From Classroom to Festival Screen: The Making of Wired
By William Boyd
12 December 2024
Blending elements of dark comedy, sci-fi, and thriller, Wired is a thought-provoking short film that dives into humanity’s increasingly tense relationship with technology. Directed by former MetFilm School lecturer Will Jewell, the film has garnered praise for its originality, striking tone, and clever execution—earning selections at prestigious festivals like Aesthetica (BAFTA-qualifier) and CineCity.
With its shades of Black Mirror, Her, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Wired tells the story of a woman slowly gaslit by her smart hub, tapping into themes of dependency on technology and its eerie, unforeseen consequences.
We spoke to Will Jewell about the inspiration behind the film, working with MetFilm School graduates on the production, and how the project is making waves on the festival circuit.
The Concept Behind Wired
The idea for Wired began as a humorous misunderstanding. “The original script came from producer and MetFilm School graduate Lee Mancini, whose wife has a thick Irish accent. Their Alexa could never understand her,” Will explains. “At first, it was broad comedy, but I saw potential for something deeper—darker. I reworked the script to explore themes of paranoia and technology, creating a story that balances thriller and character-driven comedy.”
This balance is no easy feat, but Wired nails the tone. Audiences at festivals have laughed at moments of absurdity while being hit with tension just seconds later. “I love films that thread the needle between genres,” Will adds, drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Martin McDonagh, known for mixing humour and horror seamlessly.
A Collaboration of MetFilm School Talent
One of Wired’s standout elements is its crew, packed with MetFilm School alumni and connections. From graduates to former students of Will’s own classes, the film became a true collaborative effort.
“When I was teaching, I’d keep a mental list of students with great work ethic or a good eye for storytelling,” Will explains. “When we started Wired, I reached out to people I trusted—graduates who I knew would bring talent and professionalism to the project.”
The final crew reads like a roll call of MetFilm School alumni:
•Philippe Thuery – Director of Photography (DOP)
•Ryan Tiernan – 1st AC
•Ruby Hamilton – Art Department
•Lauren Judd – Makeup Artist
•Leon Langham-Glen – Runner
•Adriana Sabau & Nick River – Editors
Even actors Fintan Shevlin and Sophie Knighton were discovered through MetFilm School workshops, where Will identified their standout abilities.
“I’ve worked with Philippe [DOP] before, and having that shorthand on set makes all the difference,” Will adds. “With a skeleton crew, the grads pulled together brilliantly—it was a smooth, professional shoot.”
The Visual and Thematic Approach
While the film explores technology’s darker side, the visuals reflect its unsettling undertones. Will and DOP Philippe Thuery focused on creating a cinematic style that feels claustrophobic and slick—a nod to classic sci-fi like 2001: A Space Odyssey while staying grounded in the film’s intimate storyline.
“Technology tries to humanise itself—to mimic us. That’s where the creepiness comes in,” Will notes. “We deferred larger and larger parts of our lives to technology, and Wired plays on that idea: how far is too far?”
Festival Success and Audience Reactions
Wired has been met with glowing reviews and enthusiastic festival audiences. Its official selections include the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, Scandinavian International Film Festival, Dublin Short Film and Music Festival, and Newport Beach Film Festival in the US.
Seeing the audience react has been particularly rewarding for Will. “You watch for gasps, laughs, and silence—those real moments of connection,” he shares. “The Aesthetica screening was a highlight. It was packed, people were sitting on steps, and the reactions were fantastic. That’s why we make films—for those shared experiences.”
The film has also impressed critics, with reviews praising its originality, tone, and sharp execution.
What’s Next for Wired and Beyond
While Wired continues its festival run, Will is already deep into other projects, including collaborations with MetFilm School graduates. “I’ve had people ask about making Wired into a feature, but I’ve got three other features in development. It’s done its job for me—gotten me back on set, shown I can handle sci-fi, and opened new doors.”
A Stepping Stone for the Next Generation
For MetFilm School graduates, Wired is a prime example of how hands-on experience and industry connections lead to opportunities. Will credits the talent and professionalism of the crew for the film’s success, saying:
“Working with grads on set is rewarding. You know they’re ready, that they’ve been pre-vetted by their work at MetFilm School. This project was built on those relationships, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”
To learn more about MetFilm School’s courses and how they prepare students for real-world filmmaking, visit our Brighton Campus page or explore our filmmaking programmes.
Watch the trailer for Wired here.
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