Sam Grierson is an award winning writer and director who is autistic & ADHD and gay. Sam has previously written and produced plays which tackle later life autism and ADHD diagnosis and queer themes starring Miriam Margolyes, Lesley Joseph, Jane Asher, Sharon Morgan, Lorraine McIntosh, Richenda Carey and Heather Peace. Sam was the winner of the Anna Kennedy Autism Hero award for the Arts in 2022. Sam has a podcast show entitled ‘Daring to be Different’ where they interview neurodivergent and queer people who have stood up and made change happen.
Michelle Jeram, Actor - Main Character: Drum. Michelle was a police officer for 23 years before being medically retired and becoming an actor in 2020. Michelle is gay and recently received a later life diagnosis of autism. She has had roles in Liar, Eastenders and The Split and plays series regular, DS Simone 'Monty' Montrose in the BBC/BBC Scotland police drama Granite Harbour.
“The Programme” is a film that tells a story about who we are and our understanding of neurodivergence and the idea of seeking a “typical existence”. Michelle plays the non binary lead character of Drum - “Subject 3756A/b1” who has been chosen out of 4.3 million profiles to be interviewed by ‘The Programme’ on the subject of loneliness. Throughout the film Drum, delves deeper into their world, and we are reminded of our connections and perception of belonging, choice and identity within an increasingly disconnected world. As we learn more about the research of ‘The Programme’ we question our current reality and what could so easily be our historical future…
So much more than a film...
Private Film Premiere - This event is not just about the film. It is an evening designed to provoke thought and discussion. Following the screening, we will invite the audience to participate in an insightful panel Q&A session, exploring the themes of neurodiversity, choice, identity, and the very essence of what society deems "typical." It is an opportunity to engage in real conversations that matter.
By supporting this project you are playing a pivotal role in propelling our film onto the prestigious path of film festivals, paving the way for wider public and online release. The early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of projects like ours.
Join us in this project. We require approximately £8,500 to support various critical elements, including cast, crew, locations, filming, sound, lighting, voice-over effects, editing, and launch. We offer numerous avenues for individuals and companies to become involved, ranging from tailor-made and imaginative brand integration across key marketing platforms to recognition in the film credits and an exclusive invitation to our Private Film Premiere.
The music title track to "The Programme" was written and performed by the wonderful hippy dippy drag queen Megan Black exclusively for this project.
Thank you
"The Programme" Production Team.
Read article here by Anna Kennedy - Anna chats with Autism Hero Awards winner, Sam Grierson about diagnosis, grief and her new film
Sam Grierson - Writer and Director
Kayleigh Tucker - Co-Producer
James Peakman at Bader Media - Production Team
Michelle Jeram - "Drum"
Title Track - Megan Black