Candid Broads announces casting of Bronagh Waugh and Ceallach Spellman in upcoming short film ‘WoMum’

© David Reiss & Michael Shelford

Candid Broads have announced their new lead cast for upcoming short ‘WoMum’ that will be shot in the UK based on an original idea and to be directed by Holly Stevens, as well as written by Kieran Bourne.

Bronagh Waugh (The Fall/ Unforgotten / King Gary) & Ceallach Spellman (White Lines / Cold Feet) will play the lead roles in the upcoming drama that will aim to highlight society’s unfairness towards women while shedding light on sexism and abuse. Among some of the film’s supporters including the Solace Women’s Aid Foundation, based in London.

Having recently launched their Kickstarter campaign, Candid Broads has had a busy year so far with their latest short ‘Kotti’ directed by Fabia Martin and starring Emma Appleton being selected for this year’s Imagine This Women’s Film Festival in Brooklyn later next month. Also the production company announced this week that their first project ‘Call It A Day’ received a nomination for Outstanding Dramedy at the New Jersey Web Fest 2021. Candid Broads founder & producer Oriane Pick is nominated for Best Actress in her role in the web series.

The London-based and female-led production company, comprising founder & producer Oriane Pick (Call It A Day / Say Your Name) and assistant producer Anais Ferrato, have now ten projects under their belt including eight short films, one Chekhov play and one feature film at the development stage.

In an industry filled with “content makers”, independent production company Candid Broads have been seeking to revitalise a saturated market with powerful, socially conscious female led stories, whilst supporting diverse talent behind & in front of the camera. Topics for their forthcoming films include mental health (schizophrenia, depression / loneliness), anorexia, domestic abuse, housing rights, and the psychological impact of lockdown on single working mothers.

“Our mission is to bring fresh and original female-led stories and bold characters to the screen. We hope to empower & amplify female voices within film. To bring fierce & unheard female voices to the front row.”

Reflecting this female-led mission, the production company is supporting full diversity in front of and behind the camera. For every project Candid Broads gets behind, they ensure that 85% of their cast and/or crew are female-identifying and represent BAME backgrounds.

“We want to give a voice and opportunities to those groups that have so far been underrepresented in the film industry. Our focus is to encourage bold, emerging talent and filmmakers who don’t let conventions get in their way of their creativity.”

With the UK film industry making a dramatic comeback following the pandemic, there’s growing optimism that a new renaissance is underway with independent filmmakers leading the charge, and helping to educate audiences on important societal themes.

And most recently this week, it was revealed that Amazon would be moving its production of the Lord of The Rings series to the UK starting in 2022, further cementing an already exciting year of announcements for the British film industry.

Filmmakers can learn more about Candid Broads latest developments by visiting their website, and also take part in their Kickstarter fundraiser for short film ‘WoMum’