Toilers producers face ‘do or die’ situation
TOILERS of the Sea producers face a ‘do or die’ situation following a meeting yesterday with the Economic Development Committee.
The meeting saw producers David Shanks and Joy Mellins officially presenting the project to the committee, which they believe will reap economic benefits for the island.
‘The meeting was very thorough and the committee were very cautious about investing money to the film, but they gave us a full and fair hearing,’ said Mr Shanks.
‘We feel like we haven’t been taken seriously in terms of filming Toilers in Guernsey, and this was our chance to speak through it all with them.’
The pair were not expecting an immedate go ahead as an outcome from the meeting, but said they presented the case as well as they could.
The committee meets today, but will likely discuss the prospect of filming in Guernsey, and any States support for that, at its next meeting in two weeks’ time.
About 40 people attended an open Q&A session with the producers on Tuesday evening, and Mrs Mellins said that the majority of them were behind the cause.
‘We had no idea who would turn up or how many people, but it ended up being very relaxed and it went really well.’
The producers answered questions regarding taxpayers’ money being spent on the film, filming locations and local involvement.
‘All of the money that would be given towards the film by the States is going back into the island for economic benefits and attracting tourism,’ they said.
‘We explained to the group about how the film would come together, and also that we would want to encourage as much local talent as possible.’
The producers have been in contact with a major talent agency in the UK who are keen to package the casting for the film, however cannot commit or sign contracts until the filming location has been decided.
If filmed in the island, the producers intend on donating props used on the film to an exhibition or to enhance the Toilers experience in the island.
‘We’re overwhelmed by support on social media about filming on island and most people are really supportive about the benefits it could bring,’ they said.
‘We want to give Guernsey that extra boost that it didn’t get from the Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society because tourists couldn’t visit the exact sites it was filmed at, despite Guernsey being in the title.’
As the producers wait to find out the fate of the film, they said that they will be working out a plan of actions for both possible outcomes, but are hoping for a quick answer and a positive result.
