Martin Stitt received an award from the Film London Film-makers' Festivals Fund in August 2006.

Martin was awarded £500 towards the production of a 35mm film print. He wrote, directed and co-produced the short film What Does Your Daddy Do?, which premiered at the 63rd Venice International Film Festival. It was one of only two British shorts selected to compete in the prestigious Corto Cortissimo.

The film also received a production grant of £5,000 from the Newham Film Fund.

What does your Daddy Do? is a dark drama exploring a married man's involvement with a paedophile ring and the effect it has on his previously happy relationship with his family.


Read an interview with Martin:

How did you get into film-making? From an early age I always wanted to see what was over the next fence. This led to extensive travelling and pivotal to these experiences and opportunities was my camera. When I returned home I would show my photos and retell the stories. And there in lay my biggest frustration. A still photo is but one image. I was always interested in the 'what if' factor which only my imagination could answer, in terms of story and exploration, fiction knows no boundaries or limitations. I understand that the decision to become a film-maker was one which has slowly boiled up, waiting for the right time. I guess I am still true to my childhood dream of discovering new worlds!

What is the story behind the film?
I learnt through a friend about policemen who volunteered to masquerade as paedophiles and work their way into the confidence of paedophile rings. This story stayed with me for the next twelve months. The key issue, which kept raising its ugly-head, was 'how can an individual not be affected when witnessing this kind of material.' Subsequently, my friend introduced me to the Detective Chief Superintendent of the Child Abuse Investigation Command of the Metropolitan Police. With their help and support, along with contributions from barristers, solicitors, care workers and counsellors, I researched the roots of the story.

How did you find out about the Film-makers' Festival Fund?
From friends working in the industry. When I found out that the film had been accepted for Venice I had three weeks to get a 35mm print made. Film London was really supportive and gave us a decision as quickly as possible.

Was there a strategy behind your festival applications?
My goal was always to shoot a short which would be eligible for a BAFTA nomination. So at all stages of the production we set ourselves pretty high goals to meet. With this in mind, I targeted festivals which would fit this remit.

Why do you think that it is important to attend short film festivals abroad?
I am fascinated to see how different audiences react to stories. What makes us laugh or cry in the UK may not be the same in Asia or the Americas. As a result of attending I now have contacts in a host of different countries and its great hearing updates as to what they are doing. It's really stimulating to hear what the current zeitgeist is in a particular country.

In what way do you think that attending the Venice Film Festival has furthered your career?
Getting into a high profile festival means that the film has passed a quasi-standards test. So acceptance by a key festival means you can get your foot in the door and a producer or agent may be more receptive to take a look. I have also been lucky enough to have made some great production contacts overseas, in particular in North America.

What are your plans for the future?
The best advice I received years ago was: 'when you have finished your short film make sure you have a number of well developed feature scripts to follow up with.' So I have spent the last few years developing a slate of scripts. Foremost amongst them is a psychological thriller called Black Sheep. I have been working on the story over the last three years with a very talented writer called Rupert Raby. We have some strong industry interest, fingers crossed this will be our first feature film. Also with my agent we are exploring potential opportunities in TV.

Can you offer your top three tips for anyone looking to attend a festival?

1. Don't go by yourself, go with friends and enjoy it
2. Meet as many people as possible,ideally from other countries
3. When your film is playing, don't watch the screen, watch the audience

To find out more about Martin and his work please visit: www.sprigproductions.co.uk.