00:00, Thu 9th – Sat 18th August 2012 at Nottingham and London
Summer Vacation
We are two recent Cambridge graduates, currently producing a new trilogy of short films called 'Tales' - reworked fairytales set against the backdrop of a surreal and somehow timeless modern world. We are currently trying to cast the lead role of the Soldier in ‘The Seven Dancing Princesses’ as well as looking for male and female dancers.
The first of these films, 'Hansel and Gretel', is currently in post-production and we are now developing the next two - 'The Ugly Duckling' and 'The Seven Dancing Princesses' - simultaneously, to shoot in August and September.
We have award-winning actor Thomas Sangster (Nowhere Boy, Love Actually) lined up to star in 'The Ugly Duckling', and Hazel Ellerby (Peak Practice) will be playing one of the leads in 'The Seven Dancing Princesses'.
The film is a reworking of the classic Brothers Grimm tale. Our interpretation follows a former Soldier who is contracted by a tyrannical ‘tiger-mother’ to uncover the mystery behind her seven daughters’ shoes: every night she locks her daughters in their room but every morning she finds their shoes have completely worn away, as if from dancing. Unbeknownst to the Princesses, the Soldier follows them on their magical journey into the night and discovers their secret...
Filming would be between 9th-18th August, partly in Nottingham and partly in London. Whilst we cannot unfortunately pay the actors (as it is a low budget film everyone in the crew and cast is working for free), we would of course pay expenses and provide food and accommodation in Nottingham and ensure you are well looked after!
The aim is to complete all three films in time for a major December screening at a London cinema, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the first Brothers Grimm fairytale volume and to which we will be inviting industry professionals. We will then submit the films across the international film festival circuit, so there is the potential for even further exposure.
The Soldier (Lead Role)
The Soldier is a confident, masculine character. Wordly and rugged, he carries a strong, enigmatic presence. He has no qualms with his task as voyeur, indeed, when he discovers the Princesses’ secret, he even revels in the power he wields.
The Seven Princesses (Lead Roles)
We are looking to cast seven female dancers to play these roles. As all must be sisters, unfortunately all must be white, with dark hair a preference but no means a prerequisite. These are leading roles, with the possibility of larger speaking roles for at least two of the actresses, and acting ability/experience is encouraged but not crucial – please don’t be put off if you are only a dancer. The princesses will be part of a fully choreographed dance piece, which forms the climax of the film. It will be choreographed by Tasha Bertram, who has previously worked as a principal soloist at London City Ballet. Ballet training is encouraged but not crucial; technical ability is a must.
The Seven Princes
We are looking for 7 male dancers of any ethnicity and age. The commitment is smaller for these parts as they only appear in the dance and a couple of small scenes either side. Acting ability is not required. The princes will be part of a fully choreographed dance piece, which forms the climax of the film. It will be choreographed by Tasha Bertram, who has previously worked as a principal soloist at London City Ballet. Ballet training is encouraged but not crucial; technical ability is a must.
If you think are interested in auditioning for this project, or would like to learn more about it, please don’t hesitate to email us at ellasjones@gmail.com. Please include a recent photo and any relevant experience/skills you may have. You can also visit our website: www.more-films.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes,
Ella and Rob