Cashback (2004)

Director:

Sean Ellis

Writer:

Sean Ellis (written by)

Genre:

Short | Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

You give 8 hours...They give you money.

Plot:

Ben is an art college student in London, whose imagination runs wild as he works the late-night shift at the local supermarket. What do he and his colleagues do to pass the long, endless hours of the night?

Plot Keywords:

Time | Late Night | Work | Money | Co Worker

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 6 wins

Cast

Sean Biggerstaff	...	Ben
Emilia Fox	...	Sharon
Stuart Goodwin	...	Jenkins
Michael Dixon	...	Barry
Michael Lambourne	...	Matt
Hatti Riemer	...	Old Lady
Frank Hesketh	...	Young Ben
Irene Bagach	...	Frozen Girl 1
Christine Fuller	...	Frozen Girl 2
Celesta Hodge	...	Deer Girl
Kinvara Balfour	...	Shampoo Girl 1
Cherie Nichole	...	Shampoo Girl 2
Hayley-Marie Coppin	...	Swedish Student
Daphne Guinness	...	Checkout Counter Woman
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Nia Roberts	...	Woman at the Till (uncredited)
Michelle Ryan	...	Suzy (uncredited)
Janine-May Tinsley	...	Adult Natalie (uncredited)

Directed by
Sean Ellis

Writing credits
Sean Ellis		(written by)

Produced by
Lene Bausager	....	producer
Daphne Guinness	....	executive producer
Kai-Lu Hsiung	....	executive producer

Original Music by
Rick Astley

Cinematography by
Alex Barber

Film Editing by
Dayn Williams

Production Design by
Morgan Kennedy

Art Direction by
Ben Irwin

Production Management
Carla Poole	....	production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Marco Ciglia	....	first assistant director

Sound Department
Giancarlo Dellapina	....	sound mixer
Tawa K. Durowoju	....	boom operator
Lee Walpole	....	sound effects editor

Visual Effects by
Max Horton	....	digital colourist

Editorial Department
Lisa Jordan	....	post-production coordinator

Transportation Department
Russell Chipz Chipping	....	driver

Other crew
Winnie Li	....	production coordinator

Production Companies

• Left Turn Films
• Ugly Duckling Films
• RSA Films

Also Known As:

Runtime:

18 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

UK:18

Filming Locations:

Sainsbury's, Whitechapel, London, England, UK

Company:

Left Turn Films

Trivia:

Some of the items checked out by Sharon at the beginning of the film include Kellogg's Corn Flakes, a 2-liter bottle of Coca Cola, dish washing detergent, and a package of Cadbury Mini Rolls. The box of Ritz Crackers is not checked out and is instead used to block the clock from her field of view.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 2005 Academy Award Nominated Short Films (2006)

Soundtrack:

Sonata in C-Sharp Minor. Op. 27, NO.2 (Moonlight Sonata)

A clever short with a unique atmosphere

Sainsburys, the night shift, nothing could be more dull. What could be worse than a movie about this seemingly mindnumbingly boring activity. However, from the very first moment, the movie grabs your attention and puts you in the shoes of Ben.

The shots are done with style and panache and particularly effective is the use of the bleak, artificial supermarket lighting which throws this whole surreal, sleepless world into perspective. Also effective is the portrayal of the nude women who are almost alien in their stillness and with their flawless features. Sean Biggerstaff is a real asset to the film as his flawless acting and his narration especially complement the film to a great extent. The comedy elements coupled with the creation of a unique atmosphere make this film what it is. However, the imagination and the simple fact that so many ideas are crammed into the fifteen or so minutes of this short really make this film incredible.