This fictionalised alternative history suggests Richard III’s oft-rumoured ‘disappearing’ of his young nephews to take the crown was actually not as dark as portrayed. Here, much later, the film explores a theory that one of the boys may have survived and began plotting to regain his sovereignty.

This intriguing new angle will be made by the Derbyshire director of the film Oliver Griffiths. Griffiths has already cut his cloth with a number of successful shorts including Smile Smile Smile and the Midlands Movies Awards-nominated A Personal Errand. The latter of the two being set in the American West (but shot locally) and shows the filmmaker’s experience in taking viewers back to the past and demonstrates his already successful handling of creating historical stories in the Midlands.

The director explains, "“I’ve been making films for almost 17 years, and ‘The Pretender’ has without a doubt been the most challenging but also the most rewarding production I’ve ever tackled. Being able to work with the Wars of the Roses Federation for a weekend of shooting was an incredible experience; it’s not every day you have a literal army at your fingertips."

Oliver goes on to add, "It was an intense experience for me personally as I had around 7 scenes to shoot that weekend, including every scene that would be involving the members of the federation ranging from the main battle sequence to a dialogue scene set in the main military campsite. It was a lot to cram into 2 days, we had to make some tweaks on the fly in order to get everything we needed, and having almost 200 people on set was definitely quite daunting."

But despite the accolades already, this film is his and the team’s biggest project to date with over 2 years’ worth of preparation. And boy, could you see it on the day. A huge team comprising of over 150 members of the War of the Roses Federation battle reenactment group - with era accurate armour and weapons - were all prepped to recreate this alternate chronicle set within a turbulent period of history.

There was also a large, tented encampment and men, women and children of all ages in costume to provide further authenticity to this period reproduction.

Playing Prince Richard is seasoned actor Jack D. Anthony, who is also producing via Anthony-Hamilton Productions. And Louis Brough, no stranger himself to the Midlands Movies Awards and a filmmaker in his own right, joins the team as Director of Cinematography and between the whole group, shots were set up to make the most of this amazing ensemble. 

Jack himself says about the film, "As lead actor, writer and producer, it was a surreal experience to be on set with the Wars of the Roses Federation. Their commitment and dedication was critical for authenticity. Fighting at the front of 150 fully armoured men at arms was the stuff of dreams, even now I miss wearing my armour! From first putting pen to paper six years ago it was surreal standing there amongst the carnage. I am grateful to all involved for helping me tell this story that I believe in, deeply."

"I believe that history should be reevaluated for truth and re-examined with empathy to tell stories of people who have long been forgotten or misinterpreted by history. If the Princes in the Tower did survive as some historians claim, what would that have been like for them?", asks Jack.

"At Anthony-Hamilton productions we believe in pushing boundaries and we cannot wait to share more. I am proud to have been able to create this in the heart of the Midlands, where I began my acting career many years ago. This War of the Roses psychological drama aims to shed new light on a much loved period in British history."

Once the army had been ushered into place, the dedicated production team readied the makeup, camera and blocking for one of the film’s most important moments.

And it was here during this brief scene we saw filmed, there were exciting echoes of the best Hollywood movie speeches set during the era, with nods to Henry V (both Olivier and Brannagh versions) as well the more recent The King (2019) with Timothée Chalamet. With the promise of a call-to-arms being heard, a Braveheart-style rousing speech was on the cards and is surely an essential must for any medieval movie skirmish.

And as the day came to a close, the director gave well-deserved thanks to all involved. "The enthusiasm, passion and professionalism of everyone involved ensured that we were able to get everything we needed in that short timeframe. My immeasurable gratitude goes to the entire cast and crew, the Wars of the Roses Federation, and everyone who has supported us in making this ambitious mini epic."

Exploring the Plantagenet line, the film already has a great connection to the history that took place in the region – and especially Midlands Movies’ hometown of Leicester where King Richard III’s remains were unearthed in the car park just a decade ago.

And the famous Bosworth Battlefield where Plantagenet and Tudor history clashed is just down the road – and funnily enough, holds its own battle reenactment days – undertaken by the very same group involved on this shoot!

With the film's shooting days continuing throughout the rest of the week at a local castle and church, the film continues apace and you can follow the film's latest updates and release schedule via the official page and production companies below.

https://www.instagram.com/thepretendershortfilm/

https://www.instagram.com/anthonyhamilton_productions/

https://www.instagram.com/ogkpictures

And a late pledge page has been launched at IndieGoGo to raise support & funds to finalise the project. Click here