Sam, a terminally awkward young man and heir to his mother’s sandwich shop, is obsessed with the artform of sandwich making. Already stressed by his perfectionist sandwich-making agenda, Sam's duress worsens when a young woman, Fleur, is hired to counteract Sam’s declining customer service skills. Sam, initially repulsed by Fleur’s lack of respect for sandwich artistry, attempts to befriend her when her artistic nature is revealed; but when she too rejects his artform he descends into a downward spiral, and is forced to reach a verdict on his artistry.
Sam’s world is the opposite to Britain’s reality – vibrant, crisp, warm, “full of flavour” – like the perfect sandwich. His displacement is symbolised by the hidden beauty of his family sandwich shop, which directly opposes the drab streets outside his doors. He is truly alone - that is - until he meets Fleur, a free-thinking, individual with an appreciation for traditional art.
With playful camera movement and seemingly "effortless" comedic timing, The Sandwich Artist takes the audience on a bittersweet journey through Sam’s life as he navigates how to feel accepted by a society determined to stifle his spirit.
Partnered with an intentional erasure of technology, The Sandwich Artist has the potential to become a timeless piece enjoyed by all audiences!
The Sandwich Artist is a short 15-minute comedy-drama that was selected by our peers due to its unique blend of naturalistic British humour – reflecting that of the beloved hit series ‘Sex Education’ – and its eccentric protagonist inspired by popular American comedy and youthful cinema.
Bringing this film to life will imbue our audience with a sense of light-hearted appreciation for the simple things in life. Offering audiences a change of perspective is especially relevant as we as a country have faced an exhausting stretch of real-world crisis and deserve some reaffirming media.
The story addresses misunderstood artists who have felt pressured to abandon their passions in favour of a more traditional career. As filmmakers, we can relate to Sam and his tumultuous journey of hope and disappointment when the artwork he has perfected his entire life is scrutinised by the very person he believed to understand him most.
Sam functions as a representative of the artist's desire to contribute to the world the only way we know - even if its “just” making sandwiches.
To reach its full potential, we’ll need funds to create environments that reflect Sam’s natural affinity for sandwiches. The retro-maximalist approach to production design will mean sourcing an impressive array of sandwich memorabilia and periodically ambiguous costuming.
Additionally, funds will be used to ensure our casting processes are without limits, so we can hire authentic comedic talents - An ideal casting scenario will have a substantial impact on the final product, and bring the characters to life!
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I love this film because I think it makes everyone feel seen. The overarching theme of feeling like an Outsider in Society, and wanting to be accepted for who you are and what you love, is something that I think everyone can relate to.
I hope the audience empathise with Sam and Fleur and are entertained by the quirky comedy interlaced in the story - leaving them feeling uplifted when they see the finished film.
Favourite Sandwich...
... a Bacon, Brie and Cranberry toasted panini.
The perfect mixture of flavours from the salt in the bacon to the sweetness of the cranberry, creates such an enjoyable eating experience. I wouldn’t choose anything else if it was on the menu!
Hiya, I’m Jas! I am the writer and director of photography. I wrote this film to emulate the message to do what you love and love what you do, despite the boundaries placed by those around you.
Being the Director of Photography as well as the writer, I am excited to elevate the comedy written on paper into something visual. Mirroring the relationship between the characters through camera is key to showing Sam's strained relationships.
Favourite Sandwich...
...No duck hoisin wrap.
Being vegetarian the ‘No’ part is very important. It isn’t an easy sandwich to make at home, therefore I’ve had to conduct research into what supermarket makes the best wrap. In the end, money does buy happiness, the best contender is either Waitrose or Marks & Spencer.
Hi – I’m Cara Dorman, Belfast gal first and Producer for The Sandwich Artist second. The idea for this film started as some craic between myself and the writer. HOWEVER, as the idea continued to develop, we realised we were onto something we could be proud to call ours by the end of our film production journey at BFS.
The message of the film holds an innocence that I think is lost in modern day; that life just isn’t that serious. It’s important to enjoy things for what they are - without the judgement from media - so we will enjoy our professional growth!
Favourite Sandwich...
… maybe prepare yourself because it’s not exactly pretty!
I’d say it’s a firm tie between a buttered ‘Chicken Supernoodle’ sandwich (noodles nice and soupy) and a chestnut sandwich. Just peel the chestnuts, stick ‘em in a pot with butter and pepper on low heat for 20 minutes, butter the bread and vwala! My perfect sandwich is complete - just please, don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em!
Hey! I’m Akira, the co-producer of The Sandwich Artist.
I have always loved the organisational aspects of filmmaking. However, my most favourite part is the amazing teamwork that naturally comes from filmmaking and getting to work with some of your closest friends to create a beautiful, moving story.
The Sandwich Artist is a film I’m very much excited to work on, not only because of its fun, feel-good nature, but because it portrays the lives of very different people who learn how to connect with each other despite these differences.
Favourite Sandwich...
... would have to be a gool ol’ coronation chicken sandwich, but specifically with white sourdough bread! The softness of the bread really brings the deliciousness of the sandwich together :)
Toby Norman. 20. From the island of Jersey. Sort of into sandwiches myself, but the appeal could be extended.
As gaffer on this project, I aim to take care of constructing the visual atmosphere for the film. Working alongside the lovely crew, we are carrying forward good ambition for this film’s visual style. My preference in lighting and sandwiches are alike, it is about complexity and layers.
Favourite Sandwich...
...a Southern Fried chicken sarnie with mozza, rocket and balsamic takes the podium moving forward into this project.
As the Production Designer of The Sandwich Artist, I'm extremely excited to bring this story to life by supporting Sam's sandwich obsession through visual indicators and looking at the design through the lens of someone obsessed with sandwiches.
I love this film because of the concept's originality. It's extremely witty and intelligent as it explores a relationship between the two main characters in parallel to their obsessions, all whilst balancing humour and emotion within the story.
Favourite sandwich..
... a beautiful green sacla pesto and grilled chicken sandwich on lightly toasted sourdough bread - the filling is topped with authentic Italian mozzarella to add the final piece to this divine creation.
Hi! I’m Shivam and I’m the editor for The Sandwich Artist. I joined this film due to my love of comedy films. In particular, dry deadpan humour like Nathan Fielder and Napoleon Dynamite. I can’t wait to progress the film's humour, as I feel comedy and editing go hand in hand in terms of timing being the key to both a successful edit, as well as a successful joke!
Favourite Sandwich...
....the spiced Bombay sandwich. It's a classic in Indian street food; a grilled sandwich made with chutney, spiced potato, tomato , onion and cheese.
Hi! I'm Anya, the costume designer for The Sandwich Artist! I'm so excited to work on this film, you will really understand every characters' slightly strange yet very beautiful point of view!
I plan to play with the sandwich colour palette and create something visually comedic and aesthetically pleasing! I'm interested in creating an opposition and simultaneously, a visual connection between characters Sam and Fleur.
Favourite Sandwich...
... a falafel pitta all salad with coriander, chilli sauce, hummus AND GARLIC MAYO - what can I say, i'm a sauce girl at heart, super yum.
I'm Zoe and I am one half of the makeup design team for The Sandwich Artist.
I am very excited for this film because I used to be a sandwich artist myself so I can appreciate the very technical art of making the perfect sandwich. The makeup and hair inspiration have really inspired us to come up with designs that will blur time periods together - there is so much fun to be had with this!
Favourite Sandwich...
... a classic BLT but with a bit of avocado, Edam cheese and mayonnaise on a warm baguette. I had it first at the Conto Lounge in Winton, couldn’t stop thinking about it, and made it myself everyday for lunch for at least a week.
You’ve made it to the bottom of the page - thanks for taking the time to read everything. We are so grateful for your support. Stay tuned for what we get up to in production!
Crew headshots by Calum Benyon @calbun_new (instagram)
Commercial Photographer
Poster/ logo by @visua1i on Instagram