Film / bristol film
Bristol filmmakers launch innovative crowdfunder for new series
In the heart of Bristol, amid the vibrant streets and the bustling neighbourhoods, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape.
Led by passionate writers and producers, George Harold Millman and Owen B Lewis, a new television series is on the horizon, poised to make us rethink the way we consume media and tell stories of resilience, hope and change.
Produced against the backdrop of post-Covid lockdown, Square dives deep into the lives of individuals in Bristol dedicated to making a difference in their city.
is needed now More than ever
Each episode promises to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes working tirelessly to create a better future for all.
What sets this project apart is not just its subject matter, but its unique approach to funding and distribution.
Recognising the power of community support, the creators have chosen to bypass traditional television networks and instead turn to the people of Bristol themselves.
“We wanted to do something truly grassroots, something that reflects the spirit of our city”, says George, one of the project’s lead organisers.
“By putting the pilot online for everyone to see, we’re inviting the public to see the quality of this work and be a part of the journey from the beginning.”
So far, the response has been nothing short of success, with Doctor Who writer, Keith Temple, describing Square as a brilliant piece of writing.
Through a crowdfunding campaign, the team has already raised £8,000 towards the production of the pilot, a testament to the enthusiasm and support of Bristolians eager to see their stories told on screen.
This notion reestablishes the belief of George and Owen that there’s a real hunger for authentic, locally-driven content that speaks to the community’s shared experiences and aspirations.
The road to bringing their vision to life has not been without its challenges. From navigating the intricacies of production logistics to overcoming scepticism from industry gatekeepers, the team has faced numerous hurdles along the way.
“Trying to be taken seriously as independent filmmakers, especially in a landscape dominated by big studios and established networks, has been really tough,” admits George.
“But we’re determined to prove that stories from the grassroots are not only worthy of attention but essential in shaping our collective understanding of the world.”
As the project moves forward, the team is gearing up to put their pilot episode in the public domain.
Banking on the success of the pilot, the team is preparing to take pre-orders for the rest of the series, hopefully attracting further support from the community.
With each step, they remain steadfast in their commitment to amplifying the voices of Bristol’s community and inspiring positive change.
To find out more about the project visit www.go2owenandgeorge.com.
Main photo: Owen B Lewis
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