Festival Season:
June 2025
TALKING RUBBISH
Directors:
Writers:
Ian Donnelly
Richard Hearn, Ian Donnelly
Producers:
Ian Donnelly
Run Time:
0:11:03
Awarded for the following Category(s):
Awarded Category(s)
Carl's morning kicks off the way every hapless single mans does every week. Forgetting to put the bins out. He must race against time before the bin lorry arrives. What follows is a slapstick series of unfortunate events: Carl struggles with his clothes, the recycling bin, a small dog, and ultimately his own emotions as he looks for the chance of new love and companionship. As he tries to impress his new neighbour, he digs himself deeper into a self-made hole. The chaos peaks when a sentimental piece of jewellery goes missing, and his disapproving sister gets involved. Mixing quick-witted dialogue, absurd situations, and heartfelt moments, this short comedy reveals the beauty in life’s little mishaps and the lengths we go to find love…. and the correct wheelie bin….
Submitter Statement
In the summer of 24, a writer friend of mine, Richard Hearn wrote a short monologue for me, I filmed it and once completed, I thought "Hang on, this would make a great short film!" That was the genesis of 'Talking Rubbish'. We didn't set out to write a particular style or type of comedy, we just wanted to make people laugh - not such a bad thing in a very serious world? and in my humble opinion, not every film needs to carry a message. The film basically pays homage to all the comedy TV shows I grew up watching, like 'Some Mothers do 'ave em' 'Bless This House' and ''Man About The House'. It wasn't deliberate, I guess the very peculiarly British style just seeps in by osmosis over a number of years. Although only 11 minutes long, I wanted to make sure the film had a beginning, middle and end, with no unnecessary dialogue or 'shoe-leather'. Also crucial to the film was getting the best equipment, actors and crew we could afford on a limited budget to give it the best production value we could achieve. Over 50 years on set with both large and small TV and film productions, I always thought: 'Surely, directing can't be that hard? - I can do that..." - How wrong I was! Suffice to say, It was so enjoyable being on the other side of the camera, I'm now dead keen to do some more!
Born in Liverpool, Ian started professional acting at the tender age of eleven when he played the part of 'The Boy' in Waiting For Godot at The Liverpool Playhouse. He went on to perform in several TV series, such as 'Children Of The Stones' & 'Follow Me' as well as working with such greats as Oliver Reed and Glenda Jackson in the film, 'The Class Of Miss McMichael' Since then he has appeared in 'Casualty' and 'Doctors' for the BBC and 'Coronation Street' and 'Brookside' for ITV & Channel 4. He is due to appear in 'A Thousand Blows' for Disney Plus in 2025. He is a fanatical supporter of his beloved Liverpool Football Club. He loves playing guitar in bands, but doesn't get so much time these days. He's also a lover of outdoor pursuits in the countryside near his home in Herefordshire, UK. Particularly wildlife and birdwatching.
Key Cast
Ian Donnelly
Pamela Mayoss
Alison George
Other Credits