David Baddiel, Helen Lederer, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are some of the stars who make appearances in a new dark, satirical comedy short film, To Trend On Twitter.
The story follows single mother Susie Jenkins (Keeley-Jo Jupp) as she becomes famous online for having a terminally ill son. It explores celebrity and the modern digital psyche through the famous individuals, fans and media that create them.
The film is written and directed by Andy Wooding, who has appeared on Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe and has photographed comedians Russell Kane and Nick Helm.
Profits will go to CLIC Sargent who support young people with cancer and their families. There will be a premiere in London in October in aid of CLIC Sargent and the film will be available online afterwards.
Wooding says: "To Trend on Twitter came about thanks to some weird, dark things I heard about online and through working in the entertainment industry. We're in a very strange time right now and I wanted to make something slightly cautionary that explores the present day, rather than the future, and do it in a fun, light-hearted way. CLIC Sargent do amazing work and I wanted to help in the way that I can (making films, I'm not much of a marathon runner!) so all of the film's profits will go towards supporting them and the great humanitarian work they do. I'm overjoyed to have been able to make this film – which was a real, tear-inducing struggle at times – with so many beautiful, kind-hearted, talented people, including some of my childhood heroes."
Wooding financed the film by crowdfunding, with support from a string of supportive small businesses including Rivoli Ballroom, Cherryduck Studios, Direct Photographic, Studio Zero and with the generosity of over 300 creatives – including the comedians listed above – who worked on the project for free.
Picture of Keeley-Jo Jupp by Simon Phipps.
Picture of Reece Shearsmith/Steve Pemberton by Jessica Hodges
