Keeping it Contained and Methodical

The project was born out of a desire to create something manageable shortly after the pandemic. Jamie’s vision was specific: three characters, one car, and a single location that could be tackled in a day. As a professional editor, Jamie brought a methodical approach to the director’s chair, shooting exactly what he needed for the cut rather than over-relying on coverage. This efficiency was essential, as the entire film was shot in just twelve hours during a single day in September.

Technical choices were driven by a love for the heist genre. Working with cinematographer Kitt Sullivan, Jamie opted for an Alexa 35 with built-in nostalgia grain to mimic the look of film, paired with anamorphic lenses. To maintain the tension of a ticking clock, the team used frantic handheld camera movements and zoom shots. Despite the tight budget, they managed to shoot 95% of the action inside or around the car, using natural light and simple tools like an easy rig to keep the schedule moving.

Annette Badland in Two Minutes

Navigating the Festival Circuit

The film’s journey from script to screen was accelerated by winning the IMDb Script to Screen Award at FilmBath, which provided £7,000 in funding. Jamie used a third of this budget to secure an incredible professional cast, including Annette Badland and Samuel Bottomley, believing that high-quality performances were the ultimate special effect.

When the film was finished in January 2024, Jamie adopted what he calls a "scattergun" approach to festivals. His primary goal was to qualify for the BIFA and BAFTA awards, so he targeted qualifying festivals. The strategy paid off beyond his expectations, with the film playing in America and Asia, and winning prizes at Flickers' Rhode Island and the Discover Film Festival. Jamie notes that the rejection faced earlier in his career made these successes even more meaningful.

"Actors really are the ultimate special effect." - Jamie Benyon

Allies and Ambition

For emerging filmmakers, Jamie’s biggest piece of advice is to surround yourself with allies. On the set of Two Minutes, he worked with people he trusted, from his mentor, BAFTA-winner Tom George, to a crew comprised of close friends and family. This support system was vital for overcoming imposter syndrome, especially when stepping up from directing semi-professional actors to working with screen legends.

Currently, Jamie is developing Two Minutes into a feature film and has recently pitched the project to major financiers like Film4 and the BBC through the Film London new talent strand. Whether you are robbing a shop or making a movie, his experience proves that having a crew that has your back is the best recipe for success.

To find out more about Jamie’s work and connect with him, check out his CenterFrame profile here.