An aspiring actor and film-maker from Macclesfield has won the backing of Hollywood legend Kevin Spacey.
David Shute, 22, of Prestbury Road, has come up with the idea to make a silent movie based around the life of a fictional stand-up comedian, and has won support of the Kevin Spacey Foundation, which was set up by the American Beauty actor to provide arts funding for young aspiring filmakers.
The former Fallibroome High School student, who recently graduated from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, said: “I was over the moon when I heard, it was a very good day.
“I asked for £1,000 towards the project and they offered me £2,500 which is just fantastic.
“I think they liked the quirky idea. I don't think Kevin made the decision, but I will definitely send them a copy of the final film. I’m not sure what they liked about the idea.
“One major difference is the style of the film because it's a silent picture.
“Laughter and background noise can still be heard as well as an original score - written by a friend I met at Fallibroome - but the rest is completely silent.
“After all, in comedy it’s not just about what you say, it's about the way you say it!”
To contribute towards David’s film or to see a short introduction video made by David see below, or follow David on Twitter @SLShortFilm. To bid to support David’s project visit his Kickstart page which is tiny.cc/silentlaughter .
David is currently performing in a folk musical at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but is now hoping to generate the rest of the money through a Kickstarter account, which sees members of the public and local businesses pledge money in return for film merchandise, producer credits or event product placement.
David, who has to raise a further £3,000 to fund the film, which is entitled Silent Laughter, said: “With another £3,000 I will be able to fund the rest of my film, buy equipment, pay for the fees and do it well.
“If we don’t get the money then I still want to do it, but it will be on a shoestring, and it would be amazing if we could get the budget to do it well.”
David, whose dad Richard is chairman of MADS theatre, started acting at school where he appeared as Joseph and Bill Sykes in Oliver. He was also awarded the Cheshire Theatre Guild award for Most Promising Young Actor in 2007, for his role as Billy Keats in Port, at the Little Theatre on Lord Street.
