Michael Stevenson has played Iain Dean on and off since 2012 in the BBC’s long running medical drama Casualty.

Casualty star Michael Stevenson, who plays paramedic Iain Dean in the long-running medical drama is in the running for an Academy Award. His company Cusp Films, which he runs with producing partner Luke Carroll is behind the One Note Man which is Oscar shortlisted for Best Live Action Short Film.

Cusp Films is based in Birmingham and describes itself as: “A film production company that aims to bring about change. To encourage, inspire and create opportunities through inclusivity.”

The quirky 20-minute movie stars Jason Watkins, who was most recently seen in ITV’s Archie, alongside Emmerdale’s Louisa Clein, and Crystal Yu who has appeared in Doctor Who and The Full Monty’s Paul Barber. It is narrated by Sir Ian McKellen. Daisy Jones and The Six star Sam Claflin is one of the executive producers.

Jason plays a bassoonist, who adheres to a very strict and monotonous routine that involves bicycling to an opera house daily to play one note on his bassoon in an orchestra. After accidentally overhearing a mind-blowing violin solo he finds himself torn between staying in his comfort zone or changing his life forever.

Aside from the narration the movie contains no dialogue whatsoever. Instead, it is played out to an original score by by Academy Award-winning Shakespeare In Love composer Stephen Warbeck.

Michael Stevenson has played paramedic Iain Dean in Casualty on and off since 2012 (Image: BBC)

“When you first read the script, and you have a very similar sort of experience to when you first watch the film, it takes you until you get kind of halfway, maybe all the way to the end before you go, there’s no dialogue at all!” Michael told Metro in December 2023.

The film qualified for Oscar submission after winning the grand prize for best live-action short at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

It is written and directed by George Siougas who has previously directed episodes of both Hollyoaks and Casualty.

“When I think of my favourite moments in movies, they are almost always the ones that manage to tell the story purely visually,” George told the Sunday World last October in advance of the film screening at the Richard Harris International Film Festival.

Archie and The Crown star Jason Watkins takes the lead in One Note Man (Image: Cusp Films)

“I’ve always wanted to tell a story using only images and this year the opportunity came with The One Note Man.

“The film is ultimately a love story about taking that brave step into the unknown. It’s about perseverance, but it’s also about finding your voice.

“There’s a lot of darkness in the world at the moment so I hope this film lets a little light back in.”

Michael, Luke, Sam George and all involved in the film will learn if they have secured the coveted Oscar nod on January 23 when the nominations are announced.