A new film to raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was shot in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge this week.
The cameras were rolling on Tuesday and Wednesday in a variety of locations, including the Handforth British Legion. SG Printing and Trafford Road Barbers in Alderley Edge also provided the crew with the use of their properties free of charge.
Advance to Contact is based on the true story of one British soldier who suffered from the most extreme symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and stars Olivier Award-nominated actress Frances Barber, Sarah Jayne Dunn who is best known for playing Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks and Matthew Crompton who appeared in The Bill and Brookside.
Ben is a corporal in the Parachute Regiment who returns home to start his life outside the army. His wife Jess, played by Sarah Jayne Dunn, and son Max are ecstatic to have him back but Ben finds it hard get back into the swing of things feeling empty and apathetic.
The 25-minute film is directed and produced by actor Scott Ryan Vickers,from Wilmslow, who has appeared in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale as well as West End shows including Chicago.
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 added "Filming went brilliantly in both Wilmslow and Alderely Edge. Frances Barber, who is our star actress, commented on how beautiful the area was and how pleased she was to have discovered it.
"All the businesses and local people who we came into contact with were extremely accommodating and often lent a hand, most of the extras in the film were from the area."
Scott is hoping to hold screenings of the short film in some local locations, in addition to Manchester and London. All proceeds from the screenings will go to the British Legion.
More information on Advance to Contact can be found online.
