There are a few known facts about PEARCE'S treacherous days as an escaped convict. However, during my years of research I was able to track down a few historians (including Dan Sprod) who had painstakingly pieced together Pearce's story. Their research was based on empirical and circumstantial evidence. I also had the good fortune of discovering the novel, AND NOW I AM ALONE by LYLE CLOSS which is a dramatisation of Pearce's harrowing story. This poetic novel has been adapted to form the PIEMAN screenplay.

THIS IS A TRUE STORY that almost defies belief but is a stark reflection of how our human instincts can drive our inner-most thoughts and actions. 

In 1822, ALEXANDER PEARCE (played by Twilight Saga star & Hollywood actor MICHAEL WELCH) and seven other convicts, found out to their horror what hunger can make desperate men do. Battling against the inhospitable Tasmanian outback where there are virtually no food sources, the unthinkable began to unfold...

Also cast in the only female role is PORTIA BOOROFF (lead female in 'ROOM 36') who will be playing the role of Pearce's mother. She was chosen for her strong screen presence, and her ability to portray the tragic human aspect of the film.

Ireland 1819. ALEXANDER PEARCE, 29 years of age, was transported to Australia for petty crimes, including the theft of just six pairs of shoes. He ended up in the hell of all hell-holes - Tasmania's SARAH ISLAND. With the extremely harsh conditions and the constant near-death floggings at the penal camp, ALEXANDER PEARCE and seven other convicts plotted their escape.

HAVING BEEN DUBBED AUSTRALIA'S DARKEST SECRET, the story follows ALEXANDER PEARCE and his comrades through their gradual dehumanisation that begun with their escape.

Fleeing a hard labour party assigned to fell trees, their plan was to steal a boat and sail back to Britain and freedom. The plan was compromised and they had little choice but to scramble through the extremely inhospitable Tasmanian outback by foot with only an axe and meagre food rations. 

Pitted against hunger and sleep deprivation their instinct to survive took a ferocious and unthinkable turn...

WE WANT YOU, the contributors, to be as much a part of the filmmaking process as possible. We have put together attractive packages to generously reward our donators, so that everyone will have an opportunity to play a part in bringing this Hollywood star production to the big screen.

As a contributor to this film you will - with the right Reward package - be invited to the prestigious Pinewood Studios for lunch and a chance to speak to the filmmakers directly at their headquarters, set among the incredible sets and stages, including the amazing 007 Stage - the largest sound stage in Europe.  

PLUS there is an opportunity for you to appear in PIEMAN that’ll be shooting in both the UK and Tasmania for five weeks starting mid November 2015.

We will be raising some of our finances from traditional industry methods such as pre-sales to distributors around the world and through the tax incentives offered by both the UK and Australian governments. It is for this reason we have selected to seek contributions from you in the 'Flexible Funding' plan.

But, even if you can't contribute financially, you can still support us through spreading the word on your social network - TWITTER, FACEBOOK, TUMBLR, INSTAGRAM, etc.

The total budget for PIEMAN is £354,852 but, because the cast and crew believe in the project so strongly, they have agreed to defer half their fees until after the film has been sold. With their generosity and Jim and Jay's ability to provide the entire post-production virtually free of charge, the CASH budget for PIEMAN is £159,849.          

The DIRECTOR - JIM GROOM

Jim Groom’s career in the film industry began in 1976 working for Rank Film Laboratories where he gained vital, technical knowledge and valuable contacts within the film industry.  

With the intention of directing films, Jim formed a production and post-production entity, Montage Films, with assistant director, Tim Dennison where Jim edited numerous shorts, documentaries and TV commercials, working for award wining director, Tony Kaye (American History X). 

In 1989 Jim directed a feature film entitled, REVENGE OF BILLY THE KID (1992) now regarded as a cult classic. The complex, special film FX required for the stage musical, TIME was supervised by Jim for producer/musician Dave Clark. The thirteen foot holographic moving image of Sir Laurence Olivier at London’s Dominion Theatre was a technical breakthrough. 

Jim’s second feature film, the film-noir thriller, ROOM 36 was in competition for best film at the Dinard Film Festival, the year in which Bend It Like Beckham took that accolade. 

Jim edited the horror, feature film, GRAVE TALES starring Damien Thomas, Edward De Souza and Brian Murphy. 

Recently, Jim has produced and edited 'Making Of' documentaries for the DVD and Blu-ray releases of a number of Hammer Films horror titles which began with Don Fearney's  feature length documentary LEGEND OF HAMMER – Vampires. Jim is now editing Don Fearney's two and a half hour documentary THE AMICUS STORY focusing on the history of the successful horror film production company.

Recently, Jim has directed and edited two more feature length documentaries. The first is an insight into the life and career of cinematographer, Gil Taylor, MY LIFE IN LIGHTS (Star Wars, Dr Strangelove, Repulsion) for which Jim interviewed the elusive Roman Polanski in Berlin. The second documentary is hosted by Roy Hudd and is a one hour TV program on the theme of Entertainment and looks at the history of Fun Fairs in the UK.

Shortly being released in UK cinemas is RESPECTABLE, a feature length documentary on the tragic life of Mary Millington who starred in a number of sex films during the 1970s. Jim was the editor.

With the completion of PIEMAN Jim will be developing a feature film he wrote called LET THE SHOWS BEGIN, which is a feel-good, fantasy comedy. The script is currently with casting directors and agents in LA and there has been strong interest from an A list actor.

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The PRODUCER - JAY RYDE

Jay has an extensive and recognised background in technical training and media. He has written, produced, directed, edited and presented a number of documentaries on the great outdoors, which generated much interest in these communities.

In 2014 Jay edited PEARLS OF AFRICA, a feature film drama with African actor Lizz Njagah and English actor Kevin Leslie playing the lead roles.

Recently, Jay edited two short horror films INFECTED and EXTINCTION (Silent Studios) for a British Director which have been well received in the industry.

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The CAMERAMAN - KELVIN CRUMPLIN

Kelvin is an internationally renown filmmaker working in the UK, USA and Australia Kelvin has over forty years experience working in many different roles. Having waited those forty years for that 'special project', Kelvin's wait is finally over. Kelvin embraced PIEMAN knowing the project will be a great success and having a natural affinity with the filming location - his home country of Australia.

Prior to his extensive career in the film industry, Kelvin served for ten years with a British elite Army infantry force, the Royal Green Jackets, providing that survival skill the filmmakers will be relying on in Tasmania's harsh outback.

Kelvin ran and owned a major full motion picture film laboratory (Movielab) and a 2 perf camera rental company called Multivision 235 in Australia. His 2 perf cameras will be utilised on PIEMAN. Like Jim Groom, Kelvin loves the look of film and is keen for the cameras to turn again this time on PIEMAN.

Risks and Challenges

As with every business venture there are risks involved. However, the team of PIEMAN believe that they are making a successful film whereby EVERYBODY wins, that means YOU the contributors too. With everybody we have run this story by, we have been met with nothing but enthusiasm and interest. We are committed and extremely confident that with the talent so far attached, PIEMAN will be well received and be a great success.

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THANK YOU.