jay mcneil (Dir + dop)
JAY
Jay is a writer–director and cinematographer based between London and the Midlands. Through his work, he explores social commentary and working-class allegories, with a strong emphasis on cinematography as a driving force in his storytelling.His films have screened at OSCAR, BAFTA, and BIFA-qualifying festivals, and he continues to produce thought-provoking work. He is currently in post-production on his new short psychological drama, The Flat Below, which examines society’s neglect of the ageing working class.Jay began cutting his teeth visually by creating skate videos on his family's camcorder with friends. This soon progressed into street photography, which became an active passion alongside his film education in Nottingham.
JAY MCNEIL (DIR + DOP)
THE FLAT BELOW | IN POST PRODUCTION
Strange sounds from the flat below disrupt an elderly man’s quiet life, driving him into paranoia and obsession as he slowly loses his grip on reality.
WRITER, DIRECTOR: JAY MCNEIL
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: LAURENCE MASON-GUETTA
SLEEP | 9m 39s
In this sharp, surreal dark comedy short, Antonio Aakeel (Eaten by Lions, Slow Horses) plays Chris, a burnt-out cleaner one worktime nap away from losing his job. Determined to stay employed, Chris tries everything to fight off fatigue. But fatigue won’t quit. Just when all hope seems lost, a strange encounter in a corner shop offers an unexpected fix. It works. Maybe a little too well…
WRITER(S), DIRECTOR(S): JAY MCNEIL & COS MANDIS
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: JAY MCNEIL
PRODUCER: MALAK CHRAIM
AWARDS
Best Screenplay – Drama International Short Film Festival
Best Student Film – Soho London Independent Film Festival
Official Selection, Lo-Budget Mayhem – London Short Film Festival
Screened - Thessaloniki International Film Festival
FROM FERGUSLIE | 3m 25s
A short documentary exploring a blacksmith’s life decades after leaving his hometown and the therapy he has since found in his craft.
DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: JAY MCNEIL
AWARDS
Official Selection – Cinemagic Young Filmmaker of the Year 2025
THE PAINTING | 13m 35s
Rejected by the art world, a struggling painter steals his protégé’s work, risking everything in a desperate bid for recognition.
WRITER & DIRECTOR: JAY MCNEIL
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: JACK WRIGHT
PRODUCED: JAY MCNEIL & JACK WRIGHT
JAY MCNEIL (DIR + DOP)
MORE PROJECTS & CREDITS
Lessons In English | Short Film (2024) Dir / DP
Joint Speech 1 & 2 | Documentary (2025) DP
Stalker | Short Film (2023) Dir / DP
Hey Anthony | Short Film (2022) DP
A Trip to the Peak District | Documentary (2022) DP
ClubsComplete | Advert (2021) Dir / DP
Anniemasion | Advert (2021) Dir / DP
Anniemasion | Doc (2020) Dir / DP
Allergen | Short Film (2025) 1st AC / Camera Operator
Key Hunters | Short Film (2025) 1st AC / Gaffer
Test Pilot: The Borowitz Report | Online Show (2025) Camera Operator
Fish Planet | Documentary (2025) Camera Operator
Action Season at the BFI | Live Panel (2024/25) Camera Operator, Multi-Cam Director
JAY MCNEIL (DIR + DOP)
DROP ME A MESSAGE, LETS COLLABORATE!
INSTAGRAM: @jaymcnxil
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 07496 274502
