When a compassionate helpline counsellor begins to grow concerned for the safety of one of her clients, she’s forced to decide whether to trust her instincts or follow protocol. Safe is a tense, quietly powerful drama about the weight of responsibility and the courage it takes to listen.

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Honestly it started with the concept of showcasing our lead actress (Kelsey Cooke) and her talent – holding the audience attention and emotions as the sole person on-screen (supported by some incredible voice actors of course). Once we had the concept and decided how to approach it thematically, it became all about bringing authenticity to such a heavy topic and trying to do so in a way that did not feel exploitative but felt, informative and considered. I wrote the film alongside Kelsey Cooke who brought such depth to everything that we did.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

We had the concept in November 2024, but commitments on other projects meant we agreed to only start working on it at the end of January 2025. We wrote between February and March, applied for the Arts Council of the Isle of Man Short Film Fund and were awarded that in April. Location scouting on the isle took place shortly after with production in June and post production in July-August. 

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

That’s tough – and I think all of us will have different words for it but for me as director it would be: Vulnerable. Honest. 

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Self doubt. We took on a lot of challenges (from runtime to long-takes etc) and throughout post production it was definitely a challenge for me to have faith in the choices I’d made. I’ve been extremely lucky – our crew are amazing and did everything that was asked of them with really no major hiccups, as are the cast members – so it really came down to my own confidence as I worked on it in post. 

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

I do love them all for different reasons so I can’t really say one is my favourite! I will say though I am now thoroughly enjoying being able to share the film with people and see how it resonates with them. 

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller, in various different forms. Really nailing that medium down to film came in my late teens as I had enjoyed theatre work and really transitioned from that into something that I felt was a more ‘intimate’ medium of storytelling. 

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

I’m a sci-fi nerd so Star Wars (particularly Empire) is up there along with Jurassic Park, but I’m also a film academic so really it’s a very very long potential list. Empire Strikes Back might just win due to my pre-adult / childhood viewing habits!

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Someone with a huge budget. Creatively I’m very grateful for the people I’ve been working with lately. Of course, I’m always happy to work with others who bring that similar dedication and creative spark, and good vibes of course. If you’re asking about celebrities or ‘known actors’ … Keanu Reeves, David Tennant, Gillian Anderson, Greta Lee, and many more would make the list, but it really comes down to the story I’d be telling.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Overall it’s good. I think the entire process of submitting to festivals, waiting, wondering, and the obvious low acceptance rates can be anxiety inducing. You could make the ‘best film of all time’ and if it doesn’t fit a programming block or doesn’t appeal to that particular festival programmer well, you’ve not only ‘wasted your money’ but it can hit your confidence too. That being said, FilmFreeway itself as a platform is easy to use and something I’m quite familiar with at this point.

10. What is your favorite meal?

It’s always gonna be pizza. I love many other cuisines but it always comes back to pizza.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Working on a web series (Do We Eat Him? is available on Youtube, check it out!) and also developing more shorts while making my foray into feature films.