Inside scoop on new comedy

Whip-up a script from an award winning film-maker, add music from an internationally acclaimed pop star, sprinkle it with some Scottish scenery and you’re almost guaranteed a recipe for success.

At least, that’s what independent movie producer Lee Crompton is hoping for with his latest project, a new dark comedy called Game of Cones.

The story revolves around lovestruck Jack. He is so desperate to prove himself to his future inlaws that he borrows money from a shady ‘businessman’ called Mad Rab to buy an engagement ring and ends up being drawn into the middle of an ice-cream van drugs war in a sleepy seaside resort.

Written as a series of five 30-minute episodes the comedy follows Jack as he tries to extract himself from a series of scrapes without getting arrested, killed or, even worse, his future father-in-law fining out.

“It starts with Jack getting involved accidentally but it then escalates as the situations get worse and the plot progresses,” said Lee, who has made about 30 short films in various styles in the last few years while honing his skills as a script writer.

Scotland is one of the stars

“Game of Cones first came to me when I was thinking about what it would be like if you took a typical East End Glasgow gangster type and put him in a sleepy town where he’s a fish out of water.

“Once I added in the character of Jack, a backpacker who moves to the area to be with the girl he met while on his travels, it all came together.”

After writing the first part of the script Lee took it along to a Scottish Screenwriters’ Table Read sessions. That’s when he knew he was on to something. It was then workshopped in front of a live audience where it again got a great reception.

“I’ve really drilled down into the characters so I know them inside out. That makes it much easier to write as I know exactly what they are going to say or do in any given situation,” said Lee

“Response from people within the industry, actors, other writers and members of the public has been amazing. I truly think this could be something very special. If we get the money together to shoot it right I believe it could really take off,” added Lee, who has launched a crowdfunding campaign - which runs to the end of February - to raise the £3,000 needed to film a short pilot of the show.

Cast of the new comedy

Lee has already recruited a team of experienced actors and technicians ready to start filming the first scenes.

More than 200 actors applied to be in the pilot but after hours of careful consideration and sifting through hours of audition tapes Lee believes he has found the ideal cast.

Jack is to be played by Paul Stirrat and his girlfriend Connie by Niamh O’Donnell while Paul Beeson has been cast as Mad Rab, the owner of the ice-cream van from which the show gets its title.

Other members of the cast include Seonaid Stevenson, playing Kate - Connie’s sister; Tony MacDonald as Connie’s dad; Kirsty Scott as Connie’s mum; and Sasha Macpherson and Hannah MacMillan playing Livi and Eva.

“Although it wasn’t a conscious move I’m proud that five of the eight strong cast are women,” said Lee.

“Women are under-represented in film and if we can help try and redress the balance in some small way so much the better.”

Every penny raised by the crowd- fund will be spent on producing the pilot and, in addition to being part of a great show, there’s a chance to get in on the action with a small part in the movie.

Anyone interested in helping get the show on the road can visit www.gameofcones.tv for more information about how to get involved.

Lee Crompton