A film-maker says his latest work is a dead cert for success.
Director Jamie Anderson, 21, from Castletown, Sunderland, is producing a short film based on the work of American horror writer Stephen King, whose stories inspired Hollywood blockbusters including The Shining and Misery.
The Death of Jack Hamilton, which is set in Depression-era America, recounts the slow death of a bank robber after he is shot by police.
“It tells the story of Jack ‘Red’ Hamilton, one of John Dillinger’s gang members, who is mortally wounded escaping from Little Bohemia Lodge, in Wisconsin,” he said.
“The film follows Hamilton, John Dillinger and fellow gang member Homer Van Meter from Little Bohemia, through Chicago and to Aurora, Missouri, where they seek out the help of Edna ‘Rabbits’ Murray, Arthur ‘Dock’ Barker, Ma Barker’s son, and Volney Davis as they try to save Jack Hamilton’s life.
Jamie, who is based in York, said he has high hopes for the film and has already planned screenings around the world.
“We are very pleased to have gained the licence to adapt this film,” he said. “We are the first group to be adapting this story for the screen and we already have one potential screening in Los Angeles.
“We also intend to enter it into Cannes and other major festivals.”
“Our last short film, Id, was screened at the Plus Camerimage Festival in Poland and was one of only two British student films selected for the festival.
But the former student at Castle View Enterprise Academy, who is also a scriptwriter, said it has been a struggle to get the film off the ground.
The first period of shooting begins in May in York, with the second set to start in August across Lincolnshire.
It is expected to be finished by December.
“We have managed to raise a budget of £2,275 for the film so far,” he said. “However, we are looking to raise our budget up to £3,000 before the shoot in May.
“In order to do this, we are looking for investment and donations from generous individuals who would like to see this film come to life.
“As you can imagine, the prospect of bringing 1930s America to 2012 Britain is a mammoth task to accomplish and one that requires as much financial backing as possible.
“Therefore, we appreciate any help that we get.
“Aside from this, we’re hoping to raise the profile of the film and gather a bit of interest.”
For more information about the film, visit
www.thedeathofjackhamilton.com