A new feature film company is planning to make its first movie about a child with autism. And it is planning to give a big chunk of the profits to support charities and autism families.
The company, Imaginarium, is the brainchild of Mark Partridge, a Cambridge graduate and award-winning drama filmmaker.
He plans to divert 30 per cent of the company’s profits to a charitable bursary fund.
‘Inspiring’
The company’s first film will be The Ballad of Blake Malone. Partridge described it as “a truly inspiring triumph-over-adversity film”.
It focuses on an orphaned, 11-year-old boy with autism. The story follows the boy’s search for his late parents in an alternative magical reality as he overcomes his grief.
The inspiration was a young boy with autism who Partridge knew and the way he came to terms with the death of a grandparent.
Partridge said: “I wrote the script to deftly integrate serious themes like bereavement into the realm of fantasy and show how it is possible to overcome the loss of a loved one through imagination. I want this film to feel uplifting.”
Scenes of great joy and beauty
He added: “Within the film there will be scenes of great joy and beauty, as when Blake is supported on the wings of flying birds as he crosses a chasm.” In another scene, “Blake finds comfort walking among the stars” while he is having a conversation with his older sister, Regan.
Partridge said of his plan to give away 30 per cent of the film’s profits to charities and families affected by autism: “When films are successful they can make vast profits, so why couldn’t some money be used to support the needs of others?”
The film will have a modest £1.3 million budget. Partridge aims to raise this from a wide network of people. He is seeking supporters who are concerned with social responsibility and are passionate about supporting those affected by autism.
Film investment offers
A range of investment offers are available. These range from £10 for a copy of the film, to share investments with financial incentives and government tax breaks.
Partridge has already raised more than £330,000 of the film’s budget.
The film industry is also supporting his philanthropic enterprise. Key companies are giving time and equipment to the sum of £250,000. This includes a sound studio to shoot the interiors.
Through the success of The Ballad of Blake Malone and the media campaign attached to the project, Partridge hopes to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by families and children living with autism. He hopes by doing so to help some of these children have a better start in life.
To find out more about The Ballad of Blake Malone and hear Partridge talking about the project, visit Imaginarium’s website by clicking here.
