An actor from Wilmslow is directing and producing a film aimed at raising awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Scott Ryan Vickers, 34, who has appeared in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale as well as West End shows including Chicago, is putting together a short film called Advance to Contact which is based on the true story of one British soldier who suffered from the most extreme symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
After several years performing on the West End and TV as an actor, Scott entered the world of film making, studying at New York Film Academy, Raindance London and Soho Script Writers for several years.
He has developed this project after researching the subject for about a year. He spent time with soldiers at Combat Stress UK and with many ex-service men and women living on the streets of London and Manchester.
Scott told me "I visited the Combat Stress facilities in Staffordshire and talked to therapists and soldiers there. It was one soldier in particular who told me the most horrific story and the film ended up being based on his accounts."
He has devoted the last 14 months to this project in the hope that he can use his film making skills and his relationships with many people in the film and TV industry to help a cause very close to his heart.
Scott told me "I've always felt strongly about our soldiers putting their lives on the line while we're all safely tucked up in bed. So many suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when they return home and often don't reach out for help because it conflicts with the ethos of being a soldier.
"I hope that the information I reveal in the film will help soldiers realise that there's so much more to why they suffer so badly from this affliction and maybe it could propel them to seek help. In the same vein I hope it will help everyone understand it more including the public and the families of soldiers who don't understand why their loved one is acting the way they do while suffering. I suffered from PTSD myself, so I definitely relate somewhat; the disorder in soldiers however is usually a lot more complex due to their training."
Scott is currently staying with his family in Wilmslow whilst the film is produced. They start filming on October 23rd with scenes being shot at Alderley Edge Union Club, his parent's house in Wilmslow, Gaskell Avenue Dental Practise in Knutsford and a few outdoor locations in the surrounding area.
Scott added "We will be doing screenings all over, hopefully local locations, but definitely Manchester and London. All proceeds from the screenings will go to British Legion.
"I have raised the money to shoot the film myself borrowing money from family and friends. Most people are working for free but we are still desperate for some more funding.
"We have a few gigs set up to raise money. I have a West End lead Gemma Sutton, from Legally Blonde, and another artist lined up so I just need a venue in the Wilmslow/Alderley Edge area. We would donate all ticket sales to the film."
More information on Advance to Contact can be found online, alternatively you can email Scott Ryan Vickers if you are interested in supporting the project.
