Alston provides a stunning backdrop to an emotional short film being made by a young Moor resident who has formed her own independent production company.
Charlotte Fenton, aged 23, is in the middle of filming Internal Abyss which deals with issues surrounding mental health and toxic relationships.
Not only has Charlotte written the story, she is also producing the film through her production company, Broken Illusion Pictures, and stars as Mia, an 18-year-old girl in an unhealthy relationship with her boyfriend, Aaron.
“It is extremely hard-hitting, but brings a message of hope — a reminder that removing oneself from uncomfortable, unhealthy and abusive relationships or situations is OK,” she told the Herald.
“Internal Abyss is written based on real events, the film is fiction, but has scenes rewritten from true experience, and aims to raise awareness to the loneliness teenagers can feel, the isolation that abusive relationships can bring and the strength it takes to move on and heal,” said Charlotte.
She said they had worked closely with Carlisle College, with its campus being used as a film location and students also getting screen time as extras, and, in once instance, as a cast member. Scenes were also shot all around Alston.
“We used local cottages, houses and farm land in the area,” said Charlotte.
In the final block of filming, which is due to take place over two days in February or the beginning of March, they will also be using a venue in Manchester for a gig scene.
“We have filmed for three days so far. That has all been in Cumbria, in Carlisle and Alston,” said Charlotte.
It is directed by filmmaker and actress Heléna Antonio and also stars Felix Edwards as Aaron.
Once the film has been completed, Charlotte said she would like to do a private screening in Cumbria which would provide an opportunity for people that were involved, and local aspiring actors and film-makers, to come and see it.
“I want it to be seen first up here and then we are going to distribute it out on the film festival circuit,” said Charlotte.
Previous films she has been involved with over the last 12 months have become BAFTA qualified and the aim is to also get the same qualifications for Internal Abyss.
“In the long run, we would like to get it on places like Amazon Prime. It going to be about 15 to 20 minutes long.
“I would like to give it month post filming, so I would like it to be finished and edited by the end of March, or then end of April at the very latest.
Charlotte is the daughter of Dorothy Fenton, of Alston. Her grandparents are Irene and David Herety, of Ousby.
After moving to Alston, she attended Samuel King’s School from age 11 to 16, before moving to Ullswater Community College, Penrith, to study her A-levels.
Having spent her teenage years learning what she could from Google about the acting industry and how on earth you became an actor, Charlotte said she was extremely lucky to spend six months on the set of ITV ‘s Beowulf, filming in Westgate, County Durham.
“This fuelled my passion for the arts even more. And choosing UCC was a massive step for me as it was known for its performing arts sector and opportunities. By the time I joined UCC I had signed to my first acting agent in Newcastle, and had already spent a week in Middlesbrough filming for a short film in which I played the lead role,” said Charlotte.
She added that UCC taught her a lot and prepared her for a life of working hard and pursuing your dreams. She went on to study at the University of Salford Business School, gaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in international events management.
After graduating in 2021, Charlotte said she felt rather worn out, having been acting and training almost full-time at the same time as her degree, not to mention the impact COVID had.
“So, I began writing stories, only in notebooks, but I knew I had a message I wanted to share. At this point I had only ever been an actress, not a filmmaker, never mind a writer.
“In the meantime I decided to return to Cumbria to be with family after COVID and to figure out my next move.
“And in doing so I ended up gaining a job at the beautiful Farlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant as their social media manager and events co-ordinator.
“I set up Broken Illusion Pictures on the basis that is going to be northern. It will always offer opportunities to students, or recent graduates from the area, and we will use the location as much as we can,” added Charlotte.
