Casting-call for film marking the birth of co-operation

Manchester born John Montegrande will be a co-director of the new project

A major new film marking the birth of co-operation is set to be filmed in Rochdale and people from the area have the chance to appear in the movie.

The Co-operative Group - as part of activities highlighting next year’s United Nations International Year of Co-operatives - is behind the new movie which is inspired by the 1944 film, ‘Men of Rochdale’.

The 52-minute feature entitled 'The Rochdale Pioneers' will be made by The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy who are looking for up to 150 extras to play supporting roles in the new production.

The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) is inviting the community to find out more about the film and, to register their interest in becoming a supporting actor, at a session on Friday 18 November in the Great Hall, Rochdale Town Hall.

The co-directors of the new film, Adam Lee Hamilton and John Montegrande, and its producer, Kevin Atkinson – who worked together on the BYFA movie ‘Julius Caesar’ which, was nominated for last month’s prestigious Raindance Film Festival - will outline the vision for the new film which is to be distributed internationally and shown at the co-operative world festival and expo at Manchester Central in autumn 2012.

Mark Robinson-Field, The Co-operative’s National Co-operative and Membership Manager, said: “This exciting project is inspired by the original Rochdale pioneers who, in 1844, set out ideals which became the basis for the principles on which co-operatives around the world still operate to this day.

“There are now approaching one billion members of co-operatives world-wide and, with a thriving co-operative sector enjoying international attention, we believed the time was right for this inspirational story to be re-told.”

Rochdale Borough Council leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, added: “This is a great opportunity for people from across the borough to become a real part of our co-operative heritage. I’d encourage people to register their interest and give themselves the chance of being part of this film which will potentially be screened throughout the world and will definitely become part of co-operative history.”

The Co-operative Group, based in Manchester, has developed a six-year partnership with The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy.

Kevin Atkinson, Operations Director at The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy and producer for the new film, added: “BYFA, itself a co-operative, is delighted that its young upcoming filmmakers are working with The Co-operative to engage new audiences in this remarkable story.

“BYFA is set up to provide a unique and inspirational opportunity to today’s talented filmmakers and it is no exaggeration to say that it has changed young lives illustrating how co-operative principles including concern for community, accessibility for all and education and training are just as relevant today - this is an amazing opportunity for the community to be involved in an incredible project.”

BYFA is looking for supporting actors aged 16 upwards.

To attend the event on 18 November or register your interest visit: http://www.co-operative.coop/2012/men-of-rochdale/could-you-be-an-extra/