SUNDAY LEAGUE - A short film by Simon Lennon

Hello lovely people!

My name is Simon Lennon, and I am an actor, writer & producer from Liverpool, living and working in London.

After ten years of working in the arts, I’m so excited to be putting together an exceptional team of creatives to create Sunday League - a comedy short film that explores the themes of family, class and the love of the beautiful game.

It's a dream project, years in the making, and I am buzzing to finally be bringing it to life.

I wouldn't be where I am now without the support and guidance of so many amazing people. So I’d love to give opportunities to those emerging in the industry to shadow, train and learn, on our set, from the brilliant individuals involved in our film.

As we know, projects like this cost a lot of money. So please read on and help out if you can...

THE FILM

Sunday League is a light-hearted comedy short film set in Liverpool on the day of an under 10's league cup football semi-final.

Phil, a 'could have been a footballer if it wasn't for the knee injury' Scouse dad in his 40s, lives vicariously through his 10-year-old son, Jack. Phil is paternal, caring & loving, but he's also a little overbearing, impulsive and reckless. Jack is 10. Ultimately, he's a child - learning about who he is in this expansive world. He has numerous loves, and football probably isn't one of them... That doesn't stop him from playing though, as seeing his Dad proud means the world to him.

It's Jack's match day, and the whole family is ready to cheer him on. But this time round, Phil's passion for the game proves a little too strong.

THE CONTEXT

Football has been a massive part of my life since I was a child.

Growing up in a divided Liverpool/Everton household & community and spending most days donning my shin pads and getting covered in mud, football has been integral in my childhood, adolescence, adulthood and both my social & professional life. The camaraderie, the passion, the glory, the heartache, the adrenaline, the highs, and the lows. From the Bill Shankly playing fields of Liverpool, to the Hackney Marshes of London, so many of the experiences I've had from football, and the world surrounding it, have shaped who I am today. I couldn't think of a better setting to tell this story about a Dad and his lad.

THE MONEY BIT

We have carefully budgeted for a two/three-day shoot and to make this film in all its glory, paying everyone properly for their work, we realistically need around £15,000. We hope to raise as close to that as possible through this page, some of my own money, and some additional funding sources. The funds raised will be used to pay for all our production costs - cast & crew fees and expenses, transport, equipment, catering, locations, props, costumes, post-production, festival entries and lots more. Lots to pay for, so lots of money to raise!

If you’re able to help us out in making this film, I will be forever grateful for your kindness. Please donate, if you can, and share with anyone you think you could help.

This project means the world to me and will be created with utmost care, precision and love.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And as always, up the Red Men.

Loadsa love,

Simon

x

Here's a little football smize to entice you into donating...

Bit about Simon:

Simon was a participant of the New Views Writing Course in 2012, and has worked as a writer on projects with Paines Plough, Pleasance Theatre, National Youth Theatre, St James Theatre, Siberian Lights, Itch + Scratch, Pint-Sized Plays.

He wrote and co-directed the short film 'All Up In The Air', shot on iPhones during lockdown and starring Chinenye Ezeudu (Sex Education - Netflix), Rosie Dwyer (The A List - Netflix), Rebecca Smith (Life – BBC) & Rachel-Leah Hosker (Holby City - BBC).

Simon co-founded the new writing theatre company Itch + Scratch (recently announced as an associate company of the National Youth Theatre).

In 2020, he produced the award-winning short film ‘PACE’ – starring Siobhan Finneran & Daniel Jillings, directed by Danny Miller.

He works as an associate artist for the National Youth Theatre, running masterclasses, auditions and workshops for young creatives, and as an acting coach for various companies including DMA and The Actor’s Community.

Simon has worked as a professional actor in television, film & theatre since 2013 – credits include Our Girl (BBC), Bridgerton (Netflix), The Shepherd (Disney), FIFA (EA Sports), Emmerdale (ITV), Grantchester (ITV), Our Town (Almeida Theatre), Tory Boyz (Ambassador’s Theatre), The Narcissist (Chichester Festival Theatre).