Reviews

Think Shoot Distribute

“It was clear from the exceptionally high calibre of applicants this year that over the last few years Think-Shoot-Distribute has evolved into one of the most highly regarded training schemes for emerging filmmaking talent in the UK.” - Janine Marmot, Director of Film, Skillset

The Killers

"The Killers is a fantastic film made for no money that blends incredibly witty dialogue with incredible heart. You feel for the hapless wannabe assassins, getting an insight into their loneliness through each other. The writer/director's on point perspective of what being alone can drive human beings to is only outclassed by the performances he pulled from the cast.” - Noel Clarke (Adulthood, Doghouse, BAFTA Orange Newcomer Winner)

"The Killers is a real find. An intelligent and witty script that is excellently played by an all strong cast. The darkly humorous narrative accompanied by Hitchcockian music is entertaining and compelling. Ian Attfield and Matthew Jure's performances as the unlikely hitmen make for an hilarious comedy duo. Jure's portrayal of the hapless Mike is simply brilliant. He is an extraordinary comic talent. A great film brimming with talent and flair. Highly recommended. *****" - IndieMoviesOnline Review

Split Focus at the B.F.I.

Carlo Ortu is the filmmaker who really prompted me to start thinking about this new series of screenings in the first place. Working with very little backing or resource he has persisted in making delightful, heartbreaking, angry and funny films and as you'll see his body of work shows a unique voice that demands more support. What marks him out from the crowd is that, unlike so many, he has a real sense of cinema. His films are all deceptively simple but draw their power from great performances, a central angry passion and an ability to hook you in just at the point where other filmmakers would lose you. His films twist, but are never about twists. His films are funny, but are never simply jokes. - Ben Blaine, Shooting People

Jimmy’s 15 Minutes

“So many short films attempt comedy and fail spectacularly. Comedy is surely the most difficult of genres yet Jimmy’s 15 minutes gets it so right. This film is an excellent indictment of the celebrity/reality TV culture and a great piece of filmmaking. “ - Viewer comment

A Man In The Crowd

"It certainly bears all the hallmarks of his previous work: great performances, quietly arresting imagery and the sort of restless and playful imagination that is a rare joy to spend time with. In a world over burdened with television series and soap operas there are too few people working in this industry who are capable of creating moments of real cinema." - Ben Blaine, Shooting People

"With some great performances from the cast, together with a sharp script, Carlo Ortu achieves a successful follow-up to his previous short, Smile" - Andy Greenhouse, ShallowSHORTS100 Video Podcast

Smile

"You'’ve made this film that flies by with effortless simplicity and continuity, which will most likely be the envy of all independent filmmakers. Well done."- Mark Brown, Northern Heights Film Festival

"It stood out for me as easily one of the most original and enjoyable pieces of work I'd seen in ages." - Ben Blaine, Shooting People

"Of the other comedic offerings, Carlo Ortu's Smile, about an over-zealous neighbourhood watcher, worked best." - The Scotsman 11/01/06 Film Review following Shoot First screening at the Edinburgh Filmhouse

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