CenterFrame Selects: Adam Randall
Emmy-nominated Slow Horses director Adam Randall reveals his top short film picks.
Ready to explore some amazing short films carefully chosen by one of today’s most celebrated directors in the UK? Let’s dive into the latest edition of CenterFrame Selects, a competition created to give filmmakers a trusted platform where they can gain industry recognition, connect with key decision-makers, and reach a wider audience.
Each edition starts with a carefully curated longlist of twenty exceptional submissions, the most compelling entries received. From this group, a guest curator, who is always a distinguished filmmaker or prominent industry professional, selects their ten favourite projects. Among these, five are showcased at a live event, where the curator discusses the unique qualities that make each work outstanding.
The creators behind these Top Five films, including the writer, director, producer, and cinematographer, are rewarded with a six-month CenterFrame Pro membership. This membership grants them access to exclusive networking events and increases their exposure within our professional community. These creators will also be invited as special guests to the CenterFrame Industry Showcase, where their work will be presented to an audience of key industry professionals. Meanwhile, all top ten finalists receive a three-month CenterFrame Pro membership and enjoy dedicated promotion through our social media platforms.
Our most recent edition welcomed acclaimed director Adam Randall, known for his work on spy thriller television series Slow Horses and the psychological thriller film I See You. As this edition’s guest curator, Adam brought his sharp eye for storytelling to the selection process, personally choosing his favourite submissions from an outstanding pool of entries. His top five picks showcase a dynamic mix of genres and styles, blending bold creative choices with strong narrative craftsmanship.
Here’s a closer look at the five films that stood out to him most:
A BRIEF MENTAL LAPSE WITH MALLORY KANE - watch here
Written and directed by Andrew Frescas, this short is a sharply comedic and painfully relatable dive into the creative chaos of a screenwriter in crisis. Mallory Kane, ambitious but chronically self-sabotaging, is stuck in an exhausting loop of overthinking, procrastinating, and caffeine-fueled breakdowns as she tries to shake off a year-long writing slump. Adam Randall praised the film for its painfully accurate portrayal of the creative struggle, calling it “effective (and much too familiar).” He highlighted its inventive filmmaking—jump cuts, whip pans, bold sound design, clever framing, and seamless transitions—all of which vividly reflect Mallory’s spiraling mental state and growing desperation.
BOY IN THE BACK SEAT - watch here
Written and directed by Scott Pickup, this is a gripping and darkly playful short set in 1986, where a young boy is left alone in a car while his volatile father disappears into a seedy pub to handle some vague “business.” What starts as quiet boredom quickly spirals into a suspenseful, almost surreal experience seen through the boy’s eyes. Adam Randall commended the film for its inventive, subjective approach to storytelling, highlighting its "incredibly playful and imaginative filmmaking" that keeps the viewer anchored in the boy’s perspective. With sharp jump cuts, immersive sound design, and a standout performance from the young lead, the film crafts an intense emotional journey out of a seemingly simple moment.
GOING DOWN - watch here
This slice of life, directed by Aella Jordan-Edge and written by Ruby Abbiss, offers a tender and unexpectedly intimate glimpse into a fleeting moment of human connection. The film follows Eva, a sex worker on her way to her first threesome booking, who meets another sex worker in the hotel elevator, also headed to the same room. As the two ascend, what begins as a chance encounter slowly unfolds into something more personal. Adam highlighted the film’s quiet confidence and emotional restraint, noting how its beautifully understated performances are given room to breathe. Thoughtful editing, evocative music, and a naturalistic visual style combine to create a mood that feels both grounded and gently romantic.
ICE CREAM HEADACHE - watch here
Written and directed by Benjamin K. Dyson, this romance gently explores the hopeful yet challenging journey of Jeremy, a young autistic man navigating the world of online dating in search of love. After an awkward beginning, he meets Jessica—sparking the possibility that she might be someone special. Adam praised the film for its heartfelt simplicity and tender performances, highlighting its warm, unhurried tone. The story carefully captures Jeremy’s everyday experiences with deep empathy, inviting viewers to see the world through his perspective in a way that feels both intimate and uplifting.
THE PEARL COMB - watch here
Last, but certainly not least, we have a period fantasy drama written and directed by Ali Cook. This short film transports us to 1893 Cornwall, where the wife of a humble fisherman astounds the medical community by becoming the first person to cure tuberculosis. When a skeptical doctor is dispatched to investigate her extraordinary claim, he uncovers the true source of her uncanny power. Adam highlighted the film’s impressive scale, praising its exquisite production design, period costumes, and cinematography. Beyond its polished craftsmanship, the film’s inventive storytelling, fearless imagination, and skillful shifts in tone and genre set it apart from typical productions.
But the brilliance didn’t stop there. Completing Adam’s top ten are five more bold and creative shorts, each one handpicked for its impact, creativity, and voice. Here’s what he had to say about them.
Black Hole Barry: “A cult classic in the making. Utterly bonkers, very funny, batshit crazy, effectively gory, brilliantly concluded - this was a huge amount of fun and clearly made with glee and a love of filmmaking.”
Calf: “A visually beautiful film, contrasting with its dark subject matter and complexity. A great use of colour, warm yellows juxtaposing against cool blues, and rich cinematography. Heavy and at times hard to watch; bold, singular filmmaking.”
Decksdark: “A beautiful looking film that does an excellent job creating its unique world. It makes use of very little by way of tech or SFX to create a sci-fi world, and smartly implements its rules without getting in the way of an emotive piece of storytelling.”
Fish out of Water: “A wonderfully disturbing film, deeply imaginative in all its twisted glory. There are moments and imagery (fish soup…) that stuck with me days after watching. Clean simple storytelling helps make the bizarre, rather complicated set up, incredibly effective.”
The Foul: “Great fun, very silly (in the best way), funny, bold and clever in how it played with and subverted horror cliches. This was made by someone who loves the genre, and is able to use its tools effectively and with great passion to make fun of it.”
Wondering which other films made the cut? Here are the standout titles that secured a spot on this edition’s CenterFrame Selects longlist:
Now it’s your moment! Are you a filmmaker ready to take the spotlight? Want your work championed by top industry voices? Submissions are officially open for the next edition of CenterFrame Selects — this time curated by acclaimed writer Rob Yescombe, known for Jackpot! (2024), Outside the Wire (2021), and the award-winning games The Invisible Hours and Rime. Don’t miss your chance to get noticed.
We’re excited to see what you’ve been working on, now’s your chance to share it with the world. Submit your short film today, and who knows? Next time, it could be your work in the spotlight.