Action Image Productions Are Definitely The 'Real Thing'

Action Image Productions, based at Cheltenham Film Studios, are proud to announce that they have commenced post-production on 'Everything', a new feature-length music documentary for theatrical release and worldwide TV distribution.

The movie documents the colourful history of Britain's longest-established soul/funk band, The Real Thing. The group was established in Liverpool in 1972 and 45 years later they are still playing packed theatres and festivals around the world. The Real Thing worked alongside The Beatles, won TV talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' and their 1976 track 'You To Me Are Everything' was the first record by an all-black British group to hit the #1 spot. Other hits by the band include 'Can't Get By Without You', 'Love's Such A Wonderful Thing', and the all-time classic disco stomper, 'Can You Feel the Force'. The Real Thing have persevered over immense prejudice and personal tragedy during their career (founder member Ray Lake committed suicide) and remain one of Britain's most enduring live acts.

The new film has been part-funded by Baker Street Productions, headed by Keith Evans, the executive producer on a number of hugely successful British movies including 'Saving Grace', 'Ladies in Lavender', 'My Summer of Love', 'Bloody Sunday', 'Green Street' and 'Respectable'. Keith has also recently been involved in the highly acclaimed 'Manolo – The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards', a new documentary about legendary designer Manolo Blahnik, released in the UK and US in September.

'Everything' will be the second full-length documentary by filmmaker Simon Sheridan, whose first movie 'Respectable' followed the tragic story of 1970s glamour star Mary Millington. It was released to cinemas in London's West End last year. Additionally, 'Respectable' is currently available to watch on Netflix in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. For Simon the opportunity to return to the rich canvas of the 1970s for a new documentary was too hard to resist.

"The Real Thing are pioneers of black British music," he says, "and their story is so fascinating that it's remarkable why nobody has ever told it before. I'm exceedingly proud to bring it to the big screen."

'Everything' has been shot on location in Liverpool, London, Brighton and Bristol, and features The Real Thing talking candidly about their career, plus shows them in concert at London's famous Jazz Café. Well-known friends and fans of the band also contribute to the film, including Trevor Nelson MBE, Billy Ocean, Kim Wilde and Paul Barber, amongst many others.

Simon Sheridan comments: "I first met Action Image Productions last year when they did some of the post-production on my previous film, 'Respectable'. I clicked immediately with Lee Stephens and his team and the set up at AIP is really impressive. Because I spend most of my time zipping between Gloucestershire, London and Pinewood, coming back to Cheltenham Film Studios for my new movie seemed the obvious choice."

The producer of 'Everything', Claire McGill adds: "For me personally the studio is right on my doorstep, so it couldn't be any more convenient. To have this comprehensive facility right here in Gloucestershire is wonderful."

Visit www.actionimageproductions.com and www.stageastudios.com.

This article also features in the November edition of Broadcast Film & Video.

(JP/LM)