A GROUP of local film extras who met on a set have got together to make their own movie.

And now the short film, spearheaded by Bradford-based music producer Tim Walker, has been selected for screening at two leading film festivals.

Three years ago Tim met actors Michelle Jennings and Michaela Williams in Crewe, on the set of Sky TV's 'Cobra'.

Playing the parts of soldiers for a key roadblock scene, where Michelle had a small speaking role alongside Robert Carlisle, they came up with an idea to produce a short film that would showcase their acting and production abilities.

They set up a WhatsApp group and back in Bradford Tim started to write the screenplay and assemble a production team for the zero-budget project.

He recruited two more local actors, Sophia Leanne Kelly, who he has since worked with on Channel 4's Ackley Bridge, and Jax Griffin who curates Bradford's Drunken Film Fest. The four women play the parts of Angela, Mandy, Jane and Grace.

The production, Support Group, was filmed at the creative co-working space Assembly Bradford in North Parade. They were offered the two-day shoot free of charge.

“The film is about a support group for abused women. Sally, the woman who runs it goes missing,” said Tim.

Jim DeBarker, who Tim knew as a live music engineer, was brought in as sound recordist, Jonny Ridout as lighting cameraman, Nick Taylor as boom operator and David Ayres as assistant director. With more crew in place, and Tim as director, all working free of charge to add to their show-reels, they shot the 14-minute film.

Tim’s interest in film began as a young boy. “I was in a film club at Wellington Middle School in Undercliffe. It was great that they had that club - we made comedy films with our teacher John Richardson using his Super 8 film camera.” He wrote his first screenplay aged 12.

After months of post-production in the Bradford’s Voltage Studios, which Tim runs, the short was submitted to film festivals, where it immediately picked up two official selections, at the UK Monthly Film Festival and Lift-Off Sessions, which runs from Pinewood Studios.

“Both included the short in their programmes, which was brilliant,” said Tim, whose last film Reflection was picked up by three festivals.

Support Group also received an 'Honourable Mention' from London Seasonal Short Film Festival.

Michaela said: “After waiting many months due to covid, having the opportunity to work with director Tim Walker along with his brilliantly talented crew on this fantastic piece was a privilege and relief.

“Many opportunities for upcoming artists have been lost during the pandemic and although we didn't have long to rehearse this short, being accepted into various film festivals has definitely given me the confidence and drive to keep following my passion of becoming an actor.”

Michelle said: “It was wonderful working with such a talented cast and crew. This piece of work was a gift to perform and each character was carefully created and cast by our writer/director Tim.”

Advances in technology have led to a growing interest in independent film making, said Tim.

“There is a lot going on in Bradford, with Bradford City of Film and Screen Yorkshire. There are so many opportunities in this area and for independent film.”

Support Group is now awaiting selection choices from further festivals. It can be viewed on Youtube by searching 'Support Group Tim Walker'

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