Though not purely a 'Whatever Pictures Production' Green Monkey was
the first major success for the Whatever Pictures team. Written and
directed by Rob Sprackling, Green Monkey was the result of the union
between Bruce and Nigel O'Dell. Nigel, who had other commitments with
the feature 'Muggers' had secured finance for Green Monkey through
Gareth Wiley, a broker in the States; and at the point of production
Nigel stepped down and the Bruce and Alex stepped in.
Having a secured budget, the logistics of putting the film together
with first time director Rob, was a challenge. Shot over 5 days in the
old MI5 building in Borough High Street, the set was designed so walls
could be removed at any time, giving the camera team access to all
angles. Scheduling the days down to each half hour meant that the shoot
systematically fell into place. The only constraints were the tight
budget, an alcoholic location owner and the head of Southark police
threatening arrest for firearms offences. Once all had been placated
and the director's assault charges dropped, the film was in the can.
Post-production of Green Monkey is a long tale with much laughter and
tears - alas too much for this page. Never-the-less it was finished on
tape and premiered in the Prince Charles Leicster Square on the 20th
December 1997. The audience reaction was enormous and it was clear the
film was goign to be a huge success, both nationally and
internationally. A 35mm print of Green Monkey was delivered in June
1998.
Screened in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Australia, USA,
Ireland, airlines and all over the United Kingdom it was earmarked for
the Special Jury Prize in Brest short film festival. Green Monkey has
opened festivals and screened in front of 24-7, Straw Dogs and Point
Blank.
Green Monkey still continues to entertain audiences all around the
world. It has an infinite shelf life, a rare thing for a short film.
GREEN MONKEY
11mins - 35mm
Writers/Director: Rob Sprackling
DOP: Sam Moon
Sound: Ashok Kumar Starring: Steve Elliot, Liz Morton
Design: Greg Shaw
Exec: Gareth Wiley
Editor: Nick Clack
GREEN MONKEY
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