It has been announced that Michael Sheen will narrate The Truthful Phone, a short film based on Terry Jones’ story of the same name to be directed by fellow Welshman Carl Rock. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to fund the project.
Carl Rock optioned this story three years ago and has been developing the script since. The rights to make this film have been granted by Terry Jones himself. The magic of Labyrinth meets the sumptuous fantasy of Guillermo Del Torro in this dark comedy about nasty old Mae Morris, who unleashes a gypsy curse that exposes her secrets to the very townsfolk she lives to torment. The Truthful Phone is a feelgood, fast paced, high-concept comedy with Jim Henson-esque creatures causing havoc in a craggy, remote village.
On launching the campaign Terry Jones said: “I’m delighted that The Truthful Phone is being given the opportunity to be made into a film short, particularly as director Carl Rock, who comes from the same part of Wales as I do, will be setting the story in Colwyn Bay. The Welsh landscape is a perfect setting for this tale, and I hope the Kickstarter campaign reaches its target so that a wider audience can enjoy this dark fantasy comedy".
Carl Rock said: “The Truthful Phone is an homage to all the great eighties films that I loved growing up. Labyrinth, Goonies and Gremlins. A dark fantasy comedy set in Wales, it takes inspiration from mythic Welsh folklore and the tradition of surreal British comedy, mixing it up with creatures made and animated by one of the best puppeteers in the world, Andy Heath, who has worked on Star Wars and The Muppets. Visit our Kickstarter page to find out more, and help us get this funny and unique film made and on the big screen.”
Rewards for Kickstarter donations range from complimentary digital downloads, personalised video messages from the creature, t-shirts, posters, set visits, invitations to cast & crew screenings, actually being a puppeteer on set, to the very rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind actual puppet, created by Star Wars puppeteer, Andy Heath!
The Kickstarter campaign is aiming to raise £25,000. See the page here.
