Film crew finds stars for short film in Llanrwst

Feb 25 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

WANNABE actors in the Conwy Valley have been auditioning for a new short film being shot in Llanrwst.

First Take Productions, based in Liverpool, travelled to Llanrwst on Saturday where they held open auditions to find stars for their latest film, Heroes.

The production, made on a shoestring budget, is about the lives of four people whose paths cross while walking on the pass between Trefriw and Llyn Crafnant.

Everyone working on the film, based on a story by Debbie Murrish, is giving their time for free.

While auditioning for cast members in the town, the crew met with one of the stars of the film, seven-month-old William Ellams from Llangernyw.

The fledgling star has been cast as one of the main character’s children, and his real life mother Holly says she is proud of her son’s acting debut.

She said: “My mum and dad are good friends with Debbie Murrish, so that was how William was suggested, auditioned and cast for the part of Pete’s baby.

“Myself and my partner Daniel Jones are only too happy for William to be part of such a great production, it’s a wonderful Welsh story and is filmed locally.

“I’ve also been cast in a non-speaking role,” added Holly, 20.

“William will be filmed in the pram and in his nursery and will hopefully make all the appropriate gurgling noises on cue!”

Filming is set to start mid-March, with the film crew on location across the Conwy Valley.

It is hoped that screenings of the finished film will take place locally and in Liverpool.

“From our Llanrwst castings we have also found our ‘Cerys’. The actress' name is Ceris Elwen and she is from Llangernyw,” explained First Take director Mia Tagg.

“Also, the roles of Pete, Pam and Harry are all Liverpool-based actors and Tudor, played by Eryl Lloyd Parry, is originally from North Wales but now lives in Southport.

“Unfortunately the weather has not been in our favour so we will need to return to Llanrwst and Trefriw before shooting begins to find our feet and source locations.”

The film crew, whose other productions and short films have seen success at the Cannes and London film festivals, are faced with another challenge of finding off-road vehicles for the shoot.

“We are hoping to source two Land Rovers from the Conwy Valley, so if anyone is able to part with their vehicle for a few hours, the Heroes team will be eternally grateful,” added Mia.

“We are also still on the lookout for someone to play the part of Harry, a middle-aged character.”

First Take was set up in 1983 to make productions in diverse communities and on cutting edge issues.

If you are able to get involved, e-mail Hayley or Mia at heroesthefilm@googlemail.com