A coming-of-age film that’s Teesdale born and bred

A TEESDALE filmmaker will be showcasing his first feature for audiences in Teesdale this month and next.

The crew and the cast

Oliver Smith’s film, Verve, enjoyed a hugely successful premiere at The Witham late last year. It was shot in the dale and stars many local actors and musicians.
Produced alongside Teesdale Action Partnership and The Turrets Youth Theatre, Verve is a coming-of-age tale that depicts the dramatic final summer between college
and university, as everything in a young person’s life seems to hinge on their A-level results.
The talented cast, including Sean Mitchell, Ella Blackburn, Elliot Bevan, Owen Carter and Katherine Harding, have received rave reviews for their authentic, amusing and heartfelt portrayals.
The 80-minute feature will be heading to film festivals around the UK throughout 2017, but Mr Smith is keen for local people to see it first.
It is on at Mickleton Village Hall and The Hub, in Barnard Castle.
He said: “We had a great turnout for our premiere at The Witham, in large part thanks to the many friends and business owners who helped make the film possible in the first place.
“The community of Teesdale opened many doors for us during the shoot, allowing access to great locations and helping to provide props and costumes, but there are still a lot of people out there that don’t know this film exists.
“We couldn’t be more proud of it, and we can’t wait to show it off to a broader audience.
“I’m very keen to communicate that although this is a low budget, independent film, there is nothing amateur about it. The cast and crew did an extraordinary job and it really is something Teesdale has never seen before. It must be seen to be believed!”.
The film’s trailer is online at facebook.com/vervemovie.
The screenings will take place on Saturday, February 18, at Mickleton Village Hall and Saturday, March 11, at The Hub, starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £7 (£5) and are available on the door or via ambitiousmotionpictures.co
m/tickets