A Wetherby company has produced a heart-warming Christmas short film to promote a charity that supports lonely older people in West Yorkshire.
Reel Film, which is based on Walton Road, has produced the two-minute film for Re-engage.
They enlisted the help of David Bunting, who has worked for Aardman Animations and Tom Stratford, one of the animators for the Adventures of Paddington TV Series 2.
The charity, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year, runs free monthly tea parties and activity groups for those aged 75 and over in Harrogate, Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield, Keighley and Wakefield.
Reel Film has worked for many major organisations including, Lloyds Banking, Disney, the RSPCA and the NHS.
This latest film has been submitted to the Smiley Charity Film Awards, which is the world’s largest cause-based film campaign.
Adam Chandler, founder and owner, said:
“It’s brilliant to get two experienced names working together but on a really special project. It’s been absolutely great working with both of them, the experience, creativity and drive they brought has been fantastic.
“The result is a great film that will hopefully bring home just how devastating loneliness can be and what great work Re-engage is doing to combat that. It’s been a pleasure working with them.”
Adam had a team of eight working on the animation – “Friendship: The Perfect Present for Peter”- which features a lonely older man who misses his family but is introduced to a new social circle through Re-engage’s free tea parties and call befriending service.
Colette Mullings, head of marketing and communications at Re-engage, said:
“It really was a boost knowing David and Tom were helping put the film together. Reel were so easy to work with. They took our comments on board and have created a truly inspiring film.
“It beautifully sums up how our free support services help lonely older people like Peter who are often left isolated when family and friends are no longer around.”
Tom said:
"I hope the film helps raise awareness of the fantastic work Re-Engage is doing and encourages people to donate or volunteer their time for a great cause".
David said:
"Amidst all the tinsel-coated sparkly Christmas commercials crammed with happy families, having the chance to shine a light on one of the hardest times of year for people who feel lonely and forgotten, I hope this helps people reflect and Re-engage with their neighbours."
The film has just been released and can be seen here:
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