Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema is to premiere a new film made in the North East about sharks. However, unlike the Hollywood Oscar winning blockbuster “Jaws,” there’s no connection with the denizens of the deep.
The short film “Shark” has been commissioned by the national Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to highlight the devastating impact that loan sharks can have on the lives of their victims and advice and support will be on hand for those caught in the grip of these criminals.
More than 310,000 households in the UK are currently using illegal money lenders. Loan sharks destroy lives and can push victims to the brink of suicide due to the extreme misery they cause.
Loan sharks operate illegally, without the correct permissions from the Financial Conduct Authority. These criminals usually appear friendly at first but quickly trap their borrowers into spiralling debt. As the debts can’t legally be enforced many lenders will resort to the most extreme and callous methods to enforce repayment.
The IMLT have commissioned a team of three talented creatives from the North East to deliver their key messages and information in the form of a short film. The team comprising of TV scriptwriter Debbie Owen, Director Daymon Britton and Director of Photography Morgan Stephenson have worked with Gateshead based production company HT Media to produce the film “Shark” which will be premiered on June 5 at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.
The free event, which will run from 2pm until 6pm, will include a screening of ‘Shark’ followed by a question and answer session hosted by the IMLT.
The plot follows the lives of three people who are the victims of loan sharks. The characters are based on real cases and the film shows that anyone can be targeted depending on personal circumstances and the situations that people often find themselves in.
Shot over three days in Newcastle and North Tyneside, the Ouseburn, St Peter’s Marina and Wallsend all take centre stage. Indeed, the old Town Hall at Wallsend was transformed into a police station and a hospital for the production.
Scriptwriter Debbie Owen praised the IMLT for allowing the team to be so creative in getting their messages across.
“This is a unique project and very different to anything I’ve ever worked on before. The IMLT allowed us to be very creative and I believe that our short drama has a lot more impact than if we’d produced a standard documentary feature. They made a brave decision which we believe will help many people who are caught up in this terrible crime.”
Director Daymon Britton who has previously had acting roles in TV series such as Byker Grove and Emmerdale said:
“From a director’s perspective, I’ve brought in actors I’ve worked with many years ago as I knew they would be ideal for the parts. We’ve used many local actors but some were from outside of the region as this is a national issue and that has to be reflected in the cast.”
Director of photography, Morgan Stephenson is looking forward to the premiere.
“I’m really excited about the film premiere as it is the first time that any of my work has been shown on a big screen. It’s great to see your work on TV but this has been shot in High Definition 4K cinema ready format which along with Debbie’s scriptwriting will really bring the characters to life.”
Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said:
“We’d like to invite to the screening anyone affected by loan sharks, community groups who have day to day contact with potential victims and anyone who wants to know more about our work. By taking this unique, creative approach, the film’s powerful message will encourage people to learn more about this issue, report those operating illegally, and make use of the fantastic resources available that offer safe and affordable loans, such as local credit unions. We want people to know that they are not alone and we can help them.
“We would urge anyone who is involved with a loan shark to call us in confidence on 0300 555 2222. For more information and to report a loan shark online, visit www.stoploansharks.uk”
To book your free tickets to this event, register on Eventbrite
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/shark-film-premiere-tickets-45675749396
Ends
Photo shows: Morgan, Debbie and Daymon (red checked shirt)
Photo Credits: Bigger Picture Agency
Editor’s Notes.
Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 380 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 329 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have helped over 28,000 people.
To report a loan shark:
Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
Text a report to 078600 22116
Visit the website www.stoploansharks.co.uk
E-mail reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Private message us on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject
For media information contact Keith Newman on keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951
For more information about this press release, please contact IMLT Press Officer, Holly-Leigh Luckman on holly.luckman@birmingham.gov.uk / 0121 464 4699.
For more general enquiries, please speak to the National Trading Standards Board on 020 7025 7570 or e-mail nationaltradingstandards@grayling.com.
About the Creative Team
Debbie Owen – Scriptwriter
Debbie has written for the BBC (TV and Radio), for ITV and for Independent Production Companies across TV, Film and Theatre. She has also written scripts for TV adverts. Her work includes Casualty, The Bill and a new forthcoming project with Lynda La Plant. Debbie is based in Newcastle.
Daymon Britton – Director
As an actor Daymon has many TV credits including Byker Grove, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Vera and Casualty. His directing work includes many short TV documentaries and a TV mini-series Harriet’s Army.
Morgan Stephenson – Director of Photography
With more than 16 years’ experience as a cinematographer and director of photography specialising in short documentary films, TV adverts, corporate videos and animated movies, Morgan brings a wealth of creativity and experience to the team. Morgan is based in Dipton County Durham.