In a world which seems to be characterized by so much darkness and hopelessness, Fellowship Film are more determined than ever to spread the word about a film that exudes laughter and joy, and the promise that broken lives can be made whole.
In the new Scottish family film ‘Jessie and the Elf Boy’, a teenager becomes a successful hair stylist with the help of a magical forest elf. The film is inspired by the old legend of Ghillie Dhu, building on it in a fun and imaginative way. Teenager Jessie is disorientated by the sudden arrival of Ghillie Dhu, a peculiar boy dressed in leaves and moss who has a talent for creating wacky hairstyles. (Oh, and he’s invisible to everyone except Jessie.) But she soon realizes that he can help her make a splash in the hairstyling scene, as well as finally reconnect with her distant mother.
Ghillie’s invisibility leads to a stream of comic episodes as other people unwittingly encounter him. As Jessie’s career takes off, it seems like all her dreams are coming true, but it becomes increasingly difficult to keep her elf companion a secret.
The film stars Julia Brown, an accomplished Scottish actress known for BBC shows such as ‘World on Fire’, ‘Shetland’ and ‘M.I. High’. Alongside her, in the role of Ghillie Dhu, is 11-year-old Huck Whittle, a newcomer to the screen and certainly one to watch.
Regular readers of ‘Rivenmaster’ will no doubt want to hear more about the young male lead. Huck Whittle is a young Scottish actor and singer. Huck has been a member of the Highland Youth Theatre since 2015 and St Giles Theatre Group since 2019 and has performed on stage in a variety of roles. In the summer of 2021, Huck combined his love of singing, dancing and acting to take on the lead role of Shane Gray in the Beyond Broadway Experiences’ production of Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical.
Huck said in a recent interview with Kids First:
“Ghillie loves outdoors and nature and I do too. I’m a Boy Scout and I do lots of outdoor skills, I love to climb trees as well. In the film [Ghillie] is caring for the environment and other people. I like to care for the environment and other people, you know, when they’re feeling down, cheer them up with a joke. And he’s really good at making friends and creating friendships.”
There is a remarkable story of how Fellowship Film came to cast Huck. Among other bizarre coincidences there are these:
They had been casting on various platforms for the role of Ghillie Dhu but one platform they had not put any casting calls on contacted them directly asking if they could post the job to their platform. It was through this platform that Huck applied! Furthermore, they had been specifically looking for a boy with a younger sister, if at all possible, to play the young girl that Ghillie rescues. Because actors from different households were still supposed to be socially distancing, (filming during Covid was a nightmare!). Huck had a younger sister called Hanalei who is also a great actor and was the perfect age. To see them, you would also never guess they were brother and sister, so it all worked out ideally!
Jessie’s mother is played by veteran Scottish actress Gail Watson, whose screen work includes ‘Katie Morag’, ‘River City’ and ‘Annika’. The film features a host of other brilliant Scottish actors and includes hilarious performances from Belle Jones and Eloise King Anderson.
‘Jessie and the Elf Boy’ is the latest feature film from emerging Scottish production company Fellowship Film. Their debut feature film, ‘The Gaelic King’, was a fantasy action/adventure set in 800AD Scotland, telling the story of warrior-king Alpín mac Eachdach as he fights to regain his kingdom. The film was so innovative in its approach that it received a commendation from the Scottish Parliament as a triumph of resourceful filmmaking.
Fellowship Film is based in Glasgow and run by five brothers from two Scottish families: Philip Todd, Matthew Todd, Nathan Todd, John Walkinshaw and Tom Walkinshaw. They believe in the power of positive and authentic communities in the making of bold and inspiring films.
Philip Todd, the writer, director and producer of ‘Jessie and the Elf Boy‘, describes it as “an uplifting Scottish movie for the whole family”. He says, “We filmed in the height of the pandemic, which was certainly a challenge, but we were motivated by the belief that in difficult times people need a story like this all the more – a story with laughter, friendship, magic and a big heart.”
This is a film that the whole family can enjoy together; it is all-ages-approved by Dove.org. Children will have fun watching Ghillie as he gets up to mischief and causes chaos in the chic hair salon, and parents will find Jessie’s quest to heal her relationship with her mother resonant and moving. Those who like a good drama will be satisfied by the film’s ending, which is both surprising and emotionally impactful, and of course the story will also appeal to those with an interest in Scottish legends.
‘Jessie and the Elf Boy’ will be available on April 1, 2022, in the US, Canada and the UK on all major digital platforms, including Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.
Website: https://www.fellowshipfilm.com
Stream it now on Google Play
