NEVER has the film director's famous cry of “cut!” been imbued with such meaning.
Award-winning Liverpool filmmakers First Take were determined to show the Government what the city thought of the cuts hitting many of their poorest inhabitants.
The result is Big Society The Musical, involving over 350 local people including writers, actors, dancers and singers citywide.
One scene involved over 200 people singing at the Cairns Street market in Toxteth.
A spokesman for not-for-profit First Take, based in Maryland Street, said they were aiming “to produce a film that would respond to the cuts, tap into the mood of the communities, tell an untold story and tell it through music.
“A film that would give a voice to thousands of people struggling to be heard.”
Paul Simms In Big Society: The Musical
Dyson Hall Young Offenders Institute was among the imposing locations used, and with pyrotechnic stunts provided by Merseyside Fire Service, you can certainly expect fireworks from “a surreal and gritty musical set against a turbulent social climate”.
The film has yet to be edited, but we're guessing Big Society The Musical will be a bit like High Society, the musical, but without the budget.
Instead of wealthy socialites, there will be well-pissed-off socialists and instead of lavish parties, a can of Special Brew with four straws.
Songs might include a topical version of the classic Crosby and Sinatra duet Who Wants To Knee A Millionaire (we do!).
One of the producers, Jennifer Monks, said: “We've filmed everywhere from Everton Hill to Storrington Avenue, from the Albert Dock to the bombed out church – we've had nine-month-old babies through to female impersonators all sharing out story.
“You can't get much closer to showing the real fabric of Liverpool than that.”
Co-producer Nicola Mitchell added: “What makes the film special is that everyone volunteered their time because they believe in the project.”
Now the filming's finished, First Take is looking for people to help Big Society The Musical get into cinemas around the country by donating via the fund-raising site, Sponsume. They need £12,000 to complete the editing and put it on at festivals and cinemas.
Big Society The Musical
By donating as little as £3, supporters will receive perks including VIP premiere tickets.
The Cabinet is unlikely to come out of this looking good so perhaps it's not surprising there is no Government money behind Big Society The Musical and that it will be made with the community's help. Which is kind of what the Big Society is all about.
Hmm.. but, anyway, at least that means it can't fall victim to the austerity measures. So we can all look forward to Big Society The Musical – the uncut version.
To donate, go here.
