How Filmmaker Kirk Jones Funded His BAFTA-Nominated Film by Selling His Childhood Home

Kirk Jones Discusses Financing His BAFTA-Nominated Film I Swear

Kirk Jones, the writer and director behind StudioCanal’s I Swear, which garnered five BAFTA Award nominations this week, shared insights into the film’s independent financing during a recent interview. The film’s lead, Robert Aramayo, also received recognition with a nomination for the Rising Star Award, bringing the total nominations to six.

In a bold move, Jones and his wife sold their home in Buckinghamshire, where they had resided for 30 years, to finance the production. "Everything I had from my career was in that property, and we decided to move to the West Country," he explained, noting that the decision felt like a homecoming to Bristol, where he grew up.

The couple planned to rent while searching for a new home, allowing them to invest the proceeds from their sale entirely into the film. In parallel, Jones wrote I Swear, which follows John Davidson, a Scot diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. "The film, with Jones’ witty script and Aramayo’s standout performance, is an unmissable delight," industry insiders suggest.

Jones expressed concerns regarding the film’s budget constraints, particularly due to its explicit language. “I was told how much the budget was going to be, and my key worry was that due to the swearing, someone would insist we tone it down,” he recalled. After one brief consultation with a UK sales agent, which confirmed his fears, he decided to pursue independent financing.

Working alongside his wife, Jones approached their bank for a loan to cover the entire production cost. "If you feel strongly about it, then let’s do it," she said, giving the green light to their ambitious project.

Reflecting on his 30 years in filmmaking, Jones emphasized the creative freedom he found in this endeavor. “After years of navigating studio pressures, I finally got to make a film with an incredible crew and an incredible cast. We were there for John Davidson; we were there to tell John’s story.”

The film, which has so far earned approximately $8.2 million at the UK box office, depicts how Davidson, aided by friends portrayed by Maxine Peake and Peter Mullan—who is nominated for a BAFTA Supporting Actor award—learned to manage his outbursts. Jones took a calculated risk by initiating the film’s opening scene at an event where Queen Elizabeth II presents Davidson with an honor, juxtaposed against an unexpected eruption of profanities.

“Everything in the film was real,” Jones emphasized. He remains optimistic despite the film’s low budget compared to larger Hollywood productions, stating, “We feel great about the outcome. The film is a purely British project.”

As I Swear prepares for its U.S. release by Sony Picture Classics this coming April, Jones acknowledges the ongoing challenges of recouping their investment. “We haven’t seen a single penny come back to us, but we’re told to be patient,” he noted, awaiting potential profits.

The financial commitment has not led to any sleepless nights for Jones. “I’ve worked for free for three years. I haven’t been paid a penny,” he mentioned. The crew’s dedication was evident, with some working pro bono and others deferring payments until the film recoups its costs.

Reflecting further on his frustration with previous experiences in the American film industry, Jones is resolute about his future direction. “At 60, I realized I want to focus on making British films. I have no interest in returning to the States.”

As the conversation came to a close, Jones confirmed his commitment to responsible financing in the future, noting, “Never again will I use my own money for a project.” His sentiment underscores a shift towards sustainable filmmaking practices.

Amid discussions of filmmaking, the connection he shares with Aramayo remained apparent. “What the absolute f*ck?!,” he playfully relayed a recent exchange with the actor, aptly reflecting the film’s unique subject matter.

As I Swear continues to attract critical acclaim, its journey showcases the dedication and resilience of independent filmmakers in a competitive industry.