A dark and brooding short showcasing a captivating non-linear narrative and some wonderful 16mm cinematography, Michael Demetriou’s Telephone Me features one of the most distinct directorial voices we’ve seen in some time. Focusing on a night of infidelity and the fallout that follows, the director explained to Short of the Week how an impromptu recording session led him to create his unusual film.

“We [Demetriou and star Daniel Rands] had recently shot an experimental skit video together called Nike SB Where’s Your P-Rodz“, says Demetriou, “we had managed to conjure up quite naturalistic dialogue where Dan also ‘raps’. This led me to wanting to do a weightier, more narrative driven version of that film (whilst continuing the themes I have already begun exploring in my other shorts). It was then I began reminiscing about some of the farcical stories young males would talk about in my University days and choosing one, Telephone Me began to form itself”.

“Each take was about the honesty of the performance”

Made over 8 months – shooting over 4 weekends, each 2 months apart – whilst Demetriou saved his wages from work to shoot the next part, the director and his crew of 7 were inspired by Coppola’s approach of making things happen by getting out there and filming. Persuaded to use film (16mm) for his shoot, the director admits it would be difficult to go back to digital now. “I feel the texture of film really enhances the depth of the image on the screen”, Demtriou reveals, “the blacks feel so much blacker and skin tones look as though you could touch them and feel the actual texture. Furthermore, the film was about the there and then and each take was about the honesty of the performance, mistakes and all. This method complimented the narrative and structure of the film. Shooting on film helped boost that idea. Once the take was done it was done – we would have to wait a few days to see the take properly. It all added to the excitement”.

Currently working on two new projects – a 30-minute short and a feature – Demetriou is planning on focusing his energy on finding funding for the films in early 2016.