A HAMPSHIRE woman has found herself in the spotlight after a short film she worked on received critical acclaim.

The success of short film Time Spent has paved the way for Stockbridge resident and co-founder of Mabel Brown Productions Celia Dumas, 52, to become involved with talks with leading networks and commissioners about developing the concept into an eight-part TV series.

Written and directed by her business partner and co-founder, Rob Hutt, 40, the 13-minute film has won several awards, including “Best Sci-fi Short Film”, and has been shortlisted for numerous festivals, including the Cannes World Film Festival.

Hampshire Chronicle: Celia Dumas (Left) and Rob HuttCelia Dumas (Left) and Rob Hutt (Image: Mabel Brown Productions)Time Spent follows Nathan Saunders as he is faced with a difficult decision at a job interview; should he accept £2m in exchange for 21 years of his life which will be harvested, removed and sold onto the company’s powerful and wealthy clientele? Viewers of the film are left in suspense as to whether poor Nathan, with a young family to support and facing eviction, decides to take the money.

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Celia said: “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible response we’ve received to Time Spent from these initial viewings – as well as the doors that have been opened for conversations with some of the UK’s biggest TV commissioners in the business. Rob and I both have years of experience in the TV and video production industry, but Time Spent really was a passion project and we’re just delighted that audiences feel the same way as we do about our thought-provoking and challenging script.”

Hampshire Chronicle: The poster for Time SpentThe poster for Time Spent (Image: Mabel Brown Productions)She continued: “Originating from ideas and concepts developed during lockdown, Rob and I worked closely – and on a minimal budget – to bring his inspired and topical script to life. The screenplay tackles tough and disturbing issues, many of which are being played out in the current news headlines, reflecting everyone’s concerns about the cost of living crisis and social inequalities. We collaborated with outstanding actors, some giving their time and talents for free as they were so keen to become involved with the project.

“So, to see the results on the big screen during this exciting and ‘whirlwind’ of a film festival season has been mind-blowing!”