Dimly lit film set with a single overhead light casting long shadows across a bare wall, deep charcoal and muted amber tones

Cast & Crew

The people behind the independent sci-fi feature Third Contact.

The Filmmaker

Simon Horrocks wrote, directed, shot, edited, and scored Third Contact — a feature-length independent science fiction film produced through his company, BodyDouble Films. The project began in 2009 with a screenplay designed to be shot without external funding, and filming commenced in early 2010 on an estimated budget of £4000.

Horrocks also composed the film's original score, and oversaw a re-edit that reduced the runtime from 95 to 85 minutes during post-production. His earlier short film Quantum Suicide — a precursor exploring the same themes — won the audience award for Best Sci-fi at the RATMA Film Festival in 2013.

Production

  • Production Company: BodyDouble Films
  • Director / Writer / Editor / Composer: Simon Horrocks
  • Genre: Science Fiction / Mystery
  • Estimated Budget: £4000
  • Filming Began: Early 2010

Key Collaborators

The film was shot with minimal equipment — a camcorder, a single light, and basic sound gear — reflecting its fiercely independent ethos. While Simon Horrocks handled the majority of creative and technical roles, the production drew on a small, dedicated team of performers and behind-the-scenes contributors who brought the story to life.

A dimly lit filmmaker's workspace with a small camcorder on a tripod, a single desk lamp casting warm light, and cables scattered across a wooden desk

Simon Horrocks

Director, Writer, Editor, Composer

Founder of BodyDouble Films. Drove every stage of production from screenplay through to the global premiere at BFI IMAX.

A dimly lit film set with a single overhead light casting long shadows across scattered script pages and a director's chair, deep charcoal and muted amber tones

BodyDouble Films

Production Company

The independent production banner behind Third Contact and the award-winning short Quantum Suicide.

The ensemble cast of Third Contact brings together a dedicated group of independent performers who committed their talents to a micro-budget production driven by passion rather than profit. Each actor embraced the challenge of working with limited resources, delivering nuanced performances that elevate the film's ambitious narrative. Their collective chemistry on screen reflects the collaborative spirit of independent filmmaking, where every role matters and creative problem-solving becomes second nature. Through long shooting days and minimal amenities, the cast maintained a shared vision for the story they were telling, proving that compelling cinema depends less on financial backing and more on the conviction of those who bring it to life.

Behind every independent film stands a crew whose unseen efforts shape the final picture, and Third Contact is no exception. Working within the constraints of a modest budget, the production team wore multiple hats, handling everything from lighting and sound design to set construction and continuity. This lean approach fostered an atmosphere of mutual support and ingenuity, where each crew member's contribution directly influenced the film's visual and emotional impact. The result is a science fiction feature that belies its humble origins, showcasing what can be achieved when a small, determined group pools its resources and expertise toward a singular artistic goal.