BAFTA-winner Owen Teale and Olivier-winner Sophie Thompson Board CSSC Short Film ‘Something Pointless’

Canadian Short Screenplay Competition Begins Production of Award-Winning Short Screenplay Written by Neil Graham and David Cormican, Directed by Asa Bailey.

The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition (CSSC) announced the start of principal photography today for the short film, Something Pointless, a timeless drama about a lonely boy finding purpose in an old man’s pointless daily ritual.

Following the successful relaunch of the CSSC and unveiling of this year's winning scribes this past Saturday at the 78th Yorkton Film Festival, the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition has officially begun production across a slate of award-winning short film screenplays starting with the 2011 CSSC 1st place winner Something Pointless written by Liverpool, UK native, Neil Graham (Foot in the Door).

The film is set to star Swansea-based young performer Leo Harris (The Count of Monte Cristo, Lost Boys & Fairies) as The Boy Who Never Smiles. Harris is joined in the cast by BAFTA-winner Owen Teale (Game of Thrones, Dream Horse, The Rig), six-time Olivier Award-nominee and winner (once), Sophie Thompson (Gosford Park, Eastenders, Coronation Street) and SAG Award-nominee Sule Rimi (The Day of the Jackal, Andor) as the Headmaster.

Filming takes place May 26 to May 30 in the town of Newport, Wales.

“At its core, this film embraces pure, unapologetic sentimentality,” director Asa Bailey (Duty of Care, The Unbelieveable) comments. “It’s a rare opportunity to portray genuine human connection without frills or fads—just heartfelt storytelling rooted in the textures and truths of a real community.”

Graham’s script follows Aldous Evans (Teale), who combats the monotony of his final years by gluing eggshells to a forgotten wall in town. An intergenerational bond unfolds when the bullied and lonely Boy Who Never Smiles (Harris), becomes captivated by the ritual. As the old man’s silent rebellion against insignificance transforms the wall into a mosaic of colour and hope, his unfortunate passing leaves a legacy that inspires the boy to carry on the tradition by finding purpose, joy and resilience in the most unexpected act.

“The CSSC has always been about discovering fresh voices, their remarkable and unique stories and giving these aspiring and emerging writers a global stage to showcase their inspiring work,” David Cormican, producer, co-writer and CSSC founder, shared in a statement. “We’re thrilled to re-ignite the CSSC’s legacy, with the commencement of production for Neil Graham’s Something Pointless and we can’t wait to share this tremendous and charming film for consideration with audiences and academy members worldwide”.

Something Pointless is produced by International Emmy-nominee David Cormican of Fun Republic Pictures (Tokyo Trial, Tulipani, Love, Honour & A Bicycle, ShadowHunters) and Asa Bailey of BAI-LEY (Silo, One Hundred Years of Solitude). Cormican also serves as co-writer of the screenplay. Executive Producers for the film include Academy Award-winner Shawn Christensen (Curfew, Cul-de-Sac), Academy Award-winner Damon Russell (Curfew, Cul-de-Sac), Webby Award-winner Brenden Hubbard (Curfew, Everything in the End), Emmy-nominee Dwayne Hill (Northern Rescue, Mean Girls) and Zane Lackey.

Two-time BAFTA-nominee Amy Morris (Creepy Pasta Salad, Skinny Fat) serves as line producer; Casting Society of America award-nominee Victor Jenkins CDG, CSA (Fleabag, Broadchurch) is the casting director; with cinematography by BAFTA-winner Keefa Chan (Fog of Sex, Blood on the Crown); editing by Laurence Cohen (Blackout, Guest House); with the original score being composed by Andrea Bellucci (League of Legends, Little Margo Stories).

The CSSC’s filmography includes Seeing in the Dark; Rusted Pyre, which went on to premiere at Festival de Cannes as part of Telefilm Canada’s Not Short on Talent Programme and was awarded the National Screen Institute’s Best Drama Prize; Minus Lara, which won the Best in Canada Prize at the Reel Rave International Film Festival in addition to the BravoFACT! award; Elijah the Prophet, which was successfully over-subscribed during a crowdfunded campaign via Kickstarter; and Will, which won Yorkton Film Festival’s Golden Sheaf award for Best Drama.

Updated: 05/27/2025

Additional Contest Info: Canadian Short Screenplay Competition