Since I moved to West Sussex a few of years ago I’ve wanted to shoot something using the vast undulating landscapes of the South Downs.
The locations were perfect background to illustrate the loneliness and solitude of a runner.
This project is something new for me. A totally original idea and script from conception to execution.
A very special thanks to all the talent that took part, especially our runner played by Ava West. The weather was not our friend, but Ava was a proper hero and just got on with it.
Same for the DP Frank Madone, he did all the running with the camera chasing after Ava. Thanks guys!
The voiceover was written by my good friend Will Nicoll. I told him I wanted the most narcissistic thing he could create. The next day I received 4 pages of script scanned from the sheets he’d bashed out on a typewriter. So analogue, so brilliant.! It’s read by the amazing Carolyn Backhouse.
Privileged to have had the film edited by old friend Catriona Richardson.
Extra special thanks to Ed Webster for guiding me through the writing process.
The film is also available at: www.runtowards.co.uk
CAST AND CREW
The Runner: Ava West
Boy: Ollie Silver
Carolyn Backhouse as Cassette 4 / Mother
Directed by Gray Hughes
Creative by Edward Webster
Story by Gray Hughes and Edward Webster
Cassette 4 written by Will Nicoll
Director of Photography Frank Madone
Edited by Catriona Richardson
Produced by Vanya Barwell
Colourist Sarina McCavana
Focus Puller Ewan Sadler
Aerial Photography Henry Hooper
Sound Recordist Andy Hewitson
Composite by James McCavana
Hair and Make Up Hannah White
Music by Gray Hughes
DIT Katia Rio
Artwork designed by Jason Measures
Behind the scenes photography Martin Burton
Transport Alan Hughes
