Down & Out is a brand new production delving in to the forces and circumstances driving homelessness and rough sleeping.
Driven by the oft hidden aspects behind what we see on the streets of our towns and cities and based on real case histories, this is a dramatic production packing a real punch, filmed entirely on location with a professional cast by the same crew and writers behind the One Way Traffic and AfterAffects award winning movies.
Project Status
Active
Runtime & Locations
Short feature (72 mins runtime) filmed entirely on location with a professional cast
Resolution, Aspect, Formats & Distribution
Production Resolution 4K 2160P
Audio 5.1 Surround
Aspect 1.85:1 cinema widescreen in 16x9 TV container
Edit Video ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 4444
Edit Audio 5.1 Dolby
Distribution FHD m4v
Distribution Audio Stereo Dolby
Distribution through selected worldwide film festival submissions, Prime Video submission (Amazon), local screenings by concerned groups, restricted opticals sale (BD / DVD) and direct download sales (m4v) from OMF web site.
Purpose of the film
The purpose of this film is to explode the myth that all rough sleepers are substance abusers and that their situation is of their own making. To be filmed in a run n' gun style to get right in with the action in a dramatic way, this film will go behind the normal 'face' of rough sleeping and highlight surprisingly simple issues - often out of the victim's control - that trigger homelessness yet make that status hard to resolve.
Active
Runtime & Locations
Short feature (72 mins runtime) filmed entirely on location with a professional cast
Resolution, Aspect, Formats & Distribution
Production Resolution 4K 2160P
Audio 5.1 Surround
Aspect 1.85:1 cinema widescreen in 16x9 TV container
Edit Video ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 4444
Edit Audio 5.1 Dolby
Distribution FHD m4v
Distribution Audio Stereo Dolby
Distribution through selected worldwide film festival submissions, Prime Video submission (Amazon), local screenings by concerned groups, restricted opticals sale (BD / DVD) and direct download sales (m4v) from OMF web site.
Purpose of the film
The purpose of this film is to explode the myth that all rough sleepers are substance abusers and that their situation is of their own making. To be filmed in a run n' gun style to get right in with the action in a dramatic way, this film will go behind the normal 'face' of rough sleeping and highlight surprisingly simple issues - often out of the victim's control - that trigger homelessness yet make that status hard to resolve.
With a screenplay based on actual events, everything in Down & Out has actually happened to somebody somewhere. But this is not a documentary. Rather, In this gritty and dynamic feature movie there are arguments a plenty, evictions, a death and a rape, yet surprising sentimentality.
ADAM
Released from prison after being exonerated for a crime he had not committed, Adam had nowhere to live so ended up sleeping rough. We catch up with him after two years on the streets. With no job, no income and nowhere to live he has become despondent. Introduced to drugs as a way to drown out his sorrows, Adam takes his own life.
MOLLY
Molly had a privileged early life which, financed by her father was one long round of parties, fun and expensive cars. She has never had a job. When her father died her allowance stopped and she ended up in a shabby damp bedsit. After asking for leaks to be repaired she is evicted on a section 21 and ends up sleeping under the pier where she is raped. A couple chase the rapist off and call the police, Molly is taken to a hospital for tests so that a prosecution can be made . The hospital refer her to the Whitechapel Centre who then send her to Light for Life .
TOM
Tom is a successful guy living an enviable lifestyle with a lovely wife, nice house and an expensive car. But he is living above his means and debts are mounting. As a result of Covid-19 cutbacks he loses his job and the crunch comes when a repossession order is delivered on his house. His wife walks out and he is evicted. Tom is too proud to ask for help so ends up living rough. Subsequently Tom goes to the Salvation Army for a warm drink and is supported with a shower, a change of clothes and a session with Employment Plus. As a result he lands a job which then enables him to get a flat. Down the line he gets back with his wife but their lifestyle is more realistic and within their means.
Released from prison after being exonerated for a crime he had not committed, Adam had nowhere to live so ended up sleeping rough. We catch up with him after two years on the streets. With no job, no income and nowhere to live he has become despondent. Introduced to drugs as a way to drown out his sorrows, Adam takes his own life.
MOLLY
Molly had a privileged early life which, financed by her father was one long round of parties, fun and expensive cars. She has never had a job. When her father died her allowance stopped and she ended up in a shabby damp bedsit. After asking for leaks to be repaired she is evicted on a section 21 and ends up sleeping under the pier where she is raped. A couple chase the rapist off and call the police, Molly is taken to a hospital for tests so that a prosecution can be made . The hospital refer her to the Whitechapel Centre who then send her to Light for Life .
TOM
Tom is a successful guy living an enviable lifestyle with a lovely wife, nice house and an expensive car. But he is living above his means and debts are mounting. As a result of Covid-19 cutbacks he loses his job and the crunch comes when a repossession order is delivered on his house. His wife walks out and he is evicted. Tom is too proud to ask for help so ends up living rough. Subsequently Tom goes to the Salvation Army for a warm drink and is supported with a shower, a change of clothes and a session with Employment Plus. As a result he lands a job which then enables him to get a flat. Down the line he gets back with his wife but their lifestyle is more realistic and within their means.
What a Night !
The premiere screening of Down & Out was a closed doors private screening at the Lucem House Cinema in St Helens on the evening of Tuesday 21st January 2025. A lovely community cinema with a warm feel, a full house was achieved a full month prior to the event. With several cast members attending, the premiere followed established broadcast format with an on-screen pre-roll as guests arrived, leading in to the film title heralded by a fanfare and a warm welcome by the film director as the pre-roll led into the actual screening of Down & Out.
Following the screening of Down & Out, Assistant Director Peter Woodroffe led a cast panel of Heidi Robinson, Robbie Manners, Mark Haldor and Director Ian Bennett in an in-depth Cast & Crew Q&A where many aspects were laid bare in a fascinating behind the scenes snapshot on movie production, particularly a zero budget movie of this stature.
Because some cast members had been unable to attend the premiere, the crew had set up an on-screen video link directly to Dale Grant. The link enabled Peter to question Dale, not just about his role of John in the film but also about other productions he had starred in for OMF.
With no wifi in the cinema, creating the video link was quite a challenge for OMF and Lucem techies but the Q&A went down extremely well and was warmly received.
With no wifi in the cinema, creating the video link was quite a challenge for OMF and Lucem techies but the Q&A went down extremely well and was warmly received.
Broadcast editions and cinema screenings tend to be quantified by viewer figures but that measure is not applicable to indie movies. The best gauge of an indie movie is actually reaction and response from film festivals, particularly the more influential.
Within weeks of Down & Out being premiered, this dynamic narrative feature film was awarded Official Selection status in the northern UK edition of the prestigious Global Lift-Off series.
Cast Gallery
Down & Out features a brilliant cast especially selected from around the country and overseas and the cast gallery is where you can get an advance view of what we believe is the best cast we have ever worked with. The cast gallery is interactive so view in its entirety or roll over images and click on individual cast members for bigger images and specific background information.
Production Stills Gallery
Scroll down to view a selection of production stills
Down & Out features a brilliant cast especially selected from around the country and overseas and the cast gallery is where you can get an advance view of what we believe is the best cast we have ever worked with. The cast gallery is interactive so view in its entirety or roll over images and click on individual cast members for bigger images and specific background information.
Production Stills Gallery
Scroll down to view a selection of production stills
Hover & click for details
Cast
Lead Roles
Alice
Heidi Robinson
Heidi played the role of a harassed wife in AfterAffects, throwing herself into an argument with her screen husband - literally - for during that scene she took on the role so well that at a crucial point she grabbed a bottle and hurled it at hubby, and when he ducked it hit the director!
In Down&Out Heidi plays lead role Alice, again getting in to arguments but not, we hope, throwing anything!
Heidi Robinson
Heidi played the role of a harassed wife in AfterAffects, throwing herself into an argument with her screen husband - literally - for during that scene she took on the role so well that at a crucial point she grabbed a bottle and hurled it at hubby, and when he ducked it hit the director!
In Down&Out Heidi plays lead role Alice, again getting in to arguments but not, we hope, throwing anything!
Alice
Homeless Tom
Robbie Manners
Over time, Robbie has been cast in a variety of roles displaying great flexibility and emotional depth.
Films include The Gridiron, Sandow, In2ruders, The Run, Caught in a landslide & Dangerous.
Robbie is an actor of great screen presence and intensity who can bend his talents to almost any role.
Robbie Manners
Over time, Robbie has been cast in a variety of roles displaying great flexibility and emotional depth.
Films include The Gridiron, Sandow, In2ruders, The Run, Caught in a landslide & Dangerous.
Robbie is an actor of great screen presence and intensity who can bend his talents to almost any role.
Tom
Kathy - Carol May
Having played a foster mother wronged by the authorities in the OMF feature AfterAffects, Carol is another brilliant actress from a previous OMF feature.
In AFX, Carol brought real feeling to her role and her skills will again be pushed to the limit in Down&Out where she plays a close friend and confidant of Alice, being there for her when she most needs support.
Having played a foster mother wronged by the authorities in the OMF feature AfterAffects, Carol is another brilliant actress from a previous OMF feature.
In AFX, Carol brought real feeling to her role and her skills will again be pushed to the limit in Down&Out where she plays a close friend and confidant of Alice, being there for her when she most needs support.
Kathy
Lawrence - Coffee Shop Owner
Peter McKenzie-Brown
A graduate of the Waterford Bag of Trees Drama School, Peter has an unusual track record for an actor, for although he was an on-stage professional in Ireland, he is a competent equestrian, and firearms proficient with military experience.
But that's not all, for as a helicopter pilot Peter has been associated with multiple TV broadcast programmes for RTE (Ireland), Tern TV and others.
And no, as the owner of the coffee shop we are not expecting him to resort to his gun if a customer doesn't pay!
Peter McKenzie-Brown
A graduate of the Waterford Bag of Trees Drama School, Peter has an unusual track record for an actor, for although he was an on-stage professional in Ireland, he is a competent equestrian, and firearms proficient with military experience.
But that's not all, for as a helicopter pilot Peter has been associated with multiple TV broadcast programmes for RTE (Ireland), Tern TV and others.
And no, as the owner of the coffee shop we are not expecting him to resort to his gun if a customer doesn't pay!
Lawrence - Coffee Shop Owner
Homeless Frank
Brian Wharton
Brian is a veteran of OMF feature movies, having played a doctor in AfterAffects and Homeless Henry in Tariro/One Way Traffic.
In Down&Out Brian reprises his homeless man role in a character full of quirky habits.
Brian Wharton
Brian is a veteran of OMF feature movies, having played a doctor in AfterAffects and Homeless Henry in Tariro/One Way Traffic.
In Down&Out Brian reprises his homeless man role in a character full of quirky habits.
Homeless Frank
Adam Wilson
Mark Haldor
Mark's credits include a range of projects, playing love interests, villains, and a happy-go-lucky disaster, in CROSSING OVER with Louise Jameson, which he conceived, co-wrote, directed, edited and starred in - Receiving three ‘International Achievers Award’ nominations and a win for ‘Film Producer of The Year’. Mark is currently appearing in Reign of Chaos and in Defenders Eternal where he plays Thor.
Mark Haldor
Mark's credits include a range of projects, playing love interests, villains, and a happy-go-lucky disaster, in CROSSING OVER with Louise Jameson, which he conceived, co-wrote, directed, edited and starred in - Receiving three ‘International Achievers Award’ nominations and a win for ‘Film Producer of The Year’. Mark is currently appearing in Reign of Chaos and in Defenders Eternal where he plays Thor.
Adam Wilson
Molly
Lindsay Blessing
Currently performing in 'Double Bill' (2024), and 'Sherlock Holmes: The Man Who Believed in Fairies' (2024), Lindsay is an experienced, hard working actor who pays attention to detail.
Lindsay Blessing
Currently performing in 'Double Bill' (2024), and 'Sherlock Holmes: The Man Who Believed in Fairies' (2024), Lindsay is an experienced, hard working actor who pays attention to detail.
Molly
John
Dale Grant
Playing the male lead as Alice's husband, Dale is another superb actor well known to OMF.
Having played the father of a young child stricken by FASD in the award winning OMF feature AfterAffects, a film still in Amazon's Prime Video VOD list some six years after release, Dale was an easy choice for John.
Similarities between the two roles are numerous - gentle and loving one minute but then explosive and argumentative the next. In demand in the UK and USA, Dale is a brilliant actor taking all that in his stride.
Dale Grant
Playing the male lead as Alice's husband, Dale is another superb actor well known to OMF.
Having played the father of a young child stricken by FASD in the award winning OMF feature AfterAffects, a film still in Amazon's Prime Video VOD list some six years after release, Dale was an easy choice for John.
Similarities between the two roles are numerous - gentle and loving one minute but then explosive and argumentative the next. In demand in the UK and USA, Dale is a brilliant actor taking all that in his stride.
John
Support Roles
Whitechapel Attendant
Antoinet Sargent
Having been a Stage Manager and also a high school Head of Drama, this mum of two holds an MA in Performance at Leeds University. Antoinet performed a piece at Sibiu International Festival in Romania, has performed at Edinburgh Fringe and has appeared on TV in Sex, Lies and Hypnosis and Lady Killers Pest Detectives. Antoinet has just appeared as Sgt Maria Klinx in The City is Ours.
Antoinet Sargent
Having been a Stage Manager and also a high school Head of Drama, this mum of two holds an MA in Performance at Leeds University. Antoinet performed a piece at Sibiu International Festival in Romania, has performed at Edinburgh Fringe and has appeared on TV in Sex, Lies and Hypnosis and Lady Killers Pest Detectives. Antoinet has just appeared as Sgt Maria Klinx in The City is Ours.
Whitechapel Attendant
TSA Community Worker
Hannah Bradshaw
Hannah is a professional actress with an outgoing personality ideally suited to her Down & Out role.
Having taken time out for a while, Hannah is returning to acting where her drama degree and experience of a wide variety of roles will stand her in good stead.
Hannah Bradshaw
Hannah is a professional actress with an outgoing personality ideally suited to her Down & Out role.
Having taken time out for a while, Hannah is returning to acting where her drama degree and experience of a wide variety of roles will stand her in good stead.
TSA Community Worker
Member of Parliament
Keith Nielson
Yet another veteran of an OMF feature film, Keith played a vicar in Tariro/One Way Traffic. For Down & Out he swaps his cassock and dog collar for civvies to become the area's MP, doubting what the local council are claiming about their success with supporting homelessness.
Keith Nielson
Yet another veteran of an OMF feature film, Keith played a vicar in Tariro/One Way Traffic. For Down & Out he swaps his cassock and dog collar for civvies to become the area's MP, doubting what the local council are claiming about their success with supporting homelessness.
Member of Parliament
MP's Wife
Lynn Grimshaw
Having played a Nursery Manager in OMF’s award winning film about FASD, Lynn is another OMF stalwart.
Lynn Grimshaw
Having played a Nursery Manager in OMF’s award winning film about FASD, Lynn is another OMF stalwart.
MP's Wife
Jeff
Rick Wiltshire
Rick is an an all-round seasoned pro actor and musician with extensive experience in front of the camera as well as scriptwriting and directing experience.
With 15 films, five video shorts and four TV commercials to his credit, Rick brings a wealth of experience to Down & Out
Rick Wiltshire
Rick is an an all-round seasoned pro actor and musician with extensive experience in front of the camera as well as scriptwriting and directing experience.
With 15 films, five video shorts and four TV commercials to his credit, Rick brings a wealth of experience to Down & Out
Jeff
Salvation Army Coffee Shop Server
Maureen Gill
Although no stranger to OMF, Down & Out will be Maureen's first time in front of the camera.
A regular volunteer in the coffee shop at Southport Salvation Army, Mo will actually be playing herself!
Maureen Gill
Although no stranger to OMF, Down & Out will be Maureen's first time in front of the camera.
A regular volunteer in the coffee shop at Southport Salvation Army, Mo will actually be playing herself!
Coffee Shop Server
Soup Kitchen Manager
Soup Kitchen Manager
Cafe Owner
Paul McDonald
Turn the clock back a decade and Paul played a cafe owner in the OMF features Tariro/One Way Traffic, sending an unfortunate young woman away.
Being the owner of the cafe in real life, Paul took to the role like a duck to water, although he doesn't usually send people away!
With a scene in Down & Out where we replicate the infamous incident where a McDonald's manager in London threw a bucket of dirty water over a homeless man to make him move on, Paul was the obvious guy to play the role. This time it's a speaking role but once again he's sending someone away - perhaps his surname has something to do with it!
Paul McDonald
Turn the clock back a decade and Paul played a cafe owner in the OMF features Tariro/One Way Traffic, sending an unfortunate young woman away.
Being the owner of the cafe in real life, Paul took to the role like a duck to water, although he doesn't usually send people away!
With a scene in Down & Out where we replicate the infamous incident where a McDonald's manager in London threw a bucket of dirty water over a homeless man to make him move on, Paul was the obvious guy to play the role. This time it's a speaking role but once again he's sending someone away - perhaps his surname has something to do with it!
Cafe Owner
Rescuer
Taniya Hughes
Taniya danced ballet until her teens on stage and is now realising a life long dream of becoming a Model & screen actress.
More recently her film credits include Faith in the Family, Table Service, Royal Twins and Cinderellas Curse, as well as playing Stacey in Escape from Crooked Valley on TV
Taniya Hughes
Taniya danced ballet until her teens on stage and is now realising a life long dream of becoming a Model & screen actress.
More recently her film credits include Faith in the Family, Table Service, Royal Twins and Cinderellas Curse, as well as playing Stacey in Escape from Crooked Valley on TV
Rescuer
Friend 2 Ralph
Adrian Yearsley
Adrian came to acting rather late but has packed almost a life's worth of roles and projects in since.
TV, film and advertising have all featured with TV roles being for 'the big boys' at ITV as well as commercials and film.
For Down & Out, Adrian plays one of two friends with wildly differing views chatting about homeless people they have seen, views that later will be completely blown apart.
Adrian Yearsley
Adrian came to acting rather late but has packed almost a life's worth of roles and projects in since.
TV, film and advertising have all featured with TV roles being for 'the big boys' at ITV as well as commercials and film.
For Down & Out, Adrian plays one of two friends with wildly differing views chatting about homeless people they have seen, views that later will be completely blown apart.
Friend Ralph
Friend 1 George
Kyle Brookes
Kyle Brookes is a multi-award winning UK-based actor, who has appeared in films produced in England and the USA.
Innately passionate about his craft, Kyle's acting career began at an early age, appearing in local theatre productions across Merseyside.
After training in the works of Stanislavsky and Meisner, he gained a variety of experience in film and Broadway theatre productions.
Kyle Brookes
Kyle Brookes is a multi-award winning UK-based actor, who has appeared in films produced in England and the USA.
Innately passionate about his craft, Kyle's acting career began at an early age, appearing in local theatre productions across Merseyside.
After training in the works of Stanislavsky and Meisner, he gained a variety of experience in film and Broadway theatre productions.
Friend George
Production Stills
