We are delighted to announce the 88th Academy Award for Best Live Action Short has been awarded to STUTTERER, written and directed by LFS MA Screenwriting alumnus Benjamin Cleary.
The Film tells the story of a typographer with a speech impediment finds comfort and connection in an online relationship. Now, however, he is faced with the prospect of meeting his online paramour in the flesh, and revealing the truth about himself. The film stars Matthew Needham (Casualty), Chloe Pirrie (Shell), and Eric Richard (The Bill).
Ben accepted the award with producer Selena Armitage, with this being the pair’s first Academy Award nomination.
Cleary said during his acceptance speech: 'You know when you make your first film you've got to convince a lot of people to jump on board and take a risk with a first time director so to every single member of the cast and crew of Stutterer for jumping on board and taking a risk with me I'm forever grateful. Every day is a proud day to be Irish but today more so than usual.'
In addition to its Oscar success, STUTTERER has been selected to screen at 18 festivals so far, and has won the Audience Award at DC Shorts Film Festival and Best Foreign Film at the LA Shorts Fest.
Click here to view the film's trailer. Follow STUTTERER on Facebook and check out the film's website for the latest news and full info: http://www.stuttererfilm.com/
Stutterer is produced by Serena Armitage and Shan Christopher for Bare Golly Films.
Watch the announcement here: http://bit.ly/1Qnr3Aq
About Ben
Ben Cleary joined MA Screenwriting at LFS in 2011 with a background already in directing short films. He came with the aim of improving his screenwriting skills through working with our excellent team of dedicated professional tutors and mentors.
As we claim on our website 'Screenwriting is Filmmaking' so what better place to study than at a film school to which Ben's Oscar achievement is a testament to that approach.
He has been generous in his appreciation of his time at LFS: 'I always speak very highly of the MA Screenwriting at LFS when prospective students email me. I learned so much there and have it to thank for a lot, so thanks!'