Local film makes star of Bushman

Chris Lumb filming in a snowy Roundhay Park, January 2009

There's a screening of a film with a difference at Leeds' Hyde Park cinema.

The feature-length Tuck Bushman and the Legend of Piddledown Dale has been made by five friends from Leeds for a miniscule, and distinctly un-Hollywood, budget of £625.

The film has scenes shot in Leeds Town Hall, outside Yeadon Town Hall and other venues in Leeds and Yorkshire.

The eight months of filming started in January 2009 after work on the script began the previous summer.

The completed 90-minute film was shown at Hyde Park Picture House on Saturday 28 November 2009, with profits from the event going to St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds.

(L to R) Matthew Jackson, Natalie Smeaton and Chris Lumb shooting in Woodlesford

Matthew Jackson, from Crossgates, told BBC Leeds about the self-funded epic.

"The film follows a wildlife tracker who is down on his luck, when a corrupt mayor creates a fake monster to generate interest in Piddledown Dale the fun begins."

With exterior shots of Yeadon Town Hall doubling for Piddledown, various local venues crop up throughout the saga.

Matthew, who has a drama degree, helps to run a comedy night at the Packhorse pub. Any profits from that night are ploughed back into the comedy event and have also helped to underwrite the film. He has appeared, albeit briefly, in a few TV parts including a small speaking part in the BBC One daytime soap Doctors.

All five of the film-making friends, Matthew, Chris Lumb, Matthew Hick, Natalie Smeaton and Robert Girdler, star in the film and 'double-up' (with the aid of fake beards and disguises) to play a host of characters.

Mathew confirms that "It's been lots of fun and we are certain to make another film... after a break to get our breath."

The seriously made, but pastiche, film follows other short films that the group have made. Great care has been taking in the editing process and a score has been added to what is clearly a labour of love.

Fliming a stunt near Temple Newsam, hence the stunt-double doll. Matthew Jackson (L) and Chris Lumb

It is intended that the film will now be entered into film festivals around the country. An 'out-takes' reel has even been put together to highlight some of the mishaps during production.

And remember, current international blockbuster horror flick, Paranormal Activity was originally shot on a budget of £6,500. So, perhaps there is hope for Bushman and his friends.