I haven’t posted here for a while – not because there’s nothing happening but because it’s all happening!

We’re now less than two weeks away from principal photography and every department is in full flow, getting prepared.

As producer, director and screenwriter, I have had distinct sets of work to do. My producer’s hat stays on the whole time to co-ordinate departments, cast and crew, nail down our locations and sort a thousand things to ensure we’re good to go on 10th August. My director’s hat is now also in full flow as I work with the cast to support them while they prepare for their scenes. We now have the entire cast, including our voice-over artist for Aria herself. We discovered a talent in one of the daughters of adult cast member Tim Seyfert. And guess what? Her name is Arya, so it seems to be written in the stars!

We’re also thrilled to announce that Craige Els is now confirmed to play our arch antagonist the Murmurer. Craige brings his experience from both the West End stage, with roles such as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical, to a host of TV roles. Craige joins our talented line-up, which also includes Jill Greenacre as Nan and Kevin Johnson as Jago.

In a quiet moment, I made a puddle. No, not out of anxiety but, rather, adapting a mirror to look like a muddy puddle for an early scene. This job certainly has variety!

Do follow our progress as we post all through production and, if you can, please support our crowdfunding campaign at:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/aria-starlight-an-academy-short-film