Urban Sci-Fi / Experimental Short Film • Manchester, UK • 3 weeks
Pre-production
1 week
Production
3 days
Post-production
1 week
Published
Launch on week 4
Set in the rain-slicked alleys and neon-lit rooftops of Manchester's Northern Quarter, 'Neon North' is a 60-second vertical film designed for mobile-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The story follows a bike courier who, after a mysterious app update, begins to see a ghostly, futuristic version of the city layered over the present. Blending live-action with augmented reality effects, the film captures the kinetic energy of Manchester's street life while exploring themes of isolation and connection in the digital age. The creative vision draws from the city's industrial heritage and its modern creative renaissance. We'll use practical neon signs, reflections in puddles, and drone shots to create a visually dense, atmospheric world. The vertical format forces a fresh approach to composition, emphasizing height and depth. The film will be shot in a single continuous take, with seamless transitions between the real and parallel Manchester, showcasing technical ambition and storytelling innovation. What makes this unique is its hyper-local focus: landmarks like Afflecks, the Beetham Tower, and the Northern Quarter's graffiti-covered walls will be reimagined through a sci-fi lens. The project is designed for a small, agile team to execute in under four weeks, leveraging Manchester's compact city center and vibrant locations. The final piece will be a portfolio-ready showcase of directorial vision, practical effects, and mobile-first storytelling.
Set in the rain-slicked alleys and neon-lit rooftops of Manchester's Northern Quarter, 'Neon North' is a 60-second vertical film designed for mobile-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The story follows a bike courier who, after a mysterious app update, begins to see a ghostly, futuristic version of the city layered over the present. Blending live-action with augmented reality effects, the film captures the kinetic energy of Manchester's street life while exploring themes of isolation and connection in the digital age. The creative vision draws from the city's industrial heritage and its modern creative renaissance. We'll use practical neon signs, reflections in puddles, and drone shots to create a visually dense, atmospheric world. The vertical format forces a fresh approach to composition, emphasizing height and depth. The film will be shot in a single continuous take, with seamless transitions between the real and parallel Manchester, showcasing technical ambition and storytelling innovation. What makes this unique is its hyper-local focus: landmarks like Afflecks, the Beetham Tower, and the Northern Quarter's graffiti-covered walls will be reimagined through a sci-fi lens. The project is designed for a small, agile team to execute in under four weeks, leveraging Manchester's compact city center and vibrant locations. The final piece will be a portfolio-ready showcase of directorial vision, practical effects, and mobile-first storytelling.
2 roles still open