Hopes, dreams and aspirations. We have all had them at least one time in our lives, albeit some more significant and important than others. Striving to make it in the world of film is a process many have gone through with varying degrees of success. Even the best in the business had to struggle and work hard to get to where they are today, but just having the drive and determination to attempt such a feat, deserves some credit in such a cut-throat business.
Just last year, director Justin Kurzel showed just what you can accomplish with a zero-budget and a cast with zero-acting experience. Giving us one of the most chilling cinematic experiences in of the form of his true-life Australian thriller SNOWTOWN. A heartbreaking and shocking film that is hard to forget, long after the credits roll, featuring a performance of unnerving menace from Daniel Henshall, and one that belongs right up there with Michael Rooker’s Henry. Lets also not forget British, KILL LIST director Ben Wheatley, whose daring debut DOWN TERRACE mixed kitchen-sink drama and low-level gangsters, with utterly brilliant effect.
The latest emerging talent to follow in the footsteps of these fantastic cinematic magic makers can be found in Callum Andrew Johnston, whose love of cinema lead to him studying the medium at the Ifield Community College. Having decided that filmmaking was the journey he would like to pursue, Johnston co-wrote and directed the short film CROSSED PATHS, and micro-budget full-length feature RH11 (which you can enjoy via YouTube HERE). Hugely inspired by the likes of Guy Richie’s gritty crime-capers LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS and SNATCH, Johnston, now has another feature already completed, which happens to be a bolder follow-up (but strong enough story as a stand-alone feature) that expands on his characters from RH11 – and all this before his 21st birthday.
LITTLE DISTRICT, written solely by Johnston himself, has a violent and darkly comic plot with the focus on the run down estate of RH11, and details how the central characters come to terms with the kidnapping and brutal murder of Tommy King. The pressure-cooker anticipation of the trial of those responsible is coming to a close with two of the estate’s very own residents accused. Many of those who knew both the victim and villains are at a crossroads in their life. Jess, the former lover to the murdered Tommy, is struggling to deal with the horrifying crime; turning to drink and drugs and working as a stripper to make ends meet, Jess is oblivious that she works for the very man who gave the order for the murder. Danny on the other hand, whose close friendship with Tommy and bond with Jess after saving her from a harrowing childhood experience, left the estate in an attempt to forget the ordeal. Upon hearing the news of Jess’ downward spiral, Danny is faced with a desperate decision; should he return and help a friend in need when it could in turn lead him on to a path that could spell disaster for them both? A path that others around him seem destined for… a life behind bars? Or even worse?
The film, shot in Johnston’s home town of Crawley, West Sussex, took advantage of using locations and local young talent known to the director. Like so many filmmakers before him, the pre-production stage was not without its problems. The actor set to portray the character of ‘Little Nick’ dropped out two-weeks before shooting was set to begin; leaving Johnston with a decision of just who will replace him. Bravely, it was Johnston who actually stepped in, making an appearance in his very own feature (admittingly only because he knew the lines under such short notice). The cast is led by Michael Oram and Hannah Charlton, who appear as the lead characters of Danny Jones and Jess Hunter. Support also comes in the form of Billy Lenson, Ali Storm, Gareth Biddle and Darren Enright.
Johnston gave thanks to his hometown of Crawley, by staging the film’s premiere there last month. For a film shot on such a micro-budget, the plot is one that appears promising and hard-hitting. The set of character posters capture perfectly the persona we expect each character to have. While the film’s main poster, along with the gloomy skyline behind the entire major cast giving the sense of the foreboding darkness that surrounds the films dark story. All exhibit more than a hint of ‘epic’ about them. Acquiring rising photographer and poster designer Claire Curtis (who also worked on the Noel Clarke and James D’Arcy Brit prison-drama SCREWED), also proving to be a major coup for the director.
THN will have an interview with writer and director, Callum Andrew Johnston coming soon, as well as a review of his film LITTLE DISTRICT. Take a look at the films trailer below to get a taste of what film fans can look forward to upon its release as well as the Facebook page for LITTLE DISTRICT HERE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPHWQ2pXQTU
