Why 'Proof of Concept'?
We know we can - we want to PROVE IT!
With decades of experience between us producing and directing a range of broadcast, commercials and short films, we have the skills and knowledge to produce a captivating and exciting feature, however as "first time" feature producers and director, most investors would consider us high risk. So instead of arguing this point, and explaining our other experience, we want to show them.
What is a Proof of Concept?
A proof of concept is a short version of the feature, usually containing a scene/s or elements of the full story, to convey the tone, atmosphere and cinematography of the film. It gives us a chance to show what we can achieve, and give investors something tangible to base their investment on.
This is exciting for us as it gives us a chance to explore one of the elements of the story in more depth, which will compliment the full feature, but also making sense as a stand alone piece.
Our mission statement: Making Local Global
Why should you help?
With your help we can complete our short film and get our film in front of investors.
Added bonus: Support the Short film and the perks you get for the SHORT will then be honoured for the FEATURE FILM too! Does not include 1-2-1's with Christi , t-shirts or boxing gloves, these perks will be honoured once only.
Why “The Knockout”?
A few words from our director:
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Photo by Juliette Mills
THE KNOCKOUT is an important film for me. As a first-time female feature director, not only do I want to give our two leading ladies a voice and cover their journey, but I also want to highlight female fighters, metaphorically and physically.
I feel passionate about anyone who gets the short straw, who has had to fight their way to get where they are. I come from a humble background and have had to fight every step of the way to get to where I am now. Now, I want to support and highlight every woman who needs a helping hand. The care system isn’t a great place for any child, never mind a girl. Tori, our lead character has a fire in her belly, grit and determination to get ahead, but she’s throwing wild punches in life. Under the guidance and nurturing hand of Lydia, her saviour, we watch as these women go from strength to strength. We all need someone behind us, someone who believes in us. My mother was that person and I dedicate this film to her. She always believed in me, encouraged me to find my feet, go off on crazy journeys across the world, but was always there when I needed her. I was lucky, not everyone has that. When you are loved and supported you can do anything, you can rule the world!
We also need to raise the profile of female fighters’ martial arts, highlight their talent and lead the way in getting them equal pay and recognition in their sport. Martial arts have been used for centuries as combat practices, which are practiced as self-defence, military and for law enforcement. As well as spiritual development and entertainment. Muay Thai Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and Boxing are international sports, worth millions of dollars.
We have the support of 2 x Muay Thai Kickboxing World Champion, Christi Brereton, who is training our lead actress Leona. Venum are sponsoring all our fighting kit. We have the support of MMAUK (mixed martial arts UK) and their followers. So, if you love independent film and you want to support women directors, here is a great opportunity to do something. WE now need your help and cash to get this film to the next level.
My career has progressed over decades; I trained as a short form producer, developing my skillset over the years into directing short form commercials, branded and digital content, and more recently filming, editing and making my own documentaries for broadcast television.
We have a great script, a wealth of incredible talent on and off screen and we have the drive and determination to get this film on the big screen.
The Knockout – Synopsis
Lydia is not going down without a fight, now in her seventies, there’s no sign that she’s slowing down, despite the arthritis. She’s just waiting for the next exciting episode to happen. She doesn’t have to wait long. Tori, damaged through her teens, spiky and defensive after a life of never belonging anywhere, having been just a burden to be shuttled from care home to care home, explodes into her life. Lydia has no idea where it will lead, but she’s not going to let that stop her.
Tori, alone, after escaping an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Fowler, finds in Lydia the rock she has always so desperately needed. The damaged Tori does not recognise that immediately. But trust does grow and flourish as Lydia patiently nurses not just Tori’s physical injuries but the deeper scars she bears. As that trust develops Tori’s natural drive and ambition start to show through. Tori wants to be a world-class kickboxer. Excited by the challenge and Tori’s obvious talent, Lydia determines to get her there. Why shouldn’t a damaged girl from nowhere and an arthritic old lady get to the big time?
Lydia’s taxi-driver friend Alan, mid-forties, introduces them to Burgess, mid-sixties, who owns a kickboxing gym. Injured when young and unable to compete in the World Championships, Burgess sees a chance to fulfil his lifelong dream through Tori. He is initially reluctant to take her on, he’s seen Tori’s type before, all raw energy and anger with no discipline. It’ll end badly for everyone. Lydia disagrees, forcefully, and Burgess finally agrees to take Tori on and train her. With the guidance of her new friends, Tori’s nurtured and taught to channel her raw strength and determination into the disciplined technique and grace of Thai kickboxing.
As she takes the fight to the ring, Tori starts attracting attention as the hot new contender. For once, everything seems to be working out. Until Fowler emerges from the shadows, taking control of her life once again and dragging her back into an abusive relationship. Bitterly ashamed, unable to tell Lydia or Alan the truth, Tori retreats into the familiar, dysfunctional patterns she’s used to. However this time it’s different, Lydia is there and nothing gets past her. Lydia despatches Fowler and gets Tori back on track but will it be too late to save the dream for them all?
Crew and Cast
The Knockout is being produced by Dark Light Films and Wildhorse Films.
www.darklightfilms.co.uk
www.wildhorsefilms.co.uk
www.theknockoutfilm.co.uk
@theknockoutfilm
Key Personnel
Director – Philippa Waddell
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Philippa’s cinematic approach comes from having worked as producer and director in Television, TV commercials and digital content. This experience gives Philippa an invaluable and well-rounded skill-set and has helped her take a cost-effective approach to production and pre- production. Her passion for TV and film and always looking to evolve and grow, Philippa turned her hand to directing 10 years ago.
Philippa is an accomplished teller of stories, great adventures and remarkable endeavours. Broadcast credits for the award-winning series of mini-docs for DuPont, Welcome to the Global Collaboratory for BBC WW, Equus Worldwide for Horse & Country TV and Exeter Chiefs Academy – Road to Wellington for BT Sport. Philippa aims to create compelling narratives by combining TV and digital storytelling techniques, giving both new and established talent a voice and the room to express a unique and expert perspective on the varied subjects she tackles.
Philippa approaches all of her storytelling with integrity, reflecting a true and honest narrative whilst striving for imaginative and excellent creativity in all that she does. Being able to reflect the world as she sees it, giving her work a playful, contemporary look and tone of voice that evokes emotion and leaves an emotional impression long after the credits roll.
Her influences for The Knockout include big blockbusters and classics such as Blade Runner, La Femme Nikkita to Lock Stock and Two Smokin Barrels and, more recently, drawn from writers with a grittier style who address more thought-provoking subject matters, such as Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Killing Eve), Ross & Matt Duffer (Stranger Things) and Simon Donald (Fortitude).
Producer – Lino Carlino
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Being in the business for several decades, Lino trained as an actor and achieved gold in solo acting with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and later developed a keen interest in working behind the scenes. Lino gained valuable experience working alongside award winning actors such as Clive Owen in ‘Children of Men’, Helena Bonham Carter in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and John Barrowman in ‘Torchwood’.
More recently, Lino has been involved in the feature film ‘Mordred’ – an Arthurian legend due for release in 2019, as producer.
Producer/1st AD – Andy Qualtrough
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Andy Qualtrough is one of the founding members of Dark Light Films. He has worked on many different productions from film to TV series including ‘This is Basketball’ filming in ten countries from Africa to the US, ‘Extreme Playgrounds’, Sky 1 ‘Delicious’; and a feature film ‘Mordred’ to be released 2019.
His extensive knowledge in the camera department, as first Assistant Director and Producer comes from over decades of involvement in the entertainment industry. He brings his knowledge, skills and experiences to The Knockout.
Director of Photography – Mary Farbrother
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Click here for Mary's IMDB
A graduate of the NFTS, Mary has great experience of shooting on 35mm and 16mm film as well as all digital formats.
Mary has won several awards including Best Cinematography from Berlin, Taormina and Aspen.
She is an experienced Director of Photography with a demonstrated history of working in the motion pictures and film industry. Skilled in Photography, Storytelling, and Feature Films, film and digital. Graduated from the National Film and Television School.
Critically acclaimed films: Dreams of a Life, directed by Carol Morley and the Darkest Light, directed by Billie Elltringham.
Sound editing and sound design – Glenn Freemantle
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Click here for Glenn's IMDB
The Knockout’s post production sound is in very experienced and capable hands. Based in Pinewood Studios, London, Sound 24 is a complete post production service which specialises in film and television. Glenn’s company is world renowned for its work, with some of their most notable titles being ‘Gravity’, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘One Day’, ‘Never Let Me Go’, ‘127 Hours’ and ‘Sunshine’. Glenn has won numerous awards for his sound editing and sound design, including Academy nominations for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and winning an Academy Award for ‘Gravity’.
Editor – David Freemantle
Click here for David's IMDB
David started his career editing Commercials, Music Promos and Trailers in London. He has 5 Feature Films to his credits. He has worked alongside some of the most prestigious names in the film world including Tony Kay, Steve Campbell, Mel Smith, Paul Weiland, Graham Rose, Brian Ferry and U2 amongst many others.
David has edited over 2000 commercials, for Saatchi, Publicis, JWT, Leo Burnett, McCann and many other international advertising agencies, and many corporate films for various companies.
Cast
Leona Clarke - ‘Tori’
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Click here for Leona's showreel
Leona is an experienced actress, she developing her career from playing Anne in Anne of Green Gables in the theatre to more recently taking on the lead roles in feature films such as An Inspector Calls and The Academy - alongside Dougie Poynter, Brian Bovell and Ace Bhatti. Leona has played the lead role in five feature films, fifteen short films, three music videos and two web series; alongside appearances in major feature films such as Transformers: The Last Knight, a TV series and an international commercial. She is an excellent choice for the role of Tori due to her experience in Martial Arts as well as her extensive acting experience.
Jamie Crew - ‘Fowler’
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Click here for Jamie's showreel
Jamie studied at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts gaining a B.A. Honours in Acting degree. His professional career began with more stage work than filming. Jamie was cast as one of three leads in in Barry Keefe’s " Barbarians" working for the renowned Tooting Arts Theatre Company directed by Bill Buckhurst. (Director at The Globe) This project also involved working closely with Barry Keefe himself. Jamie's career took a different turn when he was cast in Stephen Poliakoff’s TV drama "Dancing on the Edge", alongside John Goodman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Matthew Goode, playing the character of Mick, a small but significant role.
Since this Jamie has starred alongside Dexter Fletcher in the new feature "Smoking Guns" currently playing on Sky Store, Virgin Media and Freeview channel London live (prime time). Jamie won The Best Actor Award at the prestigious Beverly Hills Film Festival for his role in this film and he was competing against some heavyweight A list actors.
He has recently finished filming his latest lead role in feature film "Red Devil" staring alongside Stephen Berkoff, Adam Decan, Vas Blackwood, Ian Reddington, Linda Marlow and many other significant names in the industry.
Linda-Jean Barry - 'Lydia'
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Click here for Linda-Jean's showreel
Linda-Jean has been a professional actress for some 40 years, and is experienced in all medias - stage, TV, commercials, radio, voice-over, web series, and stills photography. She won Best Actress in a short, at the New York Film Festival for her performance as Nora in 'Recompense'. She began in Music Hall under the arches at The Players Theatre, London, followed by extensive repertory theatre and number ones tours around the country. Highlights include Cambridge Theatre company, directed by Sheila Hancock, Alfie with Adam Faith, The Mikado, One Night Stand and No.One in the West End. More recently she has featured in numerous commercials both here and overseas, and currently playing the ongoing role of Mrs Hudson in the highly acclaimed web series ' No Place Like Holmes'. She has just finished filming a coming of age comedy playing the lead role of Mary,a feisty Scottish character and her ensuing adventures and had the privilege of filming opposite her hero Donnie Yen in IP Man 4, due for release next year. Her numerous credits include Harry Hill's TV Burp, Brookside, Coronation Street and The Mary Morstan Mysteries.
Kevin Wallace - 'Alan'
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Click here for Kevin's showreel
Kevin is a seasoned actor with years of involvement in film and TV. Most recently successfully gaining a role in Wonder Woman 1984 (2018), starring Chris Pine and directed by Patty Jenkins. With roles in a selection of well known TV series such as Eastenders, Hotel Babylon, Holby Blue and Prime Suspect, Kevin has experience playing a variety of characters.
Christi Brereton – Body double and trainer for ‘Tori’
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Click here to see the amazing Christi in action!
A professional Muay Thai kickboxer since her early teens she is a dedicated athlete whose steely determination to win has garnered her a collection of national and international honours including her first world title belt in Thailand at the age of 15. Now she is a Bantam Weight 2 x World Champion, and she recently retained her World Championship title. She is an excellent choice as body double and trainer for Leona.
What we need:
We are looking to raise £30,000 for our short. This will be spent on:
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The Back Story - Who, What, Why, When?
Dark Light Films was formed in May 2017 by Andy Qualtrough and Lino Carlino. They met in February 2016 on the set of feature film “Mordred”, in which Lino played the role “Owain” and Andy was the DOP. For this production Lino also took on the role of producer and assisted behind the scenes. Lino and Andy discovered a joint passion for producing films locally and Darklight Films was formed. Andy has over fifteen years’ experience in the entertainment industry, having worked with bands and artists throughout the UK and Europe. In 2016 Andy retrained as a DOP and gained a degree in Film and Media Production.
Writer Tim Prescott approached Darklight Films in September 2017 with the script “The Knockout”. The team realised the potential, loved the premise and storyline they knew had a great script on their hands. Tim is a lecturer at Plymouth University teaching English, Film Studies and Media Production to undergraduates. In the evenings Tim runs a successful Martial Arts school, teaching Ju Jitsu, Tai Chi and Kick Boxing.
After reading the compelling “The Knockout” script, Lino and Andy immediately knew they had found their first feature to produce, feeling the story was unique and modern and were keen to produce a film showcasing strong female characters. Excited about the script and feeling the female dominated production would benefit from a female perspective, Andy searched for local female directors and came upon Philippa Waddell of Wildhorse Films, after viewing her previous work it became obvious she was the perfect choice for this production. Philippa comes with decades of experience in producing and directing short form TV commercials and documentaries. After reading the script Philippa was very excited to become part of the team, she suggested Mary Farbrother, with whom she has worked previously, as DOP. Mary is also local to the South West and having shot two features brings a wealth of experience to the production. Between them, the team have decades of experience in the film industry and compliment each other with their unique skills. They have met and worked with crews all over the globe and have a network of people they can draw upon to help with the production. Having chosen the South West as their home, the team are keen to be able to work locally, collectively they have a vision to bring film making to the South West. Wherever possible they will be working with local crews and companies, creating employment locally and bringing recognition to the film industry in the South West. Providing opportunities and nurturing the up and coming local talent, exploiting the plethora of incredible back drops and scenery available, giving the South West a global focus. The team strongly believe the powerful and punchy “The Knockout” is a great opportunity to do that and their individual passions come together to a collective vision for the production.
Our mission statement: Making Local Global
With special thanks to:
Skint but still want to help?
Other ways you can support The Knockout:
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