* 2 days * countdown to our first day of shoot on 21st February * 2 days *
We are still seeking your support to complete our funding for £60,000 to bring this production
to its full potential.
Please go to our Contribute Section
below to support us. Thank you!
You can also become an Associate or Executive Producer. Please see below.
The Story
Is Anybody There...? has a menacing and perilous story centred around Grace Williamson. Entrapped in a subtly coercive relationship and slowly losing her sense of self.
As the psychological pressure mounts, her reality begins to fracture, threatening her sanity.
Isolated, upside down, and inside out with happenings. Grace is forced into confronting the deepest, darkest fears of her life.
Ambiguously captivating - it journeys us to a place of purpose and awakening.
Setting
The film is set in the East Riding of Yorkshire, showcasing stunning locations at The Hotham Hall Estate and Everingham Park. Drawing on the wealth of truly outstanding multi award winning talent for its cast, crew and post-production.
Colour Palette & Tone
Pre discovery - soft, warm, rich colours, - dimly lit. Dream-like atmosphere, heightened yellows and reds.
Reds for emotion and pain, colder tones blue & black conveying malevolent darkness evoking a sense of otherworldliness and detachment.
Elevation and liberation, symbolised by warm, lighter, brighter tones representing hope and renewal.
Dark muted tones for thematic depth, highlighting the narrative's emotional nuances, hidden realities, and dark revelations. Alluding to tranquil restoration.
Why This Film Matters
This Short Film is a 'stand-alone' short that will be entered into National and International Film Festivals, but also serves as a 'Proof of Concept' for our original, full-length Feature Film script that it is based on. There is great potential for it to be turned into a franchise and, equally, a successful Television or Streaming Series.
This is based on a true story - I know because I was there. Although it occurred over half a lifetime ago, it wholly affected the entire course of my life.
It has taken years to find the courage to share these events for fear of what 'others might think'. But my strength and determination grew, always knowing and sensing there were others who shared similar experiences silently, too.
It’s no longer a burden - it has become a calling. I’m passionately dedicated to those hiding in the dark. Let this story shine a light. Make a connection, open doors to discussion, debate, dialogue, and investigative thought. Pry open minds and hearts. Challenge the perception deception, labels, programming, - affect some status quo, and be fearless in the face of judgement.
And indeed, it is a piece of art. Presented to share, intrigue, thought provoke and entertain.
This isn’t just art. It’s opportunity.
Psychological Thrillers
Have consistently demonstrated immense box office success, often exceeding expectations.
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High Profit
The psychological thriller genre is famous for low-budget "sleepers" that become massive profit engines: Joker (2019): gross of $1,074,445,730. Inception (2010): $836,848,102. The Sixth Sense - $672,806,292 globally, remaining one of the most successful supernatural-psychological thrillers in history.
Marketability & Appeal
Strong Marketability & High Concept Appeal to a broad demographic, mental stimulation through "guessing games" and "armchair detective" experiences. Enigmatic and curiosity. Giving them wide universal appeal.
High ROI
Approx 52% - 53% of Psychological thriller films turn a profit. High Return on Investment (ROI). Several have crossed the billion-dollar mark. Recognised for their psychological depth and record-shattering earnings they are among the most profitable in cinema. Film average 173% return on production costs, making them a top investment choice.
Low Budget - High Ceiling
Low Production Costs: relying on a few locations, small casts, and suspense rather than expensive CGI or A-list stars. This makes them a "low-cost bet" with a high "ceiling" for potential breakout success.
Biological Thrill
Audience Biological Thrill: triggers dopamine, adrenaline, and cortisol, an "addictive" rollercoaster that encourages repeat viewings. "risk-free" adventure of psychological dilemmas and moral ambiguity. Compelling plot twists and complex characters make them memorable, leading to long-term income as they move to streaming platforms over 10–15 years.
Franchise Power -
Genre Block-Busters
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (2007) cited as the most profitable movie ever by ROI, earning just under 1 billion to date -
$194.2 million on a tiny budget of $15,000. ROI of over 19,000%.
Cast Members
Lawrence Robb
Lawrence's breakthrough role came as the heart throb series regular, 'Mack' in Emmerdale. His nuanced portrayal captured public attention and industry praise alike.
Rapidly emerged as a dynamic talent within British television, earning recognition for his ability to convey sincerity and complexity across diverse roles.
Anna Elise LaFrance
Anna Elise LaFrance is a multifaceted performer and artist, her abilities ranging from acting, singing, dancing, and musicianship to visual arts and martial arts. She completed a BA(Hons) at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, followed by a Master’s in Music Theatre at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Samuel Edward-Cook
Samuel Edward-Cook is a dynamic British actor from East Yorkshire, known for his compelling screen presence and versatile range. With a strong foundation in theatre and television. He is best recognised for his roles in acclaimed series such as Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack, and Land Girls.
Malcolm Tomlinson
Malcolm Tomlinson was born and resides in East Yorkshire. He is a seasoned British actor with a rich career across theatre, television, and film. On screen, Malcolm has appeared in well-known series including Peaky Blinders, Cold Feet, EastEnders, Heartbeat, and Casualty, as well as films such as Hackneys Finest and Delicacy.
Evie - Mae Gallagher
Alia Al-Shabibi
Alia Al-Shabibi made a striking impact with her short but powerful appearance as Anya in Emmerdale, leaving a strong impression on audiences and industry alike. Trained at East 15 Acting School, she has built a solid foundation through extensive work in London theatre, where her performances have showcased depth, precision, and emotional intelligence.
Josh Beckman
Josh is an emerging actor who recently completed his postgraduate training at LAMDA and is quickly building a profile for himself across both stage and screen. He is best known for portraying Luke in Roarlight’s feature film Testament (now a series on Disney+) while his recent stage credits include: Orpheus Descending, Cyrano De Bergerac, The Gift and Scandaltown.
Vivienne Rowland
Vivienne has just starred in the role of Oliver in the Hull Truck production of Oliver Twist. Since then, she has appeared in two short films, most recently taking on a leading role. Vivienne is also an accomplished Ballroom and Latin dancer competing in prestigious Championships in Blackpool.
How You Can Help
We are currently seeking your financial support to enable our vision and bring this important and gripping story to light. It is in a highly marketable genre, beautifully cinematic, contains all the ingredients of what an audience demands, and is a perfect 'microcosm of the macrocosm' we find ourselves living within today.
Your support will directly fund:
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Professional cast, crew, and equipment hire
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Locations, set design, and atmospheric cinematography
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Post-production (editing, sound design, VFX, score)
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Film festival submissions and marketing
Supporter Rewards
We’d love our backers to become part of our multi-award winning creative, filmmaking family. Depending on your level of support, you’ll receive:
Supporter – £20+
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Thank you so much for your support! Every contribution helps us bring this story to life.
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Regular email updates on our production news
Patron – £500+
Everything included in Insider, plus:
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A “Special Thanks” credit in the film’s end credits
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VIP invitation to the premiere screening
Backer – £50+
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Private streaming link to the finished film
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Invitation to the premiere screening
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Regular email updates on our production news
Associate Producer – £1,000+
Everything included in Patron, plus:
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Associate Producer credit on the film (listed on IMDb)
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VIP tickets to the premiere screening
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Invitations to additional screenings and festivals wherever possible
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Exclusive behind-the-scenes stills of the cast and crew
Insider – £100+
Everything included in Backer, plus:
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Digital copy of the short film script
Executive Producer – £5,000+
Everything included in Associate Producer, plus:
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Executive Producer credit on the film (listed on IMDb)
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VIP invitations to all screenings and festivals wherever possible
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Personal updates, production data, and behind-the-scenes photos
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Invitation to visit the set during filming (spend a day with the cast & crew)
Alongside our public pledge options, we are also offering a limited number of sponsorships and brand partnerships, for those looking to support the film at a deeper level. If you’re interested in becoming part of the project in a more meaningful, long-term way, please email us directly or follow the dedicated link at the bottom of this page for full details. We’d love to explore how we can collaborate.
Make A Difference
Stories like Is Anybody There...? thrive when audiences crave gripping, cinematic, and thought-provoking tales. With streaming platforms, festivals, and global audiences hungrier than ever for psychological thrillers, now is the time to bring this TRUE story to life with our award-winning team.
By contributing today towards our £60 000 goal, you become part of our family with regular personal updates. You’re not only backing a film—you’re helping uncover truths, challenge perceptions, and launch what could even become a franchise.
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Our Media Appearances
BBC Radio Humberside
Please check our recent interview on BBC Radio Humberside (13.01.2026). Justine and
our amazing DOP Chris Ramage were
interviewed by the lovely Carla Greene:
Radio Beverley FM
Please listen to Justine's latest
interview (15.01.2026). She was interviewed
live by the fantastic Rachael Compey
on her Morning Mix Show:
Meet Some of Our Creative Team
At Just be productions, our multi-award-winning team of passionate creatives brings together expertise, artistry, and vision. Every aspect is crafted with precision and imagination, designed to engage and inspire audiences across the globe.
Michael Lacey - Director
After graduating from film school I ventured into directing corporate videos and low budget television commercials until I decided to write and direct a second short film with the intention of kickstarting a move into the competitive world of television drama. Unable to secure any funding, I decided to sell my house and fund the project myself. Touch Down was shot over three days on Super 16mm and went on to earn representation from the British Film Council at film festivals all over the world and opened up a door at ITV Studios.
I am now a Multi Award winning director of Television Drama with over thirteen years of experience, helming memorable and enduring episodes of Silent Witness, Waterloo Road, Casualty, Holby City, Father Brown, Coronation Street and Emmerdale. I've also directed TV commercials for Lacoste, McDonald's, John Lewis and Starbucks.
My Short Films to date are Grace's Story and Touch Down. Original feature film 'In development' is Orange Clouds and Caravans. Resilience, Decharges and A View From the Edge are original four part Dramas and The Lord's Work will be a six part Drama.
Technically refined with SFX and VFX Set Pieces, It is with intimate character driven drama that I am at my best, I am obsessed with subtext and capturing emotional truth. Serial Drama has taught me that I have an innate ability to craft story and character through action into a highly moving piece of work.
Justine Glenton - Creator/Writer/Producer
East Yorkshire
Justine Glenton was born in East Yorkshire and acquired her BA Honours in Acting & Performance at the accredited Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London, UK. She has worked extensively in Feature Film, Short Film, Television, Theatre, Commercials, and Voice-Over. She was awarded two USA O1 work visas for Extraordinary ability in the Arts and Television industry.
In addition to Equity, she gained her SAG-AFTRA membership while working and residing in Los Angeles for six years. Justine and Vanja Penca (Co-Producer) formed 'Just be Productions' along with Murray Burns and Is AnyBody There...? Created by Justine Glenton, is their first passion project together. This 'Short Film' has been born out of their 'Full Length Feature Film script' and represents their 'Proof of Concept'.
Joseph Kanarek - Co-Writer/Consultant
Los Angeles
Joseph Kanarek is a writer/co-producer originally from New York. He graduated with a BFA in film from Emerson College. Kanarek wrote a live-action VR film featured in the AFI Film Festival: THE MISSION. He co-wrote the western HOT BATH, STIFF DRINK, and a CLOSE SHAVE starring Robert Patrick and Allison Eastwood.
SACRED GROUND (horror) & THE REMAINS (ghost story) are two of his film projects in active development. Jonathan Sanger (Elephant Man) is a producing partner. Joseph & Karen Rosenfelt (Twilight, Devil Wears Prada) recently signed a deal with Skydance to Executive Produce an original sports reality series Kanarek created, WILDCARD, set in the world of competitive tennis.
Christopher Ramage - Director of Photography
East Yorkshire
Chris Ramage is an award-winning Director of Photography and photographer with over 20 years of experience behind the camera, working across high-end television drama, shorts, and commercials. In 2025, he won an RTS Award for Professional Excellence in Photography, and in 2023 he was part of the team that won the international Rose d’Or. He is also a BAFTA Judge and a GBCT member, bringing a highly experienced and technically assured approach to every project.
Chris has worked across a wide range of notable productions, including The Bay for ITV Studios, Suspect for Disney+, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Casualty, and the recent Corridale. His recent work also includes the short film Broken Clouds, released at the end of 2025. Based in the heart of Beverley, Chris continues to balance long-form television drama with commercial work and award-winning photography.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team and I am incredibly excited to help bring this captivating story to life through dynamic and engaging cinematography. For me as a DOP the narrative is so rich visually I can’t wait to begin filming, I’m confident that working with Justine and her team we will produce something very special and very successful.“
Ken Cumberland - 1st Assistant Director
East Yorkshire
Ken Cumberland is a 1st Assistant Director, most recently known for his incredible work on House of Guinness for Kudos/Netflix. With a career spanning award-winning drama and high-profile television, Ken has built a reputation for calm leadership, precision, and creative collaboration on set.
His extensive credits include Room at the Top (BAFTA Winner), In the Flesh (BAFTA Winner), Doctor Who, Sirens, Just Henry, The Syndicate, The Making of a Lady, The Bay for ITV, and many more. These productions reflect his long-standing contribution to some of the UK’s most respected and successful television dramas.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191775/
Vanja Penca - Co-Producer
London
From the moment I heard Justine’s story, which is the heart of our first project Is Anybody There…?, I felt instantly drawn to it and Just be productions was launched! I joined Justine on this passionate journey of transforming it onto the screen. The story resonates deeply within me carrying the urgency that we must bring this rather controversial subject to light.
There is a lot of healing that humanity needs to do and I am convinced with this project we can become a small piece of the puzzle how to guide us back into balance and prosperity. Which connects with my other life’s passion that is natural healing. I believe one of the highest expressions of our wellbeing is Art. I am extremely excited to be part of this project as it unites my love for film, photography, creativity and healing.
Sarah Brignall - Executive Producer
East Yorkshire
Sarah Brignall is an actor, director and producer, born and raised in Hull. She left the city in the late 1980s to train and work internationally, returning in 2017 during Hull’s year as UK City of Culture.
Sarah trained for two years at the École Jacques Lecoq in Paris and continued her training in London with a range of leading practitioners. She has written, directed and produced multiple shows for the Edinburgh Festival, many of which went on to tour, and as an actor has worked nationally and internationally with a wide range of companies.
She is proud to be supporting Justine and Vanja in an advisory and executive producing role on this project. She is passionate about promoting Hull as a place where films can and should be made. Sarah believes strongly in supporting local businesses, nurturing homegrown talent, and creating opportunities that allow creatives to stay and work in the region.
“Hull has an incredible artistic community,” she says. “The talent is already here. Now it’s about backing it, investing in it, and giving it the platform it deserves.”
Rhianna Hughes - Designer
Rhianna Hughes was born in Essex and moved to Leeds in 2019 to pursue her dream of working in the film and television industry.
For the last 6 years Rhianna has worked on ITV’s award winning Emmerdale as a Standby Art Director and Art Director. She is also known for Madness in the Method (2019) and Fissure (2019). Rhianna has a passion for character lead design and storytelling, working closely with directors to achieve their artistic vision.
Joanne Pearson - Casting Director
East Yorkshire
Joanne Pearson is an experienced casting director and producer who works with actors across the North of England. Her casting work spans both film and theatre, where she is known for her eye for emerging talent and her commitment to authentic storytelling.
As a producer, Joanne has been a key contributor to the Heads Up Festival, delivered in partnership with Battersea Arts Centre’s Collaborative Touring Network, where she led the Young People’s programming. Passionate about community engagement and creative collaboration, Joanne continues to champion opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through innovative performance.
E53.co.uk
Dean Wright - Sound Recordist
East Yorkshire
Dean has been working in sound in the industry for over 30 years. Inclusive of short films including broken clouds, treasure and graces story. Other shows include Emmerdale, heartbeat, The Royal, A touch of frost, At home with the braithewaites, Where the heart is, Countdown, My parents are aliens.
Fred Garland - Choreographer
East Yorkshire
Creator and Director of Tenfoot Dance company, Hull’s first contemporary dance theatre company. She has created and directed the national film project and exhibition. This powerful project will be showcased at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre in Autumn 2025 before touring nationally.
Led by Fred, this long-term project, ‘The Women’s Movement 100’ brings together visual artists and academic research to explore female equality and mark 100 years since women won the right to vote. Sheffield, Hull, and Newcastle have already shared their stories.
Andy O'Connor - Gaffer
York
Andy O’Connor is a highly experienced lighting professional with over forty years in film and television, working as an electrician, rigging gaffer, best boy, and gaffer. He began his career at the BBC in the early 1990s on programmes including Blue Peter, Top of the Pops, Later with Jools Holland, The Brittas Empire, ’Allo ’Allo! and EastEnders.
After a decade at the BBC, Andy moved into freelance work across film and television, contributing to feature films such as Ali G Indahouse, The Martins, Spider, and High Heels and Low Lives, as well as music videos and commercials.
He later spent twenty years with ITV Leeds Yorkshire on productions including A Touch of Frost, Countdown, The Quest, and My Parents Are Aliens. Andy went on to work as Lighting Coordinator at ITV Provision, supporting major productions such as Peaky Blinders and Vera, before spending the last ten years on Emmerdale. He is now seeking new projects and creative challenges.
Chris Chapman - DIT / Photographer
Yorkshire
For 13 years Chris worked on ITV’s BAFTA winning soap Emmerdale, where he was a key member of their small post production team, first as an Edit Assistant, but later as a Colourist and Finishing Editor where he was responsible for the final output of the show's six episodes every week. In 2026 Chris chose to go freelance and explore other work opportunities planning to work as a DIT, Colourist, Finishing Editor, Timelapse Artist and Photographer; hoping to put more time in projects he has more passion for.
He has a thorough understanding of video and photography production from start to finish; and often consults on creative projects for others.
Gordon Seed - Stunt Coordinator
He's shot James Bond, battled with Batman and flown on a broom with Harry Potter and has over 200 film and television credits to his name. Stuntman and stunt arranger Gordon Seed saved the universe as not one but two Doctors in the Day of the Doctor 50 anniversary special. Gordon, from Roby, has been stood in for David Tennant and then Matt Smith on Doctor Who from 2005, having doubled for David on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. An international trampolinist, Gordon dreamed of becoming a stuntman.
Training for stunts required a minimum of 30 weeks professional performance to gain full equity membership as well as six sporting disciplines to a high level. Once training was completed Gordon was accepted into the British Stunt Register. His stunt work bagan on the BBC’s Great Expectations and very soon found himself on a Bond film alongside Pierce Brosnan. This led to a run of movies including 102 Dalmatians, The Mummy Returns and Lara Croft Tomb Raider.
He has also appeared in all three of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films, several Harry Potter movies, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Bourne Ultimatum, Sherlock Holmes and Die Another Day, to name but a few. Gordon is now a respected and successful Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director working on numerous hit TV shows such as Peaky Blinders, House of Guiness, This City is Ours and The Responder.
Rob Rowley - Special Effects
Yorkshire
Rob Rowley is running a friendly and experienced in-house crew of technicians at the forefront of the UK screen industry in Special Effects for television, film and commercials. Rowley SFX is a long-established award-winning company and a family-run business.
They have worked on some of the most memorable titles in recent history including establishing the smoked and flame-filled look of Peaky Blinders; recent shows such as Adolescence for Netflix, A Gentleman In Moscow for Paramount+, This City Is Ours, The Pursuit of Love and Tin Star’s third series; Sheffield-set blockbusters The Full Monty and the more recent Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; the feature film The Secret Garden made at Pinewood Studios; plus since 1972 the ITV flagship drama Emmerdale to name a few.
Behind The Scenes
With Special Thanks to Howard Young at Engine7, Ollie Knocker, George Brignall McDougal, Max, Helen and Phillip Guest, Paulette Williams, Anne Henderson, and Neill Gorton @ Millennium FX for all their support. Poster graphics by Graeme White. Poster photographer and scream film images by Simon Boothe. Website design by Romilly Glenton.
Thank you!
We can’t make this film without you. Every contribution brings us closer to telling this story. We would be grateful if you would share our campaign with your family, friends, and networks—your voice helps us reach further, faster.
Together, we can bring Is Anybody There...? to life. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey.
For any questions you may have, feel free to reach us at: justbeproductions@protonmail.com
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