East Lancashire towns that feature in gritty film Reputation

Preston’s Martin Law, who founded independent film production company Factory Noir, is in the process of making his debut feature film Reputation.

It is a psychological crime drama set in the fictional Northern town of Dennings. The synopsis includes an intimate look at loyalty, greed and power in 'broken Britain'.

Preston’s Martin Law, who founded independent film production company Factory Noir, is in the process of making his debut feature film Reputation (Image: Martin Law)

Martin, who is director, producer and script co-writer, said the film has been in development for around a decade adding that he always planned to film in the north.

He said: “As a proud northerner, I wanted to film in working class, Northern towns. I love the juxtaposition of these terraced houses with the scenic background.

“I think the north in general is underrepresented on screen, but we have so much beautiful scenery. I always wanted to make this film in the North, with Northern talent”

(L-R) Martin Law, Kyle Rowe, who plays Tommy, and James Nelson-Joyce, who plays Wes (Image: Jordan Derbyshire)

Most of the filming took place over nine days last October. Filming took place in Burnley, Clayton-Le-Moors, Accrington, Great Harwood, Rishton and Preston.

Filming also took place at M&S News in Great Harwood and in a function room at Burnley Miners Social Club, on Plumbe Street. Punters even acted as extras in the background.

Nippon UK Martial Arts in Preston also featured in the film.

Behind the scenes filming of Reputation (Image: Jordan Derbyshire)

Martin said: “Making the film was quite hectic and stressful, especially as we were filming it over such a short space of time.

“We filmed it over nine days, which is unheard of for a feature film.

“We wanted to make a Northern crime film that was stripped back and as real, and gritty as possible.”

The lead character, Wes, is played by James Nelson-Joyce, who starred alongside Sean Bean in BBC series Time and is also set to appear in the upcoming Disney drama A Thousand Blows.

Martin said: “The lead character, Wes, starts to question his own choices and realise this is not what he wanted for his life.

Poster used in Reputation film. Filmed at M&S News in Great Harwood (Image: Martin Law/Factory Noir)

“James only had a two-week window where he could film, but considering the tight schedule, I am happy with the footage we got.”

The movie now has to be edited and some scenes may have to be re-filmed. Once complete, Martin hopes it will catch the attention of big streaming companies, such as Netflix.

He said: “The edit takes a lot longer than production.

“The plan is to put the movie into film festivals and then approach sales agents. The dream is to go on to Netflix, or another large streaming platform.

“It is a low-budget piece but I am confident that it looks like it has been made on a much bigger budget.”

Martin is now hoping to raise extra funds to 'help make the film the best it can be', with money going towards an extra day of filming, as well as to help with post-production costs, marketing and festival fees.

You can keep up to date with the process by visiting the film's website for more information.

Martin said: “There are a few different rewards on the crowd funder but any donations would be much appreciated. If any local businesses want to sponsor the film that would be great.

The fictional town of Dennings, which features in Reputation film (Image: Martin Law/Factory Noir)

“There is such little funding for filmmakers and I would love people to support a Northern film.

“I am proud to have made the film. I didn’t have any contacts in the industry and put myself out there, and put a lot of my own money into the film. . 

“As a filmmaker you should make a film that you enjoy and hope other people will like too. I genuinely believe there is an audience for this film.”

Donations can be made via the 'Reputation - Feature Film' Greenlit crowdfunding page.