DOAF is born
Here I will be keeping the world updated with the ongoings of Ex Cathedra and Petela Wright Films. To start I've copied the text from the Official Ex Cathedra Website below.
Ex Cathedra was shot on location in the North of England with York as the main base of production. Principal photography was completed on August 24th 2007 and the film is expected to reach Film Festivals this year.
When taking on the project, PetelaWright Ltd, formerlyFirefly Independent Films Ltd., set about to create an exciting new venture that would successfully showcase the astounding array of talent in the North of England. What emerged was Project Ex Cathedra: a dark feature film drawing on inspirations from Pulp fiction to Donnie Darko, with an international cast and crew and an unprecedented level of dedication and talent from a first time outfit. The film’s producer, Vicky Petela, is only 21, whilst her writer and director, Liam Andrew Wright is just 22. Yet, in their short career they have worked on over 50 Short Films/Music Videos and 2 Feature Films, many of which as team with PetelaWright. Rarely do producer and director collaborate as closely or well as in PetelaWright and the riches are available for all to see.
Ex Cathedra is the original tale of three lost souls, Alexis, Kevin and Corban; three characters existing in a world governed by ‘Exente’- a powerful yet socially acceptable drug- all fighting for emancipation. Kevin’s mundane world is falling apart and is lured into the double-dealing underground world of the Exente trade where his life takes a turn down a new path, destined to change him forever. Alexis, however, has succumbed to the all-consuming world of Exente. She meets Kevin as he continues on his journey far from his comfort zone. Could Kevin be the only chance Alexis has to escape this bleak existence? Corban owns the local pub and learns more about each individual who passes through then they realise. His tactless demeanour shouldn’t earn him any friends; however he finds himself strangely respected by those around him for his oddly acute knowledge of the world. What happens when these worlds collide has consequences both perilous and liberating. Powerless to stop it, these three characters can only struggle through in hope of salvation and eventual redemption. The film is told in two parts with the true power and mystery of Corban’s existence not revealed until the second half of the film. The twists and turns of Ex Cathedra should leave you weathered from the emotional storm it imposes upon its heroes.
The project started whilst its creators Liam Andrew Wright and Dan Castles were still at university. An idea was formed out of stubbornness and determination and Ex Cathedra was born. During his third year of an English and Philosophy degree Liam sought a way to create a project beyond the scope of anything his peers had imagined. He brought in Vicky Petela as Producer along with a supporting co-production team of Katy Roberts, Corrine Millson-Crane and Dan Castles. He also enlisted the services of Mike Ritchie, a talented and acclaimed Cinematographer/Director, as his Director of Photography. From there the team went about casting, recruiting crew, location scouting and fund raising, all whilst Liam was also drafting the most ambitious script of his life.
With finance secured and a professional crew ready and willing to work for free for two months on the strengths of the script alone, Firefly made the final decisions on casting the lead roles. Playing Corban is newcomer Richard John Rooney Massara. Having worked with Rich briefly on another independent film, Human Residue, Liam saw the potential in him to bring his eccentric anti-hero protagonist to life. Alongside him is Rebecca Herod (Hellbride, Underground) as Alexis, the beautiful but broken girl-next-door. Our last lead role is taken by Garth Maunders, ex-professional go-Karter, now a trained, professional actor who puts his all into everything that he does and this is reflected in his emotional performance here. In supporting roles are Issac Harper, new graduate of CSSD whose physical presence is assured as Duke, the drug dealer; Paul Bamgbose, a Nigerian actor whose passion for the project borders on religious as Duke’s partner, Gemini; and introducing Glen Cardno, industry pro and legend in the field of producing and editing, Glen makes his first foray into the acting circle with a memorable performance as Dr. John Mackenzie.
Ex Cathedra was shot in High Definition on the JVCpro series of cameras using an SGpro 35mm adapter to create the sharp, visuals that define the film and put it on par with the most expensive professional projects. Alongside the superior image quality of Ex Cathedra, the quality of performance from all of the actors involved must be noted. For a feature where each contributor was nothing more than an expenses paid volunteer, the standard of acting is unparalleled. The only motivation for all involved was to make something of which the British Independent Film community could be proud.
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