Always on
This project successfully funded on 12th December 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Oggy Christmas - feature film
Altrincham, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Aim
Help us make 'Oggy Christmas' - a fun, feel-good, family feature film. But it's not just a movie. It's also an incredible community project.
Following the success of our first film ‘The Silver Screen Dreams Café’ – which engaged over 250 Wythenshawe residents from every walk of life – Silver Screen Community Film Studios is back with our most ambitious project yet: Oggy Christmas.
The Story
Oggy wants to change.
Fresh out of prison in time for Christmas, he’s determined to mend his old ways. But going straight is never straightforward.
The town has lost its festive spirit, and when a national turkey shortage turns birds into black market gold, Oggy faces the ultimate test when the chance to steal one comes his way.
However, an accidental encounter leaves him mistaken for Santa Claus, and suddenly he’s in a position to change both his—and the town’s—story for good.
‘Oggy Christmas’ is a fun, feel-good, family film about hope, forgiveness, second chances and finding Christmas Spirit in the most unexpected of places.
The Project
Ordinarily the process of making a film involves bringing together a group of people in order to create a finished product. We’re turning that process on its head: creating a finished product as an excuse to bring together a group of people. As the old cliche goes, it’s all about the journey…
Since September 2022 we’ve been working together with a group of residents from Wythenshawe, Manchester, from a very broad range of ages, backgrounds and life experiences who have had little investment in them and training them in all aspects of filmmaking, giving them opportunities to be cast and crew on the feature film.
Whilst we’re trying to make a great movie - a movie that will inspire and encourage those who watch it - one of our main goals is creating a strong community where everyone is accepted for who they are; learn new skills, grow in self-esteem, build new connections - and have lots of fun.
We provide:
Weekly film classes for 15–20 residents, focusing on those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.
Professional mentorship from industry experts.
On‑set experience – participants get cast and crew roles.
Real results: Two participants have already gone on to study film at college and university!
Here’s what some of our participants have said:
“I’m at a time of my life where, as an older person, you become invisible. The film studios has made me feel so needed... so part of something.”
“At school I loved drama and music but I made some bad decisions and ended up in prison. I’d always dreamed of getting involved of something like this!”
Our first feature film was a hit – premiering at a red‑carpet gala at the Concorde Hangar, Manchester Airport, winning numerous awards including Best Debut Feature Film and Best Acting Ensemble at international film festivals, and creating lasting impact for hundreds of local people.
Find out all about our previous project, ‘The Silver Screen Dreams Cafe’.
“The 250 or more people involved in the film are in front of a silver screen under Concorde - what more could you want for a cherished memory? Not only has Hollywood come to Wythenshawe but I think Wythenshawe has come to Hollywood!”
Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East being interviewed for BBC Radio Manchester
“Giving people who wouldn’t have these opportunities in film-making is something I feel quite keenly about so I’m delighted to be patron of Silver Screen Community Film Studios”
Well-known actor Kris Marshall of ‘Death in Paradise’, ‘My Family’ and ‘Love, Actually’ fame
How You Can Help
We need your backing to bring ‘Oggy Christmas’ to life.
Whilst many of the people involved in the production are volunteers, we are also employing a professional crew to capture and record the action, as well as some professional actors in key roles. We want to look after everyone which involves providing food and drink, plus a number of our participants need help with transport. Then there are all the other production costs such as insurance, equipment hire, marketing etc.
We are aiming to shoot in Spring ’26 and are looking to raise £15,000 through crowdfunding and grassroots fundraising ideas.
This will be complimented by funds from local grants and business sponsorship to help us raise a grand total of £140,00 which we need to complete the entire feature film (which is an extremely modest budget for a project of this scale)
Your support will:
Make a great movie
Empower people to learn new skills
Build self‑esteem and create new friendships
Strengthen community connections
And inspire a new generation of filmmakers from Wythenshawe
Meet the Team
Mike Peacock – Writer/Director
Manchester-born writer, director, and actor with over 30 years’ experience in theatre, film, and community arts projects across the UK and internationally (Slovenia, Uganda, Bosnia, Iraq). Creator of award-nominated films Alicija and Into the Dark, and winner of Best Actor at the London Women’s Film Festival 2025 for The Silver Screen Dreams Café. Mike is passionate about using film to tell powerful, hopeful stories and to bring communities together.
Rebecca Peacock – Producer/Art Director
Multi-instrumentalist, actor, and award-winning producer. Rebecca co-founded Rhema Theatre Company, toured theatre to over a million people, and later produced and art-directed the acclaimed films Alicija and Into the Dark. Winner of Best Actress at the London Women’s Film Festival 2025 for The Silver Screen Dreams Café, she brings her creativity and visual flair to every production.
Risks & Challenges
Making a feature film is an ambitious project, but we have built a strong foundation to minimize risks:
- Production Delays: We have a detailed schedule and contingency time built into our timeline. Experienced crew members will guide each phase to stay on track.
- Budget Management: We have carefully costed every element of production and will only commit to spending when funds are secured. Any unforeseen costs will be covered through stretch goals or contingency funding.
- Community Engagement: Recruiting and training participants is at the heart of this project. We have already run successful weekly film classes and built strong local relationships to ensure consistent participation.
- Distribution & Screenings: Our first feature film successfully secured international festival screenings and awards. We plan to replicate this process and use our network to ensure Oggy Christmas reaches audiences through festivals, community events, and digital platforms.
By backing this campaign, you are supporting a team with a proven track record and a clear plan to deliver an inspiring, professional film.
So join us in telling a story of redemption and community spirit this Christmas – and help change lives in the process.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made