I recently filmed and photographed a section of stage 2 of the Tour De France on Sunday 6th July 2014 as they crossed Woodhead Reservoir on the Woodhead Pass.

Below is Marcel Kittel in the Yellow Jersey and just in front of him is Tom Veeler.

Damage Limitation

Im just in the final process of getting ready to film Damage Limitation
by Alison Lang.
This is a political romance story about an MP called Sir John and his long term lover Emma, who now realises he has no intention of ever leaving his wife, add to this the new tyounger secretary Melanie and Emma realises Johns eyes are wandering again.

Ive got 3 brilliant actors to star in this film. Charlotte who played Louise in A State of Heart will be playing Emma along with Jeremy Ryecroft playingSir John who has acted as Charlotte's Husband before in a version of Romeo and Juliet, so the chemistry will be perfect and introducing Sarah Gilby who will play Melanie.

Im just trying ot pin down an office location - if anyone has such a place let me know.
Filming should begin in the next couple of months once all cast members are available on the same day. This is a short film and will take just a day to film the dialogue scenes.

moneysupermarket.com

Hi Mark Just to say a big thankyou for your work on MPower.
Always a pleasure working with you, not to mention you provide great results,
bit of a win win. Rachel (Moneysupermarket.com)

A State of Heart

This is my first film since 1991 and was filmed on a single camera in standadrd definition using multiple takes to create the various angles.

Editing was done using adode premiere version 6.5, which is about 15 years old as i wanted to show what can be done on old kit. The final film was then colour graded in after effects cs6 to give the film look.

https://shootingpeople.org/watch/114507/a-state-of-heart

A State of Heart - The Trailer

A State of Heart - The Trailer
http://youtu.be/vr-k_c2YQT8

The above is the link to the trailer of our new short film A State of Heart which was written by myself, Mark Eckersley and Paul Stoddard and produced with the help of Jenny Wyatt.

We started making the film almost a year ago and due to other projects its taken until now to almost have the film completed - the entire running time is just under 17 mins. The whole film was shot on a single camera using multiple takes in Standard Definition and then edited and colour graded in an old version of Premiere 6.5 and the visual effects applied in After Effects courtesy of Action Essentials from Video CoPilot - I wanted to show people what can be achieved without using the latest technology.

The total cost of making this film is around £100.00 but this doesnt take into account the time ive spent in Post Production and on set, it just covers food, fuel, tapes, etc.

The music is all copyright free from either AKM Music in the UK or Video Copilot in the US.

This is my first short film in over 17 years and the last time i made and edited a short film it was all manual editing and tape to tape - digital editing gives you the power of the big players.

For a short film we have crammed a lot of scenes and actors into the story, which is one of the reasons its took so long to create - 6 days of filming and over 2 full weeks of editing.

The cast is as follows:
Paul Stoddard
Charlotte Smith
Amy Berry
Sean Falvey
Joe Falvey
Nat Whiles
Jordan Stoddard
Ashley Pitt
Jenny Wyatt
Jeni O'Callaghan
Nick Webb
Cerys Eckersley
Mark Eckersley

A State of Heart - the Park Scene

A State of Heart - the Park Scene
Filmed in May 2012 - first day of shooting

Here is the link to the actual film clip showing the scene and below
there are some stills of the actual shoot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QDDKYHLRfM8

Charlotte & Amy being filmed - Sean on reflector

 This is part of a series of clips I'm putting on youtube of a forthcoming film I'm making called "A State of Heart".This scene is between Louise and Marie, played by Charlotte and Amy and was filmed in Jenny's (Producer) back garden with the illusion of the viewer thinking its in a park. I put an advert on casting call pro for the roles of Louise and Marie and as my budget was less than £100 i decided that the first people to enquire could have the roles - i didn't do a screen test, i just went off the profiles and liked what i saw.

The crew filming Amy & Charlotte for the park scene

 

The scene was shot in 3 takes - 1 wide - 1 Louise close - 1 Marie close and they were both faultless on all 3 takes - considering they had only acquired the script 4 days before filming it was amazing to watch such professionalism - if you've ever tried to act in front of a camera and read your lines in one go with no prompts, you will know what i mean. The short film is due for release around the end of March as its still in post production at present. This clips also needs some additional work on the sound but i just thought it would be nice to show two talented actresses.

Mark on camera and sound directing

Photography and Images provided by Jenny Wyatt

Day 5 Filming

We filmed this on the morning of September 29th 2012 and the opening scene is set in Eastern Europe. As this is a cash strapped production we arrived at Woodbank Park in Offerton nr Stockport and found a nice little quiet spot in order to shoot our footage - The wide shot which will eventually look like a war torn country was filmed from Werneth Low.

Werneth Low standing in for Eastern Europe Vista

Paul holding on to his weapon

Paul provided all the army gear, plus a plastic kids rifle that was sprayed matt black to look like the real thing - in the final film a few effects will be added to give the illusion.

Grant & Ash - "you look familiar mate"

In this scene i get to play 2 brothers Grant and Ash, the reason behind this was due to the fact we were let down by the actor who was originally to play Grant and we didn't have time to get a replacement. Hence i thought i would stand in and give it a go, after all how hard can it be.

This scene may not be used in the final film but we filmed it as a filler to pad out the storyline.



"Dug in like an alabama tick" - Sean as Mike Logan



Ash & Mike - "do our chins look big in this head gear"

 The reason our four army buddies are in the forest is to scout out a local building thought to contain a huge consignment of cash - Ash wants in so he can clear his debt and he has asked the help of Mac, Grant and Mike, but the plan goes pear shaped when they are compromised.




Ash gets down on one knee

"who left that banana skin" - Mark does a bit of stunt work

In the above shot -
bullet effects and blood splatter along with sound effects will be added digitally
to create the illusion of Ash being killed.



Sean thinks of his idol Jesse Ventura

 The opening sequence introduces the backgrounds of Mac, Mike, Grant and the sequence then follows into the main story of our thriller about the serial killer, who is loose in the Stockport Area. Ash is just used to add to the story and unfortunately he is taken out in the first 2 minutes.

Paul as Mac Stoddard - "which way is it"

All the images were taken from the actual film footage


A State of Heart - copyright 2012

Marlyn Pictures - A State of Heart - day 4 filming at Prestige Fitness in Manchester

Day 4 filming of A State of Heart

Me (Mark) on camera and also playing the role of Major Grant as the original actor
wasnt able to fill the role due to reasons unknown. Sean aka Mike Logan is on boom
in the background.

Jenny (Producer) showing Paul who plays Mac how it should be done

"and dont call me babe"

how do you switch it on

We spent about 4  hours filming the Karate Club Scene
at Prestige Fitness in Manchester

44 Portland Street
Manchester
M1 4GS

www.prestigefitness.co.uk

Jenny with a set of nunchaks

Short Synopsis of Scene
Mac arrives at the Karate Club to find Grant and Fletch arguing over a bracelet thats been found in the dojo - Grant who was also a Major alongside Mac in the marines is winding Fletch up, who claims the bracelet is his and that it must have fell from his bag and Grants found it, but Grant just says "Finders Keepers" in the end Mac asks Grant to give the bracelet back to Fletch of which he does saying he's juest messing with him and having a laugh. Grant leaves the dojo to go home and Mac explains to Fletch thats Grants a good man but he has just had too many knocks to the head in combat and he has seen a lot of action so its his way letting of steam by winging people up,Fletch responds with "if you say so"

Master Paul Stoddard as "Mac"

i will find you - Joe as " Fletch"

The Talented Mr Falvey

Photography by Jenny Wyatt & Mark Eckersley
A State of Heart

A draft copy of the poster for A State of Heart

design & photography by Mark Eckersley

A State Of Heart - A Marlyn Pictures Film

Day 3 - A State of Heart

The third day of filming commenced with the final scene and a few interim scenes being shot - this isnt the end of filming though as im working back to front.

Part of the Cast were shown some of the footage already edited to make sure i am on the right tracks and the feedback was great.

Jenny was superb yet again for letting us use her house for filming and being a superb host and cooking some cracking pizzas for dinner - one in a million.

Paul as Mac Stoddard, judge, jury and executioner for all the right reasons.

Mac's raced back home to save Louise, his wife from the Killer, Mike Logan,
a good friend of Mac's and detective investigating the case is also on route,
will they make it, time is running out for our hero's as the Killer stalks their prey.



Written & Produced by Mark Eckersley & Paul Stoddard.

A State of Heart 2012
Photography by Mark Eckersley

 A STATE OF HEART - THE FIGHT SCENE.

July 25th 2012 saw the second day
of filming for "a state of heart".

The shoot was the fight scene
where Mac (played by Paul Stoddard - left)
confronts two thugs on his way to save
Louise (his wife, played by Charlotte Smith).

MARK CHECKING THE KIT

PAUL LIMBERS UP - OUCH



JORDAN CHILLING OUT AS THE JOKER



VAN DAMME's GOT NOW'T ON PAUL



Paul (black belt) choreographed the fight scene
along with Nat (black belt) and Jordan who play
both thugs demanding that Mac give them his mobile phone.

Mac's patience is limited due to the stress of trying
to save his wife and so the two thugs get more
than they bargained for.

NAT USES THE RUBBER KNIFE AS PAUL TRIES TO GET UP

The fight scene took around 2 hours to film and lasts about 60 seconds in the final film.

Photography by: Mark Eckersley, Sean Falvey & Jennifer Wyatt

a short behind the scenes footage from one of our small cameras that shows
a wide shot with cast and crew once Mac has taken down the 2 thugs.

A State of Heart
started filming on May 12th this year.

Paul (Boom), Joe (Phone Box) and Mark on camera
filming just off Hillgate in Stockport


A short film based on the character Mac Stoddard, and ex soldier who has to track down and apprehend a local serial killer that is on the loose and has already attacked 5 women including his good friend Marie. Now the killer is going to target Mac's wife Louise, this time its personal.

Written by Mark Eckersley & Paul Stoddard

Produced by Mark Eckersley & Paul Stoddard

Edited & Directed by Mark Eckersley

Starring:

Paul Stoddard

Charlotte Smith

Amy Berry

Sean Falvey

Joe Falvey

Jenny Wyatt
Anthony Winstanley
Jordan Stoddard
Nat Whiles
Ashley Pitt
Cerys Eckersley

We have 3 more days of filming to go during July, August and September, then the long job of editing. Next year we hope to enter the film into a number of major film festivals.



Mark, Sean, Charlotte & Amy filming a park scene





Sean Falvey who plays Police officer Mike Logan holds the reflector to take the harsh sunlight of Charlotte & Amy.

Photography courtesy of
Jenny Wyatt




More news to follow

Recently filmed Austin & Helen's wedding day at a beautfiul church called St Mary's in Astbury nr Congleton, http://www.astburychurch.org.uk/

Typical British weather, rained all day but still managed to get some superb shots.
Now and Forever wedding cars provided the Beauford, http://www.nowandforever.uk.com/

The photographers were Dave and Di from Buxton, http://www.davidgoldingweddings.com/

The venue was the beautiful Hunting Lodge in the grounds of Adlington Hall, http://www.adlingtonhall.com/

On Piano was the superb Guy Porteous, http://www.guyporteous.co.uk/
I filmed Guy in action and his clips will be shown in a later blog.

Filmed Terry & Hayleys wedding on June 30th.
The weather was kind with a few scattered showers.
Service took place at Norbury Church in Hazel Grove followed by The Village in Cheadle, near Stockport. Horgans Cars provided the wedding car along with an independant company, didnt get their name supplying a big old red double decker London bus like the ones seen on programmes like "On the buses".

Dave Tipton of Silver Image Photography provided his usual superb talent as one of Cheshire's finest wedding photographers - http://www.silverimagephotography.co.uk/

SHORT FILMS

This past year ive been working on a few short film scripts of my own and callobarating with various writers from both the UK and Worldwide. My aim is to take these short scripts, then film, direct, edit and produce the story and put it on the screen. The films will then be entered into various film festivals and competitions around the world.

In the world of film now its not just the big companies that take charge, small independant film makers can also make their mark, a few films ive worked on recently were shot for a budget of less than a £1000.00.

The low budget can be achieved as I have my own kit and calloborate with the actors, writers and musicians to get the stories made and promote everyone's talents.

The main cost is time which i myself donate for free in order to get the films off teh ground and make a success. Any monies made from film competitions or festivals will be distributed amongst all involved.

If anyone has any short scripts or ideas they would like me to look at, please email me the details to
info@marlynpictures.co.uk

New Year

Another year over and i have filmed some superb weddings at Venues like Gossel Ridding in the Lakes, Thornton Manor on the Wirral, Easterbrook Hall in Scotland, Alma de Cuba in Liverpool, Mere Golf Club, The Renaissance and Radisson Hotels in Manchester, Hollins Hall in Bollington, Worsley Court House, The Belfry nr Handforth, Heaton House Farm, Rushton Spencer and Shrigley Hall.

Last year I also made my move back into commercial filming with a short film for EcAR - Every Child a Reader. I filmed some corporate venues at Victoria Baths in Manchester and The Monastery in Gorton.
Also filmed a short commercial advert for the "Spurovator" garden tool
Heres a few quotes from the couples whose weddings i filmed last year had to say:

Hi Mark
This is really the best money spent!! Thank you so much for all your hard work - we love it! Hope we are good enough to make it onto your website! I also hope we meet again in the future - it was so much fun i've recommended you to everyone i know.

King Regards Alexandra & Ashley

Dear Mark Just a note to say thanks very much for making such a great wedding DVD for us! Youve got some really good shots and the finished DVD with editing and music choices is brilliant. We both enjoyed meeting you and it was a pleasure to have you there on the day - exactly what we had hoped for - someone who managed to get all the shots we wanted, while still being fun and un-obtrusive.  Hannah & Tim

This year already i have received quite a few film scripts which i hope to adapt into short films and enter into the various film festivals around the globe.

Commercial & Event Filming

Marlyn Pictures offers the small to meduim sized business a cost effective way to deliver visual or printed media in the form of film production, web design, streaming media and graphic design.

If your business needs a new image, a commercial film, a complete image makeover or simply a web presence with style - we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Wedding Videography

Considering all the goods and services purchased for a wedding, no other is like a wedding film . It can recreate the life of the event allowing anyone to relive the day in sound and motion. The value is emotional, bringing back to life one of the most significant events in a couples life in a way a still image doesnt allow.

A wedding dvd (video) is the most far-reaching of all wedding related purchases and works alongside photography as one of the perfect commemoration mediums.