An award-winning short musical comedy film has been made by an East Devon producer, featuring actors who also live in the district.
Between the Lines was produced by East Budleigh resident Jeff Sleeman and features actors from Exmouth and Seaton.
The 15-minute film is set in a library and tells the story of Jane, a shy, quiet girl who finds the courage to stand up for what she believes in through a series of magical and bizarre encounters with characters from popular fiction. Producer Jeff describes it as ‘a warm-hearted feel-good film with a core message of the importance of libraries and what they provide for their communities’.
These characters include the Mad Hatter, played by Roxanne Eastaugh from Exmouth, and Marley’s ghost, played by Simon Ford from Seaton. The composer/lyricist Grace Hancock also comes from Seaton.
Visitors to Exeter will be able to see it, free of charge, every evening next week. There will be outdoor screenings in the Princesshay shopping centre at 8pm from Monday, September 11 until Saturday 16.
The footage was filmed in Exeter Library and at other locations around Devon.
Jeff said: “We did try to film a sequence of an inflatable crocodile leaping out of the water in Exmouth marina - with the help of the harbourmaster - but it didn’t work very well, so we green-screened it instead.
“We had such fun making this film, which includes some great songs, dance routines and a host of colourful characters, that we wanted to share it with local people in an unusual and eye-catching manner.
“As well as the nightly screenings there will be an information stall in Princeshay every afternoon with information about the making of the film, souvenir merchandise and members of the cast and crew on hand to answer questions.
“We are very grateful to the Princesshay management and in particular their marketing and commercial manager Hannah Overton who has been very supportive of our efforts and given us the space for this exciting project.”
Between the Lines has won awards at several international film festivals, including best original song at the Paris Film Awards and best musical score and best film at the RS Film Festival in Bristol.
It will be made publicly available online from Tuesday, September 12.
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