More details have emerged about a new feature film being shot in North Wales.
Brian & Charles – the Film4 and BFI-backed production starring David Earl from TV comedies – Derek and After Life – is based on Earl’s acclaimed comedic alter-ego, Brian Gittins and his unlikely friendship with a 7ft robot.
It’s based in Llangerynw, Conwy, and also stars Lynn Hunter (The Personal History of David Copperfield, End of The F*****g World), Louise Brealey (Sherlock, Back) Jamie Michie (Back to Life, Game of Thrones) and Nina Sosanya (Killing Eve, W1A).
Pictures surfaced last week of some of the cast and production crew shooting scenes around The Village Shop (Siop y Llan).
Earl takes on the lead role of Brian, who after a particularly harsh winter, goes into a deep depression.
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
Completely alone and with no one to talk to, he does what any sane person would do when faced with such a melancholic situation and builds a robot – Charles (Chris Hayward) – for company.
While things start off well, tensions begin to rise, particularly as Charles keeps eating Brian’s cabbages.
Brian & Charles written by Earl and Chris Hayward began its life as an award-winning short film in 2017, scooping several accolades upon its release including a Young Director Award, being shortlisted for SXSW’s Narrative Shorts award and picked as Vimeo Staff’s Best of the Month.
The film was developed with and is co-funded by Film4 and the BFI (awarding funds from the National Lottery) and is directed and edited by Jim Archer (who also directed the original short film).
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
Co-writer and star David Earl said: “We’re delighted to get the show on the road and I’m looking forward to bringing Brian & Charles to the big screen.
“During the Covid lockdown we wondered if we’d ever be able to make it but here I am stood in North Wales staring at a 7ft robot.”
Producer Rupert Majendie said: “Having been ready to start cameras rolling in March, it’s great to be underway, and we’re thankful to the local authorities and community.
“Filmmaking during a global pandemic is a different experience and we’re taking every necessary precaution to ensure we do so safely, but we can’t wait to bring this strange and incredibly heart-warming story to life.”
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
Brian & Charles is filming in North Wales with strict Covid-19 protocols in place, with the production team receiving permission from the local authority ahead of filming commencing and a Covid-19 marshal on set throughout.
Filming on the project in North Wales began in late November when crews descended on Llyn Crafnant in the Conwy Valley for the shoot.
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