Film: A Unicorn
Director: Karl Howman
Writer: Karl Howman
Starring: Graham Cole, Chloe Howman, Katy-Jo Howman, Brian Robinson, Gary Webster, Ray Winstone
The plight of a journeyman fighter whose life comes crashing down on being diagnosed with dementia and how the Ringside Charitable Trust can, will and has helped many warriors over the years and still does..
You can watch the World Premiere of ‘A Unicorn‘ at the Southend Film Festival as part of the Opening Gala on Thursday 4th June at 20:00hrs.
Q. Your film ‘A Unicorn’ has been selected to play at the Southend Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
A. You can expect a short sharp insight into living with someone with dementia.
Q. What were your inspirations when writing the script?
A. My inspiration for the script was the discovery that my long-term best friend, former World Welterweight Champion John H Stracey, was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Q. Did you have any of the cast in mind for the characters when writing the script?
A. I didn’t write the script with any actors in mind except I was hoping Ray would do the narrating job on Ode to a Fallen Fighter and bless him he did.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. The influence and style of the film in this case was greatly dependent on the location and our DP, Jason Reed. With such a tiny budget you make what kind people make available and thank your lucky stars for a producer, Misty Moon, who accommodates this.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. No changes of script were needed except an odd word here or there, thankfully.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. My favourite moment was seeing how well behaved and word perfect my little frenchie, Bowie, was.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. No real issues arose thankfully and that was down to preparation and all the actors being word perfect and so bloody good. The crew were as good and as accommodating as it gets.
Q. What makes A Unicorn stand out as something different?
A. I think A Unicorn stands out as something different because it shows the real vulnerability of a warrior when his prime asset, his health, is taken away.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. I am currently working on a new project with Misty Moon and the actor, writer, director Danny Peacock.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. My advice to anyone wanting to make their own film would be to go for it, with the current technology, iPhones etc it has never been easier or cheaper to get something on film but always prepare, have a plan B and take care with the script.
You can watch the World Premiere of ‘A Unicorn’ at the Southend Film Festival as part of the Opening Gala on Thursday 4th June at 20:00hrs.
You can find out more about the festival and purchase tickets here.
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!