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In 2007, the trio – all in their early twenties – released their first short film 'Milk' which explored the theme of domestic violence in contemporary relationships.

Now the boys are back with their second project '8 Ball' - a longer, more ambitious undertaking to be shot in November 2008.

What's more, they need 150 extras for a nightclub scene to be filmed in Wolverhampton's Wulfrun Hall on the morning of Wednesday 5th November.

No previous acting experience is required – you just need to be dressed like you're ready for a night out!

"It will be a great way for local people to get a taste of what being on a film set is like," says producer Mark Grainger.

On the set of 'Milk'

"We'll have a big crew there and know the shots we need. There are no roles as such – we just want you to be yourself as though you were having a night out with your friends. Except we need you there by 9.45am!"

Breaking in

Mark – along with fellow producer Matt Stoyde and director Damien Hyde – met in 2006.

"Matt and I were doing a media course at Halesowen College," he says. "We met Damien on the set of a short film. We all had so much in common. We all love the kind of social realism films by Mike Leigh and Shane Meadows and all had a desire to make a feature film. We set up our own company in Stourbridge – Social Spectrum Media."

Their first collaboration was the self-financed 14 minute long film 'Milk', which proved to be an invaluable lesson on the logistics of filmmaking.

Scene from 'Milk'

"It was a true learning experience," admits Mark. "The most valuable lesson I learnt from 'Milk' is that no matter now much planning you do in advance things can still go wrong.

"We oversaw the entire process from the writing to post-production. We had a screening at Light House Cinema in Wolverhampton and the reaction was very favourable.

"We submitted the film to various festivals including Cannes but unfortunately were turned down. It was picked up though by a Sky TV channel that screens short films and has been shown three times nationwide."

New film

Their latest project '8 Ball' is a more ambitious undertaking, to be filmed over the course of a week in three Black Country towns, with a larger crew, a longer shooting schedule and more high tech equipment, including cranes on which cameras will be placed to capture more artistic shots.

Shooting with the lads

The story centres around Kal, a young man determined to escape the toils of modern life but who quickly finds that escaping from past experiences is not a given. Shot exclusively in the Black Country and using talent cast from the Birmingham School of Acting, it is at heart a local project.

"We've come a long way in a short time since the first film," explains Mark. "It's a very hard business to get into. We went through that phase of coming out of education and not knowing where to go next. Since 'Milk' we're more established now with a lot of contacts in the industry.

"We're taking all that experience into '8-Ball'. The majority of the film will be shot in Tipton but there will be internal and external scenes from Stourbridge and Wolverhampton too.

"We're really excited about this project. Our goal has always been to make a feature film but you need to get yourselves established first. We're self financed so hopefully '8-Ball' will be our way of turning heads in the industry, getting us noticed."

Scene from 'Milk'

Extras wanted

Up to 150 extras are needed for one of '8-Ball's' pivotal scenes.

To be shot in the Wolverhampton Wulfrun, the segment aims to replicate a "typical night out in a club" and those present – ideally aged between 18 and 40 - are encouraged to dress appropriately and bring their own cameras to snap away. You're advised to have a packed lunch ready but drinks will be provided.

"When the shoot is over you can send your best photos to us," says Mark. "The best ones will get their own place on the website. We want this to be a community project, so if you want to bring your friends along too that would be great!”

Action!

'8-Ball' begins shooting around the Black Country on Monday 3rd November 2008.

If you'd like to be an extra in the Wulfun scene – to be shot on Wednesday 5th November – contact Mark by clicking the link below:

For more information, on ‘8-Ball’ and Social Spectrum Media, visit: