Shillings & Pence - Trailer

Short Film / Documentary · 2025 · 9 minutes

A portrait of working-class London, seen through the life and memories of a father — narrated by Mark Strong.

Shillings & Pence explores the vulnerability and strength of the working class in North London, starring my father.

As far back as I can remember my parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, so I wanted to make a film that captured the essence of working-class life in North London. I never knew where my father worked, so I began to observe and capture his trade as a machinist and conventional routine over a number of years.

Composer Tommy Evans based the score around themes such as time, repetition and hope. He came up with the romantic idea to record the final score with cellist Miriam Wakeling inside the factory where my father worked.

Official Selection — Tokyo International Short Film Festival

Official Selection — Lynchburg Film Festival, USA

Credits

Directed and Produced by Paul Bryan

Narrated by Mark Strong

Featuring Alfred Bryan

Shot and Edited by Paul Bryan

Original Score by Tommy Evans

Cello performed by Miriam Wakeling

Sound Design by Jack Rowley

Colourist : Maruf Khan - The Mill

Voice Agency : Another Tongue