BACKGROUND

Tractor Films were invited to produce a screening event HACKNEY SHORTCUTS by the Hackney Empire Theatre with the aim of creating a platform to showcase Hackney based filmmaker’s work. After the success of “Cutting East” (a bi- monthly screening event run in collaboration with the Tower Hamlets Films Office and Raindance East Film Festival) Tractor were keen to take on this challenge.

Tractor Films is predominantly a film and video production company based in East London. Tractor has a commitment to making strong drama. We have made a slate of successful films in and around Hackney and Tower Hamlets over the last four years which have been critically well received at national and international film festivals (Raindance East, HBO Short Film Competition American Black Film Festival – Miami, HD FEST World Tour, Berlin Film Festival) We are currently developing a number of new features and shorts film projects.

THE ORGANISERS

Becky Bazzard

Becky has produced four funded shorts: ‘Imelda Marcos of Bethnal Green’, (2003 Tower Hamlets Film Fund) ‘Tomato Delivery’ (2004 - Hackney Film Fund) represented by The British Council, Broadcast on The Community Channel (SKY), ‘Seeker’, (2005 Blank Slate digital scheme B3 Media/UK Film Council) and ‘Songbird’, (2005 Pulse Digital scheme – Film London/ UK Film Council)

Iain Gray

Iain has worked as a producer/director under the guise of Reflector Films for over six years. Originating from Nottingham he has written and directed 5 short films culminating in making a first cut for Carlton TV, He has produced and directed many documentary Arts Films for the Arts Council as well as working on TV documentaries as assistant producer. Iain also has a strong interest in educational projects around the country teaching adults and children the rudiments of film-making.

Rebecca and Iain have teamed up for this event and are collaborating on other Tractor Films projects. Bringing together their industry experience and contacts to run this event