My Friend Orson Welles is a love letter to cinema, the romantic comedy genre, and a potential game-changer in terms of representation of disability both in front of and behind the camera. We intend to build a team made up of at least 50% disabled cast and crew. A high percentage of which will be at the very start of their careers.

As well as this being an expression of love for the moving image, the film is also a love letter to love itself. Whether that is romantic love, love of one's friend, love of one's city or, admittedly, love of Orson Welles. On screen the disabled community rarely are shown as sexual beings and yet alone beings capable of romance. There are exceptions of course, but they all still seem to be tied to their disability. We are more than our disabilities! John's feelings for Becky inhabit a world where his disability is quite rightly, an afterthought. It does not define him! We want the film to showcase disabled people living their ordinary lives, but with extraordinary fun, joy and playfulness, something we don’t see enough of on film. We are at a turning point when it comes to representation in the arts and we feel My Friend Orson Welles could really influence the movement for good. I, Sam Judd, am already championing disabled representation in comedy and I have an ever growing list of contacts throughout the UK's comedy circuit who are also pushing for representation for all.

Mental health is rightly an important topic at the moment and our film depicts a character struggling with his own, not in a downbeat way, but rather with a humorous and absurd approach. The imaginary Orson Welles comes to John because of his mental health which has been declining in part due to his physical disability, impacting his life and relationships, causing him to retreat within himself and hole himself up in his flat. One of the messages we want to get across in the film is around how mental health can affect people in different ways. In order to live a healthy life with meaningful relationships, it’s important to recognise that and try to address these issues. We hope that the absurdity and comical situations that an imaginary Orson Welles brings will help us to explore this theme with humour, grace and feeling.

Orson Welles was an actor and filmmaker from Hollywood's Golden Age. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in a number of highly regarded films. One of his most notable pieces of work is Citizen Kane which is viewed by many as one of the greatest films ever made. He was just 25!

It is easy to see why John, a struggling screenwriter with low self-esteem, would be drawn to the successful and charming ladies' man who was the famous Orson Welles. However, is Orson Welles a good role model?

Sam Judd Writer/Director/Co-Producer of My Friend Orson Welles

Sam graduated from the Northern Film School in Leeds in 2019. When he was four years old he had a brain stem stroke, meaning he is a full time wheelchair user and speaks with the assistance of an electronic communication aid called a Liberator.

Sam has experienced his fair share of challenges trying to break into the creative industries and he hopes this production can help pave the way for change. Having made a few no-budget short films; programmed, curated, hosted and written for BFI (London Film Festival, Sight and Sound, BFI Film Academy Young Programmers and BFI Future Film Festival); and written for, produced and performed at live comedy gigs, he is ready to start making professional films. He is eager to learn on the job and work alongside other filmmaking professionals to showcase his talents as a writer and director.

Noel Goodwin Exec Producer of My Friend Orson Welles

Noel has worked with and supported thousands of young people during his time at the BFI. He has been involved with the organisation of the Future Film Festival for 12 years and he has actively shaped and supported the early careers of filmmakers such as Charlotte Regan and Nathan Bryon. Making this film will support the ambitions and profile of Noel’s new hybrid production and talent management company Sandwich Club Productions which aims to support new, young and diverse filmmakers in their careers. Enabling them to tell their stories.

If we raise the funding, we aim to work in partnership with the Northern Film School to provide their students and alumni with opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their talents and gain professional credits as valued members of the film crew. As a Northern Film School alumni himself, Sam is particularly excited to be able to give back to an establishment which did so much for him as a student.

An initial story board for My Friend Orson Welles

Mood boards for My Friend Orson Welles

Whilst this film will resonate deeply with disabled audiences, we want the film to reach as wide an audience as possible. We want audiences to be able to connect with the characters, the story and the themes, whatever their background. After all, everyone struggles…with love, friendships, creativity, work, physical and mental health.

This film's game-changing approach to disability and mental health, we are sure will send ripples throughout the creative industries, kick-starting some much needed conversations. If you want to know more about this project, message us on our socials or email us at myfriendorsonwelles@gmail.com. Thank you for considering donating to our campaign.