New project for Batman boys
TWO film makers have completed a documentary which they hope will raise awareness about a lesser known form of cancer.
Stuart Laws and Alastair Clayton, who were behind the Becoming Batman YouTube videos earlier this year, have filmed the Silent Cancer, which deals with the subject of pancreatic cancer.
The project started in January 2008, when pancreatic cancer survivor Les Niewiara contacted the two film makers about ideas of how to publicise a charity bike ride from London to Krakow in which he was due to take part.
This gave him the chance to explain his story to Alastair and Stuart, who decided that the illness would make a good subject matter for a feature length documentary.
The disease has a first year survival rate of just three per cent, and around 7,000 people die from it every year in the UK, which shocked the two film makers.
The pair researched the illness, and after months of planning secured interviews with some leading surgeons and researchers into the disease.
They also continued to document Les' preparations for his bike ride, but suffered a setback in July last year just before the trip was due to begin.
However, he eventually recovered enough to be able to complete more than 600 miles of the ride, joining the team in Germany before crossing the finish line in Krakow.
Alastair and Stewart were on hand to record the emotional moment in front of Les' jubilant family and friends.
Stuart said: "Filming the teams cross the line and seeing Les reunited with his family made it clear how important his mission was.
"His message was always that survival rates must improve, and hopefully not only the bike ride but the documentary too can contribute towards that happening."
If anyone would like a copy of the film on DVD, contact Stuart Laws at stu@turtlecanyonmedia.com or call him on 07903 728060.
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