Local talent a priority in film making

This is the story of a gun enthusiast and his relationship with a woman who is researching gun culture. As they grow closer, his ex-gangster friends become suspicious of her.

The film stars Rye actress Hayley-Marie Axe as Hils, and Gordon Kennedy (Absolutely, Robin Hood) as Gram.

Producer Glyn Carter said: “We wanted a famous name, but we also want to use local skills and talent wherever possible. Two other actors, Sidney Kean and Brian Croucher (ex-Eastenders) are also locally-based, as is Dirk Nel, the cinematographer.” Dirk has recently been cameraman on ITV’s forthcoming Maigret series with Rowan Atkinson.

Hayley-Marie, who ran the successful Rye International Film Festival, is co-producer. She said: “We’ve also been able to give students at Rye’s Studio School invaluable experience on set, working on costume, make-up, and as runners. They’ve been fantastic, full of energy and enthusiasm.”

The film-makers made use of local locations, including 1066 Target Sports in Hastings where rifle range scenes were shot, and the Pipemaker’s Arms in Rye. “We want to use it to show that we can make a great short film on a tight budget,” said Glyn. “We can go to bodies like the British Film Institute and private investors, and move on to make a feature film.”