Writer
I'm a UK-based writer developing scripts for television and film, alongside my work as a director and actor. My writing is rooted in deep real-world research, dark tonally with flashes of humour, and shaped by a theatre background that draws me toward stylised, high-concept storytelling even when the world is grounded in naturalism. At the heart of my work are diverse, underrepresented voices telling fresh, unheard stories.
CURRENT WRITING PROJECTS
Edit
1-hour TV Pilot | In Development
Determined to continue her father's legacy through a ground-breaking gene-editing facility set in the heart of an ancient British rainforest, a leading scientist uncovers secrets that jeopardise not only her future, but that of the whole of mankind. As her cut-throat financier tightens his grip on the facility's finances, she's forced to go against everything she believes in to protect her life's work — but how much is she prepared to sacrifice in the name of progress?
High-concept sci-fi drama, several years in development. Full 1-hour pilot script available on request.
Writer: Kerri McLean
The Split
Feature Film | Early Development
As a single mother is thrown into a custody battle her mental health begins to fracture as she sinks deeper into trauma and injustice within the UK family court system. When a coincidental meeting brings an opportunity to confront the systemic power and control that betrayed her, the depth of her courage is pushed to its limits in a fight for everything she holds dear, including her own mind.
A recognisably real world, viewed through a slightly skewed lens that portrays an earthy, lived-in realism disrupted by moments of artifice. The piece draws on real-world research into the family courts. Early development.
Writer: Kerri McLean
Ouroboros
Short Film (5 min) | Script Complete | Pre-Production
A cyclical stylised allegorical urban fairytale told through the eyes of a struggling migrant living on the city streets, when a good turn transforms her life through luck, magic and kindness, she has the chance to return the favour. The visual language fuses hyperlapse and animation with music for a contemporary dynamic storytelling fusion.
Writer-Director: Kerri McLean | DOP: Robin Fox
Selection
Short Film (15 min) | Script Complete | Teaser Shot, Seeking Funding
Haunted by the loss of her mother and the unknown identity of her father, Mia's desperation for a family takes her down the unregulated sperm donor route to try and find what's missing from her life. Themes of loss, identity, family, mental health and fertility.
Full script complete; the 2-minute teaser here has been produced to demonstrate tone and visual style, with funding currently being sought for full production.
Writer-Director: Kerri McLean | DOP: Robin Fox
Hail Mary
Short Film (5 min) | Script Complete
Set in the near future inside a Catholic confessional unit manned by a priest called Rev, an AI robot. Mary, a 15-year-old girl in the care system desperately fleeing a grooming gang, seeks refuge inside the confessional, where their meeting sparks a surprising connection.
Writer: Kerri McLean
PAID COMMISSION
Art Terrorist
Theatre Commission, Faith Drama | 2016/17
Commissioned by Faith Drama under then-Artistic Director Gbemisola Ikumelo, with dramaturgical support from John Gordon from Team Angelica. Though originally developed for the stage, the piece leaned strongly filmic in style and structure. The commission followed the acclaim for Kerri’s previously written play, Reality Check.
EARLIER WORK
Reality Check
Stage Play — Stratford Circus Theatre, 2016. Winner, Faith Drama Writer/Director Award & Winner, Faith Drama Audience Choice Award.
Party girl Keisha has a rude awakening when she is forced to confront the consequences of family loss and police injustice when cousin Tobias bursts into her world. The voices of the inner self and wider community play out with startling results.
Writer/Director - Kerri McLean
“...a poignant and relevant script... the play accentuates both her writing and her directing capabilities... effective and artistically staged. ”
Memories of Mermaids
Stage Play - Brighton Dome Studio, Bernie Grant Arts, & The Library Club, 2014
Rosa Lee is part of a homeless community known as The Thames Mudlarks, who keep watch on the banks of London's River Thames. There they wait in the hope that on the night of the full moon, the infamous mermaid will appear, and wishes will be granted. However when 12-year old school girl Marika Jones goes missing, difficult questions must be answered in a bid to uncover the truth of her disappearance. A thrilling story with themes of belonging, identity and sacrifice. Funded by ACE
Writer/Director - Kerri McLean
Cast - Kerri McLean & (Musicians) Byron Wallen, Jack Ross
“...McLean created a storytelling show... imaginative, magical and beautifully performed and held a captivated audience spellbound.”
“5 Stars *****A triumph … fantastic modern fairytale…- Sascha Cooper Review, Latest Magazine
“…a gorgeous story of magic, wishes, mermaids … a scrumptious blend of humour, tears and poignancy...” - Suchi Chaterjee review, Brighton and Hove Free Press”
Contact
If you’d like to discuss a writing project I’d love to hear from you, please send an email.
