“The Music Man” is my new full-length documentary following the remarkable achievements of Mencap Music School, a provision for individuals with a learning disability.
Mencap Music School was set up between 2000-2001 by Cllr. David Stanley, a musician, teacher, author,
fundraiser and composer. Over the past decade, the school has developed a large following and has influenced many lives. It is now poised to disseminate its groundbreaking successes further afield with the launch of the new “Music Man” project.
My 59-minute documentary follows the school during regular weekly sessions and special performances which took place between November 2011 and July 2012.
In this moving and enlightening account of the school’s regular work, we are given the chance to meet many of the students who attend. We find out how they really feel about life in general and the unique opportunities that Music School has offered them. In addition, we meet their families and friends as well as staff and helpers, and discover how positive, safe, supportive programmes such as this can actually influence the lives, outlook
and opinions of others.
I am delighted to announce that my documentary is now currently in production and should actually be on replication presses as I type this blog post! It will be available to purchase in only a couple of weeks, in full high-definition on Blu-ray disc, or standard definition DVD format.
The film Premiere will take place at the old Plaza cinema in Southchurch Road, Southend-On-Sea, on Saturday 24th November at 7pm. This is a free event and VIP guests and the general public can come together, view the film and also find out more about the project and those behind it. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with myself and Cllr David Stanley.
It has been a real pleasure to work with Mencap Music School and produce this film on their behalf. I can honestly say it has been the most friendly, welcoming, unpretentious and genuine environment I have ever experienced during my career as a documentary maker.
I would personally love to see Southend Mencap Music School and the Music Man project go from strength to strength over the coming years. As a charitable organisation, its success will rely on donations and support from businesses and the general public. Please help to support this cause by purchasing a copy of the documentary as soon as it becomes available, or on the night of the premiere.
All proceeds from the film will go directly to Southend Mencap. For this reason, I will not personally be selling this product directly, so please visit www.themusicmanproject.com for details on how to purchase. You can pre-order your copy of the DVD (price £8) or Bluray (price £15) by downloading the Documentary Order Form. For further information please contact the General Manager of Southend Mencap, Marc McOwens on 01702 341250 or email marc.mcowens@southendmencap.co.uk.
“The Music Man” is now available on DVD and in high definition on Blu-ray disc
For more information on my documentary-making services, please call me on 01708 852315