A Pinner-based filmmaker is one step closer to the Oscars after his short film earned him three prestigious awards at an American film festival.
Lovestruck is a 2023 drama, created by Pinner resident and RadioHarrow volunteer Andrew Hamblin, depicting the tumultuous relationship of Anderson and Lisa, which is put to test when Anderson’s old friend Melanie enters the picture.
Speaking to Pinner News, Andrew said: “I’m a voice-over artist so that’s where it all started. I was trained by James Arnold Taylor, who voiced Obi-Wan Kenobi in Clone Wars and who taught me everything. From there I got more interested in the behind-the-scenes.”
Andrew enlisted his friends, his brother Tom, and hired professional actress Georgi Bessey. With the support of his mum, his girlfriend, his brother’s partner Amanda and the rest of the team, he spent six months filming the short film.
When the film is officially released, residents may notice its familiarity, as the movie is shot all across Pinner, in the Peace Gardens, Pinner Village Hall, and Pinner Memorial Park.
He said: “It was an interesting experience and the first time I’d ever worked with an actor [Georgi Bessey]. Becky Barker who plays Melanie and who I’d met from RadioHarrow did an amazing job alongside her, I thought she had the natural gift for it!”
Andrew didn’t expect much when he held a private screening of the finished product, and it was only until his friend was moved to tears and urged him to send it to film festivals that the realisation of his achievements fell into place.
The movie won three awards at the Accolade Global Film Competition, including Best Leading Actress (Becky Barker), Best Film Short and Best Original Song (Forever Changed).
The humble director said: “It feels amazing and very surreal, I’m not used to it! 10 years ago, I was really struggling with my mental health and anxiety and couldn’t leave the house. 10 years on and I’ve made two movies and won three awards, it’s an amazing personal achievement for me.”
You can find out more about Lovestruck at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27926739/?ref_=nm_knf_t_1
What a wonderful story of overcoming adversity. Well done Andrew!