Developing 444 Liberty Pill - A Time-Bending (an award-winning!) Love Letter to Garage Music

Last week, 444 Liberty Pill picked up an award at the London Art Film Awards at the Close-Up Cinema in Shoreditch and I couldn’t be prouder!

When writer and music executive Tony Portelli first approached me with the script, I knew straight away I wanted to be involved. He came armed with stacks of research, fascinating stories from his days in the UK garage scene, and a big idea that blended underground music culture... and time travel!  Crazy, I know but as a regular at Garage Nation festivals myself, it felt like fate. So a project that captured the sound of one of the best eras in UK music and shaped a generation of music lovers was right up my street.

Tony’s vision was already brilliant, so my job was to help turn that spark into something cinematic. So we got to work deepening the characters, tightening the story, and ensuring that the stakes hit as hard as the bassline!

Together, we crafted and rewrote the script. I added texture and the rest just fell into place. So what’s it about? The short film is a bit of a hybrid. It’s part sci-fi, part time capsule, but also so fitting for the post-pandemic world where nightlife is having a bit of a rocky time. But our aim for this story was to show how the power of music can heal. It’s exactly the kind of project I love developing.

I’ve always had a soft spot for short films, especially ones that either leave you weeping or wanting you to laugh out loud. What I really love is creating worlds that make audiences think and feel in equal measure... and 444 Liberty Pill does just that. I’m always asking writers, so what’s your dramatic question? And this one was all about asking how far we’d go to rewrite our pasts if we had the chance.

I’ve worked with so many writers and producers over the years and working with Tony was an absolute joy. He was open, collaborative, and trusted the process completely, even when my ideas got a bit wild (which, let’s be honest, they sometimes do!).

That kind of creative partnership is what makes development such a rewarding part of storytelling. When a writer brings passion and purpose to the table, it’s easy to find each other’s rhythm. Seeing the film win at the London Art Film Awards, which is its first win and second festival selection is such a brilliant milestone for Tony. And I’m so proud to have played a part in helping the story reach that point!

So if you’re a writer or creative sitting on an idea that feels like it’s almost there but not quite landing yet, I’d love to help you shape it. My script doctoring and development services are all about collaboration so we’ll work together to refine your story and make sure it’s ready for the industry.

A bit about Tony and the award

As the founder of 4Liberty Records and M.I. RAW Recordings, Tony Portelli continues to bridge the underground music scene with long-term IP strategy. His film aims to expanding this legacy from record labels to storytelling. He won the award for Best First Time Screenwriter (Short Screenplay). Check out the links below for more details.

🔗 www.mirawrecordings.com

🔗 www.artfilmvideo.com

So, remember you can get in touch with me through my contact page or just drop me an email to discuss ideas.