Local film maker wants your help

A local film maker has entered a short film competition with a huge prize pot and is looking for people to vote for his entry.

Mick Ellison, who lives in Bracklyn, wrote, directed and produced Wingman, a three minute short film that was shot on location in Columbia Cafe and Bar in Mullingar and outside the Arts Centre and Court House in the town.

As the name suggests, Wingman tells the story of how one man looking for love (however, short term) tries to get his exceptionally young friend to make him more attractive to the opposite sex. Things do not quite go to plan and his youthful 'wingman' is more of a hindrance than a help.

The comedy, which is based on a true story, has a cast of nine (only two of whom Shane Skerry and Sam Ellison have had any previous experience) and a three man crew. The project was self funded and was filmed over two days.

Mick has entered Wingman into the prestigious My Rode Reel Film, which has a massive prize pot of $1m.

The only way he and his team might get a share of the prize pot is if enough people vote for the film.

“With a bit of luck and possibly a small miracle we might be able to bring some of the million dollar prizes back to Westmeath, voting closes on September 5 and we are already in the top 30 percent of over 1,600 entries.”

You can watch Wingman below. To vote for Wingman and to give Mick and his team a chance to win, go to www.rode.com/myrodereel and vote.