"The Southwests Answer to Game of Thrones" -
BBC Spotlight TV news: Feb 10th 2017
LINKS TO SEE MORE VIDEOS ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
Film trailer from production footage so far I Mordred OST soundtrack sampler I The cast get their first combat workshop I Poetry: The Battle of Camlann I Interview with the director I IMDb I Production Facebook Page I Film page on the British Film Council Website I Mordred on BBC TV news
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ABOUT MORDRED
This 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 feature-length drama film 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 Mike Mitchell; 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.
The trailer, which is now complete, has been shown on BBC regional TV news, and is also a semifinalist in the Los Angeles Cinefest and Indieboost film festivals, as well as having been screened in the Barcelona Film Festival. It has also led to our team being shortlisted (at the time of creating this crowdfund) for a national arts award (Epic Awards 2017 - #epicawards2017)
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SYNOPSIS
" 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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HOW YOUR HELP AFFECTS THE FILM & THOSE INVOLVED
*"Mordred" is mainly filmed, but requires some extra scenes that could not be completed at the time due to budget, and weather conditions. These scenes are critical to the narrative of the film, and without which the film cannot be completed.
* Your contributions allow us to gain access to a needed venue, cover costs of travel and food for cast and crew, without which the final scenes cannot be completed, and to assist with post production, editing costs - again if we cannot get the film edited then we cannot release the film that everyone has worked so hard on, and which so many lovely people have supported.
FUNDS ARE BEING RAISED FOR
* Additional scene location hire : £1,000
* Travel / food/ sundries for cast and crew for additional scenes: £1,600
* Post production general prices (editing, CG) £1,200
So far we have raised £150 towards this budget, so now, need to work hard for the rest.
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 any equipment or props purchased, these are obviously 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 that donations will have long term positive help as well.
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.
Team social media - For more info on us:
www.southdevonplayers.com
Facebook & Twitter: @sdevonplayers
Instagram: sdevonplayers1
email sdevonplayers@gmail.com
Youtube: southdevonplayers
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(MORE INFORMATION)
Risks & Challenges
Some people have already asked us some valid questions about 'Mordred'. The Arthurian legend has been dramatised on screen many times before – how are we different?
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.
Equipment failure
Cameras, editing systems and external hard drives can all fail and cause serious issues. 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 encouraged use the Indiegogo share tools, or paste the web link.
Contact us with any questions, and follow us for our news
www.southdevonplayers.com
Facebook & Twitter: @sdevonplayers
Instagram: sdevonplayers1
email sdevonplayers@gmail.com / TEL & SMS: 07855 090589
Youtube: southdevonplayers
