Pentabus and Rural Media are lighting up TikTok with their recently launched Pentabus National Young Writers ArtFlicks projects. Since September the ArtFlicks TikTok channel has been publishing a showcase series of 90-second films crafted by six emerging rural writers, marking a significant moment for young talent stepping onto the digital stage. The final shorts are due to be released soon.
Already amassing nearly half a million views on TikTok, ArtFlicks is no stranger to digital audiences. This latest venture promises to continue that trend, offering fresh narratives that span queer awakenings in nature, cosmic horrors, and explorations of love and self-acceptance—all delivered in bite-sized cinematic pieces perfect for the platform’s fast-paced environment.
A New Wave of Rural Storytelling
First to debut was Daniel Grimston’s “Trespasses,” a trilogy delving into queer awakening amidst the natural world, directed by Amara Heyland. Alongside, Izzie Harding-Perrot presents “Boxes,” a comedic exploration of love’s early stages and the magic—and chaos—that comes with opening up.
Following weeks introduced Jacob Kay’s “She, Them, and It,” a modern cosmic horror tale; Lily Bedigan’s “L.T.O.S.,” inspired by Laura Bates’ “Fix the System Not the Woman”; Raina Greifer’s three-part series on clowns, self-acceptance, and kink; and will conclude with Leah Gayer’s “The Allotment.”
Each writer’s trio of films will roll out consecutively from Wednesday to Friday, ensuring a steady stream of new content for viewers to anticipate.
“It has made me a more practical and resourceful writer where I’m thinking about actually making something rather than just writing something.”
Young ArtFlicks Writer
Meet the Writers:
- Daniel Grimston (he/they): A writer, actor, and activist from rural Sussex, Daniel’s work bridges the gap between humanity and the natural world. Winner of the Masterclass Pitch Your Play Competition in 2023, he is currently Poet in Residence for the Right to Roam Campaign.
- Izzie Harding-Perrot (they/them): Devon-born and London-based, Izzie is a writer, theatremaker, and actor whose work blends comedy and drama, influenced by folklore, rural life, and all things wonderfully weird.
- Jacob Kay (he/him): A neurodiverse playwright, screenwriter, and actor from Derby, Jacob’s work intertwines science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural to explore the human condition. His plays have been shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting and performed at venues across the UK.
- Lily Bedigan (she/her): From Shropshire and now in South London, Lily is both a writer and actor. Her first play, Spiders. Golf. Girl in the Wood., is under development with Cloudburst Productions and supported by Arts Council England.
- Raina Greifer (she/they): A dynamic performance maker and producer, Raina has toured shows across the UK, gracing stages like the Bristol Old Vic and the Roundhouse. Known for bold and provocative work, she brings a fearless energy to contemporary performance.
- Leah Gayer (she/her): [Biography available here.]
Building on Proven Success
Pentabus and Rural Media’s collaboration isn’t their first foray into digital acclaim. Their previous co-productions, “DESTINY” by Florence Espeut-Nickless and “The Silence & the Noise” by Tom Powell, were both finalists for the Off West End Award for Best Online Production in 2024, with “The Silence & the Noise” clinching the prize. Together, these works reached over 4,000 people through online platforms and screenings in locations as diverse as London, Ludlow, Hereford, and Milan.
Their live-streamed play “Driftwood” by Tim Foley, co-produced with ThickSkin, is currently nominated for this year’s Off West End Award in the same category. Notably, former Pentabus Young Writer Liv Hennessey was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play in 2024, highlighting the calibre of talent nurtured by the company.
Release Schedule:
- First Available:
- Trespasses I, II, III by Daniel Grimston
- Boxes 1, 2, 3 by Izzie Harding-Perrot
- Week of 16th Sept:
- She, Them & It by Jacob Kay
- Week of 23rd Sept:
- L.T.O.S. 1, 2 & 3 by Lily Bedigan
- Week of 30th Sept:
- The Shame, The Foreplay, The Climax by Raina Greifer
- Week of 14th Oct:
- The Allotment 1, 2 & 3 by Leah Gayer
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
Participation in the ArtFlicks project has been more than just a creative outlet for the young writers involved. One participant reflected, “This project has been an eye-opening challenge. I’ve developed skills in roles that I wouldn’t have done had this course been specifically about writing development.”
Pentabus has long been committed to fostering new talent, especially through its Young Writers’ Programme, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over the past decade, the programme has been instrumental in launching the careers of many writers who have gone on to work with Radio 4, BBC One, Bristol Old Vic, and have received Tinniswood and Olivier Award nominations.
Featured Image: Pentabus
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