Lost Northerner
A musician, a carer.
Same streets, different lives.
Can an act of kindness bridge the divide and make a difference?
CHACONNE
CHACONNE
Released on
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Francesca Brill, director
My passion for CHACONNE lies in its subtle rendering of a fleeting moment in two peoples’ lives; a moment which on the face of it is insignificant but, in its effect, is huge. It’s a statement of faith in human nature, a raging at the danger of increased isolation, with added heart and a lightness of touch.
More and more people, especially young men, are suffering from a form of despair and an inescapable sense of isolation. It’s a hidden sickness. CHACONNE is the story of how an act of kindness can save a life.
We designed the aesthetic to be dense and lush in contrast to the subtlety of the performances, in which profound emotions, fear, loneliness, rejection, affection, are seen on faces rather than heard in dialogue. Simon Fisher Turner’s beautiful score is full of depth and, quite literally, resonance. It underlines the massive impact of the apparently small drama on the characters’ lives.
My vision for CHACONNE is summed up by the un-remarked poetry of a London park in winter and the stark foreboding of a tower-block illuminated by the love of those who live there. It’s impossible for us to look at such a building and not be reminded of the tragedy of London’s Grenfell Tower. This shadow falls on all of us. In telling this story of kindness and human connection, at this time of anxiety and increased isolation, we are acknowledging in our small way the immense and life-changing power of hope.
Thom Petty, writer
Britain’s apparent obsession with “class” and “class divides” can feel destructive at times.The inference that people from different backgrounds are somehow immiscible is at best unhelpful. Recent tragic events in West London have gone to show how disconnected a neighbourhood can feel.
Modern city life can often feel poignantly lonely. Although a constant stream of electronic social interaction washes over us, real life encounters can be brief and disconnected.
As a musician, the pressure to succeed, to be excellent, is very great indeed. But musicians and other creatives are often their own worst critics, and the pathway to self-destruction is never far away.
In writing CHACONNE I wanted to glimpse two people from different backgrounds coming together. Initially, they wrong-foot each other, but the modulation from awkward strangers to companionship is surprisingly small. The briefest of life encounters can still have significance.
The “chaconne” structure was the perfect analogy for the film: a slow, dance-based variation in which the harmony develops and unravels with time.
After all, we’re living on the same streets and sitting on the same park benches.
OLAN COLLARDY - Director of Photography
Olan Collardy’s cinematography is an infusion of his passion for art, culture and style. His unique attention to detail and aesthetics coupled with ability to craft light enables him to capture the dramatic and compelling images he has become known for.
His diverse output ranges from television/web drama series to fashion, lifestyle and luxury brands.
He has also worked on series of short films that have generated a cult following amongst indie film enthusiasts.
His accolades include Short of The Week, BFI Future Film Festival and a Sundance Film Festival selection.
SIMON FISHER TURNER - Composer
From child actor to teenage pop idol, self-confessed 'extreme sound freak' to acclaimed solo recording artist, Simon Fisher Turner's career has been nothing if not varied. His early acting credits included film and TV roles from Black Beauty to The Big Sleep. At the same time he fronted various '70s pop acts, releasing his first solo album in 1969.
Simon's life as a film composer stems from his association with Derek Jarman in the 1980s and '90s. His scoring credits for Jarman included Caravaggio, The Last of England, The Garden and Edward II. His final film for Jarman was the powerful, poignant Blue, where a soundscape recorded by Simon at Brian Eno's country house, together with Jarman's AIDS-inspired spoken words, stood in for visuals - only a blue screen was projected. The film won a Michael Powell Award. Simon subsequently toured Blue around the world, performing his music at live screenings.
In May 2014 Simon won an Ivor Novello Award for his score for the BFI’s restoration of the 1924 film The Epic of Everest, the official film record of Mallory and Irvine’s ill-fated 1924 Everest expedition. The score is a collage of instrumental and ‘found’ sounds, “made possible” (according to SFT himself) “by the internet connections we have these days. It’s a soundtrack made from found and stolen life sounds, alongside new music and fake foleys”.
FRANCESCA BRILL - Director
Francesca trained at RADA and worked extensively as an actress in film, television and theatre. She went on to study screenwriting at the NFTS and has written original and adapted feature screenplays for major production companies and studios in the UK, Europe and the USA.
She has recently co-created a television series, THE HUSH, which is in development with Noel Clarke and Jason Maza’s company Unstoppable.
As writer/director:
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EXPECTING (short), broadcast by Channel 4 in the ‘Shooting Gallery’, shortlisted by British Screen “Short and Curlies” and by the BFI New Directors Scheme (Madrid, Tel Aviv and Montreal Film Festivals).
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LEO AND THE VIRGIN (short), American Academy Arts and Sciences shortlist.
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CUCKOO, a feature co-written with Luke Watson, developed by the BFI and voted onto the Brit List for best as-yet un-produced screenplays.
Her first novel ‘The Harbour’ was published by Bloomsbury and was chosen to be an Amazon Rising Star.
Kimberley THEA GAJIC
Jonathan THOM PETTY
Anthony JAZ HUTCHINS
Director FRANCESCA BRILL
Written by THOM PETTY
Director of Photography OLAN COLLARDY
Production and Costume Designer ANA BALDINI
Editor TIFFANY PLACE
Composer SIMON FISHER TURNER
1st AD JOE STARRS
1st AC BLY RICHARDS
2nd AC BILLY KENDALL
Colourist DAN CARNEY
Gaffer SAM MEYER
Sound Recordist PIETRO GIORDANO
Sound designer/mixer CHEN WISSOTZKY
Production Assistant MAXIM LANCASTER
Stills EMMA BARROTT
PDF press pack download:
THOM PETTY - Jonathan
THEA GAJIC - Kimberley
JAZ HUTCHINS - Anthony