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Th
is is a challenging but energetic project, by people from across the South West of England, who share a deep love of Arthurian legend, the history of the Dark Ages, and the performing arts. We want to prove that local people are worthy of recognition and not to be just passed over!
This drama brings to life an adaptation of many of the earlier, lesser known legends of Mordred, researched from some of the earliest sources in existence and folklore.
There is an amazing amount of international interest already in this film - press articles have not only appeared locally but also in LA and New York. The film team comprises of people ranging from complete beginners through to an actor who has appeared in films such as Gladiator and Skyfall, all working together in an amazing, supportive team.
This film leads the pack in addressing male/female unbalance in film-making. Despite being an action film, it is written and directed by Laura Jay, a woman with a decade of experience in directing historical drama. This film features a large number of strong female characters who are equal to the men.
More information on our team:
Would you like to meet the team and hear about them in their own words? Would you like to see links to where we have been featured in the press here in the UK, and also in New York and LA? If so, pop over to our website :
Other videos showing off our team and friends:
(Filming test footage, 2015)
" I am what you forced me to become!" snarls Mordred.
King Arthur has ruled Dumnonia, the south-west peninsula of Britain, after being chosen as the Pendragon. His rise to prominence is remarkable, having defeated the Saxon sea-wolves at the Battle of Badon Hill at the age of sixteen. His elder sister, Morgan, once the Arch-Druidess of Dumnonia, is consumed with jealousy and plots against the throne. Following the deaths of Arthur's first wife, Anna, and his baby son, she is banished from Dumnonia.
Many years later, a young nobleman is found, poisoned, on the moors. Brought to the fort town Isca by Arthur's warriors, he is revealed to be Mordred, illegitimate son of King Arthur. He too has fallen victim of Morgan's plots. As father and son slowly gain each other's trust, Mordred, who is well liked by most of Arthur's followers, is eventually chosen as Regent of Dumnonia. This is a timely appointment of power as Arthur once more engages in battle, defending his kingdom against the Saxon invasion.
Unfortunately, not all of Arthur's enemies are on the battlefield....
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Listen to the film soundtrack sampler.
The dramatic and haunting film soundtrack for Mordred is being composed by award-winning musical composer Michael Klubertanz (
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IMDb)
Approximate Production Timeline
October - November 2015
Script development, initial publicity, test photo & video shoots, initial location searches.
November 2016 - May 2016
Fundraising (Crowd-funding, Ebay, tombola, event stalls, art exhibitions, burlesque, sponsored swims etc.)
February 28th 2016
Final casting for all roles except Mordred, Young Mordred, Agravaine, and "the creature"
February - June 2016
Regular rehearsals and training workshops, final location recces, further promotion events.
May - June 2016
Principal filming in Devon and Cornwall.
July - December 2016
Film editing,
September 2016
Theatre performances of a stage show spin-off
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Celebrity involvement!
In February, we had the honour of announcing that Mike Mitchell, will be appearing in a cameo speaking role in our film Mordred. The lovely Mike is also assisting behind the scenes with networking and production advice.
What We Need & What You Get - or "The perks and exclusive merchandise available."
Funds are being raised for
* cast & crew accommodation (B&B or camping)
* on- set food and drink
* costumes
* props
* Improved recording equipment, backup digital storage, extra microphones.
We have a variety of exciting perks lined up for our lovely supporters. Among them there should be perks available for all budgets and tastes, and for those who can visit locally, as well as those further afield - you can view the full list in the list to your right.
In addition, all contributors will receive frequent news, images, and updates as to the progress of the project: before, during and after production. Contributors will also be invited to an exclusive team film premiere in South Devon when the film is complete.
With regards to equipment, this is needed for the film, but will be retained after the project finishes, and used to create future projects, showcases, and training-in-use for local people, so donations will have long term positive help as well.
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The Impact
Exploring different angles and working slightly different versions of the legends, this project allows more people to look at new aspects of the Arthurian legends. Contributor to this project become directly involved in the process of British independent film-making, supporting the success of this particular film and also helping actors develop their careers. It is hoped that the audiences of 'Mordred' will gain a wider appreciation of the legends and history underpinning the film. The vast majority of items for the film will be sourced from charity shops or small family businesses, therefore contributing to good causes and to ethical businesses.
In addition, depending on the rewards chosen, the contributor has the opportunity to actually participate in the film production process, and learn about the work that goes into setting up scenes. This could be invaluable for school or college – as well as being great fun!
Rehearsal photos
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Gawaine and Arthur in fight training![]()
The warrior ladies have to train too.
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Even the sons of warriors are formidable
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Rehearsal - a prisoner is interrogated
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Mordred stands ready for battle.
Risks & Challenges
Some people have already asked us some valid questions about 'Mordred'. How can we provide the skills required for the combat sequences? The Arthurian legend has been dramatised on screen many times before – how are we different?
The action parts of the film are a major component of the script, notably with the Saxon raids and the Battle of Camlann. However, we have a fantastic fight co-ordination team who are also historical re-enactors of the same period (Dark Ages). They are training the cast for this project on a weekly basis.
Yes, the Arthurian legend has been dramatised many times, in many versions. However, we feel that what we have is unique in our source material and in our angle on the story. Whilst other films have explored the legends from the point of view of Morgan La Fay, Merlin, and Lancelot, no films have ever been produced - to our knowledge - that centre on Mordred. We have found some novels which explore the legends from Mordred's point of view, but even these are very different to what we are doing.
Most dramatisations of Arthurian legend depict Mordred (or a Mordred-like character) as a malevolent, evil character. In these treatments, he appears already evil, clearly insane or simply power-crazed. We prefer to trust some of the earliest known legends which actually speak well of Mordred's character, and pose the question 'What if Arthur and Mordred, fallible human beings, were pitted against one another by circumstance?'
The actual challenges are much more mundane.
Time constraints
We are of course making this film around our own day-jobs, so we have to liaise together to find windows of opportunity, when we can all take the time off to make this film. Luckily the ethic of teamwork and unity of purpose is high in our team, and we work hard to make these arrangements happen. There are parts of the film which must be filmed in a “block”, so this is a vital quality.
Equipment failure
Cameras, editing systems and external hard drives can all fail and cause serious issues. The main camera is a Red, however, backup will be provided on DSLRs. Once footage is filmed, it will be backed up to to two individual external drives
Other Ways You Can Help
If you are not able to help us financially, we understand – times are not easy. But if you would like to help in a non-financial way, then please share this campaign with your friends. Do you have friends who love legends, history or Arthurian drama? Tell them about us, we really do appreciate it.
You are welcome use the Indiegogo share tools
Links to more information
Do you have questions that we have not been able to answer with the information above? Then please drop us an email on southdevonplayers@gmail.com or ring on 07855 090589 (leave a message for a call-back, if we are unable to answer at the time). 
The warrior ladies have to train too. 
Even the sons of warriors are formidable
Rehearsal - a prisoner is interrogated
Mordred stands ready for battle. 
