AMATEUR movie-makers have taken over the Oakbank Community Inn in Sandbank to create short film about the legendary Scottish cannibal, Sawney Bean.
The ten-minute movie is called “Ask for Angela” and has been written by Lindsay Marie Docherty who lives in Strone.
It is being directed by Mark Gregory, who said the plan is to enter the finished work into various short film competitions.
Mark explained: “Ever since I moved to Dunoon a couple of years ago, I’ve been trying to meet others interested in making films.
“I connected with Lindsay online through the FILMD app and amongst other short film scripts, she wrote “Ask for Angela”, which we both thought would be ideal as a first collaboration.”
Sawney Bean is a legendary figure, said to have been the head of a 45-member clan in Ayrshire in the 16th century that murdered and cannibalised more than 1,000 people over 25 years.
According to the tale, Bean and his clan members were eventually caught by a search party sent by King James VI and were executed for their heinous crimes.
Mark said the zero-budget production has found a welcome home at the Oakbank Inn.
“They kindly allowed us to shoot there and the cast have given their time for free.
“We have yet to finish filming but I am excited by what we have shot so far and look forward to completing it soon.”
He said he is hoping to establish a film-making collective with people in the area who would like to be involved, whatever level of experience they may have.
Lindsay said Mark asked her to write a short horror story based on a ‘first date’ night at the Oakbank.
“Leah Bennett plays Jaimie, one of the main characters. Mark’s son Luke Gregory plays Ab, a traveller meeting up for a date with Jaimie.
“Angela Bryce plays the barmaid. She already knows the ropes as she works behind the bar at Sinbad’s in Dunoon. Lots of volunteers are involved as extras.
“All seems fine until Jaimie asks for Angela a safety term that’s used to help people who feel uncomfortable on a first date.”
Lindsay continued: “No one knows if the tale is truth or myth but I decided to use it as the context for the script.”
Filming will be completed in July and once the movie has been produced the team is hoping many people will watch it on YouTube and other social media platforms.
