Across The Pond
I became involved with this project initially last summer when Javier Ronceros, my boyfriend, came over to stay with me and brought with him an script for a short film he wanted to make.
The film was called Five Minutes and it was the first draft for Across the Pond.
We had such a positive experience filming this short piece in Weston that we found ourselves dreaming about a bigger project and expanding on the characters already created, the storylines seemed endless.
Below is a press release for the film written while we were shooting earlier this year. It echos the feelings of everyone involved the filming and resonates with me still.
I have learned so much form each and every experience with film. Usually I take on the role of Producer, which I enjoy because I am really in control of the film in the end. Because the films are so low budget every role within the production automatically become more creative. Producing gives me the best position to remain creatively involved in the writing or the directing and certainly in the editing, but it also allows me complete control of the budget and therefore the locations and the crew and cast. I have learned how to select crew, not just because I like them but more importantly because they will work hard and get on with the project without complaining we are running long or they have somewhere else to be. Recognising real commitment from crew or cast is a well learned skill. A committed cast and crew can make the difference between a project completed and a project stalled.
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Samantha Simmonds, producer
0754 507 7033 (mobile)
Acrossthepond.pilot@googlemail.com
Hollywood journeys “Across The Pond” to create a television pilot in Weston-super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare, Somerset – On 17 January 2009, a quartet of Los Angeles-based independent television producers, teamed with a pair of producers from Somerset, will begin filming a television pilot for a proposed series called “Across the Pond” to be aired on British television. A “prologue” to summarize the vision and scope of the entire project, the 10 minute short will be shot over an 8-day period entirely within the town of Weston-super-Mare. Working outside of the studio system, the untraditional project is funded entirely by donations from family and friends.
The story centers on James Newhouse, a Los Angeles-based actor. When he is offered a job as artistic director of a theatre in the UK, he is shocked to find himself not in the West End, but in Weston. This fish-out-of-water tale will include a large cast of colorful characters, as James negotiates his new life in a foreign country. The show is thematically linked to the classic American series “Northern Exposure” with nods to the British hit “The Vicar of Dibley” and will unfold in a five-year arc.
“Across the Pond” is directed by Javier Ronceros with Sam Morris as director of photography, and is produced by Samantha Simmonds, Brendan Flannery, Estrella Perez and Gill Warren, with screenplay by Javier Ronceros & Gabriel DellaVecchia. Shooting locations include the landmark Blakehay Theatre, the charming Florence Guest House, and a pair of private residences in Weston. Post-production will be completed by early February.
The producers hope this prologue of “Across the Pond” will help them secure a commission from a British network or from an independent production company, as they feel that the story of this particular man in a peculiar place will appeal to a universal audience. Says producer Brendan Flannery, “The more we develop this project, the more we feel that this little universe already exists and that we are simply revealing it to the world. It’s almost magic.”
The producers plan to film the series in Weston-super-Mare during their traditionally slow winter months, giving the area a much-needed economic boost. They also plan to base the series at the Blakehay Theatre, a historical landmark that has recently seen a planned refurbishment cancelled due to the declining world economic situation, and hope that if the pilot goes to series, the financial infusion will help to ensure the future of this important local cultural institution. Says producer Estrella Perez, “Our entire crew and the majority of our cast are from right here in Somerset. We want to shine a spotlight on this overlooked corner of England, and to do our part to increase production outside of London. We think this town is a hidden gem, and we’d like to promote that for the benefit of our show and the benefit of the town itself.”
Initial response to the show has been incredible. US-based recording artist Lauren Hoffman has agreed to provide the show’s theme song, and international watch brand Giantto has signed on as the first sponsor. The entirely volunteer crew includes members with credits working with high-profile profile companies such as Aardman Animation, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Touchstone Television.
Says series co-creator Javier Ronceros, “We have come to England on a wing and a prayer… We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and assistance we have received from everyone along the way. With such amazing support, we cannot fail.”
link;http://web.mac.com/javierronceros/Site/Welcome.html
www.imdb.com/name/nm1242146/
http://thedangersquad.com/Performances.html
We cast mostly from Casting Call Pro, an actors and film makers networking site that Javier belongs to. It has proved an extremely useful resource for us, and the actors who belong to the service are content to work for no pay, but for food, lodgings if necessary and an opportunity to work in film.
