Fleetwood crew help get local film on big screen

Fleetwood man Paul Smith was the gaffer on the film Love/Hate

Brad James’ film, Love/Hate, is a short film which focuses on domestic violence and was screened last week alongside Brad’s 15 minute World War II short film, called True Glory.

After this private screening, the five minute film is to be shown online on YouTube from next Friday, March 24.

Brad, 25, of Neville Avenue, who trained at the prestigious Westminster Film School in London, said: “This was a locally made film in every way - the film maker, the locations and the people involved. Our Fleetwood crew were indispensable.”

Paul Eryk Atlas and Sally Smithson at the filming of Love/Hate by Brad James. Photography by Claire McGurk

Brad highlighted 25-year- old Fleetwood handyman Paul Smith, who worked voluntarily as the gaffer and ensured all indoor scenes were properly lit.

Brad, whose film company is called name Lyceum Entertainment said: “I hope to work with Paul and the crew again and I have a new project ready.

“My main aim is to establish a film-making community on the Fylde coast where we can train up people to work in these roles for the future.”

Love/Hate’ follows Adam Bennett and Eva Laurant, a young couple living in the heart of Blackpool and has been written, produced and directed by Brad.

The pair fall madly in love, but when their relationship becomes strained, tempers flare.

Scenes were filmed at locations including the restaurant at the Norbreck Castle Hotel and Blackpool beach.

Other scenes were shot on the stage of Blackpool Sixth Form College, where Brad was able to spend a day shooting on a specially made set.

The film will now be available on Amazon Prime and Lyceum Entertainment’s Youtube channel.

Brad has funded his films through his own savings and by crowd-funding.

The screening also featured a Q&A session with actors Paul Eryk Atlas and Sally Smithson who play the leading couple Adam and Eva.

Paul Smith, who lives in the Larkholme area of Fleetwood, became involved after he carried out some work at the home of Brad’s nan, fixing her boiler.

Paul said: “Being involved in the film was a fantastic experience.

“I thought it was mind-boggling, the organisation that went into making sure each scene was perfectly worked out.

“It was good to be able to play a small part in that.

“What I really enjoyed was seeing how the actors played their roles once the cameras started to roll.

“I’ve never been involved in anything like that before.”