Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
Teesside University
Better Things
Venues:
World Premiere International Critics week – Cannes 2008
London International Film Festival 2008
Edinburgh International film festival 2008
Brussels Cinedecouvertes 2008
Toronto International Film Festival 2008
Athens International Film Festival 2008
AFI Fest, Los Angeles 2008
Bath Film Festival 2008
Helsinki International Film Festival 2008
Northern Lights Film Festival, Newcastle 2008
Morelia International Film Festival 2008
Bergen International Film Festival 2008
Mostra Internacional de Cinema de Sao Paulo 2008
Ljubljana Film Festival 2008
Stockholm Film Festival 2008
Making Film Better CCA, Glasgow 2009
International Film Festival Rotterdam 2009
Alba International Film Festival 2009
Film Comment Selects, Lincoln Center 2009
Funchal International Film Festival 2010
Awards:
2010 Special Mention of the Jury Funchal Film Festival
2009 Best Cinematography The Golden Brigg Kiev
2009 SIGNIS Award Best Film Alba International Film Festival
2008 FIPRESCI Award Best Film Stockholm International Film Festival
2004 MEDIA New Talent Award – Best Script in Europe
Nominations:
Camera d’Or, Cannes Film Festival 2008
Michael Powell Award, Edinburgh International Film Festival 2008
Diesel Discovery Award, Toronto International Film Festival 2008
Finnkino Prize, Helsinki Film Festival 2008
Guardian Best Debut Film 2009
Distribution:
UK & Ireland (shown on 45 screens - Broadcast on Film4 & Channel 4)
USA (20,000 downloads via the IFC channel)
France (5,000 admissions in cinemas)
Greece
Scandinavia
Poland
South America
Turkey
Israel
MUBI
Itunes
Haillay founded the independent production company Third Films with Duane Hopkins in 2001. This is their first feature film. Haillay’s aim was not to be overtly political, but to address compelling experiences rarely examined by other forms of journalistic or artistic media. 'Better Things’ themes are borne of reality — a desire to explore characters often sidelined by the mainstream. With 'Better Things' specifically Haillay wanted to present a narrative by theme rather than story. A portmanteau approach to structure therefore had to be adopted.
Haillay believes the most compelling, distinctive and culturally enduring cinema is generated when the talent at the core of production is nurtured in a critical and creatively rigorous environment. He commits to providing such an environment by continually refining agendas with each director/writer/actor. He ensures grounded financial assessment, clear, realistic audience targeting and appropriately scaled, researched development process.
Haillay takes the compassion and closely observed detail of the British realist tradition and reinvigorates these qualities with an uncompromising and meticulous approach to cinematic craft. Particular emphasis on the innovative rendering of narrative through theme using image, montage and sound design. 'Better Things' required a methodical, meticulously planned research strategy for financing and building the team to achieve Haillay’s aims. Making a film in this style was deemed to be a revelation within a filmmaking system that relies heavily on US mainstream films. ‘Better Things’ successes internationally show the level of critical appreciation that exists for this avant-garde approach to narrative made within the system.
Haillay develops creative strategies so projects can take exhilarating risks formally, servicing stories that connect with an intelligent, discerning and demanding contemporary international audience. He has a firm conviction that this operating philosophy can bring a remarkable diversity of culture and experience to the screen. 'Better Things' is evidence of his strategy’s success.
