Yungblud to produce short film inspired by his song ‘Mars’
The singer said the film about teenage self-discovery is "an uncensored, unfiltered portrayal of youth"
Yungblud will produce a short film about teenage self-discovery called ‘Mars’, inspired by the artist’s own song of the same name.
The film is based on the story of a young fan that the artist met on tour, following a day in the life of Charlie Acaster in the north of England.
The synopsis reads: “All Charlie has ever wanted is a normal teenage existence – at least that’s what she thinks. Now one extraordinary night will make her reassess what truly matters.”
Produced by Universal Music Group’s Mercury Studios in partnership with Interscope Films (which co-produced ‘Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry’), the short film will be the Doncaster artist’s first foray into film production.
Speaking about the upcoming project, Yungblud said: “This story is an uncensored, unfiltered portrayal of youth. It revels in the fragile beauty of it, flirts with the pain of it and most importantly the undeniable, glimmering hope of it. It presents a generational shift towards acceptance of one’s self and others, and ever growing confidence in our own insecurities.”
The ‘fleabag’ singer has collaborated with playwright Chris Bush on the screenplay, and will be directed by Abel Rubinstein, whose short films have featured at the BFI London Film Festival, Outfest LA, and various Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festivals.
Yungblud continued: “I cannot wait to make my first film. This whole journey started with an encounter. Then it became a song, now it’s becoming a movie. All my art is about and forever will be about, is making people feel like they can be undeniably themselves, whoever they are – and with this project we’re turning that message up to 11.
“The team we’ve assembled is incredible, I am so honoured to stand with them all behind this beautiful project and to have them help me bring it to life. I can honestly say if you don’t adore this movie, then I can guarantee you’ll fucking learn something from it.
“‘You’ll see our stars and touch our scars, only when Mars doesn’t have to wait!’”
Production is due to start later this year in the north of England and is aiming for a spring 2022 release through Mercury Studios.
A press release added that the project is committed to securing on and off-screen talent from the trans, non-binary and wider LGBTQ+ community.
Screenwriter Bush said: “‘Mars’ is a story where the mundane and the magical sit side by side. It’s space age escapism shot through with Northern grit. More than anything I hope it’s honest. I’m hugely proud to be working with Yungblud, and the fantastic creative team we’ve assembled. The queer kids are alright.”
Mercury Studios CEO Alice Webb added that Yungblud’s “creativity and empathy” is the “driving force behind Mars”. She continued: “By bringing this important story to the screen, he is giving a voice to young adults everywhere who are wrestling with the pressures of being themselves in a world that too often tries to define that for us.”