Bernard Holley is an instantly recognizable English actor who has worked consistently in television and theatre for more than 40 years.

His television appearances include Z-Cars (for 4 years) Doctor Who, Elizabeth R, Now and Then, Birds of a Feather (two series), Carry on Laughing, Ahead of the Class, The Gentle Touch (two series), A Touch of Frost, Casualty, The Bill and recent roles in Holby City and Doctors, plus two new Doctor Who audio dramas for Big Finish Productions.



Read the Synopsis

There’s something special about road movies - the big open vistas contrasted with the tight confines of the car, the sense of freedom, the sense of being right in there with the driver, the excitement of the open road. We’d all love to be in one wouldn’t we? This is your chance.

What’s different about your road movie I hear you ask?

It’s a road movie set in Britain. There are not many of those. Straight away it plays with the idea of what we think a road movie is.

I wanted to tell this story because I loved the idea of a ‘British road movie’, and thought it would be a fantastic backdrop for a character study of a man facing his greatest challenge - confronting his own death. It’s a story that also tackles big issues such as family, a sense of mortality and the meaning of life. Along the way it also gives us an opportunity to show the diversity of Britain.

As it’s a film about impending death it would be very easy to make it hard going but I am determined to make a film that is life affirming and has a real sense of adventure and discovery.

Road movies are great for tackling these kinds of issues and also they’re just really cool.

The Trip So Far:

Digging deep into my own pockets, pulling lots of favours and throwing in a bit of “seat of the pants” guerrilla filmmaking, I bought a rusty old MG Midget and, with a minimum crew, hit the road.

We overcame numerous breakdowns, travelled thousands of miles and nearly broke our backs pushing the car up a mountain in the Brecon Beacons to complete the 1st stage of filming. It’s now time to move in-doors and shoot all of the interior scenes. Starting in late June we will finish shooting the rest of the film over 4 weeks.

How we use your funding:

This is where you good indiefilm-loving folk come in. As we are a small crew shooting digitally with our own equipment we can keep costs to a minimum.

Your support will pay for:

·      Hiring the locations.

·      Feeding the crew.

·      Covering their transport.

Just ‘cos its low budget doesn’t mean it has to look cheap:

Photo courtesy of Altostratus

Whether it’s a penthouse apartment in London, a Sea Ferry bar or a busy hospital, we’ve taken a lot of time to pick locations that will not only look great but will represents a certain aspect of our lead character during his journey. This is why it is vital that we film in the right places. 

You can’t feed a crew on biscuits:

I am painfully aware of how hard it is to do your job without proper catering. It is often one of the most vital things that is overlooked in low-budget filmmaking and is the equivalent of trying to run a Ferrari on no petrol. It doesn’t work.

Are you going my way?

Photo courtesy of Sunnyskyz.com

Another thing that often gets overlooked is how to get everyone where they need to be. Although we won’t be paying for private helicopters we do need to provide transport for our lovely cast and crew to make sure they get to the right place, and at the right time.

WE CAN ONLY DO THESE THINGS WITH YOUR SUPPORT!

I have decided on a flexible funding campaign because even if we don’t hit target we will still be able to get the majority of the film shot and that will take us one step closer to our finishing line. 

 It's not all about the cash:

Even if you can’t support us with a cash donation we need all the help we can get to spread the word about the film - on social media, classic car meetings, in pubs, on public transport or just about anywhere people breathe.

This will help build interest and prove to the sales companies that there is an audience for the film. So don’t forget to use the Indiegogo share tools and get Tweeting, FB-ing and anything else you fancy to ‘DRIVE’ interest in the film. Sorry couldn’t resist the pun.

Perks:

ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS OUR FILM WILL GET TO SEE IT. You are a backer and you deserve to see what you’ve backed. No matter what the level of support you will be invited to an exclusive YouTube ‘backers only screening’ of the film before anyone else gets a chance to see it. This means that if you donate YOU GET TO SEE THE FILM.

In return for your support you will also get:

• A big ‘thank you’
• Your name added to the credits
• The chance to attend exclusive Cast & Crew screenings

Why Crowdfunding?

There are 4 main reasons why crowdfund is right for this project.

2. As an independent filmmaker I’ve always been a big believer in getting on with making films. Crowdfunding is the best way to find a community of like-minded people who want to share in creating something special.

3. I want to tell great stories in interesting ways where characters mean more than just expensive special effects. As a small independent drama my film would otherwise get lost in the traditional studio system. The crowdfunding community is forward thinking and more understanding of this kind of film and by doing it this way not only will the film get made but also it is more likely to reach its audience.

4. I have already been part of a successful crowdfunded project called The Nightvision Experiment starring Keith Allen (Robin Hood), Ray Quinn (Grease),  Shazad Latif (Spooks), Kathryn Drysdale (Dr. Who), Neil Rayment (The Matrix trilogy) & our very own Paul Mundell.

I really appreciate how important it is getting the community behind your project and the key role they play in getting independent films out there - films that are entertaining, character driven and financially cost effective. I believe that community-funded films are the future for independent filmmaking.

At the end of the road:

I’d love you to be a part of helping to create this very special road movie. It’s going to be a fun, exciting and heart-breaking ride. Oh and it’ll be a bloody great adventure as well.    

Why back us?

1) We are all experienced filmmakers having cut our teeth on many projects over many years, both together and individually. Our small cast & crew is dedicated, professional and proven to be able to complete projects on time and within budget.

2) Our cast has a wealth of experience with many film, TV and theatre credits - Dr. Who, Eastenders, Life’s too Short, Grange Hill, The Bill and many more. They will deliver real and believable performances every time.

3) We have already made and distributed a feature film.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS has played world wide, won awards and has been picked up for distribution in several territories. It is currently available at Amazon and several VOD platforms.

4) We are all well connected within the industry and I have already started talking to the sales companies about the film. This will help to increase its chances of being distributed in the most effective and appropriate way.

5) We are already partially funded which means someone already believes in us.

6) We’ve already started. We will be finishing the film this year come hell or high water.

7) Why not take a punt and help in the development of a small crew making it’s own way in the big bad world of cinema instead of waiting for the moneymen to say yes?

8) See what us Indies can do given the chance and feel good about yourself knowing that you’ve help to make that happen. You’ll get to be a part of a community that really is creating the future of cinema, where the boundary between filmmakers and audience is broken down.

9) Just for the fun of it. VIVA LA DIGITAL REVOLUTION!

10) Because Road Movies are cool.