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“Under the Gun” Fires Its Way Onto the Global Stage with Major Festival Success
Under the Gun, the latest graduate short film from The Reel Scene’s Screen Acting Year Course, has continued the school’s tradition of industry-ready storytelling with a bold dive into London’s criminal underworld. The film follows two detectives drawn into a high-stakes poker game where the cards are the least dangerous thing on the table. Led by a cast of emerging talent from The Reel Scene—Alice Cleeve, Matt White, Steve Povero, David Haye, Rory Servaes, Ben Kamble, Katelyn James, Samuel Abraham and Kristina Ptitsyna – the project marks the culmination of a year of intensive professional actor training, bringing together craft, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. The film’s trailer, already generating strong interest, hints at a tightly wound thriller driven by tension, character, and sharp visual storytelling.
I would recommend the Reel Scene for actors who want to understand how the acting industry works in the UK. We got to work with different industry professionals every month (directors, actors, casting directors, producers…), people who can speak and teach from experience.
– Kristina, Year Course Graduate
The production was elevated by the involvement of Kevin McNally, one of Britain’s most versatile and enduring actors. His career spans theatre, radio, television, video games and blockbuster cinema, with credits ranging from Doctor Who and Downton Abbey to Sharpe, Spooks, The Tudors and early Bond. His global recognition as Joshamee Gibbs in Pirates of the Caribbean cemented him as a familiar face across decades of international film culture. His presence in Under the Gun brought a wealth of experience to set and offered Reel Scene graduates the rare opportunity to work alongside an actor whose career has moved effortlessly between genres, eras and storytelling styles.
The cast also features David Haye, one of Britain’s most high-profile boxing champions and a graduate of The Reel Scene’s Screen Acting Year Course. A former unified cruiserweight world champion and WBA heavyweight world title holder, Haye built his sporting legacy on explosive athleticism and strategic precision—qualities now re-channelled into his acting work. His transition from global sporting figure to screen performer adds a compelling dimension to the film, demonstrating how the Year Course supports students from all backgrounds in stepping confidently into the industry.
Behind the camera, Under the Gun was driven by an accomplished team: cinematography by Richard Boon, first assistant directing by Lucas Young, and production led by Alex Fidelski, whose leadership continues to shape outstanding Reel Scene projects. The film has already found international recognition, with awards and honours from Kyoto Independent Film Festival (Best Short Actor), Cambridge Short Film Festival (Best Action nominee), the British Urban Film Festival, and semi-finalist placements in Paris, Melbourne, Florence and Sydney. These accolades reinforce Under the Gun as a powerful demonstration of what Reel Scene graduates can achieve—bold storytelling, professional execution and a path that leads from student film to global festivals.
Training is here for your needs
At The Reel Scene, we are more than just an acting school. With an agency attached and our new filmmaking course, we produce award-winning films that screen at top festivals. We provide comprehensive training for students to excel in acting (film and television) and filmmaking. Located in London, our school features industry professionals including agents, casting/tv/film directors, and renowned actors such as Asa Butterfield, David Schaal, and Kevin McNally.
Yes, we are Spotlight Accredited!
