Novel way to get a piece of the action
4:33pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
Former Bradford-based actor Alan Brent is asking for £10,000 to complete a feature-length film with the help of a pay-if-you-like-it showing this weekend.
The film, described as a psychological thriller for people of 18 upwards, was due to receive funding from the Canadian Film Council.
"There was a change at the top on the board and a change in criteria for funding," said Alan, formerly of Wrose, who is also the chairman of the Yorkshire branch of the actors' union Equity.
The film, written by Bradford writer David Ross, produced by Keighley's David Beaumont and directed by Matthew Lawrence from Todmorden, stars Paul McEwan as Robert Brandon, psychic investigator, and Laura O'Donoughue as Tamsin.
Alan, who knows the title of the movie but won't reveal it yet, said: "The film has cost about £60,000. The producer, the writer and director have proper jobs, as it were, to raise the money.
"The cast and crew decided to work on a deferred-payment basis because they believed in the film. Everything is in the can; but money is needed for the post-production work - editing, balancing the sound and colour.
"We could have found one person to come up with the money, but somebody who does that can say Okay, I want this to happen' and sell it on. That's happened before to films."
Instead, a novel approach has been adopted. At 10am on Saturday, a rough cut of the 90-minute film will be screened at Bradford's National Media Museum.
People will be asked to pay £5 admission. If they like what they see they will be able to sign up for shares worth £95 in return for a percentage share on returns on the film.
"It could be an utter con," Mr Brent added, "were it not for the fact that we are screening the film. We have already got £4,500 pledged by 45 individuals, even though they haven't seen the film. So we need another 55 people and £5,500."
Mr Brent, who has been engaged in the campaign to save Sheffield's Compass Theatre from losing its Arts Council grant, has a small part in the Macabre Films movie which, he admitted, contains gory scenes of blood, sex and violence.
It was shot near Hebden Bridge with interiors filmed in Bradford and Wakefield.
He said: "I want to see this film happen. A lot of the cast are Yorkshire actors who have been in Emmerdale and Coronation Street. It is a terrific movie.
"We're not asking anybody to give any money at all (other than £5 to get in). But if they like what they see they can go out and sign a form and then go back and watch the rest of the film.
"We can only go up to £10,000 because that is the value of the shares. Each share is worth £500. A fifth of a share is £100, which is what we are offering.
"Those who invest will be invited to the opening night premiere and will meet the stars of the film. They will also get a credit at the end, published among the titles.
"They will also be asked to take part in a shot for the dvd so that at the end of the film they will be able to see themselves.
"A legal contract indicating the liability of each party will be drawn up to protect each investor from any further liability other than their initial investment.
"This won't make anyone a millionaire, but if it goes to dvd that will mean a return of at least £100,000, in which case everyone will get their £100 back." he added.
- You can book a ticket by contacting Alan Brent on (01845) 574348 or by e-mail at alanbrent@msn.com giving clear details of name and number of tickets required. Cheques will only be accepted with a valid cheque guarantee card and proof of address. These will only be checked, not retained.