The Telephone is a short horror film, the second part of a trilogy of films being produced by NineLadiesFilm. Our first film In Limbo is an award winning short film of which information can be found at www.inlimboshortfilm.com

Logline. 

If YOU heard the calling, would YOU answer?

The Story.

The Telephone follows the story of Richard, a depressive composer whose marriage has collapsed and life seems to have fallen apart around him. He finds himself moving into a bedsit situated above a pub in a rural part of England. Not alone in the crumbling building, he soon becomes aware of the presence of Max, an elderly gentleman whose mysterious character and behaviour attract a certain suspicion from Richard. On the discovery of an old telephone in the attic of the pub, Richard's suspicions rise when he is firstly warned away from the phone and then told not to answer the phone after incessantly ringing. On the discovery of a murder in the house  and talk of hauntings Richard's intrigue is broken. Will Richard be able to stop the ringing, or will the ringing drive him to a new insanity.

Why we want to make this film?

After working on our first film In Limbo, we have learnt from our previous mistakes, on this occasion we have spent more time developing the script, making the characters more real, making the story something people will want to follow through it's cinematic development. We are sure that the theme of the film is something that will appeal to our target audience. We have spent along time researching the subject matter and indeed have a consultant on set with us at all times to make sure the film is as near to REAL as possible. We are all passionate about the script and it's subject matter, the same actors we used on our first film have given their time to this project because they believe in it. We are also very lucky to be working with some young talent. We all know that it is hard to get into the industry and get your name out there, but part of our development program is to encourage young talent to be part of the process, they will be given the opportunity to shadow a senior member of the team and learn directly from their experiences. This is why on this shoot we are using local and university talent at all stages of the film production. 

The Schedule

We are planning to shoot the film for four days from December the 11th to 14th. Our main shooting location is already sorted. Here are a few pictures of the attic location we are using in the film. 

What we need.

Like all Independent films we require some sort of funding. We have tried to keep this down to the the minimum required. No one on the film is working for payment, all of the money raised will be used towards the following items.

Insurance-This is essential, this covers not only the actors but also the equipment we are using and the public.

Equipment-Hire of  Dolly and tracking, lighting.

Costume/Makeup and Art Direction. We have some fabulous interior locations, but we will still need to dress them appropriately, this is essential alongside the costume and the makeup for the Mise En Scene of the film.

Expenses. This area covers everything from accommodating a small crew and cast, food, travel costs and any location fees.

You will find a variation of perks we have to offer, these vary accordingly to donation pledges.

The Cast And Crew

Nigel Barber- Max

Nigel is an American actor based in London England. He has worked as a professional actor and voice over artist since 1968, when he joined AEA. He is also a member of British Equity, SAG and AFTRA. Nigel has worked on stage (Drama and Musical Theatre) in Film, Television and Radio, as well as a Commercial Print and Voice Over artist. Nigel is currently appearing as the 'Chairman' in the new Mission Impossible 'Rogue Nation' is in the feature film Bond 24 'Spectre' as 'Head of Nation America', 'Roboshark' as 'Admiral Nathan Black', 'Sniper 6: Kill Shot' as 'Kilean Grun', 'Firequake', playing the male lead 'Declan Glas' staring opposite Alexandra Paul, 'High Strung' a Michael Damian film, with Jane Seymour and Paul Freeman, as well as 'Lake Placid vs Anaconda', playing the 'Mayor', directed by AB Stone. Nigel appeared as 'Frank' in the world premier of 'A Hard Rain', directed by Tricia Thorns, for Above The Stag in London and was in the original cast of 'The Bodyguard -The Musical', at the Adelphi Theatre, West End, London. Nigel appeared as the lead, 'James Arthur Ray' in the world premier of 'Hearts On Fire', being short listed for best performance at the Edinburgh Festival. 

www.imdb.com/name/nm0053443/

Bern Deegan- Richard

Bern is an Irish actor whose experience spans from feature film, award winning short films and to touring theatre. Bern was recently cast in the lead role of 'Peter Nash' in Big Ideas Films Feature Film 'POINT OF NO RETURN' which also stars Paul Ronan, Don Wycherley and Steven Berkoff. The film was Directed by Kevin Glynn and is currently in post production. The first half of 2014 saw Bern on national tour playing the title role in "SETANTA" for Clan Cluana Theatre Company.

https://www.fishpond.ie/bern_deegan www.imdb.com/name/nm1117874

Rachel Prince- Jane + (Consultant)

Rachel has been acting from age 4. She has worked on a number of stage-related productions, as well as TV and voice over. While she enjoys all genres, horror is a particular favourite, as she has a passion for the paranormal and all that it entails. Rachel played the role of Sarah in the film In Limbo and continues her link to the trilogy by playing the role of Jane in the new film. Her own personal experiences brought about a fascination in the paranormal at a young age and as an adult, she founded the Derbyshire Paranormal Society along with her mother. As team leader of the society she is also in charge of research and has knowledge in the field of the occult, as well as local and general history as a whole.

Ben Cotterill- Production Manager/Co Producer

Ben went to university to study computing and mathematical sciences. Realising this was an incredibly boring thing to do, he quit, deciding to study hibernation for a decade instead. Then Stuart Wheeldon asked if he could help out for a couple of days on the film In Limbo. Over six months later, through numerous script revisions, location changes & late night messages, he attained the necessary skills of a promising production manager and producer. He returns to The Telephone and will use his local knowledge and skills from the last project to push forward the production and keep things on schedule.

Geraint Owen. Director of Photography. 

Geraint has spent the last few years working on some of the most high profile television and film productions as focus puller, assistant camera operator and 2nd camera. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a particular working style to the film. Having worked with Stuart on a number of short films, including In Limbo, their working relationship and understanding of cinema will be essential in creating the correct Mise-en Scene for the upcoming film.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3550897/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Jordan Frater. Composer/ Co Producer

Jordan has been playing instruments, primarily piano, since he was very young. He grew up in a musical family with siblings, parents and grandparents all playing instruments and/or singing. In recent years he's been composing for local films and documentaries which brings him to The Telephone.

http://www.imdb.me/jordanfrater

Stuart Wheeldon. Writer/Director

 Stuart began his career in the theatre, where at the age of 19 he set up a touring theatre company, this led him to start a writing partnership with Martin Skellern, The two of them went on to write three plays which they successfully toured in the UK. After co-writing and directing his first short film at the age of 22, Stuart decided to move on to study performance at university. it was here that he established his relationship with Geraint Owen, they went on to make a number of short films, which over the last 15 years have been shown in the UK and Europe. Stuart also during this period continued to write both for theatre and film, but also helped develop a TV series based on eccentricity. In Limbo was the first of a planned trilogy of psycho-horror films, and since realising the film it has gone on to win Best film and Best Actor at the 12 Month Film Festival, as well as been selected at another five international film festivals and counting .Stuart is also is developing a short film script entitled The Stonewall into a feature length film.

Director’s Statement

As a director I want to challenge my audience, my influences come from directors such as Michael Powell, Ingmar Bergman, Tarkovsky, Goddard and the French New Wave. But also Hitchcock and Kubrick in the particular way they both reinvented story telling through linear and non linear construction of narrative. Cinematography pays a large part in my story telling, this allows me to create atmosphere and Mise en Scene in the film. Genres that interest me are Horror and Drama, in particular the exploration of death and love in the life of the characters I create.

Our History.

In July 2015 we embarked on filming the first part of our planned horror trilogy In Limbo. We successfully raised over £500 via crowdfunding to complete the project. The project was completed in a similar four day shoot and involves many of the cast and crew used on the Telephone Film. The film premiered at The Northern Light Cinema, Wirksworth, Derbyshire on October 4th 2015 and played for three nights. So far the film has successfully accepted in six film festivals and won best film and best actor at the 12 Month Film Festival and Audience award for best horror film at the Festigious International Film Festival. The film has also been picked up by Harvest Moon Motion Pictures and Television to appear exclusively on their dedicated VOD channel Tales Of Horror TV. we include a link to the official trailer of the film below. And laurels of some of the films  ln Limbo is currently selected for.

Risks & Challenges

We have enough combined experience to feel comfortable in saying that we will be able to handle any difficulties or challenges that arise. We are going into this very well-prepared and very knowledgeable about what it takes to make a movie. The team we have created and experience gained from our last award winning film means we are better prepared .

We aim to enter the film into specialist film festivals and offer the film on a specialist  Video on Demand Channel we we aim to create in the next couple of months.

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