Talented filmmaker set for big screen premiere

The unveiling of Nick Connor Oldham's "Northern Lights" will be in the spectacular new Odeon at a glittering Old Town Hall reception on Sunday. Actress Katie Quinn, Nick Connor and actor Rhys Cadman on location in Royton

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AN AMBITIOUS young filmmaker has achieved a director's dream of a grand red carpet premiere in his hometown.

The unveiling of Nick Connor Oldham's "Northern Lights" will be in the spectacular new Odeon at a glittering old town hall reception on Sunday.

At just 17, Nick, from Royton, is among a team of talented young people who met at the BFI (British Film Institute) Academy at HOME MCR. They already have an award-winning film, "Think of Me", under their belt.

Nick was inspired by the work of Mossley artist Chris Cyprus who has produced a series of paintings ­- also called Northern Lights ­- heralding the end of the sodium street lighting era as the region switches to energy efficient white LED.

Believed to be the last film made under the orange glow of sodium lights, filming took place near Nick's home and stars Oldhamer Rhys Cadman ­- a former school pal who has appeared in "Coronation Street" and "Shameless" ­- Katie Quinn and Gemma Paige North, who appeared in BBC1's "The A Word".

Described as a coming-of-age drama, "Northern Lights" is about teenage anxiety and life's changes set against the backdrop of sodium lighting. Quinn plays Emma, a teenage girl with an anxiety disorder, who tries to succeed in her exams and live up to her late mother's expectations. Alongside her caring best friend, Rob (Cadman) and loud-mouthed little sister, Mia (Megan Grady) Emma must do her best to hold it together for everyone around her.

It's had some rave reviews from critics such as UK Film Review and Nick is hoping his fellow Oldhamers will support him and come along to the premiere.

"I am very, very proud to have the premiere here," said Nick.

"There aren't many films made here these days so this is very special for me.

"The Odeon have been fantastic and from doing a test screening the other day in Screen 4, I can't wait to see everyone else's reactions to seeing it on the big screen. It's an honour to have my film which is set in Oldham premiered in the place it was shot and were I've lived all my life.

"It will be a great opportunity to network for fellow Oldham filmmakers as it will be attended by lots of industry professionals and people like myself who love to work with other local filmmakers."

Chris Cyprus as well as the actors and a host of regional industry professionals will be attending the premiere which starts at 6pm followed by the Q and A session led by performance coach Karl Morris.

The 55-minute 12A film will then head off on the festival circuit before possibly going on public release.

Prolific Nick is already working on his next project which is set to star young actor Max Vento ­- who shone in the role of autistic Joe in "The A Word".

Tickets are £10 and available from http://tinyurl.com/nbkwp75.