Spoon Fed is a short film by writer and director Nick Hatton Jones and
producer Nellie McQuinn. It follows the story of Ellie, played by Lesley Sharp
(Scott and Bailey, The Full Monty),
as she learns to live with her increasing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
Ellie’s deteriorating state is juxtaposed with her life before the diagnosis,
creating a touching portrayal of living with and coming to terms with a
life-changing condition. With Joseph Mawle (Game
of Thrones, In the Heart of the Sea) also starring, we were able to cast
two exceptionally talented actors with an electric screen presence that brings
incredibly real and honest performances.
The cast and creative team worked closely with members of the MS
society to ensure that the portrayal of an MS sufferer was accurate and
sensitive. This close relationship included involvement in the rehearsal
process as well as on set guidance. The production team have been inspired by meeting
people with MS and seeing how they face this condition with such humour and
strength of spirit and as such will donate profits from Spoon Fed to The MS
Society to raise awareness of this life changing condition.
Despite MS being central to the story, it was important to us that
the project not be just an issue-based film and that we also portrayed complex
characters.
At the heart of this film is Ellie; a strong, funny multi-faceted
woman and her journey that is as much about self discovery as it about her diagnosis
of MS. This is a universal theme, one that is only reinforced by Lesley Sharp’s
strong performance.
Why we need funding
The film was shot in May 2016 and now requires support to help see
it through to the end of its post-production. Money raised will cover all of the
film’s post-production costs, as well as marketing materials and festival
submissions; as explained, any additional funding shall go to the MS society,
supporting the work they do and future profits from the sale or distribution of
the film will also go to the MS Society.
It is our aim with this film to gain as much festival exposure as
possible; and in turn use it as a platform to raise awareness for the everyday
struggles that people living with MS have to deal with. Any money you are able
to pledge will help with this goal of making the film reach as wide an audience
as possible and be the best it can possibly be.
Incentives and Perks
The Creative Team
Writer/Director - Nick Hatton Jones
Nick is a writer/director who has previously
worked with, and alongside, the BBC, Pathé and Back Row Productions.
In 2005 Nick founded Grass Roots Media, for
whom he has written and directed two romantic comedy micro series, including The London Affair for the BBC
regionally, as well as several other short films. The London Affair was received internationally by over 2 million
viewers when it was re-launched online. A feature film of The London Affair is currently in development.
Nick’s short films have been internationally
acclaimed at festivals including Palm Springs, Heart of Gold, Trés Court and
Dam Short Film Festival.
Nick was recently selected by the Directors
Guild for a weeklong workshop on an innovative Tools of Directing course with
Simon Phillips in association with the Guild.
Producer - Nellie McQuinn
Nellie has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry
having worked in theatre, film and television in Australia, New Zealand, UK and
the USA.
Nellie joined Grass Roots Media as co-director in 2006.
Since then, she has produced several short films that have screened at
festivals internationally, including Palm Springs, Heart of Gold and Trés
Court. Nellie also co-wrote and produced the web series, The London Affair, which was launched online to 2 million viewers. Nellie
is currently working on the development of two feature films: The London Affair and A Life’s Debt.
Nellie currently produces over 400 online videos a month in
association with YouTube partner company, YoBoHo. The successful HooplaKidz
brand is internationally recognised and has expanded into merchandise and DVD
production. The channels Nellie produces content for have received over 1.3
billion views.
Thanks For Your Support!
If signed posters and film screenings aren't your thing but you still wish to support the project, you can always donate without requesting a perk.
We understand that not everyone is able to support the film financially, but don't forget you can still help us out by sharing the campaign and getting the word out!