Hello world! Welcome back to another blog! Today I will be taking you through the night me and my colleague Steve Watson went to see a short film called Teardrops From A Clown on 7th July 2024, directed by Jack HR O’Sullivan, produced by Actors Workshop member Rhys Beardsley and starring I Used To Be Famous actor and all around inspiring guy Leo Long!
Before the film started I arrived at the venue itself. It was a beautiful scenery and also very cosy. And the garden outside was small but cute in some ways as it was surrounded by lots of film posters. Yes it had been wet due to pouring with rain but I wasn’t going to let it stop me from having a good time.
Whilst I was there I met Jack himself along with Leo (where I had this lovely selfie with him as see above along with me and him with the poster along with my colleague Steve Watson having a photo with him) and some of his friends who worked with Tricia Hitchcock, his acting coach, and one of the main people running Access All Areas. This is a group where it gives people with learning disabilities and autism a chance to shine. One of which was a lovely girl who at first got a bit overwhelmed by it all but then along with assistance from Tricia, once the event kicked in she thoroughly enjoyed herself. And it’s people like her who is literally an angel sent from heaven, as her work is just so inspiring and something which should be highlighted more!
The film itself was fantastic. And it was just enough time to introduce the characters, and also get a glimpse of the similarities clowns and autistic people have in common. I won’t say what as I don’t want to reveal all the secrets, but let’s just say that with only two days shooting and with a small amount of funding for the film (and I’ll leave you to guess how much they raised), a lot of work went into it! Even a family members of Jack's said that he works so hard to get his message across and he was not wrong! And I can’t wait to see what he does next in the future! My only downside of it was it was that good I wanted more! And Jack did suggest what would happen if it did develop but again I won’t say what, as if you get to meet him I’ll let him tell you yourself.
Leo also played a really powerful portrayal of his character Josh. I knew he would be a perfect fit to raise awareness for this film, and his bond with Patch the clown said it all really. It also gave me an idea for a self written self tape style scene to write in the future of what Josh has been doing since the film, showing my creativity as a performer using real life experiences!
I'm also proud of fellow Actors Workshop member Rhys Beardsley, who produced the film. After working with him on a showreel scene plus other Actors Workshop projects, one of which on a online stream (which you can see using the link here: https://fb.watch/u2Q_bkwPjd/), the journey he has gone through, and the growth he's made has made me so proud of him. As I'm writing this, I never knew he was autistic until I watched a video promoting their funding for the film, but I'm glad that he's sharing his experience, as then more people are aware that just because we're autistic it does not mean to say we can do anything if we put our minds to it. So well done Rhys and I hope that this film will open many more doors for you.
After the film we went into the bar to chat and network. I met some very interesting people, one of which was someone who was an extra and came up with the name of the film as they objected to the original title which was “The Clown”. And I can see why, as there are a lot of stuff that have “The” and then a single word after that. That person in particular then shared some spoken word which was very in depth but it had some good stuff in there. Steve, my colleague then mentioned his publishing company so I have a feeling that maybe this will be the stepping stone for him.
I then of course spent some time with Leo Long and it was great that I did. We got on so well during the filming of Unmasked, and after Eddie Sternberg mentioned about his positive personality on I Used To Be Famous it definitely shone during tonight. And he is quite possibly an inspiration to the autism community as people would say that autistic people can’t do X Y and Z when I’m actual fact when looking at people like Leo that’s not the case. I also met some of the other cast and crew who also people who came to support Jack in this screening! And let’s just say that a new project may be on the horizon for next year! I won’t say what but all I can say is… watch this space!
Overall it was a really good night! I got to meet new people, explore a different area of London, and saw a really beautiful and eye opening film! Be sure to follow Jack on social media, particularly on Instagram @jack_rh_osullivan and his company Movie Making Media on Instagram @mmmedia team to keep up to date on the festivals they're taking it to (and they've already got some exciting nominations already which I'm extremely proud of).. Be sure to follow Leo Long on Instagram @leojlong and Rhys Beardsley on Instagram @rhysbeardsley to keep up to date with all of their adventures in the creative industry.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
Comments