014,” said Heide Cohu, Global Marketing Excellence Director, Bombay Sapphire.

Taking inspiration from Fletcher’s initial script requirements, including particular lines of dialogue, the competition invited the public to elaborate on these in a fully-realised script. Five winners were then chosen to be made into the short films in this collection. 

The directors this time around were Zoe Cassavetes, Mary Nighy, Adam Randall and Weareflink. 

Independent’s managing director, Jani Guest, says: "We are thrilled to have produced the Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series for a second year. As a company, we want to continue the great work we started last year in pushing the envelope for what brands can achieve when working with filmmakers. We love projects like these with clients and agencies who have the faith and belief in the films as credible, valuable pieces of cinematic content.”

Gravity Road Founder, Mark Boyd said, "2013, the first full year of the Imagination Series was a big year with the Bafta win.  In 2014, the bar was higher.  The new films exceed that. The project has a very simple imaginative idea at the heart of it: one script, add imagination, five winning films.  2014’s script from Oscar winning writer Geoffrey Fletcher was stripped of all stage direction, allowing entrants to imagine their film of his script. The competition received entries from 63 countries around the world before being judged by the great and the good at Tribeca.  The five most imaginative films were put into production, co-produced with Independent. Independent were a brilliant production partner: a brilliant term, going above and beyond, producing miracles every day."

With such eclectic interpretations on show, including a dramatic realisation set in space, a love story with a dark twist and a fantastical world surrounded by living street art, viewers are guaranteed to be taken on an exciting and thought-provoking journey as each filmmaker’s contrasting and creative visions are brought to life on the big screen.

“Bombay Sapphire’s support of this exciting and important initiative allows Tribeca and its filmmakers to be at the forefront of festival innovation and cutting edge storytelling. With this showcase of short filmmaking from the Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series, Bombay Sapphire and Tribeca are a unique creative partnership.” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprise.

For the second year, Geoffrey Fletcher’s short script - without any direction or description - has resulted in five films that transcend genres and demonstrate the power of imagination. Fletcher comments, “Nurturing and inspiring upcoming filmmakers is very dear to my heart and the Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series continues to provide a unique platform at a time when it’s difficult for new voices and creative visions to be realised. With more than 1,300 entry submissions from 68 countries, the standard was extremely high and I urge everyone to watch and experience the films for themselves.”

The 2014 Imagination Series films: 

Reflections from Anthony Khaseria (UK):  Directed by Adam Randall

A beautiful couple in beautiful surroundings - it should have been the start of the ultimate love story. But a romantic meal turns dark and fantastical when they discover a hidden mirror which shows their true reflection.

Graffiti Area from Maite Fernandez (Spain): Directed by Weareflink

A mesmerising look at the inexplicable and unpredictable nature of our own fears. When two young graffiti artists start painting, the graffiti takes on a monstrous life of its own. Can they escape their own creation, or even themselves?

The Other Side of the Game from Kiara Jones (USA): Directed by Zoe Cassavetes

A newly married couple are battling to get out alive from an unfamiliar hostage situation in this taut psychological thriller. You won’t expect what happens next.

Need for Speed (Dating) from Allyson Morgan (USA) : Directed by Mary Nighy

Nate and Polly have the perfect relationship. A nice house, a white picket fence. There’s just one problem – the relationship is just a dream. In this light hearted comedy, Polly tries to find her dream date at a speed dating event. But will anyone live up to her dream boyfriend?

Exit Log from Chris Cornwell (UK)

In 2249, two space engineer’s journey through deep space takes a dramatic turn when they discover an emergency message from the past. They’ll have just three minutes to decipher the message and decide their fate forever.