AN Enniskillen man is hoping his short police drama can capture the attention of a film festival audience once the editing and voice over process has been completed.
David McCann’s e-book, ‘The Green Fella’ was published a couple of years ago.
Based in the 1920’s during turbulent times for policing, it tells the story of Sergeant Patrick Joseph Collins of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), a native of Cork, who is in charge of a small isolated barracks in Sixmilecross.
Having accomplished his initial goal of publishing the fictional story, David, a porter at South West Acute Hospital, set his sights on bringing the book to life through film.
“I had been in contact with production companies but it didn’t come to anything,” he explained, “So I thought I would take matters into my own hands and that maybe I could do it myself.
“I wanted to film it particularly because the 100th anniversary of the disbandment of the RIC is coming up in 2022 and I thought I would be competent enough to do it myself.”
Members of Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society (EADS) came forward to take on the roles of the RIC officers. David also managed to get his hands on authentic police uniforms so that actors would look the part.
All that was left to do was decide on a location for filming.
“I needed somewhere that was really rural and unspoiled by a modern landscape,” said David, “It was hard to come by to be honest, but I thought Carnmore Viewpoint was beautiful.
“We filmed up there for most of the day two Sundays ago. We had to be careful not to get the windmills in the background of the shot. But I think the camera man, Wayne Moohan, did a great job.
“I’m really pleased with the way it has turned out so far. We are now in the editing and voice over stage.”
Once the film is complete David plans to take it to a film festival.
“I think it is as good as any of the other work and projects you would see at a film festival so I’m going to give it a go,” he said determinedly.