Long Shot (1978)
A sharp British comedy set at the Edinburgh Film Festival, where two broke filmmakers chase cash, cast, and credibility in the cutthroat world of independent cinema.
Long Shot - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: Maurice Hatton
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 17, 1978 (United Kingdom)
Long Shot - Plot
Against the backdrop of the 1977 Edinburgh Film Festival, two low-budget filmmakers attempt to talk up some finance as they hunt for cash, cast and 'name director' Sam Fuller to shoot their Aberdeen-set oil-boom adventure 'Gulf and Western'. Along the way, they encounter a plethora of filmmaking luminaries including Wim Wenders, Stephen Frears, John Boorman, Bill Forsyth and Alan Bennett.
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Long Shot - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Maurice Hatton
Main Cast
- Charles Gormley
- Neville Smith
- Anne Zelda
- David Stone
- Suzanne Danielle
- Ron Taylor
- Wim Wenders
- Stephen Frears
- Jim Haines
- Maurice Bulbulian
Writers
- Maurice Hatton
- Eoin McCann
Long Shot - FAQs
What is Long Shot (1978) about?
Long Shot is a British comedy set during the 1977 Edinburgh Film Festival. Two cash-strapped filmmakers hustle for financing, a cast, and a name director for their oil-boom adventure film. Along the way they cross paths with real-life cinema figures including Wim Wenders, Stephen Frears, John Boorman, and Alan Bennett.
Does Long Shot feature real filmmakers playing themselves?
Yes, one of Long Shot's most distinctive qualities is its casting of genuine filmmaking figures as themselves. Wim Wenders, Stephen Frears, John Boorman, Bill Forsyth, and Alan Bennett all appear, blurring the line between fiction and documentary and giving the film an authentic insider perspective on the film industry.
Where can you stream Long Shot (1978)?
Streaming availability for Long Shot (1978) varies by region and platform. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch, rent, or buy the film, JustWatch provides a comprehensive, regularly updated guide to all viewing options currently available in your area.
Who directed Long Shot (1978)?
Long Shot was directed by Maurice Hatton, a British filmmaker known for his work in independent and low-budget cinema. Hatton also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Eoin McCann, drawing on the world of independent film production for the story's satirical premise.
Who are the main actors in Long Shot (1978)?
The film stars Charles Gormley as Charlie and Neville Smith as Neville, the two aspiring filmmakers at the story's centre. The supporting cast includes Anne Zelda, David Stone, Suzanne Danielle, Ron Taylor, and real-world directors Wim Wenders and Stephen Frears appearing as fictionalised versions of themselves.
Is Long Shot (1978) based on a true story?
Long Shot is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily on authentic experience. Director Maurice Hatton set the film against the real 1977 Edinburgh Film Festival and populated it with genuine industry figures, giving the comedy a semi-documentary texture rooted in the realities of low-budget British filmmaking.
What genre is Long Shot (1978)?
Long Shot is a comedy, more specifically a satirical comedy that skewers the world of independent filmmaking. Its blend of scripted narrative with real industry personalities and a festival setting gives it a mockumentary-adjacent quality, making it an early and distinctive example of British film-industry satire.
How long is Long Shot (1978)?
Long Shot has a runtime of 84 minutes, making it a lean, briskly paced comedy. The compact running time suits its freewheeling, episodic structure as the two protagonists navigate the chaos of the Edinburgh Film Festival in pursuit of funding and collaborators for their ambitious project.
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