Always on
This project successfully funded on 7th June 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Tyrant Short Film - Post-production Fundraiser!
Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Aim
Our short film 'Tyrant' is nearly finished! We are now raising £1500 for post-production costs inc some colour grading & film festival fees!
TYRANT
England, 1688
The Catholic King James II has fled the battlefield as his Protestant daughter plots to usurp the throne. In disguise, he attempts to flee the country with surprising encounters. A 17th Century true tale of faith, power and ultimate succession.
Link to the TRAILER:
OUR SHORT FILM TYRANT
We are incredibly grateful to the wonderful people who have put in their time, talent and absolute passion to make this film a reality. Our current thank you list* features over 130 people who have been involved so far! This has been a team effort and we couldn't be more proud of everyone! We would love to see this unique film entered into national and international Film Festivals to give it the platform it deserves. Your donation will help to not only complete the colour grading, but contribute to the festival submission fees. We would love your help to make our dreams come true! We are nearly at the finish line! Just one more LAST PUSH is required!
“Tyrant is a wonderful period drama that is beautifully directed and produced. The old narrative is nicely paced and delivered by a stellar cast. Tyrant is an extremely well crafted short film.”
Johnny Edmonds (Founder of Oakwood Film Academy, Leeds)
FUNDS WILL GO TOWARDS:
1. Completing the final stages of colour grading the film to achieve a polished and professional feel.
2. Fund the submission fees in order to submit Tyrant to prestigious national and international Short Film Festivals.
If accepted, Tyrant would not only be given the chance to be screened to the film industry, but also given the opportunity to entertain audiences around the world. We consider this true and mainly unknown story, to be an important slice of British and European history, just crying out to be told!
This would also be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to showcase their talents and hopefully gain future employment.
Julia has now started to develop the script into a feature length version. If the film is accepted into festivals, this will hopefully present further opportunities to network and attract investment down the line. In the words of C.S Lewis ..."You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream!"
BREAKDOWN OF FEES
We have started to submit Tyrant to festivals (colour grading listed as a work in progress). Fees so far have ranged between £15 (discounted early bird offer) and £75 (late deadline).
However, according to research from Stephen Follows (Decoding the World through Data) the average submission fees for short films are between $30 (£22) and $55 (£41.30).
With over 12,000 of the world's best film festivals and contests listed on Film Freeway a platform for film submissions - we aim to submit the film to approx 70+ festivals to give the film a good shot at the circuit.
Notes from the Los Angeles Film School:
"In an ideal world, you’d submit your film to a couple of thousand festivals to get the most exposure possible. But the reality is that applying for festivals isn’t free. Festivals typically offer three submission windows: early bird, regular and late. Earlybird submissions are much cheaper, and late submissions are much more expensive.
Here’s an example of some festival deadlines and fees to give you a clearer idea of the difference timing can make:"
So, we would love to raise the money now, to start early in the year and take advantage of the early bird deadlines. Any support would be much appreciated!
WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?
- Hopefully a warm glow and not a burning hole in your pocket!
- Social media shout-outs.
- Signed digital posters.
- Trees planted as part of the UNITED NATIONS DECADE ON ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION 2021-2030.
- Limited edition handmade ceramic Tyrant Coasters. Bespoke design by artisan ceramicist ALEX ZDANKOWICZ featuring a King James II coin motif.
Perhaps keep reading on for more juicy information before making up your mind!
A FEW OF OUR TEAM
JULIA RAYNER (Director / Writer / Producer)
I used to live next door to the house where King James II was incarcerated - so I am so thrilled to have realised my dream of making this film! I recently graduated from MetFilm School in Leeds with a Masters (Distinction) in Directing. This is my 7th short film and it started life as my graduation film. As an actor, I was lucky enough to co-star in Roman Polanski’s Oscar-winning film, 'The Pianist'. I have also worked with Tom Harper, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Mike Leigh. I also studied a BA (Hons) in Performance Art from Middlesex University / State University of New York at Brockport & a Film-making Certificate from LFA.
TONY O'REILLY (Post-Production Producer / Lead Editor)
Working on Tyrant is a pleasure, it’s not often a short film like this one is made. What Julia has achieved with a low budget is remarkable, from script to screen through many challenges - her talent, enthusiasm and sheer willpower has brought it all together and continues to drive forward. We are working hard to make the very best film for the demanding (and expensive) film festival circuit to showcase the many gifted artists involved and, thank you for sharing or donating to the final, critical push. Masters with Distinction in Film Production. Films and documentaries shown at Brief Encounters, Kinofilm, The Leeds International, Cannes and in Parliament! BBC New Film Maker Award Finalist. Barry Callaghan Award Winner.
REUBEN JANET ELLIS (Director of Photography)
Reuben recently graduated from the MetFilm School in Leeds with a MA in Cinematography. He has 8+ years of expertise in all forms of media content through his company Reuben Ellis Films. He has worked with top brands such as Netflix, Amazon, Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble with award-winning projects recognised at Cannes, NYIFA & LAFA. Grand Jury Award – 2 Weeks to Make It (Screen Yorkshire) 2025, Screen Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network
ALICE SAGE (Head of Costume & Historian)
I’m a costume designer, historian and curator. I love researching details of everyday life in the past, and weaving them into costume design. My historical training means I’m obsessed with archives, documents and old paintings as reference materials. I grew in up in Kent, not far from Faversham where the action of Tyrant takes place. It was fascinating to dive deep into the story and find connection with the characters of nearly 450 years ago.
MEET SOME OF OUR TALENTED CAST!
STARRING
ANDREW HAVILL stars as King James II
Credits include: Mr Bates vs The Post Office, The King, The Crown, The King's Speech.
Andrew was nominated at the 2023 ACTOR AWARDS for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for The Crown.
OUR WONDERFUL CO-STARS
JOSHUA RICHARDS plays Mayor Thomas Southouse.
Credits include: Emmerdale regular 'Bear Wolf', Troy, Playing Burton, King Arthur: Excalibur Rising.
ELIZABETH COUNSELL plays Madame Southouse. Winner of Leading Actress 2025 Hollywood Gold Awards for 'Hood'.
Other credits include: A Song for Marion, Eastenders, Brush Strokes, The Invitation.
JORDAN REECE plays Harry Moon
Credits include: Emmerdale, Ghosts and Controller. Jordan is also an accomplished stage actor.
MAI-BUKAR DOGONYARO plays Billy Williams
One of our rising stars! MB is currently studying a BA in Screen Acting at MetFilm School in Leeds and we are so lucky to have discovered him before he is snapped up!
MB has recently written and directed his short film 'Convict's Card Game'.
BECKY SIMON plays Elizabeth Southouse
Credits include: All Creatures Great and Small, The Nervous State and voiceover work such as Living with Machines.
DAVID ACTON plays Vicar Jo Gamlyn
David starred as Arthur Kipps in the West End production of THE WOMAN IN BLACK and he is currently touring the play in North America.
Credits include: My Domineering Prince, Call The Midwife.
STEVE NORTH plays Captain Richard Marsh
Credits include: Dr.Who, Eastenders, London's Burning.
NEIL SUMMERVILLE plays the Earl of Aylesbury
Neil recently won Best Actor at the Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF) for the short film For Queen and Country.
Credits include: A Fistful of Free Speech, Edge of Extinction.
SHAUN DONALD plays The Ship's Captain
An accomplished stage actor, Shaun won the National Operatic Drama Association trophy for Best Male Comedy Actor 2019. He has also been nominated again this year with his talented son, Bobby below! It must be in the genes!
BOBBY DONALD plays Tom the Cabin Boy
Another Rising Star! Bobby has a wealth of experience already behind him, starring in CBeebies Biggleton as Bobby the Vet and also starring in Billy Elliot the Musical playing Michael! A huge talent in the making! We are very lucky to have Bobby on board, as well as his brilliant Dad, Shaun! Currently Nominated for a 2026 NODA Award for Best Leading Male Character in a Youth Musical.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED SO FAR!
We have a thank you list* below to see all of our talented actors, crew, volunteers and supporters involved.
A FEW MENTIONS
We were lucky enough to get the cream of the crop from Whitehaven's rich theatrical community! What a wonderful place to film - we have certainly made some friends for life!
A big THANK YOU to Spud at CUMBRIA GUIDE who put out a call for Supporting Artists in Whitehaven. His interview with Julia racked up 58k views on Facebook!
A 'throw yourself on your knees' THANK YOU to Simpie and the incredible CREW ROCKS NW LTD - Providers of theatrical set & scenery, stage management and crew services.
A big shout out to the fantastic SOLWAY SHANTY CREW! Check them out!
Extra special thanks to WHITEHAVEN'S TOWN CRIER Marc Goodwin for all his help, an exceptional actor in his own right. Thank you to Louisa at WHITEHAVEN THEATRE GROUP for the rehearsal space!
Thank you to the amazing group of actors from Leeds and Sheffield who turned up to film at the beautiful Bishops' House in Sheffield. Not forgetting Jack Worthington who travelled from Whitehaven to Keighley, Leeds and Sheffield to play our wonderful towering bodyguard and keep the continuity flowing!
Many thanks to EL GALEON ANDALUSIA, MUNCASTER CASTLE, BISHOPS' HOUSE, EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL.
HUGE THANKS and GRATITUDE to EVERYONE who has helped to get Tyrant up on its feet. We are so close to the finishing line! LET'S GET THIS FILM OUT THERE!
BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS
Thank You List*
Alice Sage
Andrew Havill
Jordan Reece
Joshua Richards
Elizabeth Counsell
David Acton
Mai-Bukar Dogonyaro
Becky Simon
Steve North
Neil Summerville
Shaun Donald
Bobby Donald
Marc Goodwin
Wendy Warden
David Tierney
Oliver Warden
Jack Worthington
Geoff England
Alistair Jones
Jonathan Lucas
James Ridehalgh
Sam Smethurst
Roger Wilson
Stuart Buchanan
Jason Fleming
James Last
Frank Lee
David Camrass
Elden Tennison
Dave Bainbridge
Will Thorne
Les Barnes
David Day
Jack Stockdale
Birte Widmann
Maria Allen
Grace Willmore
Yara Gharios
Gigi Shum
Kimberly Muchiza
Chris 'Simpie' Simpson / Crew Rocks NW Ltd
Holly Ratcliffe
Andrew Carswell
Praveen Raj
Lewis Mantova
Ann Jones
Wendy Warden
Rima Zhu
Audrey Tsui
Gita Juniku
Manav Chhabra
Colin Lewin
Jude Airy
Sarah Perks
Elden Tennison
Micheala Morgan-Bullock
Johnny Edmonds
Oakwood Film Academy, Leeds
Anne Reid
Sophie Fawcett at East Riddlesden Hall
Amy Gregory
Vicky Levine
Hester Pode
Ewan Frost-Pennington at Muncaster Castle
Kym Armstrong
Louise McKenna at Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners
Nick Roscoe at Bishops' House, Sheffield
Christine Griffiths
Elizabeth Ralph
Jenni Sayer
Ken Dash
Catherine Hudson
Neil Anson
Rebecca Wood
Ulises Custodio at Galeon Andalusia
Lupo Bathke at Galeon Andalucia
Richard Knight at Screen Yorkshire
Alex Zdankowicz
Jett Zdankowicz
Anne Rayner
Radina Nedelcheva
Billy Haigh
William Lundahl
Lewis Robinson
Leeds University Costume Dept
Leeds Playhouse Costume Dept
Stephen 'Spud' Murphy at Cumbria Guide
Louisa Morton at Whitehaven Theatre Group
Whitehaven Theatre Group Rehearsal Rooms
Fr Cenydd Marrison at St Begh's Priory, Whitehaven
Maud Smith at St Begh's Priory, Whitehaven
LLB Property Management, Whitehaven
David Kessen at 'The Star' newspaper, Sheffield
Jane Robertson
Rochelle Rose
Peter Brown
Pankaj Ved
Alexandra Boyd
Barbara Houseman
Grahame Jones
Danny Howarth
Provision in Leeds
Scott Krinsky
Malcolm Ward
Catherine Hudson
Meghan Heyes
Vashti Maclachlan
Pushpa Mistry
Rachael MacIntyre
Rachel Gaffin
Deborah Shackleton
Diane Bolton
Martha Harriet Maher
David Donaldson
Gareth Stephenson
Scott Krohn
Elijah Knight
Neil Waters
James Robinson
Nathan Martin
Patrick Clarke
Sam Rollinson
Simon Tandy
Will Fisher
David Carruthers
Rebecca Wood
Maisy Bates
Audrey Tsui
Ian Wilkie
Delia Taffler
Rachel Hatton
Owen Hatton
Dan Tully
Paul Voodini
Neil Coombes
Jacob Mulgrew
Solway Shanty Crew
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made