New short film 'Master Motivator' set for public premiere
Master Motivator, a short comedy film starring John Henshaw, is set to get its public premiere tomorrow night.
The comedy features Early Doors star John Henshaw, Phoenix Nights actress Enid Dunn and cult 90s exercise guru Derrick Evans - aka Mr Motivator. The film has been directed by Noreen Kershaw, who has previously worked on shows including Shameless and Coronation Street.
The 6-minute comedy, filmed in Manchester, is about a 55 year-old man called Bill Graham (played by Henshaw) who is sacked from his care home job for practising motivational speeches on the home's residents. Upon losing his job, Bill decides to throw himself into two projects: making a YouTube recording of his favourite motivational messages, and arranging his first local gig.
The film has been made by South Manchester screenwriter and producer Janet Harrison, who managed to pull together a cast and crew, and film the comedy for just £500 in one day (the team only had one day to film due to John Henshaw's other commitments).
Following a private screening last week, the film is set to get its public premiere this Wednesday (28th July 2010), as it is screened as part of the Short Film Premiere Night at Manchester's 24:7 Theatre Festival
Writer Janet Harrison says: "I wanted to be an actress when I was in my early twenties and inevitably, I got a job to pay the bills and 20-odd years quickly passed by. I wrote the screenplay and thought I'd approach some well-known names on the off-chance that they'd like and without really thinking they'd say 'yes'. I was overwhelmed when the likes of John Henshaw and Noreen Kershaw, agreed to be be a part of it."
She says the underlying message that the film is trying to send out is that, regardless of age, it's never too young to pursue something you feel passionate about...
She told British Comedy Guide... "Being 47 myself, I wanted to make a film which gives a more positive view of people aged 40 and over. 'New talent' doesn't necessarily mean 'young talent' and I feel there aren't enough films for my age group. My ambition is to make comedy feature films and I'd like help older actors and crew - using their amazing skills and talents and representing what is now a massive chunk of the UK population. By 2020 more than 50% of people will be 50 and over, and I'm sure many of this generation would love the chance to get involved in film."
Janet says that, following the premiere, the plan will be to take the film to various film competitions and festivals: "Even though Master Motivator is a low budget short, I want to make the most of the competitions and festivals around the world and challenge a few stereotypes at the same time. I find that older people feel more comfortable about themselves and in terms of comedy, in my view, it makes them funnier!"
To find out more about the film see the trailer below, and visit www.mastermotivator.co.uk