Filmmaker Statement

During UK Lockdown 1, I was desperate (like many) to get back out there and create. With strict social distance rules in mind, we developed RHYME OR DIE. Here the reluctant contestants can’t leave their spotlight areas or get electrocuted. These happened to be the perfect COVID-safe distance from each other. The short was filmed over the last weekend of the third UK Lockdown, utilising a club just before it reopened to the public. The cut-throat nature of the creative industries inspired our film and how as artists, we are often forced to compete against one another with frequently destructive consequences. Consequences that will affect our artistry and sometimes our health. Be the best, or ‘die’. The film takes inspiration from BATTLE ROYALE (2000) and THE CIRCLE (2015).