Catapult Films News

Inside Out

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:35:46 GMT

WONDER (short film)

Strange (but true?) Out Of This World news!

In Summer 2025, I teamed up alongside Ashley P. Saunders to bring to life a story about a young girl, fascinated by the extraterrestrial, who searches the local landscape, hoping to see proof of alien life for herself.

It's a whimsical exploration of innocent curiosity, imagination, and the stories of a wise old book shop owner in Todmorden who's seen and heard quite a few odd encounters.

The short 10-minute film has been a really fun creative collaboration with Ashley - and a joy filming with my often unpredictable, but loveable granddaughter, Amelia.

Big thanks to all who helped on the project, including Colin Lyall, my Canadian cousin and narrator, Chris McGrail, Thitaree Paeneam and Hugh Fowler for his cosmic musical contributions on the soundtrack.

Written, directed and edited by Mark Currie. Lighting camera, Ashley Saunders. Featuring Amelia Mungovin and Colin Lyall.

Wonder is available online in Autumn 2026.

See the film trailer: https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/wonderfilmtrailer

The latest film news

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:35:45 GMT

Our latest work

Fellow filmmakers, Mark Currie (Catapult Films) and Ashley Saunders (AP Saunders Film) have joined forces to create a short 10-minute film called Wonder, about a young girl fascinated by the idea of extraterrestrial beings. The film is now complete and will be available in cinemas and online in 2026. See the film trailer here: https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/wonderfilmtrailer

Evans Homes commissioned Catapult Films to create promotional videos in support of their marketing for their Skelton Lakes and Regency Place developments. All are now complete. See: https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/evanshomesskeltonlakes and https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/evanshomesregencyplace

Wakefield Council appointed Catapult Films to create a short documentary about The Fox Manuscripts. The 19th-century hand written manuscripts are the life-long work of local printer George Fox, which include hand-drawn illustrations, as well as a written history of Pontefract. The film is now complete and due for release in November/December 2025.

Catapult Films recently created a short promotional video in support of SNAPS, a charity to help children and their families with additional needs. Mark filmed at their Superhero Challenge 2025 event in Leeds, a fun-filled day for all concerned. See: https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/snaps2025

BBS (Brick & Stone) commissioned Catapult Films to evidence the transformation of Bradford city centre for their year as City of Culture 2025: https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/bradfordcityofculture

Brand new food and drink company, Cooking With Noodles, have launched their education business with the support of Catapult Films. An initial 8 videos have been created, including this one https://vimeo.com/catapultfilms/droppancakes

Mark Currie at Catapult Films is working with Otley Town Council on their ongoing Wildlife Garden project, showcasing the two final designs, which will be available for the public to view from spring 2026.

Catapult Films are currently working with Otley Common, who are transforming Otley Methodist Church into a vibrant social, cultural and entrepreneurial hub - run by the community, for the community. Rennovation work is ongoing, which Mark Currie is capturing on camera, as well as the day-to-day activities going in the completed areas of this impressive new, multifunctional space.

How do I create a video to differentiate myself from my competitors?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:35:45 GMT

Before even thinking about video, ask yourself a few questions. Start by getting under the skin of your brand.

1. Ask yourself, “What do I do?” “Who do I do it for?” and “What makes me and my business so special?” If you don’t do that and have some tangible result, then you’ll struggle thereafter.

2. Every company, product or service should have a clear brand proposition and have a good idea where they’re likely to get their business from.

3. Make sure you know what your brand, product or service stands for. Know why and what you want to say and to whom. Empathy is so important here: you need to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You need the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. All effective video communication relies on this attribute.

4. If you’re not sure how best to articulate your message, then take some advice before you decide to film anything, especially if you’re planning to film your own video.

5. If you’re engaging a professional production company, be prepared to chat the creative brief through with them. They should be able to help and from that discussion, they’ll recommend the best approach and the sort of film that will enable you or your business to stand out…in a good way.

6. Always write a script or a treatment first. This is very important, as it will give you a point of reference for you and everyone else associated with the production. Even if you’re planning to create a testimonial video, which by it’s very nature should feel spontaneous and ‘unscripted’, a guide to the content and the overall aim beforehand is key to the overall success of a video.

7. There are lots of different types of video, so think carefully before deciding which is best for you. Being different is a good thing, but art for art’s sake doesn’t sell products. Have a persuasive message. And if your brand has a recognised identity, be sure to reflect this in the film by using your corporate styling, colours and your tone of voice.

8. The right film should be an extension of your brand personality and because every brand and company is different, if it matches yours, then by that measure, the end film or video will be different, i.e. not the same as your competitors.