Harry Carlile & Jonathan Parramint on making BBC short 7 Minutes

7 Minutes is one of the BBC Comedy Short Films 2023. Based around a desolate train track, it observes as two characters (played by Seroca Davis and Joe Wilkinson) stumble across each other in the place they both consider to be the perfect spot to end their life. Creators Harry Carlile and Jonathan Parramint explain here how the project came about, and what it was like to work with director Ricky Gervais.

How did you meet?

Harry: We became friends while working at a talent agency in Soho. We used to sit next to each other role playing characters and situations, just trying to make each other laugh.

Jonathan: We created these two hopeless millennial businessmen who ran a failing social media marketing start-up called No Bullshat Media. This was before we were writing together but it was definitely the start of something.

How did 7 Minutes come about?

Harry: The initial idea for 7 Minutes started as a conversation about what would happen if two people decided to do something like that, then it escalated to them being strangers. We left the idea for a while and it wasn't until we were trying to think of ideas for a short film that we decided to revisit it.

Jonathan: We wanted to write something that was interesting but also cost effective and simple - one location, two characters, just so it had the best chance of getting made. And if no one picked it up, we were just going to make it ourselves.

Harry: Next we started to build the story and look into who these two characters were and why they were in that situation.

What were your visions for the short?

Jonathan: We wanted to make something that got people talking and started a conversation. Both of us have been fortunate enough not to suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts but know people who have and, even though it's getting better in terms of being talked about more freely, there is still some way to go. But like with any difficult topic, comedy can act as a vehicle to help guide you through it, which is what we wanted to do with 7 Minutes.

Harry: We were conscious from the start of not making too many assumptions and also felt a duty of care to people watching who might have suffered or been in that position. So a lot of thought went into the script and we'd meticulously go over each line to ensure that what we were putting out was considered. Ricky was also really great at guiding us through that process too, taking out lines and jokes that he didn't feel was in keeping with the tone of the piece. We researched a lot, which got quite heavy and full on - reading accounts of survivors of suicide - so we could have more of a formed backstory for both Jim and Grace so that whatever direction their interaction went we were able to understand what their responses and intentions would be and why.

When was it pitched to the BBC, and what was that process?

Harry: The whole pitching process happened pretty quickly. We wrote the script last summer and approached a few production companies. We got several meetings straight away which is rare for a short film. At that point, we thought there must be something in this idea.

Jonathan: We were in the process of deciding which company we wanted to work with, but at the same time, I happened to mention the idea to Ricky, who I've worked with for many years. He immediately loved the sound of it and after sending him the script, he agreed to direct it for us. Then it just snowballed from there. Ricky being attached changed the game.

What was the production and filming process like?

Harry: Working with Ricky was brilliant. He gave us such invaluable advice and support throughout the whole process. He advised on parts of the script he thought we could change to help the pace and tone, which it did.

Jonathan: Ricky's worked in this industry for 25 years now so he knows every pitfall and every mistake we could make, so his input with the script and the process in general was crucial. To have that support was such a boost.

Harry: Seeing it all come together on the day was such a great moment. Just six months before JP and I were sat in Bruno's Café in Soho coming up with the idea and now we were on set seeing it play out. To work alongside Ricky and experience how he directs was also a fantastic experience and we definitely learnt a lot. He was generous enough to ask our thoughts and input during the shoot which again, just shows his collaborative approach.

Shooting in March was always going to be bit of a gamble with the weather, but luckily it paid off as it was a beautiful crisp day and looked amazing as a result. We had written an 'umbrella contingency' if it was raining but, thankfully, we didn't need to use it. We also have to thank our producer, Hussain Casey-Ahmed. We didn't make it easy for him writing something set on a desolate train track but he solved all the logistical hurdles of transporting cast and crew (and porta-loos) down the track like the pro that he is.

Which did you discover along the way?

Harry: For us, it was so important that we were heavily involved in the project throughout because we had such a clear vision of what it should be, so we were really grateful for Ricky's collaborative approach as collaboration just elevates an idea much quicker than if you're sat in a room alone. It gets you to where you should be going a hundred times quicker.

Jonathan: Speaking to Ricky throughout this process opened our eyes to the importance of keeping some degree of control over your own work too, not just handing a script over. We've been so lucky with this project because we have a great relationship with Ricky and all shared the same vision.

What's next for you both, as a writing partnership?

Jonathan: We've written another short, which is being filmed later this year. It's a comedy, but very different to 7 Minutes.

Harry: We've also written a sitcom. We have ambitions to direct our own work too.

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7 Minutes is on BBC iPlayer