Developments of Warp Film

Since its formation, Warp has developed mainly in terms of the films it produces. Warp's first short film in 2002, My Wrongs #8245-8249 and 117, was directed by comedian Chris Morris and based upon one of his earlier ideas for a radio monologue. In the film, Paddy Considine stars as a mentally disturbed man who, whilst looking after his friend's Doberman Pinscher, begins to believe that the dog is talking to him. With such a surreal plot, an adundance of dark humor, and a run-time of only 12 minutes, it is more than justifiable to describe the film as 'niche'. Nonetheless, the film went on to win the 2003 BAFTA for Best Short Film, and Warp gained recognition as a new and upcoming independent institution who were willing to take risks for the purpose of innovation.

Later, whilst continuing to make unusual and music-based short films, such as Chris Cunnigham's Rubber Johnny (2005), Warp produced their critically acclaimed feature debut Dead Man's Shoes (2004), and followed this with the equally successful, but generally more popular, This is England (2006), both by director Shane Meadows. In contrast to the quirky surrealism of Warp's first production, both of Meadows' films are driven by a much more conventional narrative. Dead Man's Shoes is a gritty thriller about a disaffected soldier seeking revenge for the treatment of his brother, and This is England is a light-hearted crime drama about a boy who joins a gang of 'skinheads' in 80s Britain. Although the films have very different themes, both could be described as social-realist pieces, and I believe it is this factor, carefully cultivated by Warp and Meadows, which has resulted in their acclaim and success. With these films, Warp was quenching the thirst of a British audience that were suffering from a lack of realism and emotion in mainstream blockbusters; the institution had discovered what kind of films would work for them.

The most recent development of Warp is known as Warp X, and is described as 'a pioneering new digital film studio based in Sheffield...allied to Warp Films.' The purpose of Warp X is to utilise the potential of digital technology along with low-budget production methods to create high value films that can reach a large audience, both in Britain and internationally.  

An article detailing Warp X and the innovative techniques they use can be found here.