After a young man agrees to help a reclusive elderly neighbour with their grocery shopping through lockdown, they form an unlikely friendship that changes them both.
A British BIFA-Qualifying Comedy-Drama Short Film set during lockdown, starring Roger Sloman (Nuts in May, EastEnders, Inside No. 9), and up-and-coming actor Harry Walters. Directed by Benedict Webb. Written by Harry Walters
Awards and Selections:
*Finalist - National Youth Film Awards (Best Screenplay, Editing & Lead Actor)
*Finalist - Horsham Film Festival (Best Comedy)
*Finalist - Cut International Short Film Festival (Best Comedy)
*Runner Up - INDIs Film Festival (22-25)
*Honourable Mention - BIFA Qualifying Sunderland Shorts Film Festival
*Official Selection - BIFA Qualifying Little Wing Film Festival
*Official Selection - IndieFlicks Film Festival
*Official Selection - Crossing the Screen Film Festival (Sussex Film)
*Official Selection - Lift Off Sessions Global Network
Watch in 4K: vimeo.com/765047073
Trailer: • TOAST Official Trailer...
Bloopers & Outtakes: • Toast | Bloopers & Out...
What is Room 18 Films?
Room 18 Films is a UK based narrative film production and distribution company, an online platform for independent, narrative-driven work from upcoming directors, writers and producers.
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Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/film/toast/
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt20751588/
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Website: room18films.com/
KZhead: / room18films
Instagram: / room18films
Twitter: / room18films
TikTok: / room18films
Connect with the Filmmakers!
Benedict Webb: benedictwebbfilm.com/
Harry Walters: / hazzaw20
🍞 A ROOM 18 FILM 🍞
PHASE II: CREATING SO THERE'S SOMETHING LEFT BEHIND
'TOAST'.
Starring
Roger Sloman as Old Neighbour
Harry Walters as Young Neighbour
Written by Harry Walters
Directed by Benedict Webb
Produced by Benedict Webb & Harry Walters
Executively Produced by Denis Hart
Casting by James Reilly, Big Red Casting LTD
1st Assistant Director: Jaspar J. Cumiskey
Director of Photography: Joel Tucker
1st Assistant Camera: Ben Collins
2nd Assistant Camera: Archie Dobert
Gaffer: Angus Butcher
Sound Recordist: Neil Perez
Sound Design: Benedict Webb
Sound Mixing: Benedict Webb
Edited by Benedict Webb
Colour by Will Blanch
VFX by Emir Cetinoglu
Script Editor: Benedict Webb
Script Supervisor: Alex Arden
Stills Photography: David French
Additional Stills: Ben Collins
Design & Marketing: Archie Dobert
Location Supervisor: Archie Dobert
Production Design: Amie Louise Smith
Costume & Make Up: Lauren Barnsby
COVID Marshall: Sasha Mitchell
Runner: Luke Harmer
Catering: Lauren Barnsby, Sasha Mitchell, Liz Walters, Martin Walters
© 2022 A Room 18 Films Production.
british comedy, british comedy movie, british movie, comedy short film, comedy short movie, british film, film british, uk film, award winning short films, toast short film, toast film, room 18, short films uk, funny short film, eastenders, nuts in may, roger sloman, inside no.9, mike leigh, bbc comedy, bbc drama
This put me in mind of a neighbor I had once. She was fresh out of prison, and determined not to like me, always cursing me under her breath. She lived upstairs, and I knew that whenever I cooked or baked, the aroma wafted up to her... One day I fixed her a plate and had my sons, six and eight years old at the time take it up to her. They were shocked and my fiancé said, why bother, you know she doesn't like you. I said I know. Then, whenever I cooked something special, or baked a treat, I would send some up to Barbara. She began to speak to me, always a nice greeting. My man told her we were getting married, and she told him, you're a lucky man. What a sweet, beautiful woman. When she passed away, her children told me that she always thought highly of me. We need to do things for others for the sake of doing them, not because someone "deserves" it, or because they're so nice. Some of the meanest people are some of the most hurt people...they need our kindness more than anyone. I love how this story portrays that...we're always looking to be rewarded for the things we do. But to me it's rewarding to help someone who would never ask for it.
What an amazing comment, thank so much for sharing & watching!!
Thanks for sharing your story . Love is what it’s all about, it the only reason for living, and for all life. Without it, we have nothing! Your story would be a great short story in film.
@@janetpattison8474 thank you. It would actually, and I'm a writer. I'll have to think about this. Have a lovely weekend 🌹
That's beautiful, thanks for sharing ❤️
❤
The courage to reach out to someone and possibly face rejection is beautifully portrayed in this short film.
Thanks for watching!
When we are lonely sometimes we push people away when we need them most. Beautiful film.
Thanks for watching :)
Sweet young man! We need more folk like him.
Strongly agree.
Fortunately, we do have very many folk like him. We don't hear about them because they're not 'newsworthy'.
Maybe he too needs more folk like him…
@@janmccann8081 such a good point you are making. There are 1 million tails like this happening throughout the world every day, but instead, horrific monsters, like Donald Trump, Netanyahu, Abbas, and Vladimir Putin, seem to eat up most of the headlines
I totally agree, the youngsters I know and others I speak to when out are amazing.👌😍♥️💖
Never forget what they did to us... This showed what most of us are capable of doing for each other
It was hard to believe that was only 13 minutes. So erudite and lovely.
🟦..."Erudite": "Showing great knowledge or learning".....Huh?
@@joshhayl7459why not ‘erudite’? Was this comment written by the grumpy old man character in this film? Haha …
There's a lot to praise about this short film! But let me just raise a note of applause for the often taken-for-granted camerawork. The lighting, the framing, the depth of focus are all perfectly balanced to capture each scene - so understated, but magical. Full marks!
Thank you!! Big up to the camera crew!! Can’t wait for you guys to see what magic they bring next…
Even the titles are lovely.
Young people are often given a bad name. Generation, after generation. But it's often unwarranted; as this shows. Many thanks 👍
Lovely comment Stefan. Thanks so much. Definitely what we were trying to get across.
@@Room18Films That's fabulous and thanks 👍 again. Ps Subscribed.
It's not a documentary.
The greatest generation saved the world from Germany
So proud working on this film with the wonderful Ben and Harry. As the casting director, I adored bringing such a fantastic actor like Roger onto the film, and partnered with Harry's performance, and Ben's direction, I think something truly special was created xxx
James you're a legend and this film would be nothing without your miracle casting of Roger and your constant professionalism throughout the film & everything you did in helping things run so smoothly. You're amazing ❤️
Thanks for your contribution, the film was wonderful!
Great movie, greetings from Brasil
Yeah how the fuck you get roger???
So happy you could make this about you and how special you are. Stop patting yourself on the back. It's quite disgusting to endure such.
Reminded me of the wonderful young woman who shopped for me and stayed for a chat. This really tugged at my heart.
This is such a wonderful comment. I was definitely inspired by my Mum doing my neighbour's shopping, or my Dad bringing groceries for my Nanna, those simple things and those efforts people made in the face of adversity. I'm really glad the film moved you, and tugged at your heart. It's the best we could have hoped for with this film. -B
Best comment by far!!
That young man was extremely patient.
Every second of this interaction was real and had so much deep connection.
I think it would be more realistic if the old man was despised by the youngster and the fella died alone without anyone caring.
@@jameseastope5562 na, there are true connections like this that do happen. Not all of our youth are completely desensitized to others struggles. Empathy still exists.
If I had my time again id never touch them. Take that and put it in your heart.
I REALLY DID THIS DURING COVID IN WALES UK.... I GOT LOCKED DOWN AND STRANDED FROM AUSTRALIA AND I ACTUALLY SHOPPED FOR STRANGERS AND SAT CHATTING WITH WELSH PEOPLE IN WALES SO THEY WERE NOT FEARFUL OR LONELY......I LANDED IN UK MARCH 2020 AND LEFT JANUARY 2021.....I LOVED THAT I WAS ABLE TO DO THIS AS I COULD SEE HOW THE UK GOVERNMENT HAD MADE THEM SO AFRIAD,,,,
This is for you then my friend.
Good to know in hindsight that people like you were there
Disgusting how the government told people to stay away from neighbours and just dump shopping outside their house. Satanic.
Thank you for your kindness.
That was lovely of you. And very rewarding. But I think the government didn't make people afraid enough, nor early enough. It was far worse than they reported. Watch the mini series "Breathless", where doctors and nurses got fired if they told the public just how bad it was. They had to choose who would die because the hospitals were ill prepared and ill equipped. I started lockdown weeks before the official lockdown. Left my job as soon as the first cases arose in Ireland where I live because I kept an eye on China and Italy. For over a year I only allowed 3 people inside my house and sprayed everything after they left. If everyone else had been encouraged to do that in the early stages, millions of lives might have been saved. 7 million and that's only the reported cases. 😢
British cinema is on another level
For sure man!!!!! It's on another level, below!! I have totally laughed my ass off to this one!!!
Riveting. Really drew me in and left me wanting more. As an American Anglophile, I loved watching this very English story.
What a brilliant film! I love the economy of conversation and events with which their connection grew. The neighbor / deliveryman's tossing his cigarettes into the trash and trying the organic milk at the end says more than any words could. Thanks to everyone involved in making this film and sharing it with us.
Thanks to much for appreciating & watching our film!! Stick around??
@@Room18Films I don't know now how I came across this film. I found it exceptionally good but didn't think about subscribing. (I have a lot of subscriptions.) But yes, "Stick around?" so hits the right note, that I've now subscribed. I assume this means that KZhead will start suggesting your other films, and I'll enjoy watching them as well.
Thank you so much for your performances in your film. Such a good example to younger people to watch out for the elderly, with maybe a good friendship and good lifegiving advice, in return. We need this more in our sad and evil times.
This was a wonderful story. I think the young man was very patient and caring about the old man I'm guessing in part because he's lonely too? I would have liked to have known what happened to the old man. It would be nice if the old man got well and the friendship continued. But nice to see the how they each changed for the better because of their encounters. I was really drawn in because of how well crafted this movie was. Please keep making more movies. I wish you luck in your career.
Thank you for the lovely comment & we do hope you stick around for our future projects!
Part of the human condition is loneliness. At least I like to think so. I liked the realistic ending. It's implied he died having left a legacy to a son-figure. Persistence, creativity, open listening in the young man.
The film is so captivating and light-hearted, it captures such a delicate time of the pandemic and brings so much hope with it. I like that it shows a bit of what the old man's late wife left for him in terms of fond memories and how that repeats itself in the young male's character after he passes away. His memory stays and so does his small but significant legacy in the young man's life. This is really touching as it is a way of reminding us to keep the ones we lost in our hearts and minds.
Thank you so much Lívia, such thoughtful and kind words ❤️
I thought he was a miserable ungrateful grumpy aul fucker lol. I don't know why the kind young lad bothered when all he got off the miserable git was abuse. Pandemic my arse he could have got his own shopping. Many of us did and had no help whether needed or not.
@livia Maria Wow! I love the way you summarize & brought out your great insightful sentiments about this short film! It is definitely a very powerful film! So well made! So significant!! Bravo to the film makers👍🏻🤗👏🏻
This great short film shows that simple but significant connections in life can matter so much.
❤VERY WELL SAID
The director deserves an award - what a brilliant ability to get so much across in the short time. A+
Like how the young and the old were able to gradually connect on a deeper level. Came together nicely, the different mood shades were captured but not overdone.
This was very touching and I loved how the old mans impatience and grumpiness gradually subsided and they could enjoy some time together. Heartwarming, nice bit of comedy and very well done. Congratulations.
Thanks Lena! Glad the film really connected with you!
Toast really made me think about how we had a "good pandemic" with very little hardship. Living outside most of the time because of the heat but I did miss organic milk though!! Congratulations, it was a brilliant film, hope to see many more.
Ohmigoodness. How can something so brief pack such an emotional wallop? Well done.
This was a special treat for me. I love England and I felt as if I lived in that same neighbourhood. Of course the message of patience, tolerance and kindness is important. Thank you for this.
Even knowing where this was going my heart broke. What a remarkable piece of cinema. Loved this. We fell in love with both of them within moments
A young man, in his own house, by himself. Amazing
Love thy neighbor. The milk of human kindness
Summed up the horror we all lived through- but focused on the humanity. Great short. Really moved me
The horror was the inhuman government response
This is wonderful. What a fantastic commentary on modern life, and the effects of the pandemic on already lonely people. Bravo!
An interesting time, when my neighbors had roll out pubs in their driveways. People were gathering, keeping their distances, and yet enjoying a toast.
This is why I love the British 🥰
A time witness film... the lockdown... how quick one forgets those details of life at that time... sanitizing hands... helping neighbours... getting out again...
Lovely. Very well acted. Quite touching. The boy provided solace, company and a few laughs for the older man, and in turn he transformed himself into a healthier person because of their association.
Very thoughtful words. Really glad the film moved you!
Lovely little film. Nice to see Roger who we always can remember saying “Candice Marie” in “that” voice 😁
This had a very UK flavor. I wish we had more of that here in the states
we need a full movie!
👀 you never know!
Poignant & atmospheric with a touching script and fine performances. Great stuff !
Thanks Colin, that means a lot! Glad you came to watch it from the trailer!
Exactly, poignant ,and I think in the United States we would’ve call it a public service announcement. I didn’t get the comedy but then it’s British.
it shows how easy it is to impact so much to someone else’s sad life
It’s amazing how film creators can make one shot, like holding a pack of cigarettes, carry so much meaning to people
Loved this film. Showed a slice of life in the UK. Americans miss out on a lot with a suburban, car-centric life and the lack of a national health service. Thank you for making it.
Thank you for watching it!!
so so so true. Suburban, car-centric life. I am a victim of that. Always trying to escape it. Neighborhood with no neighbors.
We certainly do😢 every British show or movie makes me want to move there ❤
Goof Ball ! : )). Americans don't miss out on anything and the Hole Worl is Welcome 2. IT 🇺🇲💪🇺🇲. 🏄. 😲🥳🎄🎄🎄
It's not the cars that have disconnected us. It's modern tech that's done that.
Roger Sloman was brilliant as poor Keith in 'Nuts in May': 'Have you ever taken a picture Ray?' Lol! Many thanks for the upload of this excellent short drama! Best wishes Villiago
Fair play they obviously filmed this over a period of time covering all seasons. 🤣 Sloman is perfect as always.
Fun fact… we actually didn’t! Thanks for watching!!
Roger Sloman, what a legend. Nuts In May is one of the great British comedies 😂
That was heartwrentching and heartwarming at the same time!
Great, heart warming film guys! Great to see Roger Sloman to 🙂
Thank you very much! Roger is a gem.
Brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful film.
A film that reflects a lot of what went on during the pandemic, I think. When people looked out for each other, discovered our need for each other, were creative in how to come together and yet stay apart... I'd say this was a very reflective film of our pandemic living. Well done and thanks.
Such a warm hearted film, great acting by both leads, successfully mixing comedy and emotion, aided by thoughtful and inventive direction. Great work Room 18!
Kind and thoughtful words Andy, thank you very much!
I've only just gotten round to watching this, but what a lovely short. Funny and light-hearted to begin with but tugged on my heartstrings by the end !! Massive well done to all the cast and crew involved, it's beautifully shot, written, acted, scored, edited and everything in between.
Thank you so much Amy, means a lot! -B
loved this. such a nice young man helping an elderly man. I actually also do a food shop for an 87 year old, so i can relate. brilliant job. youve got reality down to a T
For a short film I got really into it wished it was longer wicked story make it a series!!!
You never know 👀 !
Nice work, a lot packed in a short film about humanity. Our lives are changed a little, in some small way, when we meet people, but sometimes we meet someone that changes us in big ways.
Thank you Daniel!
Such a heartwarming film that leaves you wanting more and more. It really captures those delicate moments we all experiences during the pandemic, the highs and lows of daily life as well as the blossoming of unexpected new friendships and bonds. Brilliant work as always !!
Thanks Louis! That means so much. Thanks for always supporting the films. -B
Love it! Brilliant! Well done to everyone involved!!! ❤️🎉
Thanks Olivia!
I really liked this short film because I think there is a very strong message on it, and this is how our lives can be completely affected by other people when we are in touch, and when this kind of connection can be done, we can take the best things from people for being better ourselves or for appreciating different points of views about living, according to our experience or our particular circumstances at each age. In this story both of the main characters could take positive things from each other, the elder man was able to change his manner of seeing the life, being more polite and patient and enjoying the company of someone else. And the young guy was able to learn important things from the years of experience of the old man. This film is without doubt and adorable and simple but overall a great touching story.
Thanks for watching & commenting!! :)
I lost my mum shortly after covid, she lived so isolated and had no one keeping an eye on her. I live abroad . It broke my heart & still does- that I could not be there for her . Hundreds of people like this lad saved life’s without even knowing it . Rip mum I miss you daily ❤🌹
God I love short film To get someone hooked so fast what a craft Well done awesome
Thanks for watching!!
holds up well,better than my memory of script!
8 Feb 2024 Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 You can't beat British Humor or Comedy...priceless
Mind tagging,cant beleive we went through those times.I hope many elderly had someone there for them,its easy to be self absorbed
Wow that was so sweet, thanks for making and sharing something good about humanity. In this new year ('24) there's so much to be depressed about. Great to be reminded about man's KINDNESS to fellow man.
Thank you for watching!
Small acts of kindness create quite a big impact. 💙
Wonderful.A piece of magic.
Amazing, entertaining and thought provoking. This should be on television.
Thanks for watching!!
Lovely little film. Well done Harry Walters you were great and then saw in the credits you wrote it brilliant!
As an amateur film maker myself, I loved this. Well done to all involved.
Thanks for watching!! Keep doing what your doing aswell!!
Don’t cry often but the ending got me. Just beautiful
Sorry not sorry!! :)
@@Room18Films was superb my friend
I imagined the young man was his grandson but dementia robbed him of his memory
Very moving film. Thank you. Let it be an example to young people out there…to all people actually…you never know what lies beneath a hard exterior. The young man’s persistence and patience were beautiful to watch. I hope the elder man makes it! Love and compassion are the answers to all of our problems. It starts with one encounter and grows from there.
Such a gorgeous heartwarming film! The young man didn't get tired to find a way into the reclusive man! The exchange over generations is so precious. These minutes moved me to tears and to me it's one of the most precious shorts I've ever seen. Harry, all the best for your way!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Really glad you enjoyed the film
Patience is a virtue hey- loved that the film developed those rare virtues over time and that the essence- to hold into those values no matter what the emotional obstacles are encountered- mattered. The quiet emphasis of persistence was well rested in the hands of the lad- when the old geyser began to reflect in his wife it seems those very values held true- such a holiday from egocentrism. I feel like I’ve had a shower in minty spritzered sunlight. Thank you everyone for engaging in a little light relief- here’s to holding steady- and believing that goodness is a lifeline.
What a lovely, touching short film - minimal dialogue, but maximum heart-warming, touching signs of caring and compassion from the young man. This was sooo beautiful! Thank you! 💞🤗💞
Thank you for watching!!
Great storey telling - as a writer it’s great to see such a well executed example of the ‘show, don’t tell’ rule.
Thanks for watching :)
❤❤❤ Thank goodness we have compassionate and truly good people in the World. Great acting! Excellent cinematography! Brilliant little film!!!❤
Beautifully made short film. This film has a deep meaning. It's worth it ❤
A beautiful piece of work, showing both the writer's and director's mastery of their crafts. Uptake of the backstory was perfectly paced with current events. At the end, it left me wanting more, but comfortable with how things were wrapped up. Wonderfully brought to life by two brilliant actors who made me love their characters. I can't even complain about the length, as it fits this vignette like a fitted glove on a hand. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching :)
Lovely film congratulations to everyone involved
Great comic actor our FELLA there, catch "Nut's in May" classic British at its best🇬🇧💯🎬🙏🗣️💪stay HAPPY an Carry on🆘🤑🧐🔚
Stupendous, bravo. Great acting and writing
Room 18 Films….GRATITUDE…. This film was the best of anything I have watched on KZhead this year. 👏👏🙏💙 LOVED & subscribed!
Thank you so much
What an excellent pair...loved it
Beautiful, human and touching…thank you for making it🙏🏻
Thank you for watching it!!
Lovely film. Touching and poignant. I can relate to this on a personal level. A young father shopped for me during the pandemic. I shopped, too, for my husband and myself, but I tried not to go very often. When the wife emailed me to ask for a list, I always kept it pretty short: 10 to 12 items. But I often asked him to get kitty litter and things that were a bit heavy, as he was young and strong. I appreciated their help so much! They have now moved to another state, and the pandemic is pretty much over.
Lovely comment! Thank you for watching :)
Life has not been easy. I may loose my job due to having contracted long covid. This beautiful dramatisation has just lifted my spirits. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching, we are glad we could lift your spirits even for a moment. We wish you all the best & please always reach out to those around you for support
come on lads this is insane, really well doneeee
Thanks Chris!
Wonderful film with a great message.Thank you!
Truly Amazing how quickly these wonderful actors and story captured my complete attention!
Thank you for watching!!
The editing on this was excellent.
The power of the short story done right.👍
Thanks for watching!!
Creating a feel-good story out of that miserable pandemic is an achievement onto itself. I enjoyed this very much. -Greg in the Bronx, NYC
Just brilliant! Kind & good is alive and well. Thank you.
Thank you for watching!! :)
I love it- what a stoic, humble, hopefull attitude of young man- I watched over and over again. What a wonderful art - I love the humor and depth in it. Thank you very much- God bless you❤
Thank you for watching
Sweet. Really nice.I never have given short films a chance. So happy this came on by itself and I didn't change it. Thanks for introducing me to the style and again, thanks, this was really cute.
Thank you for watching! :)
This is why I love British ❤
0:25 - Don't know why it reminded me of Home Alone and I was waiting for the bottoms of those plastic bags to give out. Beautiful short film. Poignant. Takes me back to those early pandemic days...
You know that actually was the aim so I’m glad you noticed that shot!! We did think about having the bags actually split aswell, good eye!!😊
@@Room18Films hahaha... really? That would have been interesting. But I think the way it is now, set the right tone. Very touching. I identify with the grumpy old man 😅
Both are natural actors. Simple film with great message. Need of the hour.
Thanks for watching!
Woah! Roger Sloman is an incredible actor. Nuts In May!!! Decent lad character in this short, doing such a great deed there.
Loved working with Roger!! Great person & great actor! Thanks for watching!
I really loved the use of props like the alarm clock and hand sanitiser to make it clear to the audience that this seems to be set in COVID times. Moments (2:44) was good where the shot zoomed in on each beat so well done to the editor. I think (2:48) with the note pad list acting like a memory in the background as he walks along with the series of quick shots that follow was highly effective and moved the narrative along nicely. Finally, I really loved the hear-felt moment at (7:07) with the close-up shots of the actors. I think the deeper messages and the way the story is written is amazing and I even loved the moment where the protagonist threw away his cigarettes as if he is starting over again and taking the advice that he was given to stop smoking. A massive well done to everyone who was involved in this as a student doing media studies now, I know it takes lots of work to be able to create something like this 😊. I’ve really struggled with getting my audio correct and it’s something I’m going to work on for my next project and its short films like this that give me the courage to do so!
Amazing comment, thank you so much for watching - good luck with your future project!!
@@Room18Films Wow thanks for actually replying to me - I've always been quite hesitant to actually put a comment out there but I certainly would be doing it more often now!
What a wonderful treat to stumble upon this delightful film just days after complaining that too many films have ignored the pandemic altogether. The interactions were perfectly scripted and superbly acted. Thanks for creating this film to make the world a better place in thirteen minutes. - Yes, I know it took you a lot longer to make it!
Thanks for watching!!
The promotion of non-smoking is excellent!