In Family Portrait, short thriller film directed by Jack De La Mare, Michael is determined to reconnect with his wife and daughter over a family dinner but his chilling past may hinder the once ‘loving family’.
Family Portrait began production in late 2013, with a concept by Jack De La Mare and the screenplay written by collaborator Andrew Gaudion. After working with Julian Unthank and Andrew Smith on the script, it was completed in January, with the film preparing to shoot on the week of the 24th February.
Jack spent the following two months preparing the film, working on the script breakdown, storyboards, shot lists and of course, casting the lead roles. Casting took place in London with the eventual roles going to Robert Benedetti-Hall, Emily Swain and Guernsey actress Katie Flynn.
Finding the house location was incredibly important, with the house having to be a character in itself. After looking on various estate agents websites and visiting every estate agent in Salisbury, the team found a house called Fisherton Delamere – which screamed fate. The house was perfect, and we secured filming rights.
Filming lasted for three days and ran ahead of schedule, meaning the cast and crew wrapped early.
After ensuring the rushes were backed up multiple times, the film progressed to the editing stage. A previous collaborator Mitchell Gibbs was then able to begin bringing his musical ideas to life with the film.
Family Portrait premiered at the Graduate Screening in Salisbury on 10th June 2014 and was later nominated for two awards at the Portsmouth International Film Festival – Best Score and Best Lead Actor. The film was screened there on 9th July 2014.
The cast members include:
- Starring: Robert Benedetti-Hall, Emily Swain & Katie Flynn
- Produced & Directed by: Jack De La Mare
- Written by: Andrew Gaudion & Jack De La Mare
- Cinematographer & Cam Op: Richard Emerson
- Music by: Mitchell Gibbs
- Art Director: Josh Fletcher
- Boom Op/Sound: Laura Stoneman
- Make-up Artist: Sara Bryant
- Colourist: Michael McCauley
- Gaffer: Jeffrey Celis & Alex Rigert-Harnden
*****
If you’ve enjoyed watching Family Portrait, you can find the complete archive of crime, mystery, horror and thriller short films on Mystery Tribune here.
