This summer should see the premiere of a new feature film produced and directed by a Mark J Rees client who, when not working at his day job, has been pursuing his cinematic passion.
Doug Cubin’s film, The Fort, has been four years in the making exploring how a German soldier’s WWII ends and his guilt for leaving his family at home.
“Having always been very interested in film, I wanted to take the plunge and see what’s really involved in making a full feature.” said Doug.
“My idea was an anti-war story prompted by a photograph taken in 1946 of a German soldier sitting in the ruins of his family home. There are not many films that cover war from the losing side in a personal way.
“I wrote the story and joined a film group based at Leicester’s Phoenix — Seven/Five Productions. The group is an enthusiastic bunch of film lovers who help fellow members make their films a reality.
“With their help, some crowdfunding, people I know and my own money, we have made the film for tens of thousands — which would just be the catering budget on a mainstream film…for a week!”
Doug has finished his sixth and final edit and the black and white film is enjoying its final polish before a summer release, which will include a screening at The Phoenix. It’s hoped independent cinemas, festivals (including in Germany) and one or two larger cinema networks may also take it. A DVD will then appear.
Far from putting Doug off, he is tackling another unusual take on WWII — this time, combat through the eyes of a woman. He has already interviewed a Ukrainian woman who fought in a key battle during WWII.
Doug’s information mapping business, GIS Coordinated, based in Glenfield, is enjoying a period of growth and its success has enabled The Fort to emerge debt-free. Doug said: “Business has been increasing, with a couple of substantial global brands becoming customers.
“I’ve been helped by Richard King, Adrian Lambourne and Paul Leach at Mark J Rees for 15 years. We’ve always been well looked after, that’s what they do. It’s meant I’ve never had to worry about finances.
“Hopefully Richard will talk to his clients about how through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) they can finance film. In particular, my next feature!”