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Our Feature Film

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About me
Hi. My name is Silvano and I am an actress, writer, producer and speaker. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to write and act. Growing up my parents didn’t think it would be a ‘proper’ career choice. So I studied ‘sensible’ subjects at school and college and was permitted to study creative arts upon reaching University. After graduation I once again gave into parental pressure to get a steady nine to five, which I did for several years before leaving to set up SVG Productions. 

In 2016 I shot my first feature film . We only managed to raise £2,000 and I added what I could from my own personal savings to this. A heart felt thank you  to all who donated. It  took 2 years almost to the day to compete. It was no small feat and though not perfect we exceeded all our expectations for the budget we were working with.  A modest film budget has 6 figures so to complete a film for under £5,000 is indeed a miracle. The film is called Family Secrets  and tells the story of  2 siblings, each with a personal struggle but too ashamed to share it with the rest of the family as they fear judgement and perceive everyone else’s life is perfect. The heart of the piece is that we are all fallible and, within our families / communities, should always be able to find at least one person to share with / confide in. 

I have since put together a team (some old faces and some new ones) for my next project. 

The Team
We are a group of passionate, talented and experienced film makers. Between us we have made 12 feature films in addition to documentaries and several shorts. We are really excited to share news of our latest project with you.

Pastor's Wife is a film about what forces someone to do the unthinkable and the journey of making your way back from the unimaginable.

Synopsis
Monique has always struggled in her role as Pastor’s wife. Her husband, Martin, is extremely committed to the church and serving his congregants often to the detriment of his family. When her feelings of insecurity and neglect reach a climax Monique responds in a manner that will change the course of life as she knows it.

The Inspiration
I’m really intrigued by 21st century busyness. I wanted to explore how we set priorities in life, what drives our priorities and if, in the pursuit of what seems important, we sometimes fail to properly care for what truly matters - our families, our loved ones, our relationships.

The impact
There are two main audience takeaways. Firstly I want to challenge viewers that we’re all fallible; we’re all capable of messing up big time. It’s what we do next that matters. Secondly, how do we respond to those who have hurt us the deepest knowing we too one day may need to be on the receiving end of grace.

THE TEAM 
Writer & Producer - Silvano Griffith-Francis, founder of SVG Productions , is an actress, writer, producer and speaker. For the past six years she has written and produced stage plays around the country. Silvano produced her first feature film in 2016 making her one of the only black, female independent film producers in the UK. 

Co Producer - Yolanda Barker is a producer, writer, and director who has been working in the film industry since 2005.   She makes documentaries, like the award-winning, internationally acclaimed “Cereal Killers”, and also produces, directs, and writes shorts - both live action film and animations. Prior to this she worked as an FCP editor in TV. 

Director - Serge Rashidi Zakuani, co-founder of Stepping Stonez Productions, is a filmmaker with 5 feature length films in his CV. Serge started as a theatre director before transitioning to film and has several directing and writing credits to his name in both theatre and film.

Production designer - Anna Konopicky recently graduated with a BA in Design for Theatre, Performance and Events from Birmingham City University, with experience working in theatre, TV and live events. She is massively into creating, having done everything from knitting a tiny cardigan for a stop-motion animation to building a large wooden installation for her final degree show. 

THE ACTORS

Harrison Daniel -
Harrison's acting career began with Sutton's Ameteur Dramatics Club. Following a number of small roles in 'A Man For All Seasons' and 'The 39 Steps', Harrison secured the part of Horatio in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Harrison currently attends Identity School of Dramatic Art and is enthusiast about his future prospects in acting.

Richard Harfst
- Richard trained at Rose Bruford and has appeared in many stage shows, most recently in new musical 'Can-Can' at the Union Theatre London. Richard’s previous film credits include 'The Viking War', 'Cyborg Wives' and 'Curse of the Witch'


Your help 
As you can imagine there are huge costs associated with making a film. We have some funds but we really need your help to raise our final £15,000. The funds raised from this campaign will be spent on expenses great and small from crew, cast, locations, and keeping everyone fed and watered while on set and entry fees to film festivals for the completed project. We've scaled our costs right back in order to be able to produce this film on minimal budget, without sacrificing on quality.

Please make a donation of whatever you can and then share our campaign and encourage someone else to do the same. Honestly, no donation is too small. It all adds up!

Donors will receive a special thank you in the film’s credit and a complimentary ticket to the film’s premier where you can watch the completed project with the cast and crew. You’ll also receive information about when we’re shooting scenes requiring extras so you’ll have the chance to join us on set and get your face on the big screen.

Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that not everyone is in a position to help financially, so if that's the case then please help us shout about our campaign. Tell your friends, your family, your colleagues, your neighbours... Share it on social media and help us spread the word as far and wide as possible! Maybe you have a house we can use as a location. Or maybe you can volunteer to cook for the cast and crew. Just get in touch and we'll let you know all the areas we need a helping hand in.

Follow us
https://www.facebook.com/svgproductions
https://www.twitter.com/SVGProductions
https://twitter.com/Pastorswifemov

Donations 

  • Brian Kelley
    • £10 
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous Donor
    • £50 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Anthony Francis
    • £180 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Natasha Griffith-Scott
    • £35 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Wesley Sealy
    • £500 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs

Fundraising team: Team PW (4)

SVG Productions
Organizer
Raised £150 from 5 donations
England
Silvano Griffith-Francis
Team member
Raised £1,560 from 15 donations
Serge Rashidi - Zakuani
Team member
Raised £15 from 1 donation
Alma Simpson
Team member
This team raised £10 from 1 other donation.

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