IT’S A SERIOUS BUSINESS BEING FUNNY

A seasoned professional clown on the eve of retirement reflects on a lifetime of adoration & rejection, humour & heartbreak. Clown is a short, stylised documentary delving into the hidden customs & quirks of the clowning community to tell the story of a life spent trying to make people laugh.

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Clown has so far screened at over twenty international festivals across Europe & North America. The film was a finalist in competition at Bolton, Liverpool, Edinburgh Docu-fest & Docs Ireland. It won ‘Best Documentary’ at the Bafta-qualifying Norwich Film Festival and The South London Film Festival.

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PRESS

"Shane’s impressive commercial experience comes in very handy, blending different film and animation styles together for a unique aesthetic. The result is an interesting look into the trials and tribulations of a centuries old artistic practise, through the lens of Mattie Faint, who has been performing as Mattie the Clown for 47 years".

READ THE MOVIDIAM ARTICLE

"Non-fiction filmmakers often rely on animation and dramatisation to fill in the gaps and to tell compelling stories. It is a technique that has been adopted with a varying degree of success. However Shane O'Neill does it with phenomenal mastery. A heartwarming and unique depiction of one of the most misunderstood and stereotyped professions".

READ THE FRAMELIGHT ARTICLE

"10 FILM FESTIVAL PICKS - Clown is an insightful look into what was a staple part of children’s birthday parties and entertainment culture from yesteryear. What’s most interesting is how Shane O’Neill’s film feels like a respectful tribute to the profession, highlighting the happiness clowns can still bring in the modern age".

READ THE DIRECTORS NOTES ARTICLE

STILLS

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Credits

Writer / Director / Editor: Shane O’Neill

Director of Photography: Simon Pinfield

Animation: Creative Nuts

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