A child's drawing of their parents is held above a vat of glowing blue liquid in a scene from FUTURE PERFECT

Sci-Fi Stories: Future Perfect

An online masterclass on science fiction storytelling

Starts at 14 Dec 2023 14:00

Location Online

Sci-Fi Stories is an online masterclass exploring the art and science of Sci-Fi storytelling. We’ll be diving deep into the making of BFI NETWORK funded short film Future Perfect and will be joined in conversation by the film’s writer-director Sean Mckenna.
Sean will discuss the production process behind Future Perfect and how he managed to turn a 5-minute short into a powerful, punchy exploration of the end of humanity and the passage of millennia.
Sean will also share tips on how to achieve bold science fiction concepts within budgetary, practical and time constraints, providing inspiration for anyone thinking of taking part in DIY Filmmaking Challenge: Sci-Fi.
Future Perfect is available to watch on YouTube now.
Join us from 14:00 - 15:00 on Thursday 14 December.


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Sean Mckenna


Sean Mckenna is a writer-director, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who makes funny, dark and often surreal films.
His 2019 short, Future Perfect was commissioned by Channel 4’s Random Acts, supported by Film Hub North with BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding, and featured narration by Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh). Future Perfect premiered in competition at Encounters Film Festival and was selected by leading shorts platform Short of the Week following its festival run.
Sean has created work for Channel 4, Screen Yorkshire and Northern Film & Media, and has taken part in talent development programmes such as BAFTA Connect.
His latest short, Dead Whistle Stop was supported by Film Hub North with BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding. A surreal sci-fi thriller narrated by Kate Dickie, Dead Whistle Stop won the RTS NE Award for Best Short Form and has screened in competition at the BAFTA-Qualifying film festivals Aesthetica, POFF, Bolton and LA Shorts.

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