ABOUT THE FILM
"I'm Still Here" aims to be a powerful short film that shines a light on the harsh realities of domestic abuse, aiming to raise awareness and foster conversations around the critical issue.
Our film follows the fictional journey of Emily, a financier and part time musician in her late twenties, her relationship with boyfriend Simon and the impact that has on other parts of her life such as close friendships.
We aim to shine a light on the intricacies that can turn a seemingly healthy relationship into an abusive one, be that physically or mentally. Mental abuse can be one of the biggest hidden dangers facing women in abusive relationships. We aim to hold some of the most common coercive behaviours under the microscope in the hope it may inform women who may find themselves in similar situations and encourage them to seek help and support from organisations such as Women's Aid.
The film is to be shot on locations in and around the Grimsby area over 3 days (4 if the weather doesn't behave itself) in January and February with a first edit of the film expected at the end of March.
All things being equal we should be ready for an April release on the big screen where we will be organising a gala screening at the Grimsby Central Hall, to include talks from a women's Aid representative, a cast and crew Q&A plus a very special live performance from Lola & the Cosmic Getaway.
Priority tickets will be given to those who donate to the Crowdfunded via email. Any money raised on the evening will be evenly split between Women's Aid and the May Eyes Wide Productions for further festival submission fees.
Following that we will be doing some small intimate screenings at some of the shoot venues and locations before entering the film into as many festivals that will have us. After a festival run we will then make the film public on our official Youtube channel.
Special access will be granted to some of those who donate to the Crowdfunded via an exclusive email link for personal viewing only.
MEET THE CAST
Jenny Morton
West Yorkshire actress Jenny plays our lead character Emily. Jenny graduated from the University of Lincoln in English Literature & Drama/Theatre in 2020 and has since had various roles in local theatre productions. ‘I’m Still Here” will mark Jenny’s first lead role on screen.
George Martin
Hull based performer George plays our lead male character Simon. George has recently come off a Theatre tour with one man show “Better Days” which had a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe. He has also had a number of appearances on national TV shows, including ITV’s Coronation Street.
Heather Limbrick
Heather plays the lead characters best friend Jo. Heather is a trained dancer and as such was cast as a dancer in Channel 5’s “All Creatures Great and Small” which earned her a call back for a speaking part in a future episode. Heather attends both Act Up North and Screen Acting Yorkshire.
Charlotte Mayes
Charlotte plays “friend to everyone” Leah. Based in Grimsby, Charlotte has performed in a variety of mediums such as stage, screen and immersive theatre, notably playing Jennifer Parker in CineSHow's Immersive “Back to the Future” screening. Charlotte attends Acting Lincs Grimsby.
Katie Dulson
Katie plays Sienna, Emily’s friend and Simons ex girlfriend. Katie, from Beverley, has starred in various short films and stage productions playing leads in “The Likes of Us” and “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol”. Katie attends Screen Acting Yorkshire.
Pippa Taylor
Pippa plays Mya, Sienna’s closest friend. Hailing from Scunthorpe, Pippa has performed in a number of theatre productions with notably “The story of Snow and other true tales according to Reet Petite” which was shown at the Edinburgh Fringe. Pippa attends Acting Lincs Scunthorpe.
MEET THE CREW
Jamie Roberts
Writer/Director/Producer/Editor
Jamie Roberts is a Cleethorpes born filmmaker who has worked at various levels in a wide variety of roles in the TV & Film industry, both in the UK and abroad from as early as 1998.
As a writer/director he won Best Filmmaker and Best Film at the 2001 Bradford Short Film festival. He has founded My Eyes Wide Productions, local immersive cinema company CineShow and Sensory Cinema, a SEND adapted cinema screening experience for those who may face various accessibility needs when visiting the cinema.
He has worked closely with local community organisations such as East Marsh Involve and Humberside Police to bring free theatrical screenings with a difference to his hometown with “Movies on the Marsh” During this partnership he was made aware of the alarming statistics of rising cases of violence against women in NE Lincolnshire.
Jamie said “After a meeting with the lead Ward Councillor for the East Marsh in Grimsby, it became clear to me we have a serious problem in our area. The numbers speak for themselves and these are only reported cases, how many go unreported?”
Joseph Shepard
Assistant Director
Joseph graduated from the University of Hull in both MA English & Creative Writing and BA Film Studies. He has worked on productions such as The Crown, Nine Years and Sort Your Life Out.
Byron Twigger
Director of Photography
Byron is an experienced DOP and camera operator from Scunthorpe who graduated from Sheffield Hallam University. He boasts credits such as the short film “A few more minutes please” and “Rotherham Childrens capital of culture” for the BBC.
Rich Tipple
Cam A Operator
Rich is currently mid way through his BA in Film & TV production at GIFHE but hasn't wasted any time producing his own films including the acclaimed "Think Twice: Don't Carry a Knife" which has garnered interest on a national level, speaking to students alike regarding both the message and the making of the film.
Michelle Jameson
Script Supervisor/Make Up
Michelle graduated from the University of Hull with a BA with Hons in Performing Arts. Michelle is an author who is currently her own series called Darkness Rising. She is also a qualified Make Up artist who will be doubling up roles on this project.
Elle-Louise Kennedy
Costume
Elle-Louise studied Buying and Merchandising at University of the Arts London. Elle-Louise also studied Fashion Photography and has been Costume designer on dozens of nationally published magazine shoots. She is also an experienced PA on both film and photography sets.
Zak Rashid
Cam Op/Colourist
Zak is a multi talented filmmaker in his own right, creating stunning content as a cam op, editor and colourist, a one man band if you will. Speaking of bands he is also front man for the acclaimed rock band Mint.
Joel Hewitt
Composer/Sound Recordist/Mixer
Joel makes up one half of the Synth Pop band Lola & the Cosmic Getaway and will be scoring the film as well as being a Boom Op and Sound Mixer. He and his band will also be writing and performing an original song for "I'm Still Here"
OTHER CREW
There are various other crew members from PA's, Grips and Art department who are too shy for pics and introductions but Jason Burns (Key Grip), Euan Gloyn (Grip, Art) Matthew Pickett (PA) and Jonathan Greenacre (Art/Transport) are invaluable to the film making process and will keep the proverbial blood pumping to the heart of the production.
WHAT ARE WE ASKING FOR?
We are seeking funding to cover essential production costs, including equipment rental, location fees, costume, travel, food, post-production expenses and talent fees. Additionally, 10% of your contributions will go directly to Women's Aid, in order to help assist survivors of domestic abuse directly. Together, we can create a film that not only tells a compelling story but also makes a difference in our community. Thank you for considering supporting this important project!