You can get involved in young Barry filmmaker's Grim production! (From Barry And District News)

You can get involved in young Barry filmmaker's Grim production!

8:40am Saturday 7th July 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

A YOUNG Barry filmmaker tapping into a supernatural theme has staked his latest project's success on public funding and the town's ordinary folk.

Director Lewis McGregor has swapped Hollywood for 'Barrywood' but, unable to refuse the potential benefits of the American dollar, has launched a 'crowd funding' campaign to finance a web series called Grim: A Tale of Death.

And to keep costs low the former Barry Comprehensive and Colcot Primary pupil has seized on performing talents of citizens in the town.

The Newport Film School student said the production's benefactors had so far contributed $3,897 - more than 25 per cent of the desired budget - and the cast and crew had swelled from three actors and a director two years ago, to a team of 100.

Lewis, 21, said: "What makes our little production unique is that, apart from one of the actors, the entire cast and crew are not paid professionals.

"They are just average, working class citizens from Barry such as shop assistants, bar staff, decorators and students who have never been given an opportunity to do something like this before."

Casting also took place using pupil talent from Barry Comprehensive, with the school doubling up as Oxford University. Other locations include Porthkerry, The Knap, Millwood and Penarth Marina.

Lewis said: "We took some drama students who wanted to gain some experience in screen acting, and put them in some battle scenes where they acted as Grim Reapers!

"Instead of going to casting agents and talent agencies to look for younger actors to cast, we held auditions at the school, as many of the children do not have access to expensive casting agencies.

"The main audition was for the central role in our teaser, which has since had thousands of views online."

Grim has been selected to appear at the Marseille WebFest - Europe's only web series festival - in October this year, where it will be greeted by a French audience as it competes against other web series from around the world.

"Some, if not most, have thousands of dollars behind them and a professional cast and crew," said Lewis.

"We've done well for a few retail workers, bar staff and decorators!

"Our crowd funding scheme is where the audience, those involved, and the good Samaritans can actively help Grim reach the finish line and 'reap the rewards' at the same time," he added.

"We are also looking for people who would like to get involved over the coming months, whether looking for some acting experience or to help out behind the scenes. We'd be glad to have them on board."

To make contributions and pledges, visit www.indiegogo.com/ataleofdeath