The ‘homegrown’ filmmaking community on the Island had a busy weekend, as two films went into production through the MannIN Shorts training scheme.

“Breathless”, written by Shawn Sturnick, was one of three films from the scheme’s 2014 Screenplay Competition to successfully secure financial support from Isle of Man Film, after a panel presentation to industry professionals back in March.

In the silent comedy, two elderly passers by (played by Jim Beaman and Barbara Clague) kindle a romance by the seaside in an unorthodox way, as a ‘quiet walk becomes a no holds barred footrace full of dirty tricks, connivances and trampled bystanders’.

The film was produced by Angela Campbell and Jennifer Chance, both completely new to filmmaking. Utilising their skills from their day jobs (Angela is Director of a major web development company and Jennifer works for IOM Government), they also had to learn a myriad of additional skills required of a Producer, everything from organising catering to securing police permissions to mastering the tides!

“It’s an awful lot of work producing a short film” admitted Angela “how feature films get made I have no clue! But it’s been a real experience, everybody has been so helpful in getting us to this point. The results are looking spectacular, we’re all so proud to be part of it.”

Dave Armstrong, co-founder of MannIN Shorts, was cinematographer on the shoot. “Each film we produce has a balanced mix of experienced filmmakers and skilled crafts people working alongside trainees. It was a joy to be on camera and work alongside Shawn (Sturnick - Director), while also training up brand new talent in the enthusiastic camera trainees we had on board.”

He added: “It was actually quite a challenging shoot - and not just because we had two films on the go at the same time. Although everyone else on the Island was probably basking in the glorious sunshine, the beautiful weather created real challenges for us; we had to deal with shifting shadows, rapidly changing exposures and - of course - sunburn and heat stroke dangers for the crew! But it all came together in the end and we’re extremely pleased with how it looks.”

END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT?

Back in the Air Cadet Corps building in Douglas, a very different kind of shoot was happening... Post apocalytic rom-com “Soul Funk Mix Tape” was written by Adrian Hall and stars Laura Gill and Chris Nudd. One of the 6 finalist films in the screen play competition, the project narrowly missed out on funding from Isle of Man Film. Undeterred, Adrian and his Producer Pam Smith decided to go ahead and make their film regardless.

“I’m so pleased Pam and Ady chose to make ‘Soul Funk’ “ said MannIN Shorts co-Founder Christy DeHaven. “I personally love the concept of the film and the entire crew embody one of the key points we try to instill through the scheme - to just get out there and make movies! I was fortunate to be able to spend time on set with them over the weekend and it was one of the most enthusiastic, laid back and enjoyable teams I’ve worked with.”

Adrian added “The apocalypse happened over the weekend - and the crew of ‘Soul Funk Mix Tape’ were there to film the event! Our talented crew worked hard to shoot the film, which will be entered into this year’s Isle of Man Film Festival. We wrapped on Sunday and it was a zombie-filled success.” 

“Both crews worked so hard and we’re thrilled to have so many new MannIN Shorts members as a result of these shoots” said Christy. “We’re indebted to the continued support of the Arts Council and Poker Stars, without whom we wouldn’t have this scheme. We’re also grateful to Mike Reaney from Isle of Man Film for his advice and assistance to our new Producers. We’ve seen a real boost in numbers at our recent meetings and workshops and I’m receiving emails on a daily basis from people wanting to get involved. I've even had emails from students in England and Ireland willing to pay their own way over here to get on board! It’s definitely a new chapter for us and could signify a real development in film making on the Island.”

The two remaining shorts that received funding from Isle of Man Film - “The Battle of Ronaldsway” by James Franklin and “Muck” by John Craine, are due to shoot mid July. There are a few remaining crew and cast places on each short, and both films are looking for additional sponsorship to help get them through the production process. If you’re interested in being a part, please email christy@manninshorts.com.

Photo - camera crew (l-r) - Richard Fryer, Dave Armstrong, Emily Cook, Richard Hird, Shawn Sturnick, Fraser Grant