"Picture Day" To Make World Premiere at LA Shorts International Film Festival 2023

“Picture Day” will premiere next month as part of the 2023 edition of the LA Shorts International Film Festival. It is the longest-running short film festival in Los Angeles and one of the most prestigious and largest short film festivals in the world. It is an Academy Award Qualifying festival, but the only one in the world with 7 awards categories acknowledged by the Academy. It is also accredited by BAFTA, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Spain. 

Written and directed by Jason Branagan and produced by Emer Durcan for Western Front Studios, Picture Day tells the story of a young boy who is tormented by his insecurities which manifest in the form of a troll called Alan (played by Joe McGucken) . The original score by Emer Landers is a blend of fantastical and comedic moments, and is inspired by orchestral scores from children’s films of the early 90s.

The short comedy, which was funded by South Dublin County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme, stars Charlie Duffy as Milo, a ten year old boy who becomes increasingly nervous as school-photo day approaches. Courtesy of his increasing self-doubt, Milo finds himself tormented by a troll who goes by the name of Alan, who pokes fun at Milo's insecurities. What Milo doesn't realise is that Alan is merely the manifestation of those insecurities and the power to rid himself of Alan lies within. 

The film also stars Fiona O’Carroll, Aisling Kearns and Peter McGann. Other key crew on Picture Day include cinematographer Brian Durcan, production designer Evelyn Hassett, art director Stephen O’Halloran, costume designer Kate O’Doherty and make-up artist Jean-Louise Keady.