Simulation: The Dawn of a Superhero

 

Simulation

The Dawn of a Superhero.

A Lesbian Sci-Fi/dystopian Romance!

When passion runs too hot….

Of all the experiments, of all time…love still remains the most dangerous!
Samantha Fielding, an emotionally scarred ex-war hero, enrols into a top-secret scientific research programme for all the wrong reasons.

Will she live…to regret her mistakes?

In a dystopian future, after a decade of war, the United Kingdom is on its knees, ruled by strict martial law. Any ‘deviant’ behaviour including homosexuality or lesbianism is punishable in a manner worse than death–the perpetrators are forcibly ‘reset’.

After her final and devastating tour on The Front, Samantha returns home. Here, in the small Cornish coastal town in rural England she struggles to adapt to ‘normal’ life and eventually, not knowing where else to turn, she enlists in a top-secret scientific research programme. This programme is intended to test her skill, endurance and fibre to their limits in order to unleash powerful, potentially lethal latent human abilities. As if life is not tough enough, she finds herself living dangerously by falling for the sexy, intelligent and enigmatic principal scientist, Dr Victoria Henderson, thereby – risking everything.

*** 2018 – NYC Big Book Award – WINNER! ***

*** 2019 – Global eBook Award – WINNER! ***

“Hot sci-fi thriller – A gripping, page-turner…”

“In the not too distant future – a shell shocked war vet has to find her way back to normal life. The result is anything but normal.”

”Simulation” by Sam Skyborne is the gripping love story of the future. If you like fascinating mental phenomenon, high stakes, sizzling tension and fast-paced page-turners, then this is the book for you.

Buy ”Simulation” now to find out whether Samantha survives and gets the girl!

Large Print Copy of Sim

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“An Absolutely Wonderful Book” – Amanda
“A real page-turner!” – Miss E. Mumford
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“Wow! What a mesmerizing page turner” – Geraldine Robertson-Brown
“Kick-ass and definitely someone I’d like to meet” – A Frick
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“This is a very atmospheric and compelling read…” – Anny
“This is a great read, full of tension, a good plot.” – Wayne

 

More Reader Reviews

Note: If you too enjoyed the book, please let me know!! And join my VIP mailing list to be notified about any new releases.

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Loved it!

“Wow just finished your novel-brilliant. Never read anything like it… Really got drawn into the characters and intrigue of the plot – can’t wait to read the next installment. I’m off to Cornwall soon too! A lighthouse will never look the same again.” – A Reader

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Good pacing, interesting storyline

Although I found the start a little slow and I wasn’t quite sure where it was going, it soon took off and ripped along at a good pace. I warmed to Sam once she and Victoria met and the real crux of the story came through, and I thought the ending was really good, especially as it hinted at more to come from these characters. A good debut. – Angela

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Buy this book!

This is a great read – a real page turner with believable and engaging characters and a gripping storyline, set in an all too possible uncomfortable future. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy. Sam’s my kind of hero! A great debut. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author. – Amazon Customer.

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kick-ass and definitely someone I’d like to meet

A gripping futuristic story.. Sam is my new hero. She’s hot, kick-ass and definitely someone I’d like to meet. Can’t wait for the next instalment! – Ana.

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I loved this, couldn’t put it down once I started …

I loved this, couldn’t put it down once I started it. Beautifully written, intriguing plot and very real characters. Looking forward to finding out what happens next! – Lily.

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Wow! What a mesmerizing page turner

Superbly well written, a real page turner… I vow you’ll not be able to put it down until finished. Truly believable characters and ones you warm too. Don’t let its category of Lesbian Fiction, put you off, its all subtle and tastefully executed. Hopefully like me you’ll end up wanting more… Definitely a sequel waiting to be written….. Even better a film. – Gerry Bell.

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A real page-turner!

I read this book from start to finish in one sitting – I couldn’t put it down! The plot is truly original, particularly in the genre of lesbian fiction, and is full of unexpected twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. The characters are well drawn and compelling and the relationships are very believable. A really great read! – Ms E Mumford.

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The very graphic prologue sets up the backstory brilliantly, and the contrast of locations from rural Cornwall …

This is a very atmospheric and compelling read with a wide range of characters from the very loveable to the very scary indeed. The very graphic prologue sets up the backstory brilliantly, and the contrast of locations from rural Cornwall to the intimidating futuristic research laboratory creates a world that is simultaneously now and not now, here and not here. The narrative whips along at a furious pace and keeps you guessing, the characters are complex, and when the book ends I was wondering what happens next? I’m really looking forward to reading the next part of the trilogy. – Anny.

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If you’re a fan of sci-fi, superheroes, science or lesbian novels then you should go read this book

The character of Sam is very well written and at times I felt like I was right there with Sam, seeing what she was seeing, hearing what she was hearing and feeling what she was feeling. I loved the little twist at the end, I really wasn’t expecting it but I was glad that it happened.

Overall a very well written story with two fantastic characters that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, superheroes, science or lesbian novels then you should go read this book, even if you’re not you should read it. – Planet Nation.

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A great read with a mixture of angst and happiness

Whether or not we are living in a simulation right now .who knows..but this was an exciting read with an easy ability to identify with and warm to the main characters.I hope this will be followed with another story extending the futuristic journey of Sam and Victoria 🙂 For I believe the basis of this book may well run parallel with our true world. – Amazon Customer.

As indie authors it is very hard to spread the word about the books we have spent time and toil creating for our readers. Please help us by telling others whom you think might be interested in RISK about it.

 

Nov 262017
 

As so often happens with holiday romance stories… sometimes one can get carried away. 🙄 “He”/”she”, who seemed like “Prince/ss Charming” at the time, turns out to be a real toad as time goes by and they forget to text or write or message….

So, just to prove that I was not making it up, I thought I’d post two lovely holiday snaps of my tall dark handsome stranger.

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Needless to say he has not texted or written or messaged .. 😔 .. but with climate change he has promised to come visit.
If you’d like to receive notification 📧 of my new posts or book/film releases and promotions 💫🎉 , please add your details here to my private mailing list >>

Check out the right side 👉🏻 column for some of my novels 📚.

*** Other NEWS: Promos ***

I am running a special promo for “Simulation”, “Cat Sitting” and “Saying Sorry” during the next two weeks on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Find out more here >>

Oct 022017
 

It is a true story, even though the telling of it is creative…

Whaleshark Snorkelling Holiday Romance

Sometimes reality is better than fiction. That is me in the picture!

He was a tall (2.5 meter long) dark stranger. We met one morning in late September just off the shore of a beautiful tropical island. I can honestly say, for me, it was love at first sight.

As often happens in these situations, when they sneak up on you, I was not looking at my best. I was wearing an ill-fitting bikini which was clinging a little too snugly across the bulges that had come to rest on my midriff during the recent over indulgent summer holiday. To add to the ensemble, I had a red over sized life-jacket tightly strapped over the top making me look like a beached baby whale in a corset. I had patiently waited my turn to take the plunge off of the twelve foot luxury yacht that had brought us out for our morning snorkel excursion. When it came to it I tried, but I suspect failed, not to plop too inelegantly into the azure water.

I was still catching my breath from the shock of submerging my small rotund self in the chilled salt water, bobbing uncontrollably like a buoy, when he glided up next to me, catching me by surprise. In contrast to my frenetic splutters and splashes, his large, lithe form was confidently languid, moving with effortless grace. His wise but little eyes gave me the once-over and then with an imperceptible nod he invited me on a tour of his world. Yes, he invited me, or so it felt, even though there was a whole gaggle of snorkelers clambering over each other (literally swimming over one another, fighting, flapping fins in faces) to get closer to him.

Very, very calmly and considerately he took the lead, gently guiding our path. Like a true gentleman, he’d slow down when I could not keep up, or I got water in the spout, or I steamed up my goggles. Once I’d caught my breath or he thought I might be getting bored, he’d speed up again, alternating in just the right proportions between diving down, swimming deeper to show me interesting things on the ocean floor, and surfacing to snuggle in closer for a more intimate exchange. Together we danced an intoxicating dance through the cobalt blue of the Indian Ocean and for three short hours I felt like the queen at the prom and he was my king.

Then, when it was over and my ride was ready to leave, I thanked him and blew him a kiss. Like the mysterious tall dark stranger he is, he nodded, bid me farewell “until we meet again” and disappeared off into the deep blue distance.

And we, Hooky and I, will meet again. I’m sure of it.

It was a brief but awesome encounter – the type that will feed fantasies for a lifetime.

If you’d like to receive notification of my new posts or new book/film releases and promotions, please add your details here to my private mailing list.>>

Saying Sorry – L.E.S COMBO II (Film & Story) – Paperback Edition

 
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A Queer & Complex Process!

*** HOT NEW SCENES ***

 

Written by Sam Skyborne

Directed by Wollie Boehm

 

A Sexy Lesbian story about Love, Anger and Forgiveness

Ever needed to say sorry like you mean it?
───
Having screwed-up again, Jo learns that finding a suitable way to say sorry is hard. And that having to say you’re sorry and being forgiven isn’t always a two-way street. The resulting journey is sometimes far from easy and certainly not predictable.

 

over18logo_70x70For Adults ONLY!

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“Wow! What a journey! I might get into trouble more!”
“Reading the story after watching the film gives a great new twist on it!”
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“”Phew! Hot! Complex! Insightful! All at once.”
“Hard, raw while sweet and tender. Great!”

 

L.E.S COMBO

 
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Cat Sitting – L.E.S COMBO I

(A Sexy Story about Loss, Lust and Love)

Sometime after a messy breakup, Alex finally agreed to do the cat sitting for her ex-lover, Teresa. She knew her first visit back to what she used to call ‘home’ would not be easy. However, she could never have imagined such an unexpected turn of events! =)

over18logo_70x70For Adults ONLY!

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“Don’t we just know it!” – Sarah Edwards
“Great little story.” – Corie Denham
“These are my friends.” – Amazon Customer
“Yeah, been there.” – Anon 🙂

 

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Saying Sorry – L.E.S COMBO II

Paperback Edition

(A Sexy Lesbian story about Love, Anger and Forgiveness)

Having screwed up again, Jo finds there is no easy way to say sorry. Repentance and forgiveness is a two way interaction and the journey is not always easy, nor predictable. Each person needs to find their own way to the same end.

over18logo_70x70For Adults ONLY!

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“Wow! What a journey!” – Eddie Byrne
“Phew! Hot! Complex!” – Corie Denham
“The story gives a great new twist!” – Elly Cross
“Hard, raw while sweet and tender. Great!” – Sasha

 

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Saying Sorry – L.E.S COMBO II

Ebook Edition

(A Sexy Lesbian story about Love, Anger and Forgiveness)

Having screwed up again, Jo finds there is no easy way to say sorry. Repentance and forgiveness is a two way interaction and the journey is not always easy, nor predictable. Each person needs to find their own way to the same end.

over18logo_70x70For Adults ONLY!

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“Wow! What a journey!” – Eddie Byrne
“Phew! Hot! Complex!” – Corie Denham
“The story gives a great new twist!” – Elly Cross
“Hard, raw while sweet and tender. Great!” – Sasha

 

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Buttons – L.E.S COMBO III

(A *** HOT HOT HOT *** dark fantasy Film)

Have you ever experienced a dream or fantasy where the line between what was real and what was fantastical seems scarily non existent? While waiting at the tailor’s, Emma is gripped by a dark thrilling fantasy.

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COMING SOON!

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“Fantastic and imaginative!” – Sally Edwards
“Really, quite hot!” – Danny Gordan
“Hypnotic!” – Festival Audience
“Sizzling! On the verge of mad.” – Anon 🙂

 
 

Saying Sorry (Short Film)

 
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** Please scroll down the page to find the embedded password protected screener. **


Bluestocking Trailer (Portland Maine) 2013:

Logline

When your relationship is at stake.. finding the right way to say sorry can be hard.

Synopsis

After screwing up yet again Jo has to dig deep to prove the sincerity of her apology to Chloe. Will she find inspiration during their darkest hour?

Director’s Notes

“Saying Sorry” is the first in a series of short films made in conjunction with the women film makers group called Whipped Cream Productions (www.whippedcreamproductions.com) that is currently based in North London. The objective of this group is to develop a supportive community and give women the opportunity to learn, develop skills and explore film making so that we can tell our own stories.

This short script was selected as our first group project because it is a lovely sweet story about sincerity, respect and finding your own way in love. We also had to choose a story that we could make with a zero budget and that could be a manageable a first film endeavour for our group. In 2012 we hope to be able to raise funds and progress into more advanced, more taxing projects, hopefully soaring to feature film status in the not too distant future.

As a first project there were a number of lessons learnt and it proved a very valuable and rewarding experience all round. It was great to work with such enthusiastic and talented people. I look forward to the opportunity to make more little gems like this in the near future.

Cast

“Chloe” – Laura Bodell

After graduating from Central School of Speech and Drama she followed her dream of living and working in Russia. Over a period of two years she worked in TV, Film and theatre within Moscow. Laura has now returned to London and looking forward to continuing her career in her home city with Saying Sorry being one of a few projects she has been involved with since her return.

“Jo” – Fleur Poad

Fleur first appeared on stage at the young age of 6 when she played the piano for the annual music school concert and danced for the ballet school performance. From there she continued acting in the “Fiddler on the Roof” at 15. Many musicals and other performances later she took up singing professionally and toured with various musicals, cabarets and her bluegrass band through Germany.

After taking a Shakespeare course at LAMDA she worked with people like Keith Johnstone, Philipe Gaulier and the American Acting Coach Bernard Hiller. She trained in the Meisner technique for two years with Jean Fennel while simultaneously studying a postgraduate diploma at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA) from where she graduated in 2010.

She has since then been involved in various short films, a feature to be released in 2012 and numerous theatre productions, the most recent being “YOU ME BUM BUM TRAIN” wherein she worked alongside Jonathan Ross and Andy Nyman. It was described by Stephen Fry as “the best theatrical experience of my life”.

She also works as a voice over artist and drama teacher.

Project Crew

Producer, Writer, Director, DoP, Editor – Wollie Boehm

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Wollie (pronounced Volley) is originally from South Africa, currently living in London. She started her creative career with an English degree, which progressed onto an exciting journey into the technological worlds of business, IT, Telecoms, New Media and 3D Virtual World R&D which inspired her to do a post graduate degree in Artificial Intelligence. She is a skilled experienced film maker with a growing portfolio of award winning short and feature scripts and films.

She studied script writing and film directing at the National film and Television School in Beaconsfield and works as a cinimatographer, editor, colourist and director on commercial and corporate projects. >>read more>>

Original Story, 1st AD – Helen Ibach

Helen Ibach’s passion for film started early in her life after receiving her first camera at the age of eight. After studying photography and enjoying the magic of story-telling through her writing, she became interested in merging her interests and her love for film was born. She recently discovered the art of film making and is now fulfilling her ambition with like minded women at Whipped Cream Productions where she is enthusiastically gaining both skills and experience.

2nd Camera, Sound – Erin McMullan

Erin studied film and television production in her native New Zealand. Her qualification requirements whilst studying in Wellington included valuable experience working on television sets. She competed in a number of “48 hours” competitions where her strong camera skills and ability to excel under extreme pressure ensured that she was an invaluable part of her team. Since moving to London Erin has continued to contribute to film making projects and by bringing her international experience and relaxed attitude to the crew looks set to make her mark on short films.

Production Design, Location Manager, Catering – Jude Dempsey

Special Thanks to

>> Moira & Vincent Murphy – for the use of their house as a location and for excellent Rain making.

>> Angela @ Elisana Florest, Turnpike Parade – for the rehearsal flowers.

>> The Toll Gate Pub, Haringey – for the kind provisioning of a quiet corner in which to do our auditions.

>> Mobi (mobigratis.com) – for the music “18”.

Saying Sorry – L.E.S COMBO II (Film & Story)

 
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A Queer & Complex Process!

*** HOT NEW SCENES ***

 

Written by Sam Skyborne

Directed by Wollie Boehm

 

A Sexy Lesbian story about Love, Anger and Forgiveness

Ever needed to say sorry like you mean it?
───
Having screwed-up again, Jo learns that finding a suitable way to say sorry is hard. And that having to say you’re sorry and being forgiven isn’t always a two-way street. The resulting journey is sometimes far from easy and certainly not predictable.

 

over18logo_70x70For Adults ONLY!

Button_Buy_400x90
Stars_Yellow_400x144
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“Wow! What a journey! I might get into trouble more!”
“Reading the story after watching the film gives a great new twist on it!”
Stars_Yellow_400x144
Stars_Yellow_400x144
“”Phew! Hot! Complex! Insightful! All at once.”
“Hard, raw while sweet and tender. Great!”

 

VIP Members Promotions

 

Project ALICE

 

How much of our reality is driven by our deepest, darkest desires?

Alice lives a sheltered, controlled existence, or so it seems, until one day, while in one of the most beautiful locations in the world — Cape Town, South Africa — she is presented with an unmissable opportunity to change everything.
However, life rarely turns out exactly as expected, and soon she finds herself drawn from the sunny seaside filled with promise and optimistic new beginnings into the dark unseen underbelly of a city on the edge where life is cheap and theft, murder and trafficking is business as usual. What lies ahead for her is a dangerous rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, love and betrayal that pushes her to the very limits of her sanity.

Meanwhile, for P.I. Toni Mendez, the honeymoon seems over as she faces troubles at home with her long-time best friend — recently turned girlfriend. So, when what looks like a ‘simple missing person case’ in a coveted holiday destination crosses her desk, she grabs it as an ideal opportunity to take time out. Little does she realise, this case won’t be the stroll on a beach she had hoped for.

*** Winner of 2018 – NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite – World Literature ***
*** Winner of 2018 – NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite – LGBTQ+ ***

“Compelling, intriguing, fascinating and a terrific read!”

“Multi-layered and intelligently plotted…Bravo!”

“An utterly absorbing read.”

“A rare gripping novel which has great lesbian characters to boot.”

If you fancy a gripping, fast-paced, mystery thriller with a startling twist and a romance thrown in, set in a city that offers a picturesque tourist haven by day and a dark, gritty subculture by night — then “Project: ALICE” is for you!

Read it today to join Toni and Alice on a mind-blowing adventure.

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RISK: Three Crime-fighting Women RISK All for Love, Lust and Justice.

Lesbian Crime Thriller Romance

 

Toni Mendez, an ex-cop turned private investigator in London, takes on a case to find the truth behind the violent murder of the young wife of a successful entrepreneur, Lucille Ransom-Evans. Little did she know that this case would bring to her door Maxine Bennett, a feisty, opinionated, American detective, on the hunt for a serial killer.
Maxine not only infiltrates Toni’s working life presenting a sore reminder of a profession she once loved, she also invades her private life by seducing her best friend, Lizbeth Du Cannon. As the investigation continues, Toni is immersed more and more, both professionally and privately, into a subculture she knew only from a distance – the LGBTQ+ world. She is forced to reassess everything she thought she knew about herself and the foundations of her long-term friendship with Lizbeth.

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Simulation: The Dawn of a Superhero.

Futuristic Sci-Fi Romance

 

Set in a dystopian future when, after a decade of war, the United Kingdom is on its knees, ruled by strict martial law and where any ‘deviant’ behaviour like homosexuality or lesbianism is punishable in a manner worse than death–the perpetrators are forcefully ‘reset’. Samantha Fielding, an emotionally scarred war hero, struggles to adapt to ‘normal’ life so she enlists in a top-secret scientific research programme. Here, not only is she pushed way beyond her physical and emotional limits in order to unleash powerful and potentially lethal dormant human abilities, she also finds herself dangerously falling for the principal scientist, Dr Victoria Henderson – risking everything.

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Milton

A Story about Love & the Road to Recovery
A sexy story of love, anger and forgiveness.

 

An older physically disabled lesbian grandmother, Milton, finds love in a very unlikely place and how that almost miraculously turns her life around.

Note: This is part of the Queer Shorts Collection.


Cat Sitting (L.E.S COMBO I)

Short Film & Short Story COMBO
Futuristic Sci-Fi Romance
A sexy story about loss, lust and love.

 

Sometime after a messy breakup, Alex finally agreed to do the cat sitting for her ex-lover, Teresa. She knew her first visit back to what she used to call ‘home’ would not be easy. However, she could never have imagined such an unexpected turn of events! =)

Note: This is part I of the L.E.S (Lesbian Erotic Stories) COMBO (Short Story & Short Film) Collection.


Saying Sorry (L.E.S COMBO II)

Short Film & Short Story COMBO
Ebook Edition
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A Sexy Lesbian story about Love, Anger and Forgiveness

 

Having screwed up again, Jo finds there is no easy way to say sorry. Repentance and forgiveness is a two way interaction and the journey is not always easy, nor predictable. Each person needs to find their own way to the same end.

Note: This is part I of the L.E.S (Lesbian Erotic Stories) COMBO (Short Story & Short Film) Collection.


 

Cat Sitting (Short Film)

 
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** Please scroll down the page to find the embedded password protected screener. **

Logline

Alex finally agreed to do the cat sitting for her ex wife, while she is away with her most recent girlfriend. This traumatic first visit back to what used to be their home culminates in an unexpected confrontation with her nemesis, a feisty cop called Finn, and things get a little out of hand.

Synopsis

Alex, after a painful breakup with Teresa finally agrees to do the cat sitting for the sake of the cats. This is her first visit back to what used to be their home. All goes seemingly well until Alex discovers that her nemesis, the person responsible for breaking up her marriage, Finn, is not only due to do half the week’s cat sitting but she (Alex) had got her days mixed up and Finn is due to arrive any second. Little does Alex know about exactly HOW out of hand this encounter is about to get.


Director’s Notes

“Cat Sitting” was inspired by an original story by Jude Dempsey which humorously highlights the odd idiosyncrasies of lesbian life such as the proliferation and love of cats, the weird and sometimes mind bending complexity of the web of relationships and the close sometimes incomprehensible friendships that develop between women as friendships mature, change and new family ties are made for life.

Cast

“Alex” – Lara Jane

Lara Jane is a new actress developing her experience both in Theatre and film. She studied a course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama appearing in productions of ‘As You Like It’ as ‘Rosalind’ and in ‘Invisible’ taking the role of ‘Lara’. She is currently rehearsing for a production of ‘Blithe Spirit’ appearing as ‘Ruth’ at the Eckington Theatre in Derbyshire. Lara is a passionate, lively and enthusiastic individual who is intrigued and inspired by the art of acting. She is always trying to learn and develop herself as an actress – and is excited to continue her journey.

“Finn” – Lauren Karl

Lauren Karl is an American actress who recently moved over from Los Angeles. She received her BA from the University of California Berkeley where she graduated with honors in Theater and Performance studies. While in the States she was a supporting actress in feature films such as The Mighty Macs, Bottleworld, Venus and Vegas, Cuttin Da Mustard, and Feel as well as numerous short films. She recently received her Masters in acting from East 15 and is now in London working as an actress in theater, television, and film as well as being a stand up comedian, DJ, and voiceover actress. She feels the world is her stage and looks forward to what is to come!

“Teresa” – Sonja Wirwohl

Sonja Wirwohl discovered her passion for acting at the Actors Centre London. Being bilingual (English and German), she has since continued her training both in the UK and Germany. She enjoys acting as a way of playing with imagination and impulse.

So far, Sonja has acted in several short films and theatrical performances (e.g. the award winning You Me Bum Bum Train), and has also been involved in experimental photography projects.

“Dawn” – Victoria Ashford

Victoria has only been acting in film a short while but has already appeared in three feature films Last Night At Emilio’s, the Brit comedy flick Field Trip and the soon to be released drama Chakara.

Also an accomplished stage actress, Victoria has excelled in roles such as, Madame de Tourvel in Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Helena in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream along with more comedic roles such as Michelle (I shall say this only once) in Allo Allo.

Project Crew

Producer, Screenwriter, Director – Wollie Boehm

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Wollie (pronounced Volley) is originally from South Africa, currently living in London. She started her creative career with an English degree, which progressed onto an exciting journey into the technological worlds of business, IT, Telecoms, New Media and 3D Virtual World R&D which inspired her to do a post graduate degree in Artificial Intelligence. She is a skilled experienced film maker with a growing portfolio of award winning short and feature scripts and films.

She studied script writing and film directing at the National film and Television School in Beaconsfield and works as a cinimatographer, editor, colourist and director on commercial and corporate projects. >>read more>>

Original Story Idea, Production Design, Location Management – Jude Dempsey

Cinematography – Henriette-Mercedes Spiering

Born in Germany, Henriette-Mercedes works as a cinematographer and camera operator in the Netherlands and the UK. After finishing her studies in Film & Television at the University of Amsterdam, she began working for several Dutch TV channels and was one of the main camera operators for a Dutch TV show. As Director of Photography she is now focussing on short films, features, documentaries and experimental films. Henriette-Mercedes worked on two feature films in the Netherlands, ‘Kink’ and ‘Lenteveld’, and a number of short films in the Netherlands and the UK. Many of these films have been shown at film festivals and ‘Lenteveld’ was released commercially on DVD in the Netherlands.

Sound Recordist, Production Design Assistant, Production Assistant, Cat Wrangler – Ellie Mumford

Emily_Ellie_2015_100x120_02Ellie’s passion for filmmaking developed after receiving a video camera for her 21st birthday. In the years that followed she worked on several short film projects including a promotional film for a local restaurant. Since finishing university, Ellie has gained practical experience working for a German television company as a Sound and Production Assistant and has been involved in a number of projects with VolVentures and Whipped Cream Productions including “Cat Sitting” (2014). She has also made two independent stop motion animations “Nobody” (2011) and ” The Dog Song” (2014).

1st AD – Mark Umphrey

Born and raised in Canada, Mark made his first short film when he was 16. Thereafter, he put his film dreams on hold when invited to tour Canada as a lead actor, singer and dancer in a multi-million dollar production commissioned for Canada’s 125th birthday celebration. The show lead to a ten-year career as a professional actor, touring Canada, the States and Europe before finally making his home in London, UK. Wanting to return to his first love of writing, directing and producing film, Mark spent the past few years preparing by honing his business skills. Working within the head office of one of the UK’s largest retailers, he carved out a successful financial management career. Whilst working in finance he trained at The Metropolitan Film School and most recently The Central Film School where he directed his first short, “The Factory”. Now turning his energies full-time to film, he has just completed his second feature screenplay “Standing Still” and is working on several projects in various stages of development.

Pre-Production Assistant – Helen Ibach

Helen Ibach’s passion for film started early in her life after receiving her first camera at the age of eight. After studying photography and enjoying the magic of story-telling through her writing, she became interested in merging her interests and her love for film was born. She recently discovered the art of film making and is now fulfilling her ambition with like minded women at Whipped Cream Productions where she is enthusiastically gaining both skills and experience.

Editor – John Weeks

After a career switch from computer games programmer to film maker John has covered just about every position in Post Production working on Feature Films, Shorts, Commercials, Corporates, Music Videos and Promos. As lead editor at the creative agency Evidently he edited projects for clients such as Dove, Nicorette, Lifebuoy and Axe as well as the multiple award winning “Dear 16 Year Old Me” campaign for the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund.

Moving freelance has led to narrative projects such as the feature film “The Watcher Self”, multiple short projects including the award winning “The Day My Fish Died” and “Cat Sitting” as well as work for the BFI and V&A museum. John’s next project includes the feature film “Something Changed” and the documentary “7 Legends” featuring some of the greatest names from boxing and wrestling history including Mike Tyson and Bret Hart.

Sound Editor – Stewart Dugdale

Stewart is a full time Composer, Sound Designer and Audio Editor. He has 5 years experience scoring to picture, creating sound design, dialogue editing as well as sound FX and Foley. His music has appeared across a wide range of platforms including Chanel 4 and SKY. He works very closely with companies such as Future Publishing, Fantom films and KOTV and licenses a royalty free music library, Royalty Free Tunes and a production music library, PPM Music which provide music for immediate licensing.

Original Music by – David Mumford

David released his debut album, ‘Bonfire Music’ in April 2013. The culmination of ten years of songwriting, combining influences from the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, the album weaves together nursery rhymes with old blues fables, songs of fear with those of hope. In the past year alone, David has supported Joan Armatrading, The Charlatans and The Dylan Project, and has played live on BBC Radio Kent and BBC Introducing.

Pre-Production Assistant – Jennie Lazenby

Associate Producers

Rob Heller & Adri Heller

Jude Dempsey

David Mumford

Linda Chapple

Paula Moss

Ellie Mumford

Valsofo

Sasha Marchant

Jenny Reaper

Henriette-Mercedes Spiering

Jemima Strydom

Mark Umphrey

Jennie Lazenby

Special Thanks to

>> David Waterson from Haringey Film Office

>> PC Gavin Barnet from Haringey Police

>> Linda Chapple – for the wardrobe contributions

>> Abbey Wright – for the wardrobe contributions

>> Gemma Berongoy – for the wardrobe contributions

>> Moira Murphy – for the wardrobe contributions

Dukebox About

 

Welcome to this brand new specialized platform!

Who is it for/What do we mean by ‘queer’ women:

Women of all ages, races and cultures who do not conform to the traditional “girly-girl” norm by virtue of their attitude, gender or preferences.

What we host/present:

Good quality Fiction and Documentary content for this very special audience – the queer woman!
Currently we focus mainly on narrative fiction and film.

How we came about

As a new writer and film maker myself I realised the harsh truth: In this day and age it does not suffice to take on the taxing professional challenges associated with studying and honing one’s chosen skills or art form. Not only do we have to be very talented, exceed far above the norm in our skills, we also have to be excellent and business, networking, I.T, finance, marketing, public relations and maintain a personal life.

This is not a new discovery. In fact it a heart-sinking discovery made a billion times by every person who has ever tried their hand in a creative industry….

So, if every one of us has to master all these skills and needs to do the same things….

Why not work together?

What we offer our contributors

A Single Vortex

We offer a single online portal, offering a niche, very specific, product set, through which our chosen contributors can publish, promote and advertise their content.
It is a bit like Amazon but for US. As anyone who has trawled the pages in Amazon knows: there is a lot of stuff, even good stuff out there, but not all is what we are looking for.

Single social media outlet

We have all experienced information overload and we all know what it is like to be inundated with new posts and messages and emails. So, rather than doing that to our valued audience, we provide a single social media pipeline through which all news and updates are distributed. Thus, if your audience likes your stuff, the chances are they will also like the other co-contributors and would want updates from both. However, rather than relying on them to go follow you our other contributors on facebook or twitter, risking the chance they might forget you… they can now follow the Dukebox and get relevant updates from all of us.

Publishing assistance

We have a number of close business partners and associates who specialise in offering services related to the online publishing and distribution business. As one of our contributors you can benefit from:

Proofing/Editing

We have a team of highly skilled beta and proof readers who offer their services to make sure your publications stand to make you proud.

Creating copy

We help you write the really hard stuff… the stuff about you! As any writer or creative person knows, it might be a challenge to writer a good story or play or screenplay, but boy it is 1000 times harder to write your own Biog!

Digital/Video

We have a team of highly skilled videographers and filmmakers who can help you make professional looking and sounding video content with which to promote yourself online and elsewhere. Selfies are good, but they are not ideal in all situations – Sometimes one can really benefit from a bit professional help!

Marketing Team support

The fact that the platform provides a single brand helps multiply the benefit of any promotional activity. By us all collaborating in one space and technically promoting a single portal/platform we can all benefit by eachother’s efforts. Promoting one, promotes all.

Technical expertise/ready made platform

A single portal enables us to benefit from only needing to invent the wheel once. Here you have a ready made website platform through which you can showcase, promote and distribute your content. We provide the in house expertise to support this platform, so you don’t have to worry about buying a url, setting up a web site, or finding a web site developer or doing all the admin related to maintaining your site.

Want to join us?

Contact us on submissions[@]Dukebox.life.
Please state what you do, what kind of help you think you need and include samples of your work.

Note: This is a specialised selection based platform. We reserve the right to accept only content we think will appeal to our select audience.
So if we turn you down, please don’t lose heart, it just means that we subjectively feel your content is not ideally suited to our expertise or audience.