Toronto-based director Jonathan Hayes is a runner-up in this year’s First Cut Award competition based solely on the merits of his acclaimed short film, The School, submitted as his reel. Repped by Toronto’s Spy Films, Hayes has yet to shoot a commercial, or even a spec spot, yet the judges saw enough potential in his short to give him a runner-up nod.

With a BA and MA in English literature from McGill University in Montreal, Hayes decided it was time to give filmmaking a go.

‘I’ve always loved the art of story, and wanted to have a hand at trying it visually,’ he says.

After taking film courses in Toronto and San Francisco, Hayes put together The School, a six-minute short film about a teacher who tries to teach the children in his class about the wonders of life. But to his dismay, the kids have a difficult time keeping any of their living subjects alive for an extended period.

Hayes wrote and directed the darkly comedic film, adapted from the short story by Donald Barthelmes. It has toured the international festival circuit, receiving wide acclaim, and even won the Volkswagen audience award for favorite short at the Canadian Film Centre’s 2003 Worldwide Short Film Festival.

Hayes sent The School to Spy executive producer Carlo Trulli, looking for work in the commercial market.

‘I thought there might be some simpatico between us,’ says Hayes. ‘I had heard good things about [Spy] and [Trulli] took a look at it, really took to the material, called me in and after several meetings we had meeting of like minds.’

Hayes and Spy are currently working on some spec spots for his reel to show agencies and pitching jobs. Because of his background, Hayes says he’ll be most interested in looking at story-driven ideas. He hopes to balance his filmmaking initiatives alongside his commercial work.

‘Very nice contrast of innocence and wicked wit,’ said one judge. ‘[I] loved the progression of the storytelling.’

‘Gutsy to just show this one,’ said another. ‘[A] neat little story, well thought through.’

Another, still, said, ‘It ain’t a TV commercial, and that’s a different beast, but this is well crafted and professional.’

Despite the lack of spots, the potential for commercial success is there, according to the judges, some of whom said it will be interesting to see what Hayes is capable of on a commercial set.

‘The idea is well thought out, though dark, but fascinating,’ said one judge. ‘Great storytelling, nicely composed shots, great talent… I like it. I hope this director understands 30 seconds.’

-www.spyfilms.com