Requires Improvement
Shot in June 2024, Requires Improvement follows Ellie, a student teacher in a secondary school, who gets a nasty shock when her attitude and behaviour catches up with her.
Dir: Sima Sheibani
DOP: Dan Amity Linsell
Writer: Natalie Yates
Prod. Natalie Yates and Alexander Brown
With thanks to Sheffield Hallam University for locations.
Awards and Selections
Requires Improvement is currently in post production. Check back soon for any updates on the process!
Team Behind Requires Improvement
MEET THE CAST
Ellie
Shop Owner
Ellie
Natalie Yates
Natalie started working professionally in theatre over ten years ago, touring the UK and performing at Ed Fringe as a teenager.
Since then, she's focused on screen, working extensively on short films and music videos, while occasionally returning to theatre.
She's recently worked with NFTS (Leeds and Wales), as well as on nume
Natalie Yates
Natalie started working professionally in theatre over ten years ago, touring the UK and performing at Ed Fringe as a teenager.
Since then, she's focused on screen, working extensively on short films and music videos, while occasionally returning to theatre.
She's recently worked with NFTS (Leeds and Wales), as well as on numerous shorts including In (Un)loving Memory and How to Win Friends and Guinea Pig People.
Natalie was also one of the producers on Requires Improvement because she's not capable of doing one thing at a time.
Jane
Shop Owner
Ellie
Gemma Windle
Gemma was dragged up in Sheffield and trained at Salford University at the school of music, media and performance. She has quite recently revisited her passion for acting and writing after losing herself somewhere on the school run and is keeping busy with a number of local films and theatre projects until the kids flee the nest. Represented by The Drama Mob.
Will
Shop Owner
Shop Owner
David Rimmer
David is a graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and has trained with Act4TV.
Recent credits include: Callum in Helen Jeffery's Buckled (Liverpool Fringe Festival/Shakespeare North Playhouse/Unity Theatre) and Sam in Mrs Smith (Kings Arms Salford).
His other credits include readings for the pilot episode of
David Rimmer
David is a graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and has trained with Act4TV.
Recent credits include: Callum in Helen Jeffery's Buckled (Liverpool Fringe Festival/Shakespeare North Playhouse/Unity Theatre) and Sam in Mrs Smith (Kings Arms Salford).
His other credits include readings for the pilot episode of new TV comedy Squirrels and Soldier 1/Ensemble in the UK Premiere Concert of Doctor Zhivago at Cadogan Hall.
David is currently training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Shop Owner
Shop Owner
Shop Owner
Dean Marshall
Dean Marshall is a trained actor with a Performing Arts degree.
Vastly experienced in theatre with many credits including The Chancellor in the critically acclaimed Emperors New Clothes at the Unity Theatre Liverpool.
He has had numerous TV and film roles from being part of the notorious Sabini gang in Peaky Blinders, DCI Taylo
Dean Marshall
Dean Marshall is a trained actor with a Performing Arts degree.
Vastly experienced in theatre with many credits including The Chancellor in the critically acclaimed Emperors New Clothes at the Unity Theatre Liverpool.
He has had numerous TV and film roles from being part of the notorious Sabini gang in Peaky Blinders, DCI Taylor in the hard hitting drama Lovers of Death, playing Jonathan Harker in Amazon‘s The Wrath of Dracula and recently has finished filming overseas in an exciting new horror film The Grieving Stones.
Sally
Customer
Archie
Sian Marie
Sian Marie is an actress, entertainer and singer. She has trained at Grimsby Institute obtaining a BA Hons in Performing Arts & is currently training with the Acting Lincs Movement.
Archie
Customer
Archie
Charlie Ralph Thompson
Charlie Ralph Thompson is an actor and performer. He trained at North Lindsey College studying Performing Arts and starts training at Rose Bruford in the summer. He currently trains with Acting Lincs (Lincolnshire) and The Hospital Players.
Recent Credits: When We Are Married (Plowright Theatre) and Saba's Swim (C.A.S.T Doncaster).
Customer
Customer
Customer
Samuel Pearson
Samuel Pearson is an actor, performer & puppeteer. His work to date has primarily been performing in works of new writing.
Recent credits: Sixteen Trees (Breakwater Theatre).
Student
Customer
Customer
Lewis Fewster
Lewis Fewster is an actor and performer. He currently trains at North Lindsey College on a level 3 Performing Arts programme.
Recent Credits: Shout (The Crucible Playhouse), Halloween Festival (Norby Park).
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Director
Director of Photography
Producer & Writer
Sima Sheibani
Bio coming soon.
Producer & Writer
Director of Photography
Producer & Writer
Natalie Yates
Natalie Yates is an actress and producer, based in North Lincolnshire, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds and London. She regularly works on screen and most recently produced How to Win Friends and Guinea Pig People, a short film for Evening Cat Productions, currently on its festival run with multiple selections so far.
Requires Imp
Natalie Yates
Natalie Yates is an actress and producer, based in North Lincolnshire, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds and London. She regularly works on screen and most recently produced How to Win Friends and Guinea Pig People, a short film for Evening Cat Productions, currently on its festival run with multiple selections so far.
Requires Improvement is the second short that she has written; following How to Win Friends and Guinea Pig People.
Primarily Natalie is an actress and has a varied career outside of production, including regular work with different production companies across the UK. The past year has included several short films, music videos, commercials and a little bit of theatre.
Training includes Mixing Networks, CSSD and LAMDA. She is also Meisner trained.
Natalie is trained in Risk Assessment, Data Protection and Safeguarding (Level 3- DSL). She most recently completed a certificate in Mental Health First Aid in the workplace; a huge priority for her is ensuring a safe and supportive set, creating an environment where people feel comfortable expressing concerns.
She plays Ellie in Requires Improvement- although she insists she's nothing like the character in real life!
Producer & 1st AD
Director of Photography
Director of Photography
Alexander Brown
Alex is a fledgling Producer and Assistant Director based in South Yorkshire. After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University and taking part in Channel 4's 'Content Creatives' scheme, he is endeavouring to collaborate with local creatives in Northern locations and support the ongoing interest in bringing the film industr
Alexander Brown
Alex is a fledgling Producer and Assistant Director based in South Yorkshire. After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University and taking part in Channel 4's 'Content Creatives' scheme, he is endeavouring to collaborate with local creatives in Northern locations and support the ongoing interest in bringing the film industry up North.
He is best known for his producing on Give Me Arrest, Requires Improvement and Fossil Fuel.
Director of Photography
Director of Photography
Director of Photography
Dan Amity Linsell
With a passion for visual storytelling, Dan Amity brings a keen eye and dynamic approach to his work as a cinematographer. His journey in film production began at Sheffield Hallam University, where he honed his technical skills and artistic vision. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of
Dan Amity Linsell
With a passion for visual storytelling, Dan Amity brings a keen eye and dynamic approach to his work as a cinematographer. His journey in film production began at Sheffield Hallam University, where he honed his technical skills and artistic vision. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, from gripping documentaries to captivating dramas, across various locations in Europe.
Dan's experiences have not only enriched his technical expertise but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the art of collaboration and the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving world of film. Whether capturing the raw emotion of a documentary subject or the intricate details of a dramatic scene, he strives to create compelling visuals that resonate with audiences.
Always eager to embrace new challenges and continue learning, Dan ensures that each project he undertakes is not just a job, but a step forward in his journey as a storyteller. His commitment to excellence and his ability to adapt to any situation are the cornerstones of his work ethic, driving him to produce exceptional cinematic experiences every time.
1st AC
Sound Recordist
1st AC
Georgia Moretto
Georgia Moretto joined the project as 1st AC, working under Dan [DOP]. She also worked as 1st AC on Fossil Fuel, a different short, alongside other key members of the production team.
Gaffer
Sound Recordist
1st AC
Jagraj Singh
Jagraj Singh, an emerging filmmaker, excels as a DOP and editor credited on IMDb for his debut work on Crossed Wires and as a gaffer on Requires Improvement, he brings a fresh perspective and technical skill to every set.
Sound Recordist
Sound Recordist
Sound Recordist
Molly Register
Molly Register was the sound recordist and mixer for Requires Improvement, working with the actors and production team to ensure the sound was high quality; using a mix of boom and radio mics.
Editor
Sound Recordist
Sound Recordist
Caitlin Pearson
Caitlin Pearson joined the Requires Improvement team for Post-Production and worked tirelessly, collaborating with Sima [Director], to ensure a smooth edit. She oversaw the process for the majority of post production, communicating regularly with the rest of the team.
Assistant Editor
Costume & Styling
Costume & Styling
Scott Booth
Bio coming soon.
Costume & Styling
Costume & Styling
Costume & Styling
Hanieh Bashiri
Hanieh is an experienced fashion designer and stylist with expertise in fashion design, retail management and visual merchandising. She holds an MA in Fashion Design from Sheffield Hallam University and has worked on various creative projects, including her role as a stylist for Requires Improvement. She has also founded and
Hanieh Bashiri
Hanieh is an experienced fashion designer and stylist with expertise in fashion design, retail management and visual merchandising. She holds an MA in Fashion Design from Sheffield Hallam University and has worked on various creative projects, including her role as a stylist for Requires Improvement. She has also founded and led her own fashion brand, "The Haniik Clothing", where she designed and managed women's collections.
Hanieh is dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in every project she undertakes.
Sound Mix & Score
Costume & Styling
Sound Mix & Score
Ehsan Gohari
Ehsan joined the project in the later stages of post-production and created the sound mix for the film, as well as composing the whole soundtrack, working closely with the director, producers and editor to deliver exactly what Sima wanted to achieve.
Unit Stills
Costume & Styling
Sound Mix & Score
Joseph Shepherd
Joseph Shepherd is an up and coming, neurodiverse creative from the North of England. He spent much of his early life on stage and in front of the camera, later making the switch to working behind it. Joe's main aim as a photographer is to capture the personalities of his subjects and document what he sees.
Full Credit List
Cast
Locations & Equipment
Production
- Natalie Yates
- Gemma Windle
- David Rimmer
- Dean Marshall
- Sian Marie
- Charlie Ralph Thompson
- Lewis Fewster
- Samuel Pearson
- Brandon Knotts (Supporting Artist)
- Amy Everall (Radio Presenter VO)
- Hein Bo (Poster- Supporting Artist)
Production
Locations & Equipment
Production
- Sima Sheibani (Director)
- Dan Amity Linsell (DOP)
- Natalie Yates (Producer & Writer)
- Alexander Brown (Producer & 1st AD)
- Georgia Moretto (AC)
- Jagraj Singh (Gaffer)
- Molly Register (Sound Recordist)
- Caitlin Pearson (Editor)
- Scott Booth (Assistant Editor)
- Ehsan Gohari (Composer/Sound Mix)
- Hanieh Bashiri (Costume/Styling)
- Joseph Shepherd (BTS Photography)
Locations & Equipment
Locations & Equipment
Locations & Equipment
Locations provided by Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
Equipment provided by TORS, Sheffield, UK.