Iain McNichol as John Stell

 Shooting Promotional Film for 

                 Out of Time

We took two days to film a short promotional film for Out of Time: The Secret of the Swan. all on location at the places mentioned in the book. We must thank both English Heritage and National Trust for access to their properties-Furness Abbey and Dalton Castle.

The gang at Bow Bridge

The mysterious monk pointing
to the abbey

We acquired a number of talented young actors from local schools- Connor Wood playing George, Reece Woodend as Danny, Chloe Johnson as Megan and Meghann Ewing ad Rebecca. They did a fine job and we had a great time.

Stuart directing the kids

Stuart Appley of Comely Media understood exactly what I had envisaged and it was remarkable watching the book come to life!

Freya and Amy as two 1930s
 ladies

On the first day it was Baltic weather and everyone deserved a medal for sticking at it-especially Connor in shorts and jersey!

Stuart Meghann and Linda Cronin

Day two was lovely, bright and sunny and quite warm -which helped to move things along well. We visited most   venues in the book with the exception of Piel island mainly becomes of time restrictions; and it was quite exhausting for all concerned.

George hiding at Bow Bridge

We were very fortunate that our local churches permitted us to film in their buildings. Thanks must got o Rev Linda Cronin at St George's Barrow, Rev Armstrong of St Cuthbert's Aldingham, and Rev Allan Mitchell of St Mary's Dalton. It made the filming to be in the real places and we were delighted to use them with the hope that people will see and appreciate what beautiful churches we have in the area and will then visit them. 

Mr Steele confronts Mason and the kids

Adult actors and extras included Tom Burrows as Mr Mason (who else could play him?), Iain McNichol as Brother John Stell,Jamie Quinn as Mr Steele (he is much too nice to be the baddy really-but did a good job!) Nathaniel Jepson as Granddad (spookily realistic), Freya Jepson and Amy Turner as 1930s ladies-who looked suitably elegant in their roles. You will notice if you have read the book that some characters were deleted for this interpretation-because the film is shorter than the book-however, Stuart has captured all the key elements well.

At Dalton Castle

Maxine and Tom watching the filming

Stuart is currently editing the film and finding suitable music to accompany it. There is no speech because we wanted the pictures to tell the story-and wanted to make people curious enough to read the book! It will be available soon on Youtube and various websites,Facebook etc I hope everyone will spread

Stuart putting kids through their paces 

Mr Steele and Megan

the word and help it to reach as  many people as possible!

Further thanks to Abbey Mill Cafe for providing a safe haven and packed lunches for the 2 days, Gill Cycles for the loan of the bike, Amanda and Bekah Currie for the     loan of authentic 1930s dresses and bags.