✨Exciting update!!✨ There have been many beautiful, extraordinary moments in the journey of making of this film, but this one has us jumping for joy and even a little bit lost for words for once!?! 🤩💃 We are beyond thrilled to announce that Anna Maxwell Martin has joined the team of Unauthorised Absence as an Executive Producer! Anna is a powerhouse British actor, winning *two* BAFTAs and an Intentional Emmy for her unforgettable performances on screen. And, as many will know, her impact goes well beyond her remarkable acting career. Anna is a passionate advocate for children’s welfare and access to education. An ambassador for Square Peg and ASGSF, she’s deeply committed to using her platform to campaign for real change. We are genuinely over the moon to have her passion and expertise driving the film forward. It our ambition to use drama as a way to foster empathy and understanding for the lived experience of school distress, to facilitate meaningful and open conversations about progress. As I’m sure you’ll agree - there is no one better to support us in that goal!! Anna joins @alixwiltonregan and @hughviney in our EP team. Their role is to help craft a powerful, authentic film, while also supporting Natalie (our producer) to strategically present it across entertainment, education and political sectors where it can make a tangible difference. Thank you for being a part of the journey, and please welcome to the fold @annamaxwellmartin !!! 🙏💙 ------- 🎥 Unauthorised Absence is written by @joclayton , produced by @natalielaurenw , directed by @georgiaparris and shot by @evelinvanrei_nsc . Thanks to the support of O Education Group, we hope to have it finished by the end of the school year 👀 🗞️ Anyone in film press or PR, please get in touch! #journorequest 📸 Carla Guler

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Now Live! Speaking of International Women's Day check out these two amazing women... Jo and Natalie's first podcast interview about their short film, Unauthorised Absence - a script written to inspire empathy & change for SEND children & families harmed by education policy. This episode is a powerful one. I’m joined by @jolovesdancing Jo Clayton and @natalielaurenw , the writer and producer behind the upcoming short film @unauthorisedabsencefilm . We talk about how the project began, what first drew them to the story, and why it feels so urgent to tell right now. In the episode we explore: • how Jo and Natalie each came to the project • the journey from the film’s earliest idea to where it is now • the realities of developing and funding an independent short film • the care needed when telling stories that touch on sensitive themes • why this story feels especially timely in light of the recent SEND reform white paper It’s an energising and thoughtful conversation about storytelling, advocacy, and the people working hard to create meaningful change through film. 🎧 Listen to the episode here (link also in bio): /episode/42OKDzp0LOtP9G6b134xbu?si=5103c7065cde45a8 If you’d like to learn more about Unauthorised Absence, you can find the film on Instagram @unauthorisedabsencefilm . *Save this episode for later listening or your Monday morning commute 🎧 #podcast #indiefilm #storytelling #filmmaking #SEND #education #creativechange

Accidental Women’s Day Celebrations! Didn’t realise it was today, but somehow I think we managed to spend it in the best way possible??! In the presence of uber-talented and multi-hat-wearing women and girls, all working at their absolute best 💪 Left-to-right here we have Jo (Writer), Natalie (Producer), Emma (Casting) and Georgia (Director) after a long day of meeting great young actors today, supported by David, the brilliant headteacher of Odyssey House School. As plans shape up for the film, we’re really proud to have such strong representation of women in the team (in front of *and* behind camera!), many of whom are working mums too which seriously is no easy feat. I think of all the people we have spoken with throughout the last year of developing the film and our campaign for change, and I can’t help but feel like there is something really special in what we’re doing here - both in education and in the entertainment industry. It is amazing to be collaborating which such fantastic women, to hear the stories and celebrate the hard work of so many others, and to be so welcomed and embraced by *everyone* we interact with. Thank you David so much for supporting us today and letting us into your wonderful school so we could do our work. Thank you to the brilliant girls and their families who we met with, and the many more who sent emails and tapes too. I wish we had the capacity to see more. And thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer support or experience amidst everything else going on in the world! That certainly feels like something to celebrate 🙏 Tagged are some of the brilliant female led groups that we’ve been blessed to be supported by. There are loads LOADS more but it turns out, like us, Instagram has a capacity limit - and we’ve hit it 😂 Pop any in the comments and I’ll make sure we’re following too 💪🙏 Now, to try put our feet up before the week comes round again 😅 xx

🎙️ WE’RE ON A PODCAST! 🎙️ (And I don’t think either of us ever thought we’d say that 😂) Just now hitting the airwaves is our first ever podcast interview about the film and it’s wider campaign to improve the education system - starting with decriminalising school attendance. We’re honoured to have done this with the incredible Sophie Smith-Tong of @mforlearning . Sophie’s brilliant book “Teacher Autonomy” was released earlier this year (which is brilliant by the way!), so it was a real pleasure to meet her and dive into what we’re doing with the film. Sophie teaches early years which means she has a deep understanding of the film’s message, of the difficulties faced on the school side of things, and all the changes we’re seeing in education at the moment. She was also a very early supporter of Unauthorised Absence, pre even our crowdfunding campaign, which makes it even nicer to now be talking to her about the filming plans! Will try pop a link in the bio, or you can find ‘The Mindfulness For Learning’ podcast on Apple, Spotify, or her website 💫 If you give it a listen - let us know what you think! 🙈

#teacherautonomy #unauthorisedabsencefilm @natalielaurenw @unauthorisedabsencefilm @jolovesdancing

And it’s a match made in heaven! This valentines day, we're thrilled to reveal a new partner who represents best practise and visions for the future of a truly inclusive, trauma-informed, needs-based education! 🙌👏 @odysseyeducationgroup comprises of two elements: 2 physical schools (Odyssey House) & a soon-to-be-launched online education platform (Ohana). ⬅️ The first of its kind, we think, because the ENTIRE thing has been specifically designed for neurodivergent students - with therapeutics and personalised learning at its heart. 💞 We are seriously delighted that they heard about our production and aligned so deeply with our goals that they offered to support us however we need it!!?! 🙌 Now, if you followed the Kickstarter you'll know that Jo & I were more than a little bit dubious… We’ve all been round schools that talk the talk, with flashy prospectus with all the right words, but when it comes to walking the walk… nah. So we went to visit, to meet them in person, see it in action and do a little grilling 😂 Long story short: we were impressed. Really, really impressed. The level of genuine care and attention to detail was unbelievable. Every space ND friendly with choices tailored to each individual child -- even down to making sure they have the food they like in the fridge! Most of the students have EBSNA, and the Head himself does a lot of early work with each one before they even step foot in the school to help them feel comfortable. We saw the immense pressure even they are under from the LO just to actually *receive* the funding in their student’s EHCP’s; with attendance of course being what's cared about most, and understand least. Of course a place like this has to be small in order for it to work, which means it can’t cater to everyone. But we think what it _can_ do for us all is provide a good example to ANY other school about small adjustments that make a real, tangible difference. We know the DfE need to SEE examples of better systems working, so it is our absolute pleasure to put things like this out there, and show what can happen if you actually DESIGN with ND children in mind. So, with that, we’re showing O some love 🫂🙏

@Everyone ——> AMAZING UPDATE!! WE’VE FOUND OUR DIRECTOR!!! *and* have received a VERY swanky new accolade! 👀 🎉 We said this year was kicking off with a bang!💥And here it is: We are delighted to say that the film will be directed by the brilliant Georgia Parris: a London-based Film & TV Director/Writer and, very importantly for our story, a Mum 🫶 Her debut feature film, MARI, premiered at none other than BFI London Film Festival(!) and was released theatrically to critical acclaim - see quote ⬆️💃💫 She is also directed ALL episodes of TOM JONES for ITV & PBS Masterpiece, which was adapted by Gwyneth Hughes. - Gwyneth also wrote MR BATES VS THE POST OFFICE which, as many of you know, is a big inspiration for what we want to do with this film 🙌💪 One thing we absolutely love about Georgia’s work, and why she is so perfect for our story, is her emphasis on physical and auditory storytelling. Commissioned through the Film London's Microwave with the BFI & BBC, MARI starred world-renowned dancer Bobbi Jene Smith and used contemporary dance to tell a story through drama, that was both tender and powerful. It also features choreography by Punchdrunk's brilliant Maxine Doyle. This skill will be so essential to giving a true and accurate account of what it *feels like* to be trapped in the broken SEND system - where whats NOT said is almost more important than what IS. If we’re going to show AuDHD, PDA, ND, experiences through film: that’s key. Georgia is also currently in late development with the BFI on her 2nd feature film, she has an original TV show in development, AND has been selected for the BIFA Springboard 25/26 scheme! 🤩 Can you tell how delighted we are have her on board!! 📣 PLUS! In more good news.... 📣 An earlier draft of Jo’s incredible script has just been named a Semi-Finalist at the BAFTA *and* BIFA Qualifying Manchester Film Festival! They had over 950 submissions & selected JUST 20 semi-finalists. That puts her in the top 2% of submissions!! 🤯 It was triple-read through multiple rounds & consistently impressed a team of industry readers. 👏 --- Something tells me we ARE going to make noise with this, finally. 🫂🙏💪

Update on the film! Our hugest thanks to everyone to helped to spread the word about our fundraising campaign. Because of that, 2026 has really kicked off with a BANG💥 and we now turn our attention to actually making the film!! 🙌 While we await news of the White Paper, which will direct our campaigning efforts, it is our absolute pleasure to show you who the members of the production team will be. These wonderful and talented people, all with their own connections to SEND and Attendance, will be the helping the film from script to screen. 🙏 Exec Producers: Alix Wilton Regan @alixwiltonregan Hugh Viney @hughviney - They guide strategic decision-making, help to attract funding, and advocate for the film within their networks to increase its visibility and message. Producer: Natalie Lauren @natalielaurenw - The person responsible for developing and shaping the film from its early script drafts right through to its distribution: including putting the crew together, overseeing the whole production, and planning the release. Production Manager: Julia May Brown @julesinfrome - Supporting the smooth running of the filming (“production”), including managing locations, shoot day schedules and elements of on-set crew or equipment. Assistant Producer: Lila Kashani @lilaafsharr - Someone working with the whole production team, across all stages from location visits and contracts, to facilitating the post-production workflows and press. Access Coordinator: Carrie Britton @carriebritton36 - The person designated by production to collect and support any additional needs of the cast or crew: from allergies and parenting responsibilities, to neurodivergence and disability. And also integral to the team is our fantastic writer, Jo Clayton @jolovesdancing , whose brilliant mind put together the powerful script that sits at the heart of the film. We look forward to welcoming more brilliant people into the team as we move closer to production: an assistant director, script supervisor and chaperone, to support the actually filming on set. BUT next up its Director, Casting Director, & Locations! 👀 Until then.. wahoo!! It’s finally happening!!! THANK YOU 👏🙏💃🚀🙏

Unauthorised Absence comes from a place of lived pain. Jo Clayton spent eight years fighting for her daughter in a system that pushed her toward burnout. Natalie Lauren spent a decade working in schools and saw how many families were left with no support. Their film shows the pressure SEND parents face when the system treats absence as a crime instead of a cry for help. The story follows a mother who is threatened with fines and prosecution while she tries to protect her daughter from an environment she cannot survive. It is a portrait of families who are stretched thin and still asked to carry more. Jo and Natalie are crowdfunding to bring this film to life. They want to create the kind of public pressure that leads to change. If this speaks to you, take a moment to read their journey on CenterFrame and support the campaign. Your help moves the story forward. Link in bio.

🗞️ See what you think, on the @centerframeclub website (article link below) - also the new home for the @britishshortfilmawards ! Thank you so much to @nathanhainescreates and the whole team for their support of what we’re doing with @unauthorisedabsencefilm 🙏 We are on an incredible journey to use short film as a vehicle to change education policy for the better of hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people. That’s taken us across the hearts, minds and office desks of some of the most senior and leading figures in the education landscape. 🤯 Follow us, if you like. Support us, if you can! Our fundraising campaign ends tomorrow evening and, as you all know, every bit really helps! 🙏 £811 to go - which will make our community the majority stakeholder! 🚀 Thank you 🗞️ https://centerframe.club/blog/member-spotlight-unauthorised-absence 💚 /projects/natalielauren/unauthorised-absence