Short film shoots for success in Rye

Hastings-based Stories into Light’s latest production The Gun Man stars Rye actress Hayley-Marie Axe and a number of other well-known actors.

The Pipemaker’s Arms and the harbour were used for the film, which also features Gordon Kennedy – from Absolutely and Robin Hood.

Producer Glyn Carter said he wanted to keep it as local as possible.

“We wanted a famous name but we also want to use local skills and talent wherever possible,” he said.

“Two other actors, Sidney Kean and Brian Croucher (ex-Eastenders) are also locally-based, as is Dirk Nel, the cinematographer.”

Dirk has recently been cameraman on ITV’s forthcoming Maigret series with Rowan Atkinson.

The Gun Man is the story of a gun enthusiast Gram (Kennedy) and his relationship with a young woman who is researching gun culture (Axe).

As they grow closer, his ex-gangster friends become suspicious of her motives.

Rye Studio School students were also given a chance to get involved with the film’s production in a variety of roles.

Glyn said they were ‘fantastic’.

“We’ve also been able to give students at Rye’s Studio School invaluable experience on set, working on costume, make-up, and as runners,” he said.

“They’ve been fantastic, full of energy and enthusiasm.”

Hayley-Marie helped organise the Rye International Film Festival and, as well as starring in The Gun Man, she is also co-producer.

St Leonards firing range 1066 Target Sports was used for the gun scenes.

Glyn said he hoped to prove to investors their quality so they can get funding for a feature film.

“We want to use it to show that we can make a great short film on a tight budget,” he said.

“We can go to bodies like the British Film Institute and private investors and move on to make a feature film.

“We still want to keep to our principles of using local talent where possible, both in front of and behind the camera.”

For more information about Stories into Light and The Gun Man visit: www.storiesintolight.co.uk.

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