London, Los Angeles, 8th November 2021: Universal Music Group’s Mercury Studios, a multi-faceted content studio, will produce Mars, a frank and funny short film of teenage self-discovery, created by the multi-talented artist Yungblud. Mars is produced in partnership with Interscope Films (Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry).
British award-winning artist Yungblud, signed to Locomotion Recordings and Interscope Records, has topped the UK album charts with weird!, performed to sold-out crowds in over 20 countries and has over 1.84 billion streams. Known for speaking out on issues that affect his generation such as gender politics, mental health, sexuality and identity, Mars is his first foray into film production.
Inspired by Yungblud’s song ‘Mars,’ which is based on the story of a young fan Yungblud met on tour, this scripted short film is set in the north of England and follows a day in the life of Charlie Acaster. All Charlie has ever wanted is a normal teenage existence – at least that’s what she thinks. Now one extraordinary night will make her reassess what truly matters.
Yungblud says: “This story is an uncensored, unfiltered portrayal of youth. It revels in the fragile beauty of it, flirts with the pain of it and most importantly the undeniable, glimmering hope of it. It presents a generational shift towards acceptance of one’s self and others, and ever growing confidence in our own insecurities.”
The singer, songwriter and actor has collaborated with the acclaimed playwright, Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Faustus: That Damned Woman) who has written the screenplay for Mars. Her work has been honoured at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, UK Theatre Awards, and the Brit Writers’ Awards amongst others. Mars will be directed by Abel Rubinstein (Dungarees, Fuck the Boxes). Rubinstein’s short films have been featured at the BFI London Film Festival, Outfest LA and numerous BAFTA and Oscar qualifying festivals around the world.
Yungblud says: “I cannot wait to make my first film. This whole journey started with an encounter. Then it became a song, now it’s becoming a movie. All my art is about and forever will be about, is making people feel like they can be undeniably themselves, whoever they are – and with this project we’re turning that message up to 11.
“The team we’ve assembled is incredible, I am so honoured to stand with them all behind this beautiful project and to have them help me bring it to life. I can honestly say if you don’t adore this movie, then I can guarantee you’ll fucking learn something from it.
“ ‘You’ll see our stars and touch our scars, only when Mars doesn’t have to wait!’ ”
Mars will be produced by Yungblud, Cat Marshall, and Stefan Demetriou. Production, due to start later this year in the north of England, is committed to securing on and off-screen talent from the trans, non-binary and wider LGBTQ+ community. The short film is targeted for release in spring 2022 and will be distributed by Mercury Studios.
Alice Webb, Mercury Studios CEO, says: “Mercury Studios is a place for artists to experiment and express themselves – pushing boundaries and telling new stories. That’s why I’m immensely proud we’re doing this project with Yungblud. His creativity and empathy is the driving force behind Mars. By bringing this important story to the screen, he is giving a voice to young adults everywhere who are wrestling with the pressures of being themselves in a world that too often tries to define that for us.”
Chris Bush says: “Mars is a story where the mundane and the magical sit side by side. It’s Space Age escapism shot through with Northern grit. More than anything I hope it’s honest. I’m hugely proud to be working with Yungblud, and the fantastic creative team we’ve assembled. The queer kids are alright.”
