Chris Michael Fretwell is a local filmmaker living in Brixton and currently developing a number of feature film projects in the capital. Arts contributor Lucy Binnersley interviewed him for the blog.
Chris Fretwell wrote and directed the short film The Pugilist’s Son, starring BIFA-nominated Gary Stretch, (Dead Man’s Shoes) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty). The film was supported by Hollywood Producer Mark Stewart (Escape Plan) and has now been sold to multiple distributors and is currently being dubbed into five languages and moving around the worldwide festival circuit.
Now setting his sights on “the big one”, Chris is the writer and director of The Trade, an explosive crime film set in South London. With a great script and a few famous actors already attached (Gary Stretch, Lee Whitlock), it’s set to be an exciting time for this local filmmaker with high aspirations to redefine this area of the film market.
There is not a strong tradition of high production filmmaking in Brixton. As Chris confirms, “there are a couple of production companies [in Brixton] but most film companies gravitate to the centre of London. That’s where all the networking is as well as the largest production companies. The writing and filming is mostly straightforward, but finding the money is notoriously hard for short films.”
“I remember getting up in the ring in a Brixton boxing gym to make a plea for money. It worked and we got a Hollywood Investor called Mark Stewart who is producing films with the likes of Bruce Willis, Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.” It is crucial that investment and funds are found to support and develop these projects, as they are able to add so much to the creative community of Brixton.
Living in Brixton has been inspirational to the creation and development of Chris’ works. As a writer, he is always feeding off characters and places: “A town like Brixton in its’ diversity throws up so many curve balls that it’s hard not to get inspired.”
In response, Chris is providing something back to the community. By attracting actors such as Gary Stretch and Lee Whitlock to be a part of his film projects, Chris is undoubtedly reaching out to a potentially lucrative market and adding to the commercial appeal of an area such as Brixton.
Recalling working with BIFA-nominated actor Gary Stretch, Chris says that this was “was a roller coaster ride, we didn’t expect to get him but when we did we were all excited. He just slotted into the team alongside legend Paul Barber. It was such a buzz working with them and Gary is signed on for The Trade as well. We always did wonder if he would ever come to our little set hundreds of miles from his home in LA and he did and he’s done a great job!”
Chris is dedicated to the important craft of the writing process. For him, “the script is king” of the independent film. If this is the case, then Brixton is a colourful and lively kingdom indeed.
For more information on Chris’ latest project, The Trade, head to www.thetrademoviesite.com.
