Development - ENGLISH - Children's, Family, Western - 90 minutes
A contemporary 'Western' for kids. Three youngsters set off into the wild to seek a missing grandparent - and perhaps their own fading childhood days. On their heels, a posse of parents.
Year of production : 2018 Director(s) : Tim CLAGUE, Danny STACK
A coming-of-age story - "Western" styleBILLY (11) and his family go to the same campsite every summer, meeting up with a near-mute girl CLEM (8). But Billy is unhappy with his life and wants to run away from the pressures of growing up. And Clem’s granddad has become neglectful of her since Grandma moved out. Then, arriving on the last train, comes a stranger - a KID (14) with no name - a runaway teen from America with lots of answers. The three decide to escape into the wild together and find Clem's grandma.The parents set out as a ‘posse’ to follow them, led by the campsite owner – a tough local. This creates a “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” set up, with lots of adventure – and meeting dangerous characters like the local poachers, who want to claim the reward. Clem finds an old faded map. In the middle is “Paradise”, where Clem’s grandma said she was going. Billy now understands the truth, but plays along. The Kid congratulates Billy on being a real adult now – adults lie to kids.That night the sound of the wild ponies in the darkness freaks The Kid out. He isn’t really from America. He just likes Westerns and used them to learn English. He is from Albania, here illegally, looking to make a change to his life. He knows there is no ‘paradise’. This was meant to be it. He abandons them.They finally make it to “Paradise”, which is in fact an abandoned holiday park. What was once fun, has become sad – both the location, and our heroes. The poachers surround them. But then, the kid with no name appears. He realises he can’t run from every responsibility in life and must make a stand. He holds off the poachers long enough for the parents to arrive.Clem and Billy learn that maybe it is time to grow up – while the parents have learned not to pressure their children too much. And granddad learns he can trust Clem with the truth. The kid with no name is invited to go with them, but instead walks off into the sunset. KEY POINTS* Uses our local location for epic setting* “Coming of Age’ story mixed with comedy and adventure* Exciting action set pieces* Supported by official New Forest location / filming team* Fun adult roles to attract good names
Country(ies) : UNITED KINGDOM