There was a special preview screening of a new film, Four Letters of Love, at the Rye Kino on Thursday, July 17, a day ahead of its national release. The movie stars Helena Bonham Carter, Pierce Brosnan and Gabriel Byrne amongst some other well-known Irish actors.
The producers of the film, Debbie Gray (who also produced Good Luck to You, Leo Grande starring Emma Thompson) and Caitlin Beavan, who worked with her on Mrs Lowry and Son with Timothy Spall, joined the audience for a Q & A session after the screening.
A select audience watched the film enthralled by the poetic and picturesque land- and seascapes of the rugged west coast of Ireland. There was powerful acting from the three big names and from the supporting cast, Dónal Finn, and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo. Fionn O’Shea and Ann Skelly, who play the lead rôles, are stars in the making and certainly ones to watch for in the future.
In an interview before the screening Rye News found out more about the producers, what they do and how it all came about.
Have you two worked together before?
Caitlin: “We met in 2013. I was producing a play, Mrs Lowry and Son, in London at Trafalgar Studios. Through mutual friends we came together to produce the film of the play which was released in 2019. Then Covid happened and the theatre world just crumbled so I was delighted when Debbie suggested joining her company Genesius, which was going from strength to strength.”
Debbie, when was Genesius founded?
Debbie: “I founded Genesius Pictures in 2013 with film financier and producer Julian Gleek. We have offices in London, Norfolk and Sydney, and we specialise in international film and television production. It was created on the back of a film we produced called Northern Soul and Julian suggested we start a company together. It was the beginning of something special.”
Why did you call your company Genesius?
Debbie: “The patron saint of actors is Saint Genesius. He is also the patron saint of comedians, dancers, musicians, and converts. The story of Saint Genesius is compelling for actors. He was a Roman actor who, while performing a satirical play mocking Christian baptism, experienced a genuine conversion to Christianity. When he declared his faith to Emperor Diocletian, he was condemned to death.”
When did you start working on Four letters…?
Debbie: “I was approached in 2022 by the director. We normally develop things from scratch ourselves so this was somewhat different. We got involved when things had got off the ground: the cast was being assembled, the script had been written so there was no preamble: we were hitting the ground running.”
Caitlin: “I had never been to Ireland or Northern Ireland before and I discovered just how stunning it was, especially the along the coast of Antrim and Donegal where we filmed. The great thing about working in the film industry is the travelling and getting to know the locals. We started in Belfast, a brilliant city. Obviously there is whole history there which was fascinating, but the people were so interesting. We then went on a tour to the west of Ireland which was so beautiful; the scenery was staggeringly beautiful.”
What were the highlights of making this film?
Debbie: “It is a great privilege doing this job as you get to tell such fascinating stories and you get to work with such wonderful creative people. The whole thing of weaving it together and bringing our collective vision to life on the screen is my highlight.”
Caitlin: “It is a British independent film done on a modest budget and to have those actors and the crew we had and all to be together as a family travelling circus was amazing. Everyone realised that they were there for the story, for the love of the book. One highlight was to be in a tiny remote village seeing Pierce Brosnan sitting in the pub mixing with the locals. He is fun to be with and was so brilliant with the fans who came flocking, finding time to speak to many of them.”
Were there any rising stars in the making in the film?
Caitlin: “We were exceedingly lucky as we had the best of the up-and-coming Irish young actors, Fionn O’Shea and Ann Skelly, who were talented and wonderful to work with.”
What does a producer do? Debbie and Caitlin: “Magic!”
After the film was shown Debbie and Caitlin answered questions to the delight of the audience who had loved the film.
Congratulations to Matt Breckon, manager of the Kino Rye, for organising such a special evening. It is not often you get to question the producers of a film and the punters loved it.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
Once again this event demonstrates another reason Rye and surrounding areas are so lucky to having the Kino cinema. Three screens showing the most up to date films, special showings and ‘live theatre’ viewings. Then a superb cafe for food and drinks.
Well done Matt and all the team.But above all…Thank you!
I loved the film, particularly the love stories, interiors and the stunning Irish scenery. Several other producers and funding bodies were involved, as usual with relatively low budget films.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
I enjoyed it so much, I might go again!
This wasn’t advertised too well.
Were members invited? probably not! I’ve been a member for years and haven’t had a single notification of special events which is apparently included in my membership.
Great Film , I think that it was on their weekly pamphlet of films . The producers were so generous with their time and gave the audience a great insight into the complexity of film making .
As usual the Kino and all the staff are to be applauded for all the hard work involved in making this happen.