We are The Watchers.
We are three movie buffs on a mission to bring you real views on movies - no bull, no lies, just real gut instincts.
We watch then we record as soon as we get out of the theatre!
It's Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate love in all its forms. A particularly apt day for Watchers Productions to release the next short film in our Strange Tales series, as it's all to do with relationships.
Watchers Productions proudly presents...
DINNER DATE
Written by Christopher Maxwell, and directed by Terrance Marshman-Edwards
Starring: Liz Keech (Jen), Nick Brimble (David), and Nicky Davies (Ceri)
David lives alone and is trying to get himself out into the dating world. He's invited Jen around for dinner to show off his cooking skills. The two laugh and bond, but Jen suspects David might be keeping something from her...
For more information about our Strange Tales project, the other films already released and those currently in production, please see the Watchers Productions website.
After something of a hiatus, Watchers Productions are delighted to announce the return of our Strange Tales short films, with our eighth offering, and one that's perfect for Halloween...
JUST MEAT
Written by Rhys Jones with Matthew Ford & Terrance Marshman-Edwards, and directed by Rhys Jones
Starring: Victoria George-Veale (Catrin), Hannah Celyn Griffiths (Zoe), Samuel Rush (Tommy), with Jennifer Higgins and John Wheeler
It's just an ordinary night for delivery driver Tommy - until he finds himself in a life-or-death situation with one particular drop-off. What has happened to Catrin?
For more information about our Strange Tales project, the other films already released and those currently in production, please see the Watchers Productions website.
Well, I think it's safe to say that 2020 hasn't gone exactly as we planned it. That said, this brave new world we find ourselves in does have a couple of nice little advantages: such as the ability to bring people from all over the UK together for a brand new audio adaptation of a Christmas classic.
So it is with great pleasure that we announce, in association with Valiant Films and Dramatic Moose Productions...
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Directed by Teddy Smith
Adapted for audio by Terrance Marshman-Edwards, Matthew Fisher, and Matthew Ford
Edited by Rhys Jones and Emily Lawrence
Original music by Andrew Gallego, with "Silent Night" performed by Liz Keech
Part One: Christmas Eve
Starring: Jes Hynes (The Narrator), AJ King (Scrooge), Matthew Fisher (Bob Cratchit), Gavin Rand (Fred), Christopher Maxwell (Gentleman), Terrance Marshman-Edwards (The Ghost Of Jacob Marley)
Miserable old businessman Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas. But a surprise visitor on Christmas Eve is about to change that...
Part Two: Christmas Past, Christmas Present
Starring: Jes Hynes (The Narrator), AJ King (Scrooge), Lisa Grace (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Samuel Rush (Mr. Fezziwig), Amanda Parker (Belle), Shaz Lancaster (The Ghost Of Christmas Present), Jennifer Higgins (Mrs. Cratchit), Daniel Middleton (Peter Cratchit), Isabelle-Rose Burman (Belinda Cratchit), Matthew Fisher (Bob Cratchit), Josh Flynn (Tiny Tim), Gavin Rand (Fred), Liz Keech (Abigail)
Scrooge looks to his past to discover the cause of his dislike of Christmas, and sees how others will spend the coming day.
Part Three: Christmas Yet To Come
Starring: Jes Hynes (The Narrator), AJ King (Ebenezer Scrooge), Rhys Jones, Matthew Ford, Teddy Smith (Businessmen), Linda Bailey (Charwoman), Ben Wilson (Old Joe), Alison Lenihan (Mrs. Dilber), Jennifer Higgins (Mrs. Cratchit), Daniel Middleton (Peter Cratchit), Isabelle-Rose Burman (Belinda Cratchit), Matthew Fisher (Bob Cratchit), Gavin Rand (Fred), Ben Percival (Boy), Christopher Maxwell (Gentleman), Liz Keech (Abigail), Josh Flynn (Tiny Tim)
As Scrooge's final spectral visitor looms, he sees a glimpse of a future Christmas. But will it be enough to make the miser change his ways?
We'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Wherever you are and however you spend it, we hope you have a peaceful and brilliant time.
Watchers Productions are delighted to announce the release of our seventh Strange Tale! We are incredibly pleased and proud to present, in co-production with our friends and colleagues at Dramatic Moose Productions and featuring a very special guest actor...
DELIVER US FROM GEE
Written by Matthew Fisher and directed by Rhys Jones
Starring: Gareth David Lloyd (Gee), Matthew Fisher (James), Jennifer Higgins (Tina), Stephanie Back, Samuel Rush, Linda Bailey, Kelvin Dale-Greaves, with Kell Dommage and Shaz Lancaster
James is on his own for the night, as his girlfriend is away. He orders pizza, which is delivered by a cheery delivery man named Gee. When a delivery mix-up means Gee gets fired, James takes pity on him and invites him in. But when James asks Gee what his real name actually is, he gets a response he really wasn't expecting...
Filming took place during November and December last year, with some pickups done in January this year. The script that this is based on was written some years ago, so any similarities to current world events are utterly coincidental...
For more information about the project and the other films already released and those currently in production, please see the Watchers Productions website.
Watchers Productions are delighted to announce the release of Strange Tale #6, and a very appropriate release for Valentine's Day:
SCHRODINGER
Written by Xander Grant and directed by Rhys Jones Starring: Victoria George-Veale (Sarah) and Gavin Rand (Derek) Exactly how much do you love your partner? Would you like to know? Well, thanks to the latest technology breakthrough, now you can! The real question is... can you cope with knowing the answer? Watch here! For more information about the project and the other films already released and those currently in production, please see the Watchers Productions website.
Watchers Productions are delighted to announce the release of our fifth Strange Tale:
HOME
Written and directed by Terrance Marshman-Edwards
Starring: Ben Percival (Joshua Flynn), Amanda Hunt (Nina Samuels) and Isabelle Rose Burman (Emily Maitland)
A young man, dealing with a bereavement, starts to receive strange text messages. Is somebody playing a sick joke - or is there something more sinister at work ?
For more information about the project and the other films already released and those currently in production, please see the Watchers Productions website.
Happy Halloween everyone! We are delighted to announce the release of our next Strange Tale:
EPIMETHEUS
Screenplay by Xander Grant (from a story by Rhys Jones & Xander Grant) and directed by Rhys Jones Starring: Lucas Eisele (Peter), with the voices of Bethan Leyshon, Matthew Doman, and Hannah Celyn Griffiths Peter hosts his weekly Un-Boxing Streaming Channel. This week, he has been sent something very special - but would you open the box? Watch here! For more information about the project and the other films already released and those currently in production, please see the Watchers Productions website.
Today sees the launch of a new project from Watchers Productions. Introducing... Strange Tales! Strange Tales is a series of short, stand-alone films which have a twist in the tale. The idea is to provide local emerging talent- actors, writers, and filmmakers- with a showcase for what they can do, and promote low-budget filmmaking in South Wales. Strange Tales has no boundaries on genre of story and every film will be individual in style. The channel launches today (Saturday 15th June) with three short films. The channel will then continue to grow, with new content added periodically. The first three films are:
BRAND NEW BEGINNINGS
Written by Matthew Ford and directed by Matthew Fisher Starring: Christopher Maxwell (Seth), Harold T. Spencer (Tristan), Sarah Bennington (Kate), Rachel Dunston (Advert Voice Over), Matthew Ford (Advert Voice Over) In an alternate, present day Wales, people have become dependent on social media. Online dating is commonplace, and half of all UK marriages end in divorce. Seth and Tristan, a couple in their twenties, have signed up for treatment at Brand New Beginnings, a company with a procedure that wipes all the bad memories from your relationship, replacing them with false, happy memories developed in a laboratory. As the procedure is explained, the couple begin to have second thoughts. Watch here!
HUMAN RESOURCES
Written and directed by Richard Williams (Big Rich Productions) Starring: Ellen Jane Thomas (Sam Francis), James Morgan (Noah),Tim Bennet (Martin), Rebecca Donovan Bailey (Melanie), Craig Jenkins (Security Guard), and Justine Jones (Marcy) Sam is a hardworking, popular, and confident business executive. One day, a meeting with the mysterious Noah from Human Resources will bring everything she knows about the world around her into doubt. Watch here!
SECOND CHANCES
Written by Matthew Fisher and directed by Teddy Smith (No. 37 Media) Starring: Ben Wilson (John), John Hutch (Patrick), and Lisa Grace (Anna) John doesn't like to stand out. "Out of sight, out of mind" is his philosophy. But his way of thinking is challenged when he's forced to reevaluate his life. Watch here! Other tales we have in the pipeline are as diverse as the three above. One imagines a future where machines dole out justice- but what happens if you're accused of something you didn't do? Another sees a couple torn over a device that can measure love, whilst a third sees a young couple on a first date where things aren't quite what they seem. Throw in a couple of girls being hunted for the crime of speaking a different language, and a bereaved young man receiving strange text messages, and you've got the makings of our first wave of Strange Tales. The other films will be in production for the rest of 2019 and will be released periodically thereafter. For more information about the project and the films, please see the Watchers Productions website.
Last night, the Watchers attended the premiere of It's My Shout 2017, a showcase of nine short films which were written and directed by new talent from Wales. This took place at the Wales Millennium Centre in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Some of you may be asking, what's It’s My Shout? Well it's a training scheme- supported by BBC Wales, Welsh-language broadcaster S4C, and the Welsh Government (amongst others)- which provides training for young people interested in gaining experience in all aspects of film-making both in front of- and behind- the camera. From writing and directing, to lighting, make-up, costume, sound, film scoring or acting, the initiative covers all aspects of film-making. Successful applicants are mentored by industry professionals who provide advice and guidance over a period of pre-production and the three days of the actual shoot. The films are then edited and, after the premiere, are then broadcast on BBC Wales and S4C. It's a fantastic scheme which encourages and nurtures new talent and Watcher Rhys was selected as one of the directors for this year's films. It was a fantastic opportunity to go and support him and see the fruits of his and so many others' labours. There were nine films commissioned this year, seven English-language and two Welsh-language. This year's films are:
Closure Written by Rob Bryant and directed by Craig Fisher When Seb's best friend Harry kills himself, Seb and his other friends are distraught. To help with the grieving process- and to help them get some closure- the school provides them with a special grieving robot which looks just like Harry. A very tender and poignant story which could easily have been longer. There's a lovely performance by Harrison Smith as the robot Harry, and the make-up for the robot is particularly stunning.
Packaged Written by Peter Rogers and directed by Lemarl Freckleton Jack's got a very important packaged to deliver. He absolutely can't be late. The clock is ticking... It starts out as one thing and ends somewhere completely different, and I'm not entirely sure the transition is that successful. That said, it's fun- and there's a truly spectacular moustache on display! Phillip Jones, who played the hapless Jack, won the Best Actor award.
Ffeithiau Amgen [Alternative Facts] Written by Cai Evans and directed by Rhys ap Trefor Sibling rivalry goes to a whole new level when high-achiever Siwan and her less-than-achieving sister Gwawr go head-to-head for the position of club president. Shannon Williams and Kelly Pitts are impressive as the warring siblings, and there's a lot of humour to be had as the mud starts to be slung, although the ending did feel a little rushed.
Rory Romantic Written by Eleonora Mignoli and directed by Rhys Jones Fitness guru Rory is visited by one of his fans, Tanvi. But have they met before? There are two stunning performances by Shaz Lancaster as Rory and Ellen Jane Thomas as Tanvi (who deservedly won the Best Supporting Actress award) in one of the most stylish and stylised films in the showcase. The make-up and prosthetic work is also superb.
Two Player Games Written by Lexx Oliver and directed by Sion Thomas Purdy and Joleen are enjoying their first date at a games arcade but come across a machine that can show you the future. But will it be a happy ending for the two girls? This is another one, like Closure, which could have been longer. In fact, you could imagine a situation like this in a Black Mirror story. The visual style was really strong and there's a lovely little hint of something darker towards the end. This short won the People's Choice Award, voted on by the audience.
Lawr A Lan [Down And Up] Written by Anna Symmonds and directed by Shelley Rees Three people take the lift every day. But what happens when, one night, the lift gets stuck between floors? A lot of the film is played without dialogue which works well in creating the mood and scene. The ending of the film can be very much open to interpretation- which I know isn't everyone's cup of tea- but I quite enjoyed it.
Dear Mr Ali Written by Scott Chambers and directed by Jamie McKee An unlikely friendship forms between Gareth and his tutor Mr Ali, when Gareth is put in detention and has to help Mr Ali clean the kitchens. This is another one where the ending felt quite rushed, which was a shame, as what had gone before it was nicely observed and well-acted throughout. Matthew Lee Heath, who plays the bully Iwan, won Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
HOME Written by Lewis Reeves and directed by Sion Ifan Lewis is homeless, living on the streets of Cardiff. A reckless decision made all the difference. Now he must survive in his new circumstances. But will his past affect his future? Some good camera-work on show here, and there's a real gritty, miserable feel to the film which is really successful in evoking the mood of the script; there was clearly a lot of night shoots for this film. Personally it wasn't really to my taste- I think I just didn't 'get it'- but it won Best Film and Sion Ifan won Best Director.
Peggy Written by Scott Chambers and directed by Cath Jones Stacey is starting a new job, as a PA to an experienced actress called Peggy. It's her first day. What could possibly go wrong? Like Packaged, Peggy also starts somewhere and ends up somewhere quite different but the transition is much more successful here. Sharon Morgan is great as the spiky Peggy whilst Chloe Cooper is lovely as the naive newcomer Stacey (winning the Best Actress award for her performance). Following on from the awards ceremony, there was a brilliant speech by screenwriter Russell T. Davies (Doctor Who, Queer As Folk, The Second Coming) who was accepting the Inspiration Award. Essentially it was this: shout. Make your voices heard. It was a lovely evening, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the teams behind the films. All the films are definitely worth a watch. The English-language films will be broadcast on BBC Two Wales whilst the Welsh-language films will be shown on S4C in October. The English-language films will then be available via BBC iPlayer. More information can be found at the BBC It's My Shout website. The broadcast schedule for the English-language films is as follows: Dear Mr Ali: Monday 11th September 2017, 23:15 Two Player Games: Tuesday 12th September 2017, 23:15 HOME: Wednesday 13th September 2017, 23:15 Closure: Thursday 14th September 2017, 23:15 Rory Romantic: Friday 15th September 2017, 23:05 Packaged: Monday 18th September 2017, 23:15 Peggy: Tuesday 19th September 2017, 23:10 Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners! You should all be justifiably proud of your amazing achievements. If you're interested in finding out more about the scheme, check out the It's My Shout website.
