onwards and upwards

Shushka Productions launched on the 21st of June this year. Six months later we’ve picked up ten awards across four festivals, have two films in post–production and plenty more on the way.

First of all, thank you. Thank you to everyone who has followed us, read a blog post or taken part in the Filmmaker Spotlight. It’s only been half a year and I’m genuinely proud of how things are going. As we head into Christmas and the new year, I want to look back at what we’ve done before giving a little sneak peek at what’s coming next.

The Socials

Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, we’re on all of them. Each has its own audience and honestly they’ve been growing better than expected, especially in an age where everyone is a “creator” and trends move fast. In 2026 we’ll be continuing with the socials and expanding our footprint. Letterboxd and YouTube are next on the list. Letterboxd will be more for fun, but YouTube is something we plan to push a bit more in 2026 with things like trailers and maybe a few things I can’t quite reveal yet.

The Website

The website recently had an upgrade, so nothing major will change there. The blog will continue into 2026 with updates like this, casting announcements and pieces like Know Your Worth and Why the Midlands Needs Its Own Film Voice, both of which were really well received.

My personal favourite, the Filmmaker Spotlight, will absolutely continue. It’s been doing great numbers, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has taken part. It means a lot, and it’s brilliant to shine a light on some of the incredible talent working in the industry.

The Films

We’ve made some and we’re making more.

What’s Next?

Onwards and upwards. Shushka is only going to get bigger and better from here. 2026 will be our first full year, and I can’t wait to get it underway.

Thank you to everyone who reads these (you lot are the best!) and to everyone who supports us in any way, whether you follow us on the socials, took part in a Filmmaker Spotlight or helped make one of the films. Thank you.

Thanks for being here. Let’s build something special.

— Ash

Owner of Shushka Productions

Thanks for reading, here’s the trailer for Immortal Ron - now the festival run is nearly complete, the film will be released next year :)

We made a film

Review of filming for Present Company Excluded by Director Ash Arnold

17th November, Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.

It’s 6pm, absolutely freezing, and we’re about to make a film.

Now that Present Company Excluded is deep into post-production, it feels like the right moment to look back at how we actually made it because a short film takes a huge amount of work, a committed group of people, and, in our case, several portable heaters battling for their lives.

Before “Action!”

Making a film is a joy. But it’s also admin, planning, conversations, organisation, juggling schedules, and running on coffee (Iced Latte’s to be specific).

Before a single frame is shot, you’ve got pre-production: building your cast and crew, finding locations, feeding people, planning shots, prepping props, and answering questions you didn’t realise existed. And then suddenly, filming day arrives.

You load the car with equipment, food, and some random props. You get to the location, take a breath, and it’s time to make the thing happen.

On Set

As a director, I like to pretend my job is hard, but let’s be honest I spend the first hour looking busy while the crew do the real graft. Lighting and camera set up on one side of the room. Sound gears up on the other. Hair and makeup get to work under unnecessary levels of stress. And me? I’m pacing around and nodding thoughtfully at things.

Present Company Excluded was no different. The first shot always takes the longest, but my crew absolutely smashed it from start to finish. They were dialled in, focused, and made my life incredibly easy.

The Dream Team

I had an unbelievable crew on PCE each person a specialist, each brought something vital. I had a vision, but they’re the ones who turned it into something real. Massive shoutout to Jacqui Dunn, our fantastic MUA and costume wizard. She didn’t just make the characters look the part she gave them texture, life, personality. But great costumes are only half the story. My actors delivered. Moya and Zane came in knowing their characters inside-out, and it showed in every take. They didn’t just hit the brief they added layers I couldn’t have predicted. And a big shout to Shannon, who knocked it out of the park in her first-ever acting role.

And of course, to our extras: thank you. Sitting for hours in the cold is no small ask, and your dedication genuinely elevated the film.

Looking Back

There’s nothing quite like seeing something you wrote months ago come alive in front of you. Watching performances, shots, lighting, sound, costume and energy combine, that’s the magic of filmmaking.

Present Company Excluded is Shushka’s first “official” film. And hopefully the first of many.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this a reality.

I can’t wait for you all to see what we’ve created.

— Ash Arnold / Shushka Productions

Present Company Excluded - Cast announcement

We’re pleased to announce the cast for Present Company Excluded is locked!

After a couple of months of auditions, self tapes and readings we’ve finally found our cast. Zane Hopkins as Gleeson, Moya Allen as Marlene and Shannon O’Hare as The Waitress.

We incredibly proud to have brought together such an amazing cast for this film. Before we get to know them a bit more we would firstly like to say thank you to everyone who auditioned for the roles, the standard was incredibly high and we appreciate everyone who took time to audition.

Zane Hopkins - Gleeson

“I read the script and was immediately hit by the gravitas and demand of the role and fell in love with the light and dark within the script and character. Taking on the striking role of Death is a haunting, thought-provoking exploration of the fine line between life and legacy, the inevitability of endings, and portraying Death not as a monster, but as a presence of quiet intensity and purpose bringing a compelling stillness and emotional complexity to a character often misunderstood.”

Zane’s IMDb

Moya Allen - Marlene

“Moya is an award-winning actress based in the Midlands, known for her versatility across theatre, film, and television. Her recent screen work includes a role alongside Johnny Vegas in The Beast of Riverside Hollow.”

Moya’s IMDb

Shannon O’Hare - Waitress

"A lover of all things vintage, Shannon is a professional vintage vocalist who entertains across the midlands. Her favourite place to perform is The Black Country Museum, bringing her love of history and performance together. She has also enjoyed performing in murder mystery amateur dramatic roles and pantomimes.

Her fondness for the 1950s and 60s comes from her childhood spent listening to rock and roll and watching her grandparents dance.”

Present Company Excluded

“Tired of carrying the weight of existence, Life meets Death at a diner and asks for one final request.”

The story follows the personification of Life as she meets Death and asks for something he may not be able to grant. At its core, it’s a conversation about burnout — something many of us have felt. This film was born out of moments where I felt overwhelmed, not just by my own life, but by the state of the world around me. It asks a simple, devastating question: What happens when the force that’s meant to hold everything together… can’t anymore?

Present Company Excluded is brought to you by Shushka Productions and Claire Ward

Know Your Worth

Know Your Worth

Something everybody should know, whether working in film or not, is the importance of knowing your worth.

I’m writing this after seeing a colleague in the industry (Cam Sheldon) post on LinkedIn about advising someone not to work for free, and I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Anyone who works freelance in film will tell you that knowing what prices you set for your services is vital. It can be the difference between just getting by and actually making a sustainable living. Too high, will I price myself out of work? Too low, is it actually covering rent, travel, food etc? The industry is crowded, and people will do anything to get an advantage and sadly, most of the time that means undercutting the competition or worse, working for free.

I can’t think of another industry that relies so heavily on the idea of doing things “for exposure” or “to build a portfolio.” And yes, sometimes that approach can work early on if it’s strategic, and if it’s truly helping you grow your craft or build connections. But the truth is, if everyone keeps doing things for free, it sets a dangerous precedent. It devalues the entire profession. More and more people in the industry as struggling to get a consistent income and working for very little or free doesn’t help.

Your time, your creativity, and your skill have value. Whether you’re a cinematographer, editor, sound designer, or production assistant you bring something unique to every project. You’ve spent time honing your craft, and that’s worth paying for.

Of course, collaboration and passion projects will always be a part of filmmaking (I’ve done a few myself) and that’s the beauty of the industry. But there’s a big difference between helping a friend out and being taken advantage of. The more we, as filmmakers, set boundaries and stick to fair rates, the stronger the industry becomes for everyone.

So next time someone asks you to “just do it for the experience,” think twice. Experience doesn’t pay rent. Exposure doesn’t buy new gear. Respect yourself, your time, and your craft, because if you don’t, no one else will.

Know your worth. And don’t be afraid to stand by it.

Link to the original post by Cam Sheldon

Funding and the reality of film

Making Films Is Expensive — But Worth Every Penny

Anyone in film will tell you — whether they’re on a blockbuster set with a hundred crew or making a short in their spare bedroom — filmmaking is expensive. The kit alone costs a fortune and that’s not including crew, cast, locations — even film school. If you’re in it for quick profit, you’re in the wrong game. Filmmaking is a constant exercise in seeing how far you can stretch a few quid.

So why do it?

Because it’s the best job in the world.

The arts are too often treated as “just a hobby” or “not a real career.” But creativity matters. Films can change you. They can lift you when you’re low, inspire you when you’re stuck, and connect you to something bigger than yourself. That’s why we’re here at Shushka Productions — to make stories that make you feel something.

One day, we’ll be self-sufficient. We’ll have the big funding deals and the freedom to make exactly what we want, how we want. Right now? We have the second part nailed — we make exactly what we want — but the rest takes time. Big industry contacts don’t appear overnight, and film funding is rare.

That’s where you come in.

For our next short film, Present Company Excluded, we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign. We’ve got some brilliant rewards lined up for backers, because if you’re willing to put your hard-earned money into our dream, we want to make sure you feel how much it means to us. On top of that, our producer, Claire Ward, organised an auction over on our Facebook page to help raise even more which I’m happy to say went surprisingly well.

These are the funding routes we’ve chosen because they give us the best chance of making this project the best it can be — and because they give us a chance to give back to you as a thank you.

I want to be crystal clear: we are serious about film, and serious about where Shushka Productions is heading. Asking for money is never easy (especially if you’re British), but it matters. Every pledge, no matter the size, is a huge step towards making something incredible.

If you have any questions, drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram — I’ll be more than happy to chat.

Thank you for being here, for believing in what we do, and for helping us bring this story to life.

— Ash

Owner of Shushka Productions

Present Company Excluded Kickstarter Campaign

Why the Midlands Needs Its Own Film Voice

When people talk about British cinema, the conversation almost always drifts south. London dominates the spotlight, with its studios, talent pools, and industry connections. But film is about more than a postcode. It’s about people, places, and the stories that grow out of them — and the Midlands has more than enough to offer.

At Shushka Productions, we believe it’s time the Midlands had its own cinematic voice.

Location matters

Think about the films that feel inseparable from their settings: Trainspotting with Edinburgh, Kes with Yorkshire, This Is England with Nottingham. Those stories work because they aren’t just set somewhere for the sake of it they’re rooted in the textures, voices, and experiences of those communities and wouldn’t work anywhere else.

The Midlands deserves the same recognition. Our cities, towns, and landscapes shape lives in ways that are rich with cinematic potential. From the buzz of Birmingham to the quiet of Derbyshire villages, there are stories here that can’t be told from anywhere else.

We have industrial histories that shaped entire generations, diverse communities that reflect modern Britain, and scenery that ranges from concrete estates to sweeping countryside. These contrasts create a storytelling goldmine. Filmmakers in the Midlands can bring a level of authenticity that outsiders can’t.

A Region Full of Opportunity

There’s also a practical side to this. The Midlands can become a more exciting place for filmmakers.

• Film festivals here are growing in recognition and reach.

• Costs of producing work (locations) are often lower than London.

• Access to distinctive, underused locations gives filmmakers creative freedom.

All of this makes the Midlands one of the most promising areas for independent film to flourish.

Shushka’s Role

That’s where we come in. Shushka Productions was created to support filmmakers with unique voices, we pride ourselves on being international but I’m (Ash, Owner of Shushka) from the midlands and I’m determined to make it a hub for film and filmmakers.

We have three films in various stages of development here at Shushka, and they’re from all over the world Immortal Ron (Set in New York, currently in Festivals) The Name is Nimmer (Set in Palestine, currently in Post-Production) and Present Company Excluded (Set in Derbyshire, currently in Pre-Production) and it’s only the beginning of what we hope to build here.

a Midlands Voice

The Midlands doesn’t need to borrow a voice. It already has one, it just needs to be heard.

At Shushka, we’re committed to amplifying it. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a film-lover, or simply someone who believes in the power of local stories, we’d love for you to join us on this journey.

Follow along on our blog and socials as we share updates, spotlights, and new projects. And if you’re a filmmaker with a story to tell, get in touch — the Midlands film voice is growing, and there’s room for you in it.

what’s the plan

The Plan

This is something I’ve thought about for a long time. While I can’t give everything away just yet (we have to keep some surprises), I’m excited to share the direction we’re heading in.

Start small. Dream big.

That’s the mindset right now at Shushka Productions. We’re starting from the ground up and trust me, we know this won’t be easy, but we’ve made a start. We have a website and socials, we’re doing the Filmmaker Spotlight series (fancy being involved? fill in the form below) and most importantly we’re making films.

I’ve worked on a good number of films over the years and made a few of my own too. Shushka currently has three projects at different stages:

• Immortal Ron – on the festival circuit

• The Name is Nimmer – deep in post-production

• Present Company Excluded – gearing up in pre-production

These are just the beginning. There’s no set number of short films we want to make, we’re just focused on making great ones. We care about quality, about storytelling that says something, and about films that define what Shushka is all about.

There’s a saying: Short films get you noticed. Features make you money.*

Shorts are essential to us. Telling a compelling story in under 15 minutes is a real skill and one that’s often overlooked. Even as we move toward feature filmmaking (which is absolutely part of the plan), we’ll continue to champion short films. They’re the perfect way to develop new voices and nurture emerging talent.

We want to make sure Shushka is not just a production company but a place to network, meet like minded people and create quality.

Our goal isn’t just to make films. It’s to build something bigger. Shushka is based in Derby but we want a global reach, why limit yourself to one circle of creatives when you can be in many more? We’re more than a production company. We’re part of a growing creative community and that’s exactly where we want to be.

Thanks for being here.

— Ash

Owner of Shushka Productions

*I may have made that up

BTS from Immortal Ron

Fancy being in the Filmmaker Spotlight Series?

present company excluded. - in production -

“Tired of carrying the weight of existence, Life meets Death at a diner and asks for one final request.”

I’m incredibly proud to announce that our first official short film — Present Company Excluded — is now in production.

The story follows the personification of Life as she meets Death and asks for something he may not be able to grant. At its core, it’s a conversation about burnout — something many of us have felt. This film was born out of moments where I felt overwhelmed, not just by my own life, but by the state of the world around me. It asks a simple, devastating question: What happens when the force that’s meant to hold everything together… can’t anymore?

I wanted to tell something quiet and intimate, but with weight — a cosmic conversation in a very human place.

We’re currently deep in pre-production, with a brilliant producer onboard in the form of Claire Ward, and an exceptional cinematographer, Bisan Byadsi. I’ll be directing the film, and we’re in the process of building a stellar team around it. Casting announcements will follow soon — both here and across the socials.

This is just the beginning. We have so much more to share, and we’d love for you to come along for the ride.

Thanks for being here. Let’s build something meaningful.

— Ash

Owner of Shushka Productions

Concept Art for “Present Company Excluded”

this is shushka

Welcome to Shushka Productions

Hi, I’m Ash — director, editor, and one half of Shushka Productions.

I’m from Derby, right in the middle of the UK, and I love film. Always have. Shushka is a passion project I’ve been quietly building for a while now, and it’s time to go big. This isn’t just about making films — it’s about creating something lasting, something bold, and something real.

These blogs will be written by me (acting as my own personal social media manager, for now). There’s no strict schedule — I’ll post whenever there’s something interesting to share, some exciting news to announce, or if I just feel like checking in.

What you can expect: transparency. I want Shushka to be the kind of production company that actually talks to its audience. I’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Right now, we’ve got three films in various stages of production. I’ll be diving deeper into each one in future posts — maybe sharing behind-the-scenes moments, cast and crew interviews, or whatever else seems worth your time.

Thanks for being here. Let’s build something special.

— Ash

Owner of Shushka Productions