After time on the festival circuit, and limited screenings, our amazing film Changing Tides and the Making of Changing Tides are now online and ready to watch and share, so please do just that.
ABOUT:
Changing Tides is a punchy, realistic social drama that puts the spotlight on alcoholism, abandonment, and finding hope in unexpected places.
Bea (Natasha Cottriall), early 20s, feisty and streetwise, works as a domestic carer. She has a new patient, Aiden (Rowe David McClelland). A bitter, aging alcoholic, who intimidates for sport, but she’s determined not to let him win.
Their standoff softens when Aiden’s fragility becomes apparent. It shifts the power dynamic and forces her to take care of him. The balance tipped, and with his curiosity spiked, her unrelenting sarcasm wins him over.
Bonding over dark humour and chips, he decides to stop drinking and be her friend. But when you’re an alcoholic, you can’t just stop.
It’s late in the evening, the last day of August, the last day of meteorological summer.
September 1st tomorrow.
Time to start thinking about putting the shorts away, and wearing jeans and long trousers again. Argh!
But I have good reason to dress up a bit! I have two movie premieres coming up in September. And tickets go on sale Sept 1st!
Hope to see you in a cinema soon!
Dx
CHANGING TIDES
From Writer / Director / Producer Kathryn Georghiou, and based on a true story, Changing Tides is a film about end-of-life alcoholism and finding hope in unexpected places.
Bea, a broke 22-year-old domestic carer has a new patient, an old, angry, alcoholic at the end of his life. After a turbulent start the two form an unlikely bond that changes both their lives forever.
Writer / Director / Producer Kathryn Georghiou says:
CHANGING TIDES is loosely based on my dad and I during the latter part of his life. He was an alcoholic, and that’s what killed him at the young age of 58.
The female character, Bea, a young, cocky domestic carer who has better things to do with her time.
Aiden is bloated and yellowing, looking older than his age because he’s been lost at the end of a bottle for many years.
First they fight. Control is power.
But when the realities of alcoholism force Bea to be the care giver, Aiden is forced to accept. This shifts their roles and instead of spoiling for war, they gradually bond over chips and sarcasm, and fall into parent and child friendship.
Aiden vows to change, but it’s not that easy when you’ve been living drink to drink for so long. Stopping altogether in an uncontrolled environment can only make things worse. And it does.
First the psychosis. Then the fatal discovery when Bea arrives the next day.
When Aiden is finally freed from his self-imposed prison, Bea is on a rollercoaster of emotions. Leaving his house for the last time, she realises there is hope.
He’s at peace. And she’s glad she knew him.
Changing Tides will have a limited cinema release before an exclusive run at film festivals for approximately one year. After that it will be made available on streaming platforms.
The cinema screenings are part of a four film ‘Made in Blackpool’ event, an evening celebrating four short films made in Blackpool by House of Tales and Out of the Ark Productions.
Saturday 23 September – 19.30 screening (doors at 19.00) at The Regent Cinema, Blackpool – the *premiere* screening of Changing Tides
Sunday 8 October – 12.00 at Cultplex, Manchester
Thursday 19 October – 20.00 at ArtHouse Cinema, London
If you have been affected by a parents drinking or you’re worried about someone who is, get in touch with Nacoa (National Association of Children of Alcoholics – https://nacoa.org.uk/), who are an excellent UK charity that provide help and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking, young and old.
BLACK DARUMA
Not just one premiere in September – there’s another!
Struggling with unemployment and a lack of purpose in life, Ryan impulsively buys a Japanese ‘luck’ doll at a local emporium and takes it home to his girlfriend, hoping his fortunes might change. Reluctant to entertain his wishful thinking and annoying pranks with the Doll, Louise finally persuades Ryan to throw the Doll away. But somehow the Doll reappears and tension in the house grows as circumstances for Ryan go from bad to worse.
Long time no update, I can only apologise. Nothing too exciting has happened… then the last few weeks got busy, so there’s now stuff to share.
Today, Oct 7th, isNATIONAL POETRY DAY. And I am delighted to share a short film contribution that I was part of.
Simon James is a talented writer, director, and producer, and has released three short films for National Poetry Day, under the title Rhyme Down the Lens.
“Each film is its own dramatic poem, performed by one talented actor down the camera lens. RDTL has a working-class flavour – poetry for anybody to enjoy. (I say ‘anybody’, but probably not kids – you’ve been warned…)
There are just two rules for a Rhyme Down the Lens production: It must rhyme, and it must be delivered (you guessed it), down the lens. This last point puts the viewer right in the middle of the action, being spoken to directly by the film’s lead. Whether they’re filling the shoes of a passenger on a bus, or taking the role of an online sex worker, the viewer is very much playing a character themselves. Tearing down the fourth wall brick by brick.
I hope Rhyme Down the Lens proves that anybody can follow (and enjoy) a poem. The amount of times you hear people say ‘I just don’t get poetry’… I’m not going to lie, a little part of me dies every time. If RDTL can change one person’s mind on this, I may have just written/directed something worthwhile…”
So, I hope you enjoy my piece, and the whole series, it’s great to be part of something that’s a very different sort of role for me.
Take a look at this LINK TO ALL THREE EPISODES
OTHER NEWS…
I’m delighted to have worked on two TV projects over the last month – a daytime soap (a Christmas week episode), and 2 episodes of a new series to be released next year.
More on those next time.
Right then, that’s all for now. Remember, Covid is not over, despite our government moving on, so please stay safe.
Just a quick update… Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been working with Flippin’Mental Theatre to provide the final video element to an online Drama Project, Drama For The Mind 2021.
The participants have developed their own work, and have then performed their monologues to camera. There’s 8 lovely pieces, funny, moving, emotional… a fantastic job by all involved.
I’ve assembled it all to in to a video to Premiere online this Saturday evening at 7pm (UK). Please drop by if you can. https://youtu.be/t72A6-RtVeo
Meanwhile Lockdown continues.
As does my Lockdown log. We’re now at Lockdown 3, Day 74 – can you believe it?
And still the bnuch of lying con artists we have in government continue. And now they are trying to stop us protesting. I see trouble ahead….
You can see my latest updates below….
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
As you can see from the updates, I’m building a garden bar, assembled from old pallets, in preparation for the March 29 Roadmap date for meeting another person in your garden – and the April 12 date for up to 6 people meeting in a garden.
Better stock up on the booze 🙂
Over lockdown I’ve been helping out with an amazing project looking at Suicide and mental health. Something that many have struggled with over the course of this Pandemic.
The Suicide Monologues are a series of thirteen short films which present the testimonies of people who have been affected by suicide and attempted suicide.
The project is a collaboration between Kathryn Littlewood, Penny Capper, Charlie Barnes, Brendan Stone, myself, and others. It was funded by the University of Sheffield, and supported by the mental health charity Sheffield Flourish.
The aim of The Suicide Monologues is to challenge stigma around this complex subject, increase understanding, and create discussion.
You’ll be able to view the films at this link on Saturday 19th September at 19.00. Please feel free to share this message, but please note that some viewers may find these films distressing.
If you need help you can talk to someone now by phoning Samaritans on 116 123. You can also contact the 24/7 UK crisis service Shout simply by texting the word ‘Shout’ to 85258.
Festival of the Mind brings together University academics and professionals from Sheffield’s cultural, creative and digital industries to bring our research to life in exciting, entertaining and innovative ways.
I hope you’ve all survived another week of this Pandemic and you’re ready for a bit of entertainment.
Last night’s MOCKDOWN! show was Film themed…. and I had three super guests…
LINDSAY BENNETT-THOMPSON, Actor/Writer/Artist & Filmmaker on her latest project Enter Nirvana, and her recent appearance on Coronation Street…
Harry Potter Movie Death Eater, Actor/Model/Photographer, and mo-cap artist King Regis in Final Fantasy XV video-game, JON CAMPLING…
And, finally, Film Director MATT ROUTLEDGE, his new movie Tribal-Get Out Alivepremieres online on Monday…
We chat about the impact Lockdown has had on their lives and work, and what they’re up to now.
[Full Guest info below video]
GUEST INFO
Lindsay Bennett-Thompson
Lindsay is an Actress, Writer and Artist based in the North-West. Her expressive, idiosyncratic look and fearless approach has gained her recognition as a contemporary and bold actress. She began her career early and in her twenties joined and toured with a rock band for a number of years. Following the bands eventual breakup, Lindsay explored her interest in puppetry before returning to study; graduating in 2014 with First Class Honours in Contemporary Theatre and Performance from the University of Central Lancashire. 2019 was a major turning point for Lindsay, after a near death experience and life saving surgery the experience propelled her to continue to push to make her own work and develop her career as a filmmaker an she currently has 2 films PUPPY and ENTER NIRVANA in the festival circuit with ambition to release them online next year. Having gained positive reviews from PUPPY Lindsay is currently developing a feature length screenplay. Guest Links Enter Nirvana Trailer Puppy Trailer Actor Showreel Twitter Web
Jon Campling
Jon was born in Hull and gave up a job for Life with British aerospace to go to drama school in Brum for 3yrs in 89. He now has 97 IMDb acting credits, stopped the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter, and created the character KING REGIS in the global smash game Final Fantasy XV. As well as acting, Jon is also a model, photographer, wand maker, a runner & fitness freak and is currently training to be a singer. His latest film release is ‘Adventure Boyz’ available on all the usual platforms. Guest Links Adventure Boyz Twitter Instagram Twitch Facebook Web
Matt Routledge
Matt has been actively acting, directing and producing Martial Arts Media since his first ‘Nunchaku Instructional Video’ back in 1992. In 1997 he completed a three year degree course which saw him make two half hour martial arts films ‘Net Chaser’ and ‘Rush Hour’. After working in the industry for well-known companies such as ‘Mersey Television’, ‘Granada Television’ and ‘Sony Entertainment’, he returned to making martial arts films. These include the internationally acclaimed short film “The Car Wash” in 2000 and two TV movies, ‘Fist of Justice’ (2005) and ‘Crazy in Love’ (2004). By now an experienced stuntman/ choreographer and action director, Matt relocated to Thailand where he worked with Jackie Chan on ‘The Medallion’ and action director on Menahem Golan’s last ever martial arts film ‘Final Combat.’ Primarily working as a ‘Director of Photography’ since then, Matt has now moved back into the Director’s chair for the award winning martial arts short film ‘Fixer’ (2016) and most recently the multi-award winning crime caper drama ‘Manipulation’ (2018). A short film that has bagged over 17 awards globally so far in film festivals from Melbourne to Los Angeles.
He’s now releasing the action horror feature film ‘Tribal,’ starring Zara Phythian (Doctor Strange) and Ross O’Hennessey (Game of Thrones). Guest Links Tribal – Get Out Alive Premiere Twitter Instagram
I hope you’re all well and staying safe during this pandemic. I don’t know how it’s impacting on you, but for me, I seem unable to concentrate on computer stuff, hence the long wait since my last post. I just don’t have the willpower tou sit at a screen. I’ve had to force myself to write this today.
Similar tale with TV. I can sit to watch a show and I’m constantly pausing to check for phone updates. And I fall alseep a lot in front of the telly, despite sleeping well at night. It’s different ways of reacting to the state we live in I guess.
I’m trying to be creative, done lots of garden work, tidying, weeding, planting. I make lots of videos, dog walks, bird song, etc. More of that further down.
A couple of things I’d like to promote though… 5 years ago, I worked on a web series called Barry Pigeon Protects, all about a night security guard sharing his life via webcam. Lovely project written/directed and produced by Kurt Brookes and Andrew Birtwell.
My old mate Doug Thorp asked if I could rekindle Barry as a guest for his Broken Biscuits Online Cabaret.
I asked Kurt and Andy, and within a week we had it written, shot and edited. Due to lockdown, I shot at home with a green screen, and my old security cabin office magically appeared in editing.
Here’s Broken Biscuits Online No. 2. Barry Pigeon is the final artiste in the show… It’s well worth the watch as an alternative to the assault of information we have these days.
For those who want just a dose of Barry Pigeon, here’s the new episode….
And good new Pigeon fans, more Barry is likely to be forthcoming 🙂
I’ll update when I can.
Other bits of creativity overcome me. The opening of David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs album, the spoken track Future Legend, is something I committed to memory at age 16.
The words kept coming back to me recently, so here it is, performed as a monologue…
I have another favourite song committed to memory that I plan to make a video for. A more complicated production, but hopefully coming soon.
As mentioned earlier, I’ve been filming my daily dog walks, and sharing on my Facebook feed as Virtual Dog Walking for Shut Ins. I also post my daily Twitter Feeds… the sound of bird song captured in the park.
Christmas is almost here!
We’ve had the first dusting of snow on the Sheffield hills, my cards are sent, presents mostly bought, now I’m making lists for food shopping for the big day.
I’ve also been busy on the business side, getting new actor headshot pics and making a new video to share with you, so lots to tell you about in this update….
I usually record a video each Christmas of me reading A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS (‘Twas the night…). I used to read it to my children on Christmas eve in the pre-divorce days, but I never see them to read it now, so I started recording it for them.
This year I decided to record an audio version for them and put a bit more into the production side, with sound effects and such. I’m very pleased with the results.
I’ve put it on YouTube with some family photos and videos under the audio, here it is….
If you’d like the original audio version in it’s full glory, it’s here to listen or download…. or buy if you wish to send me money.
I’m going to be in your house in January!
Earlier this year I recorded a lovely episode of GIRLFRIENDS, Kay Mellor’s new drama for ITV. A couple of nice scenes with Miranda Richardson and Zoë Wanamaker. The series begins Weds January 3rd. I’m in Episode 3. It’s a lovely cast, please watch.
Here’s some of the new pics of the new slimmer me (over 80lbs lost now) – and with new glasses too. I’m hoping the new slimmer look leads to more TV work as directors move me from the obese to hunky casting category 😁
And here’s a final Christmassy treat for you, the firstYorkshire Teabaggersvideo. Our parody take on one of the most popular of Christmas songs.
Had some brilliant news today, a very short film I’ve made has been chosen as a finalist to be shown at Celluloid Screams, the Sheffield Horror Film Festival this coming weekend.
INSIDE, a short ‘bumper’ film, has been accepted as one of the finalists in the Celluloid Screams Film Festival Bumper Competition this weekend in Sheffield. Bumpers are 30 to 60 second short films designed to play before festival feature presentations. The winning Bumper will be announced at the close of the festival.
Their standoff softens when Aiden’s fragility becomes apparent. It shifts the power dynamic and forces her to take care of him. The balance tipped, and with his curiosity spiked, her unrelenting sarcasm wins him over.
