ROB GARRATTFilm makers Will Gregory, right, and Shannon Crome
22 September 2009 07:00
Delivering dodgy packages, addiction to Class A drugs, bare-knuckle fighting and time behind bars was all one Norwich man knew for more than a decade.
But now Will Gregory has turned his life around and is using his dark days as a heroin addict as the inspiration for a film.
From seedy smack dens to big-screen success, the 32-year-old father is hoping that by telling his story he will open the eyes of people to the kind of life that goes unnoticed by many.
Flow is about a heavy drugs user, played by Mr Gregory, who has just been released after spending five years in prison and tries to rekindle a relationship with his wife.
The author has already written the script and filmed some scenes and promotional material, and is appealing to Film Four for funding to help finish the project. The team is also putting together a multimedia project to present to the Arts Council in a further bid for funds.
He said: “It's based on my life in the early to late nineties. I wasted a lot of years with the drugs and bare-knuckle fighting; now I am delving back into it to try and tell my story. Whether people will watch it or not it needs to be made.
“I went to four funerals in one week with people who died with drugs overdoses.”
The film also focuses on the art of parkour - or street running - that sees people using walls and surfaces as a form of transport. It stars local musician Shannon Crome and model Toni Smith, while Darryl Johnston has signed up as cinematographer.
It features a soundtrack from Norwich-based rock band Icarus Vision. Mr Gregory wrote and directed a video to their song Burnin' In Flames.
Mr Gregory grew up in West Yorkshire and started using heroin aged 17. He started on the road to recovery after the death of his best friend in 1999.
He moved to Norwich eight years ago, and now lives near Woodcock Road, Old Catton, with his wife Fran, 34, their two-year-old daughter Regan, and stepchildren Kyle, 16, Leigh, 15 and Alissa, 15. He has worked as a magician and an escapologist, is also a folk musician and has won awards for his poetry.
Mr Gregory added: “The film is about building relationships and building redemption. It's an expose as well; it shows people that that world does exist. People don't see what's beneath their feet; they don't see the street crime.
“People need to know that addicts and alcoholics and prisoners all deserve a second chance.”
To learn more about the film go to flowthefilm.yolasite.com.
Are you creating something important to you? Call reporter Rob Garratt on 01603 772439 or email rob.garratt@archant.co.uk.
