Two graduate filmmakers from The University of Salford are to have their film screened in Times Square next month.
Chris Gainsbury and Shaun Cooper wrote and co-produced the film Corruption II, which is to be shown in New York as part of the Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival.
The self-funded thriller is shot at locations across Greater Manchester, tells the story of an ex-intelligence agent, who is forced back into his former lifestyle of violence, when a criminal mastermind sends a vicious gang on the hunt for revenge.
The film is a sequel to the students’ final year project Corruption I, which they produced as part of their Professional Sound and Video Technology BSc (Hons) degree.
They used of some of the facilities at the University of Salford when producing the film, including holding casting auditions and a film premiere at the MediaCityUK campus.
Shaun, from Chorley, who was the Assistant Director & Lead Camera Operator said: “When we got the email to say that our film had made it into the festival in New York we were amazed. It really is a massive thing for us.
“We spent the best part of three years producing this film, and there was no way we thought that it would be screened in New York. I’ve found it to be great life experience producing the film. Although at times it has been stressful, it is great to put into practice everything I’ve learnt on my degree.”
The talented duo submitted their 83 minute film to the “Blood, Sweat and Bones” (no budget feature film) category at the film festival, which is being held on the 12th November.
Chris, from Warrington who was the Director and Production Manager said: “This will be my first trip to America, so to go out there and see a film that I’ve produced being screened in Times Square, it doesn’t get any better than that. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“We have devoted a lot of time and effort to get the film to this level, alongside the final leg of our degree. We’re proud of the commitment of everyone that has been involved in the production of the film.”
Corruption II will also be screened at Northern Ireland’s Yellow Fever Independent Film Festival in Belfast, on Saturday 20th November. It is due to go on official release December 2016.
