On Release - Fallen Leaves

Following fourteen months production, I’m pleased to announce that that our short film, Fallen Leaves, is now being shown at festivals.
	Fallen Leaves tells the story of the Newman family: Louis who has to over come the loss of his father, while his mother, Maxi, also has to deal with the loss of her husband, Finn. Exploring this emotional crisis, set in England and Afghanistan forms the heart of the drama.
	With the final screenplay written by autumn 2007, our fictitious family needed the support of a real family – the Partners all-in-one family to be exact. Alan Robinson was to direct and Peter Meakin was recruited as cameraman.
	The presence of producer Karen Cherrington ensured that recces, casting and rehearsals were underway by the year’s end. Joining her was our ever-reliable sound man, John James.
	Arranging wardrobe and makeup formed the last part of the pre-production schedule. There were trips to Bapty and Trading Post to collect Kalashnikovs, pistols, ammo boxes, hurricane lamps and other props.
	It’s summer 2008 and the cameras turn to our acting talent. For the central part of Maxi, Alan was keen to use an actress who had worked with us previously: Jacquelyn Kent. Sharing centre-stage is Max Edelsten playing Louis.
	Ben Glanfield was approached to play Finn: He had to display a depth of feeling towards Louis whilst in a stormy relationship with Maxi, yet as a serving soldier captured by the Taliban he had to conceal his inner distress.
	Playing Finn’s Talib interrogator is Partners regular Robin Ingram. Robin always brings conviction to his performance but especially needed this time as our £2,000 budget meant we couldn’t travel to Afghanistan. Chalfont St. Giles doubled as Panjshir province while Greenford, Brighton and Snowdonia served as our other locations.
	And just because we’re making a low budget film doesn’t mean we overlook the value of a good score. Martin Westlake composed the music. Final editing and post production was completed by the winter of 2008.

Our fifteen minute short is now in competition and a trailer is now available on the left, enjoy!

Read the IAC article for Fallen Leaves here