Established 2005
Manchester(UK)
Our critically acclaimed, multi-award winning working class feature film
'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist'
is available NOW to rent or buy on
'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist'
is available NOW to rent or buy on
Official Trailer
ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
Synopsis
This critically acclaimed, multi award-winning working class feature film follows Old Jack, an alcoholic ex-English teacher wasting away on welfare benefits in gothic Manchester, as he takes us on a personal journey through the tragic-comic fragments of his shattered past: as a boy in 1984 under Margaret Thatcher, as a youth in 1992 under John Major and as a man in 2020 under Boris Johnson.
SELECTED AWARDS
Production Background
Written, directed and produced by Brett Gregory (Iceland: Beyond Sigur Rós, Manchester: Beyond Oasis, Liverpool: Beyond The Beatles), this micro-budget semi-autobiographical tragic-comedy is loosely based on the medieval morality tales of Geoffrey Chaucer and John Bunyan, as well as the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch.
Creative development of the film began in October 2015, principal photography commenced in 2017 and post-production was completed in December 2021.
The film features outstanding performances from David Howell (Brassic), Reuben Clarke (Peaky Blinders), James Ward (Boots ‘n’ Braces), Julie Hannan (Supernova) and Wendy Patterson (Spencer), as well as independent rising stars Caroline Chesworth, Nicki Davy and Jenny Owen.
With fantastic cinematography by Gwyn Hemmings (Northern Soul, Peaky Blinders) and a unique and memorable prog/folk medieval soundtrack written and performed by Ivor Novello nominated composer, Andrew McCrorie-Shand (Teletubbies, Rosie and Jim, Brum), this production's stylistic approach is strongly influenced by the cinema of working-class angst explored in classic British films like Ken Loach’s ‘Kes’, Alan Clarke’s ‘Made in Britain’ and Mike Leigh’s ‘Naked’, as well as the anti-pop, post-punk aesthetic of influential Manchester bands The Smiths, Joy Division and The Fall.
Creative development of the film began in October 2015, principal photography commenced in 2017 and post-production was completed in December 2021.
The film features outstanding performances from David Howell (Brassic), Reuben Clarke (Peaky Blinders), James Ward (Boots ‘n’ Braces), Julie Hannan (Supernova) and Wendy Patterson (Spencer), as well as independent rising stars Caroline Chesworth, Nicki Davy and Jenny Owen.
With fantastic cinematography by Gwyn Hemmings (Northern Soul, Peaky Blinders) and a unique and memorable prog/folk medieval soundtrack written and performed by Ivor Novello nominated composer, Andrew McCrorie-Shand (Teletubbies, Rosie and Jim, Brum), this production's stylistic approach is strongly influenced by the cinema of working-class angst explored in classic British films like Ken Loach’s ‘Kes’, Alan Clarke’s ‘Made in Britain’ and Mike Leigh’s ‘Naked’, as well as the anti-pop, post-punk aesthetic of influential Manchester bands The Smiths, Joy Division and The Fall.
Screenings
15/01/2022
19/02/2022
Photography by Thomas Jackson
26/03/2022
Photography by Thomas Jackson and Martina Majcen
19/04/2022
Photography by Thomas Jackson
Media
Cast & Crew
Brett Gregory: Writer / Director / Producer
'Mainstream movies are like colouring books that have already been coloured in for you.'
Despite being raised on a council estate in the Midlands (UK) throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Brett progressed through further and higher education to become a college and university lecturer in Film Studies and Media Production in Manchester (UK) until moving into film production full time in 2015.
He has previously written, directed, produced and self-funded the freely available music documentaries 'Iceland: Beyond Sigur Rós'(2010), 'Manchester: Beyond Oasis' (2012) and 'Liverpool: Beyond The Beatles' (2015), as well as various music videos, commercial promos and short dramas.
'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (2022) is his debut feature film.
'Mainstream movies are like colouring books that have already been coloured in for you.'
Despite being raised on a council estate in the Midlands (UK) throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Brett progressed through further and higher education to become a college and university lecturer in Film Studies and Media Production in Manchester (UK) until moving into film production full time in 2015.
He has previously written, directed, produced and self-funded the freely available music documentaries 'Iceland: Beyond Sigur Rós'(2010), 'Manchester: Beyond Oasis' (2012) and 'Liverpool: Beyond The Beatles' (2015), as well as various music videos, commercial promos and short dramas.
'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (2022) is his debut feature film.
Gwyn Hemmings: Director of Photography / Co-Producer
‘Filmmaking is like painting at 24 frames a second.’
Gwyn is a camera and lighting operator based in Manchester (UK) with over 15 years experience in live action, stop motion animation and motion control. Gwyn began his freelance career working as a trainee and then as an assistant on a number of BBC, CBBC, ITV and Channel 4 productions such as ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘The Worst Witch’.
‘Filmmaking is like painting at 24 frames a second.’
Gwyn is a camera and lighting operator based in Manchester (UK) with over 15 years experience in live action, stop motion animation and motion control. Gwyn began his freelance career working as a trainee and then as an assistant on a number of BBC, CBBC, ITV and Channel 4 productions such as ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘The Worst Witch’.
Jenny Barnard: Co-Producer
‘On many occasions it’s felt like this project was never going to end!’
Based in Hulme, Manchester (UK), Jenny has been a constant stalwart behind-the-scenes of ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ since its inception in 2015. Goal-oriented, resourceful and practically minded, she has helped to realise the production in innumerable ways by providing locations and props, costumes and transport, essential advice and even accommodation.
‘On many occasions it’s felt like this project was never going to end!’
Based in Hulme, Manchester (UK), Jenny has been a constant stalwart behind-the-scenes of ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ since its inception in 2015. Goal-oriented, resourceful and practically minded, she has helped to realise the production in innumerable ways by providing locations and props, costumes and transport, essential advice and even accommodation.
Jack Clarke: Camera Assistant / Sound Recordist / Co-Producer
‘It’s either this or the abyss.’
Born and raised on a council estate in Salford, 22 year old Jack’s active interest in the representation of the working class in the North West of England led him to study a BA (Hons) in Media Production at the University of Salford. He has now progressed on to an MA in Film/Media Production Management and also has been enlisted as part of the BFI’s Creative Producer Lab programme. ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is his first major production.
‘It’s either this or the abyss.’
Born and raised on a council estate in Salford, 22 year old Jack’s active interest in the representation of the working class in the North West of England led him to study a BA (Hons) in Media Production at the University of Salford. He has now progressed on to an MA in Film/Media Production Management and also has been enlisted as part of the BFI’s Creative Producer Lab programme. ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is his first major production.
Vedad Rusidovic: Associate Producer
‘This film is more than just a compelling story: it’s a beacon of hope for micro-budget filmmakers everywhere.’
Vedad was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and relocated in the North West of England in 1992 at the age of 17. Over the last 20 years he has been involved in developing and delivering screen production training programmes throughout the region, and has also collaborated on the low-budget feature films 'Brother's Day' (2015) and 'Black Box' (2021). He currently teaches on the Media and Performance undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at the University of Salford.
‘This film is more than just a compelling story: it’s a beacon of hope for micro-budget filmmakers everywhere.’
Vedad was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and relocated in the North West of England in 1992 at the age of 17. Over the last 20 years he has been involved in developing and delivering screen production training programmes throughout the region, and has also collaborated on the low-budget feature films 'Brother's Day' (2015) and 'Black Box' (2021). He currently teaches on the Media and Performance undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at the University of Salford.
Andrew McCrorie-Shand: Composer
‘Writing music for a film while it’s actually being shot is a rare adventure for a composer.’
Andrew is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer and composer. Influenced by Frank Zappa, he joined the progressive rock band ‘Druid’ in 1974, and in the 1990s was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for his work on children’s television favourites ‘Teletubbies’, ‘Rosie and Jim’ and ‘Brum’. Andrew also composed the international hit single, ‘Teletubbies say "Eh-oh!"’, in 1997.
‘Writing music for a film while it’s actually being shot is a rare adventure for a composer.’
Andrew is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer and composer. Influenced by Frank Zappa, he joined the progressive rock band ‘Druid’ in 1974, and in the 1990s was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for his work on children’s television favourites ‘Teletubbies’, ‘Rosie and Jim’ and ‘Brum’. Andrew also composed the international hit single, ‘Teletubbies say "Eh-oh!"’, in 1997.
David Howell: Jack (Aged 50)
‘The final monologue is explosive, and I just had to deliver it with everything I had.’
Based in Stockport (UK), zealous, energetic and versatile, David is a former fireman who jumped head-first into the world of stage and screen acting later in life. He has appeared on stage in ‘Tipping Point’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘The Stretch’ as well as on television in ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘Brassic’. ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is his first lead in a feature film.
‘The final monologue is explosive, and I just had to deliver it with everything I had.’
Based in Stockport (UK), zealous, energetic and versatile, David is a former fireman who jumped head-first into the world of stage and screen acting later in life. He has appeared on stage in ‘Tipping Point’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘The Stretch’ as well as on television in ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘Brassic’. ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is his first lead in a feature film.
James Ward: Jack (Aged 21)
‘This film is insanely good.’
Born in Warrington (UK), 23 year old James is a passionate and dynamic stage and screen actor who helped to establish Farewell Theatre Company while still a student at the University of Salford. He took the Manchester Fringe Festival by storm in the play ‘Boots ‘n’ Braces’ in 2019, and ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is his first feature film.
‘This film is insanely good.’
Born in Warrington (UK), 23 year old James is a passionate and dynamic stage and screen actor who helped to establish Farewell Theatre Company while still a student at the University of Salford. He took the Manchester Fringe Festival by storm in the play ‘Boots ‘n’ Braces’ in 2019, and ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is his first feature film.
Reuben Clarke: Jack (Aged 13)
‘This is the best thing I’ve ever been in!’
Born in Wythenshawe (UK), 12 year old Reuben is a gifted, disciplined and fearless young actor who has already appeared alongside Cillian Murphy in ‘Peaky Blinders’. Guided by his supportive family, his work ethic in terms of preparation and rehearsals is incomparable, and he is definitely ‘one to watch’ for the future.
‘This is the best thing I’ve ever been in!’
Born in Wythenshawe (UK), 12 year old Reuben is a gifted, disciplined and fearless young actor who has already appeared alongside Cillian Murphy in ‘Peaky Blinders’. Guided by his supportive family, his work ethic in terms of preparation and rehearsals is incomparable, and he is definitely ‘one to watch’ for the future.
Caroline Chesworth: The Narrator
‘This really is an exciting project to be a part of. Who knows how far it will go?’
Intelligent, dedicated and memorable, Caroline is a former clinical psychologist based in Preston (UK) who has appeared on stage in ‘Connections’, ‘Paper Crown’ and ‘Taboo’ as well as on television in ‘SeaView’. Passionate and detailed in her approach, ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is her first feature film.
‘This really is an exciting project to be a part of. Who knows how far it will go?’
Intelligent, dedicated and memorable, Caroline is a former clinical psychologist based in Preston (UK) who has appeared on stage in ‘Connections’, ‘Paper Crown’ and ‘Taboo’ as well as on television in ‘SeaView’. Passionate and detailed in her approach, ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ is her first feature film.
Jude Wainwright: Visual Artist
The poster artwork for ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Existed’ has been painted by the talented Manchester artist, Jude Wainwright (www.judewainwright.com)
The poster artwork for ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Existed’ has been painted by the talented Manchester artist, Jude Wainwright (www.judewainwright.com)
Promotion
Podcasts
12 year old actor, Reuben Clarke, and his mother, Mel, discuss with Jack Clarke the challenges of being a child actor, the challenges of being the parent of a child actor and what he learned about his abilities and his depths in his role as Young Jack in Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
David Howell (actor and former firefighter) discusses with Jack Clarke his lead role in Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021), recounts his experiences of working on Brassic, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, and shares his views on showreels, casting, agents, the value of criticism and the importance of personal ambition.
James Longman (North West-based freelance filmmaker for Pro Vinyl and Grit Multimedia) discusses with Jack Clarke (Serious Feather Co-producer) breaking into the industry and making money as a director in your 20s, the films that have influenced his creative outlook, as well as what it was like working on Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
Simon Naylor (Director of Acting Classes for the Manchester Acting Platform and Manager of the Manchester-based arts hub, 53two) discusses with Jack Clarke (Serious Feather Co-producer) the actors he's trained and who appear in Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021), as well as his wider views and insights into the current shape and direction of independent acting, acting agencies and drama production in the North West of England.
Andrew McCrorie-Shand (Ivor Novello-nominated composer for Teletubbies and Rosie and Jim) discusses with Jack Clarke (Serious Feather Co-producer) his career in music and his haunting medieval soundtrack for Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
Caroline Chesworth (former clinical psychologist and actor) and Jack Clarke (Serious Feather Co-producer) discuss the roles played by female characters and the therapeutic powers of storytelling in Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
MA students Rob Edwards (camera assistant) and Jack Clarke (Serious Feather Co-producer) discuss the role of trauma theory and existentialism in Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
Gwyn Hemmings (cinematographer) and Jack Clarke (co-producer) discuss the 5 year production timeline for Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
David Howell (actor) and James Ward (actor) discuss the challenges of delivering extended monologues while working on Brett Gregory's debut feature film, 'Nobody Loves You and You Don't Deserve to Exist' (Manchester UK, 2021).
