{"id":314,"date":"2018-02-26T17:43:33","date_gmt":"2018-02-26T18:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momandmecakesonline.com\/?p=314"},"modified":"2024-02-22T15:39:18","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T15:39:18","slug":"award-winners-interview-with-april-kelley-sara-huxley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momandmecakesonline.com\/index.php\/2018\/02\/26\/award-winners-interview-with-april-kelley-sara-huxley\/","title":{"rendered":"AWARD WINNERS INTERVIEW with April Kelley & Sara Huxley"},"content":{"rendered":"

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During November 2017 we saw the Norwich Film Festival award its prestigious prize of Best Short Film to the outstanding film Edith<\/em>\u00a0 and we wanted to take a moment to catch up with the wonderful duo Sara Huxley & April Kelley (Pictured above) who are the production team behind this award-winning short.<\/p>\n

As a film Edith <\/em>explores how we move on from bereavements and how we make peace with our past and find something worth living for. The film features stand out performances from Peter Mullen (War\u00a0Horse, Tyrannosaur),\u00a0<\/em>Michelle Fairley (Games of Thrones, Harry\u00a0Potter, Suits)<\/em> and supporting roles from Elliot Tittensor (Shameless) <\/em>and Sia Bennett (Mr Selfridge).<\/em> Directed by Christian Cooke and written by Ray Robinson.<\/span><\/p>\n

NFF: My first question, is at what stage did you both become involved with the Project and what in particular attracted you to wanting to produce this Short?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We came on pretty much right at the start. Christian (Cooke), our director met Ray Robinson on the set of Electricity<\/em>, where Ray\u2019s novel had been adapted into a feature film. Christian then took it to Fiona Neilson of Mint Pictures, who has previously produced films such as 24-Hour Party People<\/em> and Spike Island<\/em>. She then reached out to us.<\/p>\n

We were drawn to the project because it was something we had never done before, and we were excited by Christian\u2019s vision. The bonus was the team that was already in place. We knew it was going to be an incredible opportunity to learn and be the stepping stone to feature films.<\/p>\n

NFF: Producing a short film can bring about its challenges, and I was wondering if there were any obstacles\/learning curves you had whilst making this film?<\/strong><\/p>\n

With this film in particular it was the locations. We\u2019ve done our fair share of awkward projects that had multiple locations, night shoots, animals, kids\u2026 You name it we\u2019ve mostly likely dealt with it. But Edith<\/em> was a new challenge. We had never shot so far from \u2018home\u2019 before, that was the first hurdle as we only had one opportunity to recce and when we did it was a gorgeous autumn day. Fast forward to our January shoot and the majority of our locations were either completely flooded or snowed in. So, yes the biggest challenge was locations on this film, plus fighting with very icy weather conditions and remote areas with no signal. It\u2019s safe to say we learnt a lot of lessons!<\/p>\n

NFF: and equally what have been the benefits for you in producing this?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we said, it was a real stepping stone to features\u2026 In terms of handling a bigger budget, big talent, managing a larger crew, multiple unit moves and locations. We experienced all the standard learning curves which happen when you take on your biggest project to date. But more specifically one of the biggest benefits was to work with this calibre of cast and crew, including our amazing editor Marc Richardson and our post-production team. This immediately raised our standard of work, and made the film gain interest from people and festivals in a way we had never seen before. That really helped with Mini\u2019s <\/a>exposure.<\/p>\n

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NFF: You have an incredible cast in the film, including the brilliant Peter Mullen and Michelle Fairley \u2013 how easy was it to attract this cast?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christian always had Peter in mind for the role of Jake. Fortunately, they had just worked together on the television series Stonemouth<\/em>, so there was a strong link there. Once Peter was in place, we worked with Tamara Notcott to find our Sheila; having reached out to Michelle Fairley she said \u2018yes\u2019 very quickly because she wanted to work with Peter!<\/p>\n

Sai Bennett is a friend of Christian\u2019s. Elliott Tittensor had worked with Fiona (our exec) previously\u2026 And just like that the jigsaw puzzle of casting came together!<\/p>\n

NFF: The Film is directed by actor Christian Cooke of Cemetery Junction<\/em> and Witches of Eastend<\/em> fame. At what stage did Christian become attached to the project and do you think his experience in front of the camera aided the story telling of Edith<\/em>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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