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Louis Paxton

Writer / Director

Louis Paxton is a writer and Director from Edinburgh, Scotland. After studying at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, Louis embarked on an MA in Directing at the National Film and Television School in London. His award-winning short films range from comedy drama to horror to musical comedy. They’ve screened at Flickerfest, Glasgow Short Film Fest, LOCO film fest and London Short Film Fest. His first TV project, Sci-fi comedy THE SPARE ROOM was selected for the BAFTA Rocliffe Drama forum, leading him to develop projects with Hartswood Films and BBC Comedy.

In 2021 Louis directed the BBC3 comedy/drama LADYBABY, his first TV episode. The pilot was nominated for Best Comedy at the Broadcast Awards. In 2022 Louis was also nominated for best Director at the New Voice Awards and received a BAFTA Scotland nomination for his short film NEVILLE IS DEAD. He’s directed episodes of BBC One prime-time crime/drama, SHETLAND and he participated in a writer’s room for Emanata studios’ BASH STREET KIDS. He’s developing his feature film debut as writer/director; offbeat comedy THE INCOMER with the support of Screen Scotland and THE BIG MAN with BBC Studios; an ambitious comedy/thriller anthology series. Louis is currently in pre-production for a comedy short CALAMITY JAMES for BBC3.

WEBSITE: www.louispaxton.com

Credits

TELEVISION
Date: 2024
Production (role):
WRECK S2
Company:
Euston Films / BBC3
Project details:
Directed Episodes 4-6
Date: 2022
Production (role):
SHETLAND S7
Company:
ITV Studios
Project details:
BBC One Drama

Directed Block 2 - 3 x 60'
Date: 2021
Production (role):
LADYBABY (Director)
Company:
Kudos / BBC3
Project details:
Directed pilot, written by Kirstie Swain

Broadcast Awards shortlist 2022 'Best Comedy Programme'
Nominated for THE VICTOR ADEBODUN DEBUT DIRECTOR AWARD at the 2022 New Voice Awards
IN DEVELOPMENT
Production (role):
BREADWINNER
Company:
Birdie Pictures
Project details:
Co-writing with Grant O'Rourke
Date: 2023
Production (role):
THE INCOMER
Company:
Pilea Pictures / Creative Scotland
Project details:
Feature Comedy

Writer / Director
Date: 2023
Production (role):
SHEARLINGS
Company:
House Productions / BBC Comedy
Project details:
TV Comedy 6 x 30
Writer / Director
BBC Comedy Commission
Date: 2023
Production (role):
BIG MAN
Company:
BBC Studios
Project details:
Writer

TV Comedy / Thriller 6 x 60
Date: 2023
Production (role):
GOON
Company:
Rangabee Productions
Project details:
Writer / Director

TV Comedy / Thriller 8 x 30
Date: 2023
Production (role):
THE BLIGE
Company:
Western Edge Pictures
Project details:
Writer

Feature Horror
Date: 2019
Production (role):
CARNAGE
Project details:
Writer

TV Comedy / Drama 6 x 30
Date: 2018
Production (role):
SPARE ROOM
Project details:
TV Comedy 6 x 30
Writer
Selected for BAFTA ROCLIFFE
Developed with BBC COMEDY
SHORT FILM
Date: 2023
Production (role):
CALAMITY JAMES
Company:
Emanata Studios and BBC 3 / BBC Scotland
Project details:
Writer / Director

BBC Comedy Shorts Film

Nominated for Best Comedy at the RTS Scotland 2024 Awards

Nominated for Best Short-Form Scripted at Broadcast Digital Awards 2024

Available on BBC iPlayer

Has led to a pilot script commission with BBC Studios
Date: 2020
Production (role):
NEVILLE IS DEAD
Project details:
Nominated for best Short at Glasgow short Film Fest
Selected for LOCO Film Festival
Selected for Short Com Film Festival
Nominated for best Short at BAFTA Scotland
Date: 2014
Production (role):
SATAN HAS A BUSHY TAIL (Writer / Director)
Company:
Film London
Project details:
Comedy drama
Commissioned for ‘London Calling’ scheme.

Selected - Aesthetica Short Film Fest, York, November 2015
Winner - Best Comedy, The Smalls Film Festival, UK, September 2015
Winner - Best Comedy, Worldfest, Houston, USA, March 2015
Winner - Best Narrative Short, PRaxis Film Fest, London, February 2015
Winner - Bronze Audience Award, 8th Lichtspeilklub Short Film Festival, Berlin, January 2015
Nominated - Best Editing, Underwire Film Fest, November 2015
Selected - Heartland Film Fest, Indianapolis, October 2015
Selected - Cambridge Film Festival, September 2015
Selected - Loco Film Fest, London, January 2015
Selected - Cuculoras Film Festival, Wilmington NC, USA, November 2014
Selected Aesthetica Short Film Fest / York / Nov 15
Winner Best Comedy / The Smalls Film Festival / UK / Sept 15
Winner Best Comedy / Worldfest Houston / USA / Mar 15
Winner Best Narrative Short / Praxis Film Fest / London / Feb 15
Winner Bronze Audience Award / 8th Lichtspeilklub Short Film Festival / Berlin / Jan 15
Nominated Best Editing / Underwire Film Fest / Nov 15
Selected Heartland Film Fest / Indianapolis / Oct 15
Selected Cambridge Film Festival / Sept 15
Selected Loco Film Fest / London / Jan 15
Selected Cuculoras Film Festival / Wilmington Nc / USA / Nov 14
Date: 2013
Production (role):
MUSICAL STAR! (Writer / Director)
Company:
NFTS
Project details:
Comedy musical
35mm
NFTS graduation film

Selected - 8th Lichpeilklub Short Film Festival, Berlin, January 2015
Selected - Praxis Film Fest, London, February 2015
Selected - Cuculoras Film Festival, Wilmington NC, USA, November 2014
Screened - Short Sighted 'Retro Night' UK, July 2014
Selected - Latitude Festival, UK, July 2014
Selected - London Short Film Festical, UK, Janaury 2014
Date: 2013
Production (role):
VOODOO MOUSTACHE (Director)
Company:
NFTS
Project details:
Comedy

Nominated - Underwire Film Festival, London, November 2014
Selected - Short Sighted Cinema @ In The Woods Festival, Cambridge, June 2014
Distribution - Snag Films USA, March 2014
Selected - Strawberry Shorts, Cambridge Short Film Festival, Cambridge, June 2014
Selected - Portland Facial Hair Fest, USA, March 2014
Nominated - Best Production Design, Watersprite Film Fest, Cambridge, March 2014
Selected - Loco London Comedy Film Festival, UK, London, January 2014
Selected - Southend on Sea Horror Festival, UK, January 2014
Winner - Best Student Film, Screen Stockport International Film Festival, October 2013
Winner - Best Comedy, Portobello Film Festival, London, September 2013
Nominated - Grass Roots Film, Van D'Or Awards for Independent Film, London, September 2013
Shortlisted - Tropfest International, Australia, February 2013
Date: 2013
Production (role):
DOLLFACE (Writer / Director)
Company:
NFTS
Project details:
Black comedy

Commended - Strawberry Shorts, Cambridge Short Film Festival, June 2014
Selected - Wiz-Art International Short Film Festival, UKraine, May 2014
Selected - 7th Lichspeilklub Short Film Festival, Berlin, January 2014
Selected - London Short Film Festival, Berlin, Janaury 2014
Selected - Southend on Sea Horror Festival, UK, Janauary 2014
Selected - Leeds International Film Festival, November 2013
Nominated - Best Horror/Sci Fi Short, Crystal Palace Film Festival, London, November 2013
Winner - Best Comedy, Van D'Or Awards for International Film, London, September 2013
Nominated - Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Van D'Or Awards, London, September 2013
Nominated - Best Short Film, Portobello Film Festival, London, September 2013

Nominated - Best Scottish Short, Glasgow Short Film Festival, February 2013
Nominated - Silver Melies Award (Melies d'Argent), Hoff, Estonia, MArch 2013
Shortlisted - Dead by Dawn, Edinburg, April 2013
Selected - Flat Pack Festival, Birmingham, March 2013
Date: 2011
Production (role):
POUNCER (Writer / Director / Producer / Editor)
Project details:
Comedy mockumentary
Distribution - Snag Films USA, March 2014
Screened - Write Shoot Cut, Edinburgh, February 2013
Selected - Screened before general release of feature film UP THERE (Zam Salim), GFT Glasgow, November 12
Selected - The Short Film Showcase Suitcase, London, February 2012
Nominated - Best Scottish Short, Glasgow Short Film Festival, February 2012
Selected - London Short Film Festival, January 2012
Date: 2009
Production (role):
CHOREOMANIA (Writer / Director / Co-Producer)
Project details:
Action / Comedy
Prod. Stuart Ewan (Graduation Film)

Screened - Halloween Special, British Shorts Film Festival, Berlin, October 2013
Selected - Glasgow Short Film Festival at Edinburgh Fringe, August 2011
Selected - Strawberry Shorts, Cambridge, June 2011
Selected - London Short Film Festival, January 2011
Selected - New York City Horror Film Fest, November 2010
Selected - IETM Screening, Glasgow, November 2010
Selected - Abertoir Horror Film Festical, Aberstwyth, November 2010
Nominated - Best Cinematography, Exposures Film Fest
Selected - Exposures Film Festival, Manchester, November 2010
Selected - Lund Fantastisk Film Festival, Sweden, September 2010
Selected - Film4 Frightfest, London, August 2010
Selected - Strawberry Shorts Film Marquee at Fordham Fest, August 2010
Screened - Caught Short, Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh, May 2010
Winner - Best National Undergraduate Drama, Royal Television Society, London, May 2010
Winner - Best Student Film, Celtic Media Festival, Newry, Northern Ireland, May 2010
Screened - Electric Sheep Post Apocalyptic Night, April 2010
Selected - Sci Fi London Film Festival, April 2010
Selected - Sesuchte 39th International Student Film Festival, Postdam-Babelsberg, Germany
Selected - Flatpack Film Festival, Birmingham, March 2010
Selected - Film Insiders Talent Festival, Cumbria, March 2010
Selected - Glasgow International Short Film Fest, Febraury 2010

Winner - Best Student Drama - Scottish Royal Television Society, Glasgow, January 2010
Selected - Jaipur International Film Festival, Jaipur, India, January 2010
Selected - Lichspielklub Kurzfilmfestival, Berlin, Germany, January 2010
Screened - Electric Shadows, Beijing, September 2009
COMMERCIAL
Date: 2013
Production (role):
A PENGUIN WALKS INTO A BAR (Writer / Director)
Company:
Kopparberg
Project details:
30 second commercial, 16mm
Kodak Commercial competition entry

Screened Brainwrap Comedy Shorts / London / Feb 2014
Selected NFTS Stars Of Tomorrow At BAFTA / London / Sept 2013
Winner Best Script / Kodak Awards / London / April 13
Winner 2nd Best In Brief / Kodak Awards / London / April 13
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:

MA Directing Fiction - National Film and Television School, 2011 - 13

BA (Hons) Degree in Digital Film and Television - Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, 2007 - 09
WRITERS ROOM EXPERIENCE
Date: 2021
Production (role):
BASH ST
Company:
BEANO STUDIOS

Credits

  • Date
    Production (role)
    Company
    Project details
  • Date: 2024
    Production (role): WRECK S2
    Company: Euston Films / BBC3
    Project details: Directed Episodes 4-6
  • Date: 2022
    Production (role): SHETLAND S7
    Company: ITV Studios
    Project details: BBC One Drama

    Directed Block 2 - 3 x 60'
  • Date: 2021
    Production (role): LADYBABY (Director)
    Company: Kudos / BBC3
    Project details: Directed pilot, written by Kirstie Swain

    Broadcast Awards shortlist 2022 'Best Comedy Programme'
    Nominated for THE VICTOR ADEBODUN DEBUT DIRECTOR AWARD at the 2022 New Voice Awards
  • Date
    Production (role)
    Company
    Project details
  • Date:
    Production (role): BREADWINNER
    Company: Birdie Pictures
    Project details: Co-writing with Grant O'Rourke
  • Date: 2023
    Production (role): THE INCOMER
    Company: Pilea Pictures / Creative Scotland
    Project details: Feature Comedy

    Writer / Director
  • Date: 2023
    Production (role): SHEARLINGS
    Company: House Productions / BBC Comedy
    Project details: TV Comedy 6 x 30
    Writer / Director
    BBC Comedy Commission
  • Date: 2023
    Production (role): BIG MAN
    Company: BBC Studios
    Project details: Writer

    TV Comedy / Thriller 6 x 60
  • Date: 2023
    Production (role): GOON
    Company: Rangabee Productions
    Project details: Writer / Director

    TV Comedy / Thriller 8 x 30
  • Date: 2023
    Production (role): THE BLIGE
    Company: Western Edge Pictures
    Project details: Writer

    Feature Horror
  • Date: 2019
    Production (role): CARNAGE
    Company:
    Project details: Writer

    TV Comedy / Drama 6 x 30
  • Date: 2018
    Production (role): SPARE ROOM
    Company:
    Project details: TV Comedy 6 x 30
    Writer
    Selected for BAFTA ROCLIFFE
    Developed with BBC COMEDY
  • Date
    Production (role)
    Company
    Project details
  • Date: 2023
    Production (role): CALAMITY JAMES
    Company: Emanata Studios and BBC 3 / BBC Scotland
    Project details: Writer / Director

    BBC Comedy Shorts Film

    Nominated for Best Comedy at the RTS Scotland 2024 Awards

    Nominated for Best Short-Form Scripted at Broadcast Digital Awards 2024

    Available on BBC iPlayer

    Has led to a pilot script commission with BBC Studios
  • Date: 2020
    Production (role): NEVILLE IS DEAD
    Company:
    Project details: Nominated for best Short at Glasgow short Film Fest
    Selected for LOCO Film Festival
    Selected for Short Com Film Festival
    Nominated for best Short at BAFTA Scotland
  • Date: 2014
    Production (role): SATAN HAS A BUSHY TAIL (Writer / Director)
    Company: Film London
    Project details: Comedy drama
    Commissioned for ‘London Calling’ scheme.

    Selected - Aesthetica Short Film Fest, York, November 2015
    Winner - Best Comedy, The Smalls Film Festival, UK, September 2015
    Winner - Best Comedy, Worldfest, Houston, USA, March 2015
    Winner - Best Narrative Short, PRaxis Film Fest, London, February 2015
    Winner - Bronze Audience Award, 8th Lichtspeilklub Short Film Festival, Berlin, January 2015
    Nominated - Best Editing, Underwire Film Fest, November 2015
    Selected - Heartland Film Fest, Indianapolis, October 2015
    Selected - Cambridge Film Festival, September 2015
    Selected - Loco Film Fest, London, January 2015
    Selected - Cuculoras Film Festival, Wilmington NC, USA, November 2014
    Selected Aesthetica Short Film Fest / York / Nov 15
    Winner Best Comedy / The Smalls Film Festival / UK / Sept 15
    Winner Best Comedy / Worldfest Houston / USA / Mar 15
    Winner Best Narrative Short / Praxis Film Fest / London / Feb 15
    Winner Bronze Audience Award / 8th Lichtspeilklub Short Film Festival / Berlin / Jan 15
    Nominated Best Editing / Underwire Film Fest / Nov 15
    Selected Heartland Film Fest / Indianapolis / Oct 15
    Selected Cambridge Film Festival / Sept 15
    Selected Loco Film Fest / London / Jan 15
    Selected Cuculoras Film Festival / Wilmington Nc / USA / Nov 14
  • Date: 2013
    Production (role): MUSICAL STAR! (Writer / Director)
    Company: NFTS
    Project details: Comedy musical
    35mm
    NFTS graduation film

    Selected - 8th Lichpeilklub Short Film Festival, Berlin, January 2015
    Selected - Praxis Film Fest, London, February 2015
    Selected - Cuculoras Film Festival, Wilmington NC, USA, November 2014
    Screened - Short Sighted 'Retro Night' UK, July 2014
    Selected - Latitude Festival, UK, July 2014
    Selected - London Short Film Festical, UK, Janaury 2014
  • Date: 2013
    Production (role): VOODOO MOUSTACHE (Director)
    Company: NFTS
    Project details: Comedy

    Nominated - Underwire Film Festival, London, November 2014
    Selected - Short Sighted Cinema @ In The Woods Festival, Cambridge, June 2014
    Distribution - Snag Films USA, March 2014
    Selected - Strawberry Shorts, Cambridge Short Film Festival, Cambridge, June 2014
    Selected - Portland Facial Hair Fest, USA, March 2014
    Nominated - Best Production Design, Watersprite Film Fest, Cambridge, March 2014
    Selected - Loco London Comedy Film Festival, UK, London, January 2014
    Selected - Southend on Sea Horror Festival, UK, January 2014
    Winner - Best Student Film, Screen Stockport International Film Festival, October 2013
    Winner - Best Comedy, Portobello Film Festival, London, September 2013
    Nominated - Grass Roots Film, Van D'Or Awards for Independent Film, London, September 2013
    Shortlisted - Tropfest International, Australia, February 2013
  • Date: 2013
    Production (role): DOLLFACE (Writer / Director)
    Company: NFTS
    Project details: Black comedy

    Commended - Strawberry Shorts, Cambridge Short Film Festival, June 2014
    Selected - Wiz-Art International Short Film Festival, UKraine, May 2014
    Selected - 7th Lichspeilklub Short Film Festival, Berlin, January 2014
    Selected - London Short Film Festival, Berlin, Janaury 2014
    Selected - Southend on Sea Horror Festival, UK, Janauary 2014
    Selected - Leeds International Film Festival, November 2013
    Nominated - Best Horror/Sci Fi Short, Crystal Palace Film Festival, London, November 2013
    Winner - Best Comedy, Van D'Or Awards for International Film, London, September 2013
    Nominated - Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Van D'Or Awards, London, September 2013
    Nominated - Best Short Film, Portobello Film Festival, London, September 2013

    Nominated - Best Scottish Short, Glasgow Short Film Festival, February 2013
    Nominated - Silver Melies Award (Melies d'Argent), Hoff, Estonia, MArch 2013
    Shortlisted - Dead by Dawn, Edinburg, April 2013
    Selected - Flat Pack Festival, Birmingham, March 2013
  • Date: 2011
    Production (role): POUNCER (Writer / Director / Producer / Editor)
    Company:
    Project details: Comedy mockumentary
    Distribution - Snag Films USA, March 2014
    Screened - Write Shoot Cut, Edinburgh, February 2013
    Selected - Screened before general release of feature film UP THERE (Zam Salim), GFT Glasgow, November 12
    Selected - The Short Film Showcase Suitcase, London, February 2012
    Nominated - Best Scottish Short, Glasgow Short Film Festival, February 2012
    Selected - London Short Film Festival, January 2012
  • Date: 2009
    Production (role): CHOREOMANIA (Writer / Director / Co-Producer)
    Company:
    Project details: Action / Comedy
    Prod. Stuart Ewan (Graduation Film)

    Screened - Halloween Special, British Shorts Film Festival, Berlin, October 2013
    Selected - Glasgow Short Film Festival at Edinburgh Fringe, August 2011
    Selected - Strawberry Shorts, Cambridge, June 2011
    Selected - London Short Film Festival, January 2011
    Selected - New York City Horror Film Fest, November 2010
    Selected - IETM Screening, Glasgow, November 2010
    Selected - Abertoir Horror Film Festical, Aberstwyth, November 2010
    Nominated - Best Cinematography, Exposures Film Fest
    Selected - Exposures Film Festival, Manchester, November 2010
    Selected - Lund Fantastisk Film Festival, Sweden, September 2010
    Selected - Film4 Frightfest, London, August 2010
    Selected - Strawberry Shorts Film Marquee at Fordham Fest, August 2010
    Screened - Caught Short, Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh, May 2010
    Winner - Best National Undergraduate Drama, Royal Television Society, London, May 2010
    Winner - Best Student Film, Celtic Media Festival, Newry, Northern Ireland, May 2010
    Screened - Electric Sheep Post Apocalyptic Night, April 2010
    Selected - Sci Fi London Film Festival, April 2010
    Selected - Sesuchte 39th International Student Film Festival, Postdam-Babelsberg, Germany
    Selected - Flatpack Film Festival, Birmingham, March 2010
    Selected - Film Insiders Talent Festival, Cumbria, March 2010
    Selected - Glasgow International Short Film Fest, Febraury 2010

    Winner - Best Student Drama - Scottish Royal Television Society, Glasgow, January 2010
    Selected - Jaipur International Film Festival, Jaipur, India, January 2010
    Selected - Lichspielklub Kurzfilmfestival, Berlin, Germany, January 2010
    Screened - Electric Shadows, Beijing, September 2009
  • Date
    Production (role)
    Company
    Project details
  • Date: 2013
    Production (role): A PENGUIN WALKS INTO A BAR (Writer / Director)
    Company: Kopparberg
    Project details: 30 second commercial, 16mm
    Kodak Commercial competition entry

    Screened Brainwrap Comedy Shorts / London / Feb 2014
    Selected NFTS Stars Of Tomorrow At BAFTA / London / Sept 2013
    Winner Best Script / Kodak Awards / London / April 13
    Winner 2nd Best In Brief / Kodak Awards / London / April 13
  • EDUCATION:

    MA Directing Fiction - National Film and Television School, 2011 - 13

    BA (Hons) Degree in Digital Film and Television - Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, 2007 - 09
  • Date
    Production (role)
    Company
  • Date: 2021
    Production (role): BASH ST
    Company: BEANO STUDIOS
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