Motion picture made by Chorley filmmaker to be screened in New York City

A budding Chorley-based filmmaker is to have his movie screened at the centre of the world's entertainment industry '“ Times Square in New York City.

Shaun Cooper, a former pupil of Parklands High School, co-wrote and filmed Corruption II, which is to be shown in Midtown Manhattan as part of the Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival.

The self-funded thriller was shot at locations within Euxton, Chorley and across Greater Manchester.

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Shaun’s family home in Euxton was among the locations used and those with eagle eyes might even be able to spot Chorley’s police station and recognise various country lanes in the film as well.

He co-produced the film with fellow University of Salford graduate Chris Gainsbury.

Corruption II tells the story of an ex-intelligence agent, who is forced back into his former lifestyle of violence, when a criminal mastermind sends a vicious gang on the hunt for revenge. Finding himself at risk of losing all that he holds dear, Michael, who is played by Michael Knight, must call upon his old skills to restore normality to the new life he has strived to build.

The film is a sequel to the students’ final year project Corruption I, which they produced as part of their Professional Sound and Video Technology BSc (Hons) degree.

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They used of some of the facilities at the University of Salford when producing the film, including holding casting auditions and a film premiere at the MediaCityUK campus.

Shaun, who was the assistant director and lead camera operator, said: “When we got the email to say that our film had made it into the festival in New York we were amazed.

“It really is a massive thing for us. To see my camera work screened in another continent will be another great achievement for me, in addition to completing the film itself.

“We spent the best part of three years producing this film and there was no way back when we started we thought it would be screened in New York.

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“I’ve found it to be great life experience producing the film.

“Although at times it has been stressful, it is great to put into practice everything I’ve learnt on my degree.”

The talented duo submitted their 83-minute film to the Blood, Sweat and Bones or no budget feature film category at the festival, which is being held on Saturday, November 12.

Chris, director and production manager, said he was really looking forward to seeing the film screened at the festival.

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“This will be my first trip to America, so to go there and see a film I’ve produced screened in Times Square, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

The film is due to go on official release in December.

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