From Hollywood to Holsworthy: star lured for crime film

Killing Lionel is the first of two feature films written by Tim Thorne, of North Devon’s Holsworthy. Not only has the film drawn on the talents for residents and local businesses, but it’s also lured a Hollywood star back into film.

George Mikell (of The Great Escape, The Guns of Navarone and the Escape to Victory, to name but three) has joined actor Martin Ross (who also features in Justin Carter’s Torn: A Shock Youmentary), Devon actor/director Phil Baker and writer/director Tim on the gangster flick. Also Tom Turner of Paramore Productions has offered the film his services as Director of Photography.

Killing Lionel follows the mis-adventure of a bunch of ne’erdowells. Here’s some bulb:

After double crossing local gangster Jack Crooks, abusive husband Lionel knows that the net is closing in on him. His long suffering wife Peaches also has her mind set on his demise and with the help of her friend, and a certain Dr Oldcorn, she sets the wheels in motion for his eradication. But Lionel isn’t going to hang about to see who gets him first and quickly plans his escape -but will he get away in time?

Tim told the North Devon Journal: “Holsworthy is where I began my journey as a filmmaker.

‘I have shot several short projects in and around Holsworthy with friends and local businesses.

‘It’s where my good friend Pete Carroll and I formed our film production company Sunsetrider Productions.

“Our big name George Mikell is a close friend of Martin, our producer.

‘With a little bit of persuasion, we managed to get him to commit to the project which really is amazing. We’re all really excited about the prospect of working with him.’

‘Our aim is to utilise as much local talent as possible. We have teamed up with producer Martin Ross, also local to Devon.

‘He soon started recommending people he had worked with in and around Devon before. One of these people was Tom Turner of Paramore Productions and after seeing Tom’s work I was more than happy to welcome Tom on board as our cameraman.’