Timeline - Gordon Giltrap Documentary.

Aim

Our aim is to deliver first class film entertainment using local resources, whilst waving the flag for the UK’s independent film industry.

We hope you enjoyed the introduction and concept for our new documentary film. Please have a look below to read a little more about our project in greater detail. Thank you for delving a little deeper into what we are doing and why we need a little help to get us over the finishing line and beyond!

The Documentary Feature :

 Gordon Giltrap is the epitome of what is often referred to as a 'musician's musician', in that the respect in which he is held by his peers speaks volumes for his ability and influence. Beginning his career as a solo guitarist and vocalist in the late 1960s, it was 1976 before the name Gordon Giltrap came into the public eye with the release of his landmark album 'Visionary', and album and single chart success followed over the next few years with the albums 'Perilous Journey' and 'Fear of the Dark', as he formed the Gordan Giltrap Band to perform these progressive rock-tingled works in the live environment. By now a wholly instrumental performer, his greatest commercial success came with his signature piece 'Heartsong', which followed up its chart success by being picked up by the BBC for use as the theme tune to their long running 'Holiday' programme. following this, Gordon retreated largely to the acoustic realm with his next few albums, and retained a devoted hardcore following, as well as aforementioned admiration  of some of the biggest names in modern guitar music. Coming from the humblest of childhoods in South East London, Gordon's life in and out of the spotlight has proved to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows and one which ultimately transcends even his musical achievements as a story of human triumph and tragedy. So now the time is right to bring this extraordinary story to life which centres around Gordon's 60th anniversary concert at the Birmingham Conservatoire and will feature many of Gordon's peers from guitar makers through to the golden era of who's who in the world of popular music with their stories and amusing anecdotes about Gordon and what makes him tick. A warts and all new documentary feature that will no doubt tear your soul apart.

(Below Gordon on set at the Granary studios, Norfolk)

A little more background on the Producer and Director Leigh Tarrant

Leigh Tarrant (above) is an award-winning Filmmaker, Music Director, Producer, and Musician. Tarrant has directed, written, and produced Feature Films, Music Videos, composed music for film and TV, worked on over 100 productions, toured extensively, and directs high profile broadcast concert events for such artist as Lulu, Rick Wakeman, Adam Ant, Leo Sayer, Mari Wilson, Steve Rothery (Marillion) Sad Cafe and Colin Blunstone (Zombies). Tarrant was born in North London and attended comprehensive schooling in Southgate, North London. He went on to study at Mountview Theatre school. From there he became a full time musician playing bass guitar for London based bands such as The Unexplained, Addict, GBH and finally Prime Cut. Eventually a career in advertising yielded an insight into TV advertisement editing and an understanding of corporate filming. After many successful years working for some of London's leading advertising agencies (AMV.BBDO & Grey London respectively) he went on to set up his own production company (Skooch Media) based in the east of England. Amongst his directorial feature film credits are 'A Curious Tale' and  'The Presence Of Snowgood' (poster below). He still plays, writes and records music, as well as staying active in film production and the corporate side of video production. A 'feature' directorial debut UK movie earned three awards. Also Tarrant earned a 'best director for thriller' award at the MKIFF in 2025 for the 'Snowgood' film.

The technical stuff :

A cinematic style in keeping with influences from some of the cinema greats can’t be ignored, film makers such as Hal Ashby (Rolling Stones 'Let's Spend the Night Together) Jeff Stein (The Kids Are Alright) Brett Morgan (Crossfire Hurricane) and Peter Jackson (The Beatles, Get Back) and the recent Oasis documentary 'Don't Look Back In Anger (Steven Knight) spring to mind. The aim is to leave the viewer feeling they've been on a perilous journey against all odds and get to learn about what Gordon represents from his humble beginnings through to receiving his MBE and beyond. The aim will be to use past TV clips along with all new interviews and candid fly-on-the-wall techniques to capture Gordon in a most positive and creative mood. An all new 60th anniversary concert will also be captured to showcase throughout the film and will work in highlighting Gordon's friends both old and new playing a lot of his back catalogue showcasing his illustrious career as well as delving into aspirations for the future.

The Future - Independent Cinema run along with Live performance

The aim is to show the film as a 'premiere' press launch at a selected cinema along with a short performance by Gordon along with meeting and greeting friends and associates.

Thereafter the film to go on an Independent cinema run across the UK two weeks later. The idea will be to have Gordon perform an acoustic solo set followed by a screening of the film.  A merchandise table will be added for fans to meet and get signings.

The film will then be entered into numerous film festivals across the world to gain recognition and hopefully will gain a few accolades along the way.

Eventually the film will be available to rent or buy through streaming networks and Gordon's website.

Why we need your help:

In order to complete the film to the standard we feel it deserves, we need your help. We have already spent a fair chunk of money in getting the film to its current stage of production, but with our budget tank now running on empty, we need a cash injection to not only help us finish the film, but also handle post production costs and to help market and distribute our work. 

£20,000 allows us to not only take care of the final mounting production costs, but to package the film for release. If we are able to raise more than this, it will allow us to really promote the film with a wider distribution and will facilitate entering film festivals and other such promotional platforms. More than anything else, it will mean that we can complete a project that will be a showcase for local talent in front of and behind the camera and show that independent documentary film making is alive and kicking.

Any sum you can pledge, large or small, means so much for us and will mean you will be part of what we are doing. Even if you do not want to pledge, you could still help us by spreading the word on our Instagram and Facebook sites and by good old 'word of mouth'!.....Thank you.  

The Financials - how the funding will be distributed.

£20,000 cash injection with breakdown of use for ‘Timeline - Gordon Giltrap Documentary' as follows :

£5,000 - remaining filming to complete, general interviews, 'on the road' with Gordon filming, including location facilities, catering, accommodation and travel.

£5,000 - post production editing.

£2,000 - marketing and promotion on digital platforms as well as general distribution. licensing agreements.

£8,000 - Private viewing costs including independent cinema hire, tour accommodation and travel.  (10 dates across UK)

Any additional money raised will go towards additional cinema touring and for wider global distribution of the film.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 1st December 2026 at 12:13pm