Mirrors, a hit at the BFI Flare earlier this year, tells the story of two young gay guys falling for each other in the toilet of a Manchester nightclub. Hot. Forming part of the newly released Boys On Film 13 collection, QX magazine caught up with the film’s director, Neil Ely.
The film is pretty true to life – are there really hot, undecided ‘straight’ guys in Manchester’s gay clubs?
I could get into trouble answering this! Erm I’ve known a few, I was an unconvincing “straight” or “undecided” guy myself once so I suppose I attracted guys in a similar situation. Manchester’s gay scene has provided many adventures.
Where did the idea for the film come from?
I am going to get in trouble for this interview! I experienced a similar situation in a night out. A guy I was talking to who had taken M.D had a bit if a revelation and came out to me (though unlike the film, we weren’t in a toilet cubical). However, we ended up in one while he vomited; he had never said the words “I’m gay” out aloud. I think it all became too much for him and the bouncers then took over. That’s where the initial concept came from. It feels a bit naughty admitting that!
Did you know you were going to get Jody Latham (Shameless) and Liam Boyle (Skins) in the short?
I’ve worked with Jody before on my last feature Three In A Bed so he was on board from the get go. I contacted a few other actors before Liam but they weren’t right, then Jody suggested Liam. We spoke over the phone and he really got the script – as soon as we meet I knew he was that man for the job.
How did Kavana’s drag cameo come about?
The club that I based the film on always has a drag queen redoing their makeup in the mirror – so I had to keep that in there! I’ve written another short script, Desperately Seeking Something, that the drag character was taken from. I’d already discussed Kav playing her so it just made sense that he played the role in Mirrors. It was the funniest part to film for sure.
The film played at BFI Flare earlier this year – how was it received?
It was a great festival to be part of and Mirrors was received really well. I was shitting myself to be fair as I had to introduce the film in front of 600 people. A few people came and said how much they enjoyed it – so that gave us all a buzz. It was good to be able to spend a few days with the cast and enjoy the film.
The performances from the boys are pretty stellar, especially when it comes to coming up on MDMA. Did you rehearse with them?
We did a few workshops before hand and talked a lot about what it’s like to be under the effect of MDMA. The guys are good friends so that helped. I was confident that they would pull it off as it’s not good seeing actors portray being under the influence badly. We agreed to allow time on the day of filming to improv some of the script. They did a good job.
MIRRORS forms part of a collection of short films on Boys On Film, now in its 13th volume. Do you think we’re in a good time for gay cinema?
I’m buzzing to be part of such a great set of short films. It’s really exciting. I think there are so many brilliantly LGBT films being made; Pride, Love is Strange and I really enjoyed Appropriate Behaviour. I look forward to seeing a few gay blockbusters in the not so distant future.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got a few scripts I may dust off and start pre-production on soon! I’m also working with a fantastic writer, Lisa Howells, on the feature version of Mirrors – so people who enjoyed the short will get to see what led the guys to meet and what happened after they did.
• Mirrors forms part of the Boys On Film 13th volume. Presented by Pecadillo Pictures, it’s now available to buy on DVD.
