Soft Lock
Alex is a spy.
Laura is a spy.
They meet and slowly fall for each other.
Only one thing stands in their way, the real world!
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Written by Duncan Falconer
Why this film?
'Soft Lock' questions how relationships develop in an online world when reality isn't all it's cracked up to be. ​
The Setting
The Train Carriage - 1920s
Set in an online video game, the train carriage is where Laura and Alex meet and develop their online relationship. In this online multiplayer role playing game, they work well together as a team.
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Alex's House - Modern Day
We see Alex's life and how he interacts with his wife and kids outside of the video game. He uses the video game to escape and starts to feel there's a better life waiting for him with Laura.
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Meet the Writer
Writer
Duncan Falconer
Duncan Falconer is an independent filmmaker from the North East of England, known for curious, genre-spanning short films. Working extensively within Newcastle Film Club, he has directed, written, and produced shorts ranging from horror microfilms and comedic pastiches to emotionally-driven stories.
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His films have been recognized at major festivals including FrightFest, North East International Film Festival (NEIFF), Sunderland Shorts Festival, Tees Valley Film Festival, and the Oregon Short Film Festival. Notable works include the smartphone horror short Inhabit (Winner – Tees Valley Film Festival, screened at FightFest, Cannes Short Film Festival and Sunderland Shorts), the fantasy short All at Sea (Winner – Best Fantasy Film, Oregon Short Film Festival, NEIFF screening), the urban exploration horror Capture (Winner – Best Smartphone Film, Tees Valley, Sunderland Shorts screening), the mockumentary horror comedy Collection Day, and the 1970s horror sitcom pastiche Cohabit. More recently, he directed the Wes Anderson-inspired short Scattered Ash and Newcastle Film Club’s 2026 club film, The Shedding.
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"I'm looking forward to being on the other side of the production this year and handing off this script to the amazing community of Newcastle Film Club to runaway with!"
Pitch Day 2026
Have a look back at pitch day where this film idea was pitched and selected. Hear from Duncan as he tells you about the film and what he's looking forward to!
Video coming soon...
Get Involved!!
Check back here often in order to see how you can get involved in helping to develop this film and the other films as part of Newcastle Film Club's 2026 Short Films.
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Follow us on social media as well to hear of opportunities to take part!