Watch now: ‘People in Places’ trio of local community films released

A locally funded, filmed and produced mini series is now out for you to watch right now for free!

The series consists of 3 episodes, with each set in a single location and featuring an entirely different local cast.

Each episode was written/directed by Robert Corcoran, whose previous credits include the ‘Wrexham Singing Streets’ documentary and ‘You Are Invited to’ – the largest narrative film ever made in Wrexham.

The series received a small grant of £100 from Offa Community Council to help with additional costs relating to the bus station episode. Apart from this, the series was produced with zero funding. All locations, professionals and actors involved gave up their time for free to ‘help create something amazing in Wrexham’.

The three films are below…

The Bus Station

This quirky, family friendly short combines buses, skateboards, coffee and sign language into a fun-filled film!

Robert said: “After negotiating with Wrexham Council on and off for almost 3 months, the go-ahead was finally given in early November to proceed with filming at the bus station. On Sunday 12th November 2017, the station was successfully shut down and filming for the episode was completed in one session.”

“It was important to close down the building so that we could shoot quickly and without interfering with any members of the public. We had cooperation from everyone involved (including a security firm) and the shoot was extremely smooth.”

“A slightly larger crew was used for this episode (including Glyndwr Students Jade Barron and Emma Tattum) due to the size of the building. The episode takes place over the entire station and so actors, equipment and (perhaps most importantly!) food and drink were often very spread out.”

The Smoking Area

Cocktail pitchers, jägerbombs and big personalities collide in this nicotine-fuelled, risqué short!

Robert said: “The script was rapid, with lots of small but funny parts. I knew it would be the perfect chance to get a large group of local people together and make something really interesting.”

“A huge open casting session was then held at Undegun on Regent Street. From this 13 local actors were cast in the episode. Initially The North and South Wales Bank (Lloyds Bar) was to be used as the location. However, due to the volume of the fans at the back of the building, production was quickly relocated to OnetoFive on Town Hill.”

The episode was shot over 2 nights in late August.

The Salon

This snappy, dialogue-driven short follows 5 people chatting at their local salon!

Robert says of this film: “The Salon was the final episode to be produced. As it takes place in a single room production was relatively straightforward. Having visited A Touch of Class the year prior, Rob recalled that the shape and set up of the business was ideal for the script.

“Once I’d written my first draft I knew exactly where we’d film it…I just needed them to say yes!”

The crew for each episode changed around but mainly consisted of:
Rob Corcoran – Director
Joe Clifford – 1st AD
James Stevens – 2nd AD
Marcin Orlowski – Director of Photography (The Bus Station, The Salon)
Leighton Cox – Director of Photography (The Smoking Area)

“Joe, James, Marcin and Leighton were incredible during the production of the series. They each gave up their time to help make something that we all hope will inspire other people locally and beyond. Each episode also features an entirely original score by Andrew Lockhart from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.”

All 3 episodes were officially unveiled on Friday 16th February during a huge premiere event at Undegun on Regent Street.

Over 100 people attended, easily making it the largest local independent film event to date.

The space at Undgeun was appropriately decorated with a red carpet as well as with large cardboard film displays (donated by Odeon Eagles Meadow).

Flintshire singer Josh Hall performed as well as local entertainer Scott Baines. Attendees included Ian Lucas M.P. as well as representatives from companies such as AVOW, Town Square and many others.