Last updated at 12:34, Friday, 15 March 2013

Three aspiring West Cumbrian film makers have set up a TV and film production company to showcase their work and encourage local talent.

ON LOCATION: Actress Emma Rydal, left, director Toby Gaffney, and producer Melanie Wheatley, have set up a producution company to make a feature film called One Last Walk which is based on Emma's play True

Brigham actress Emma Rydal, 43, director Toby Gaffney, 40, of St Helen’s Street, Cockermouth, and ex-broadcast producer Melanie Wheatley, 40, of Greysouthen, will run True Productions Limited.

The business will offer local actors, designers and crew the chance to get involved with projects and will shoot films around the Lake District.

Emma, who has starred in the hit film East Is East and ITV soap Coronation Street, said: “We wanted to set up a sustainable business which could support and encourage artists and talent in Cumbria.

“We want to show local people that they can follow their dreams and that it is possible to set up a business.”

The trio’s first film is True, an hour-and-a-half adaptation of Emma’s play of the same name.

They hope to attract internationally recognised actresses to play the two leading roles.

Auditions will be held locally to cast the supporting roles.

Emma wrote True, about mother and daughter relationships, after she found a diary which she had kept when she was 10.

Becoming a mother herself and witnessing how other people coped with motherhood gave her the passion to start writing the script.

It is hoped that filming will begin in the autumn and will be complete by the end of 2015.

Toby, who has adapted Emma’s script for the film, said: “I think it’s time there was a contemporary film made in the Lake District because there hasn’t been one that has depicted the beautiful landscapes here.

“We will film at different times of the year to show the area throughout the seasons.”

The feature film will be shot in 50 locations around the Lake District including Crummock Water, Grasmere and Cockermouth’s Main Street.

The last act of Emma’s play was made into a short film, One Last Walk, which was shown at Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre in January.

Melanie, who has produced shows for the BBC and ITV, said: “True is a film which has a universal theme with potential to be adapted to different locations around the world in the future.

“The script was something I can relate to and I know many other people out there will be able to relate to it as well.”

The trio are looking for funding and want businesses, organisations and individuals to come forward. They also urge interest from any businesses interested in having their locations featured in the film.

They can be contacted on info@trueproductionsltd.co.uk

First published at 12:21, Friday, 15 March 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk