Ted Evans included in BAFTA Breakthrough list

A young woman arrives at a remote wellness retreat for Deaf people, but nothing is as it seems in Retreat , the debut thriller from British writer-director Ted Evans that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

Evans' film has recently gained attention with his inclusion in the BAFTA Breakthrough list of rising talent, supported by Netflix. This prestigious recognition was unveiled on Wednesday and highlights emerging creatives who are making waves in their respective industries.

The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative aims to identify and nurture fresh talent, providing a platform for them to showcase their work and gain international exposure.

Evans' inclusion in the list is a testament to his skill and potential as a filmmaker, following in the footsteps of other notable creatives who have benefited from this program.

Ted Evans' feature film Retreat has been making waves in the industry, and its connection to his earlier short film of the same name is a fascinating one. The original short was made on a shoestring budget about 14 years ago and focused on a community theme.

However, over the years, Evans revisited and reworked the project, giving it a new thematic direction that diverged significantly from its predecessor. Despite being unconnected in terms of storyline, both films share the same title and feature some common cast members, including Sophie.

The making of Retreat was a collaborative effort between filmmakers and actors, with a special focus on inclusivity and community involvement. Evans highlights the importance of showcasing diversity through cinema, emphasizing that everyone has unique stories to tell as part of the human experience.

Evans' approach to filmmaking is centered around creating authentic representations of diverse communities, and his work on Retreat demonstrates this commitment.

Working with sign language has had a profound impact on Ted Evans' approach to filmmaking. By incorporating deaf talent behind the camera, he was able to bring authenticity to his project. The cast and crew included sign language directors, assistant directors, and runners, which not only added to the film's cultural representation but also provided a unique learning experience for Evans.

The process of working with sign language taught Evans about the importance of continuity, rhythm, and visual grammar in filmmaking. Unlike spoken language films that can rely on Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) to fix dialogue issues in post-production, sign language requires a more deliberate approach to ensure seamless transitions between shots and takes. This has helped Evans develop his skills as a filmmaker.

Evans is now looking forward to the opportunities provided by the BAFTA Breakthrough program. As a writer-director, he hopes to network with industry professionals who can offer valuable insights and connections. With a keen eye on developing his next project, Evans is eager to explore what possibilities lie ahead.

The experience of working on Retreat has left Evans with a newfound appreciation for the power of sign language in film. He recognizes its ability to bring diverse communities to the screen while also teaching filmmakers about the medium itself. As he embarks on new projects, Evans will carry this knowledge forward, shaping his approach and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

As Evans prepares for his next projects, he acknowledges the challenges of navigating the film industry. With a keen sense of realism, he recognizes that not all ideas will come to fruition, but he's determined to make the most of his opportunities.

A slate full of potential projects is on the horizon for Evans, and one in particular has caught his attention - a horror film in development with BBC Film. Although still in its early stages, he's eager to dive into this new project and explore the possibilities it presents.

The experience gained from working on "Retreat has been invaluable, not just in terms of storytelling but also in understanding the nuances of sign language. Evans notes that British Sign Language (BSL) is featured prominently in the film, but he's aware that other countries have their own unique sign languages, such as American Sign Language and Auslan from Australia.

In fact, Retreat showcases a range of sign languages, including German, highlighting the diversity of communication methods used around the world. Evans' interest in this topic is sparked by the history of sign language use among Native American tribes, who employed Hand Talk to facilitate trade between communities.

Evans sees his work as an opportunity to not only tell compelling stories but also to raise awareness about different cultures and languages. As he embarks on new projects, he's committed to continuing this exploration, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and making a positive impact through his craft.

As Retreat prepares for its cinematic release next year, Ted Evans hopes that audiences will not only be entertained but also encouraged to think critically about their own experiences and choices.

For Evans, the key to a successful film lies in its ability to resonate with multiple audiences, both within and outside of his community. He believes that viewers should be able to enjoy the thrilling ride of the story while also appreciating its deeper layers and themes. Ultimately, he wants Retreat to be a universal film that transcends individual experiences.

Evans is grateful for the success that Retreat has achieved so far, particularly after its world premiere at Toronto earlier this year. With a global tour under his belt, he feels really blessed and honored" by the opportunity to share his work with a wider audience.