Gene Fallaize, writer and director of Under the Watchful Gaze, grew up in Guernsey. He will return to the island alongside lead producer Emily Hasseldine to meet prospective backers on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November.
The film, produced by Cupsogue Pictures, is due to be shot on location in Guernsey and at Pinewood Studios, with filming targeted for February.
Unlike many competing destinations, Guernsey has no tax credit scheme for film productions, and the island location adds the cost of transporting cast, crew and equipment.
‘From a purely financial perspective, there are much cheaper places to make this film,’ said Mr Fallaize.
‘But I’ve always maintained that this is Guernsey’s story, and it deserves to be told in Guernsey. I grew up on the island, and the idea of recreating somewhere so important to our history in another part of the world has never sat comfortably with me.’
The producers say filming would bring spending on accommodation, transport, hospitality and local services and even bigger benefits could come later, with international distribution deals in place that could introduce the island to new audiences and future visitors.
Mr Fallaize pointed to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which still draws visitors to the island even though the film itself was shot elsewhere.
‘We have an opportunity to do something different. We want audiences to see the actual island, its coastline, its fortifications and the places where this history happened,’ he said.
n Those interested can contact Cupsogue Pictures at enquiries@cupsoguepictures.com, quoting Guernsey Film Partnership.
You need to be logged in to comment.