About me

STUART WHEELDON PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/WRITER

Stuart's career in film has seen him contribute to a range of projects over the past 20 years, working as a writer/director of a portfolio of award winning short films, these include In Limbo and The Telephone. This experience has instilled in him a strong understanding of collaborative filmmaking and the power of local stories. His previous work, such as The Telephone and The Collector having both been filmed in Wirksworth, reflects his commitment to authentic and engaging narratives. "The Wirksworth Incident," a Mockumentary UFO story, is a testament to Stuart's vision and his desire to bring compelling stories from this region to a wider audience. Trust Stuart to lead this project with passion, integrity, and a proven ability to connect with both the story and the community it represents.

About this project

Project Description: The Wirksworth Incident

"The Wirksworth Incident" is a UFO Documentary set against the distinctive and evocative backdrop of Wirksworth, Derbyshire. The film delves into the story of Arthur Peterson who in his mid twenties witnessed a UFO in Wirksworth, Arthur now in his early seventies had banished the event from his mind up until a spate of recent UFO sightings over the town. On the back of the renewed interest in UAP phenomena and new recurring nightmares that Arthur has started to suffer with, the decision to revisit the town is made in the hope that it will bring closure to the events of 50 years ago.

At its heart, "The Wirksworth Incident" aims to explore themes of belief and credulity, the desire to believe and the possibility of the unknown. We intend to craft a film that is not only engaging and entertaining but also resonates with audiences on a deeper level, prompting reflection on remembering the past and questioning our own subjectivity of experience.

The visual style of the film will be, grounded and naturalistic, stylised and atmospheric, using the unique landscapes of Wirksworth to create a sense of place. We plan to utilise the inherent beauty and character of Wirksworth itself, making it almost a character in the film.

What We Hope to Achieve:

Our primary goal with "The Wirksworth Incident" is to create a compelling and high-quality short film that can:

Engage and entertain audiences: We want to tell a captivating story that will leave a lasting impression.

Showcase the unique character of Wirksworth: We aim to capture the essence of this distinctive location and share its atmosphere with a wider audience.

Serve as a calling card for future projects: This film will be a testament to our filmmaking abilities and a stepping stone towards larger and more ambitious ventures.

Potentially be submitted to film festivals: We aspire to share "The Wirksworth Incident" with a broader audience through festival screenings, gaining valuable feedback and recognition.

Provide valuable experience for all involved: This project is an opportunity for both emerging and potentially local talent to collaborate and hone their skills.

Our Funding Goal: £300 for Essential Expenses

We are seeking a modest but crucial £300 to cover the essential expenses required to bring "The Wirksworth Incident" to life. This funding will be directly allocated to:

Supporting our talented actors: Ensuring they are compensated fairly for their time and dedication to bringing our characters to life. This will likely cover travel expenses and a small honorarium.

Essential filmmaking process costs: This includes vital elements such as:

Location costs (if any): Covering small fees for access to specific locations within Wirksworth, if required.

Props and minor set dressing: Ensuring the visual authenticity of the film.

Travel expenses for key crew members: Facilitating smooth logistics during filming.

Catering for cast and crew on filming days: Keeping everyone fed and energized during long shoots.

Your Contribution Matters:

We understand that times are hard for many, and every penny donated to our crowdfunding campaign for "The Wirksworth Incident" will be treated with the utmost respect and used judiciously. We are committed to ensuring that every contribution, no matter how small, will directly contribute to elevating the quality of the film. Your generosity will enable us to secure the necessary resources to achieve the highest possible standards in storytelling, performance, and production value. By supporting us, you are not just donating; you are becoming a vital part of bringing this unique vision to the screen. Thank you for considering being a part of "The Wirksworth Incident."

Rewards on offer

£5 - "Thank You From Wirksworth":

A personalised thank you message from Stuart Wheeldon and potentially some of the cast/crew, a social media shoutout.

£10 - "Behind the Scenes Snippet":

All previous rewards, plus exclusive access to a short behind-the-scenes video clip or photo from the set of "The Wirksworth Incident."

£20 - "Special Thanks Credit":

All previous rewards, plus your name listed in a "Special Thanks To" section of the film's end credits.

£30 - "Early Bird Screening Link":

All previous rewards, plus a private link to watch the finished film online before its public release or festival premieres.

£50 - "Associate Producer Shoutout":

All previous rewards, plus a special "Associate Producer" thank you shoutout on the film's social media channels.

The team

Nigel Barber - In the Role of Arthur

Nigel was born in a British military hospital in Hamburg Germany to an Irish mother and Dutch father, immigrating to Canada and then settling in Southern California. At the age of 14, he picked up his first acting role in Friedrich Durrenmatt's 'The Physicist' at the La Jolla Playhouse. After serving in the American military he attended MaGill University in Montreal, later returning to Los Angeles to continue with his acting career. For more than 50 years, Nigel has gained the reputation of a respected and uncompromising actor and voiceover artist. Working internationally on stage, in film, television and radio, he has worked with some of our industry's most gifted contributors including Sam Mendes, Christopher McQuarrie, Robert Mullan, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Billy Zane, Joel Kinnaman, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jane Seymour, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sheridan Smith and David Tennant. Nigel lives in England.

Further Roles to be added once confirmed