Book of Jam: selected work

A Better Place

2023 · BBC Three · BBC Scotland · BBC iPlayer

In the sleepy Scottish fishing village of Kincully, an eccentric family makes a brave, yet bungling, attempt to save their failing funeral home from rival Eileen Toombs. With Jocelyn Jee Esien, Jonathan Watson and Darcy Montagu.

Shortlisted, Debut Director (Scripted) - New Voice Awards 2024

Created, written and directed by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. Producer Laura Ferguson. Executive producers Jon Rolph, Matthew Cowan. DoP Miles Trotter. Edited by Jacob Topen. Music by Jacob Topen; “Hero in the Hearse” by Ibrahim Clayton. Commissioned by Gavin Smith (BBC Scotland) and Navi Lamba (BBC). A Production Attic production.

I Shoulda' Died!

2023 · BBC Studios

In the heart of a well-established Scottish country park, two best friends become separated by a twist of fate's destiny.

Written, directed and produced by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. DoP Miles Trotter. Sound Alison Mackenzie. PM / 1st AD Grace Austin. Edited by Jacob Topen. With Jacob Topen (Eddie, The Narrator) and Ibrahim Clayton (Vince). A BBC Studios / Dark & Stormy Films / Sufi Machine Pictures production.

Pilgrims

2023 - 2024 · Web series

Dr Kyle and Jake, last seen in The Troon Revelations, find a camera and start a church. It goes international (via Zoom), then less well.

Written and directed by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. With Ibrahim Clayton as Dr Kyle Wright and Jacob Topen as Jake.

Bon Bon Walks Off Set!

2021 · BBC Studios

Darcy Montagu is Bon Bon - a pop star who's never working with these music video directors again. Includes the official video for “Play Piper Play”.

Written, directed and produced by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. BBC Studios producers Mark Bignell & Rachel-Anne Clark. DoP Miles Trotter. With Jacob Topen, Ibrahim Clayton, Darcy Montagu and Robin MacKenzie (The Piper).

The Comeback: Now or Never

2020 · BBC Studios

A boxing comedy. John Gray is Alfie Teirnan; Julian D'mir is Kane “The Obliterator” Johnson.

Honourable Mention - London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival 2021

Written, directed and produced by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. BBC Studios producer Mark Bignell. DoP Miles Trotter. Score by Jacob Topen; “Kane's Theme” by Ibrahim Clayton. With Darcy Montagu, Ross Eaglesham, Barry Mclauchlan and Ramsay Macdonald.

The Witches of the East Neuk

2020 · BBC Studios

A special investigation with Rupert D'Ssane (BA Hons).

Written, directed and produced by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. BBC Studios producer Mark Bignell. Score by Jacob Topen. With Ibrahim Clayton (Rupert D'Ssane), Jacob Topen (Ramsey, fish shop man-boy), Pamela Clayton, Darcy Montagu and Torrin Topen.

It's a Wonderful Life 2: Potter's Revenge

2020 · Sketch

Marking 75 years of the highly underrated and controversial Christmas sequel.

A Book of Jam sketch by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton.

The Troon Revelations

2019 · Short film

Self-declared cult leader Dr Kyle Wright has been called to Troon by God, via Robbie Burns. Heaven has a plan for him. The police have another. The short film that inspired the web series Pilgrims.

Written and directed by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton. Produced with Pamela Clayton. DoP Miles Trotter. With Ibrahim Clayton, Ian Lorimer Milne, Ella Rose Taylor, Jacob Topen, Renee Williams and Pamela Clayton. A Dark & Stormy Films / Sufi Machine Pictures production.

Dear Jean

2020 · Sketch series

Granny Jean White, on air and occasionally on camera. Episodes include the dashcam footage of her selling a (big) bag of drugs. Her statement: “This woman is clearly not me. I would NEVER wear sunglasses whilst in a stationary vehicle.”

A Book of Jam sketch by Jacob Topen & Ibrahim Clayton.