The filmmakers who spent more than two years building a full-scale replica of a Lancaster bomber are now ready to begin casting their wartime film that pays tribute to those who served in Bomber Command. Luke Campion, 30, a pre-production artist in the film industry, directs a period feature film called Good Time Charlie. Mr Campion’s pal, illustrator Jamie Sneddon, led the construction of the Lancaster from dust sheets, plywood and old pallets on location in Brighton for the main film set.
The scenes are to be shot in June. This will be followed by filming on location at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Center in East Kirkby. The story takes place in and around a WWII Bomber Command airbase in 1944 as the seven-man crew of C For Charlie prepares for a mission deep into the heart of Nazi Germany’s industrial complex .
It is expected to be another long, hard, deadly and hopefully decisive raid as Bomber Command battles for air superiority during the build-up to the rumored and imminent invasion of France, which would eventually be known as D-Day.
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With the stakes already extremely high, when main character Barton – the overprotective and often unpredictable machine gunner of this crew of unsung heroes – learns that the others want him out. And chaos ensues as her inner demons are laid bare for all to see.
Casting is also underway for Barton’s pal, Tom, the main wireless carrier. Mr Campion, whose parents are from Lincolnshire, said: “We’ve all seen Memphis Belle but we’ve never seen the British version of the Bomber Command war on film, other than maybe The Dam Busters.
“The men in these planes were very young, and we think it’s important to showcase that and respect the story of the subject. In our casting, we lean more towards those who are perhaps younger and at the beginning of their acting careers.
“They don’t need to be professionals, but passion, interest and a willingness to learn are crucial. By choosing young men, we honor those who served on these missions during World War II. world.
“Starting in December 2019, we have painstakingly built, to scale, an exact replica of a WWII Lancaster bomber for the main set. We have green screen, lighting, props, costume and visual effects all in place to make this a fully functional and professional production, completely self-funded by our day to day jobs in the film and video game industry.
“Excitingly, we’re finally ready to begin casting. I’m looking for two actors in their early twenties, possibly around 18, to play my protagonist, Barton, and his close friend, Tom The budget is very small but I would be looking to secure more funding as the project progresses Currently our budget is £50 per person per day Our current production schedule is two weeks at total onsite in Brighton.
“Drawing inspiration from kitchen sink dramas and the works of Shane Meadows and Ken Loach, we want to try and scout for talent beyond more conventional channels. I want to gain access to those for whom acting may seem like a distant goal and unachievable. .
“I understand that not all of us are blessed or can benefit from our surroundings or backgrounds, so in the spirit of the project, I want to find those who have a passion for craftsmanship and a love of the medium .”
The Barton character is the Lancaster Bomber’s top gunner, headstrong and determined to get revenge for his brother’s death. He begins to fight with the other crew members. Hiding the severe onset of PTSD, running amok and becoming very defensive, his need to protect his best friend Tom reaches a fever pitch, and when the crew goes on a mission deep into Germany, he doubles down, fearful of to be perceived as weak.
Tom, 21, the leading wireless carrier, was once easygoing, fun and loyal. But his character is tested as he tries to deal with his best friend Barton’s outbursts. And as Barton’s overprotective nature grows too strong, Tom finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place.
The team will be made up of a Frenchman, an Australian, a Pole and Canadians as well, and Mr. Campion is keen to cast authentic actors for these roles. For more information on auditions, email goodtimecharliefilm@gmail.com Below is a selection of photos from the shoot…
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