Locals will be able to spot several Penrith locations in an upcoming short film produced by former Werrington local, Pete Ireland.
The 34-year-old grew up in Werrington Downs, and is a former student of both Werrington County Public School and St Dominic’s College.
Mr Ireland shot scenes at his old primary and secondary school, and used former neighbours’ homes to recreate an American feel for his 15 minute film ‘12.12.12’.
“The whole film, except for one scene, is being shot in Penrith, that is subbing to be middle-suburban America. We filmed at a high school, a primary school, and a couple of houses,” he said.
These locations, including a humble home in Lockyer Avenue, Werrington County, could soon be famous after he enters the finished product into short film festivals across the world.
“We are looking to put it in to the major film festivals, especially in North America as we think it has a North American slant to it. I’ve also had a brief chat with local broadcasters about turning the film into an episodic series,” he said.
The film was inspired by the tragic events of the Sandy Hook massacre in December 2012, and looks into the psychology behind what turns a person into a cold blooded killer.
“The director, James Crisp, is somebody who pays very close attention to what happens in the world, and he was quite affected by Sandy Hook,” he said.
The story follows two brothers, who are marginalised in their town and turn their revenge on their former elementary school.
“Throughout the story, you don’t agree with what they’re doing in any way, shape or form, but you understand how a person would get to that point,” Mr Ireland said.
Mr Ireland thanked the Penrith community, who have helped ease the amount of work and costs involved in creating a short film, for their support.
