Founder Of View From The North. It’s fair to say I’ve had a varied career. Upon leaving school I turned down an apprenticeship to be a sheet metal worker to study film at college and then university. Subsequently a career in the film & TV industry followed, working in the camera department on many productions; from BAFTA nominated documentaries to critically acclaimed feature films, with several film installations at the Tate Gallery thrown in for good measure.  The offer of a decent pension and children led to a change in direction – lecturing on a film degree course. I have created several shorts over the years and the creative urge to write and shoot has never left me. I have written and directed this short film as a new chapter.

My name is Paul Broughton and I am an actor of some 25 years’ experience of both stage (Royal National Theatre, West End, The Abbey Theatre, Dublin) and screen (from soap to serial and film).I was persuaded to accept Richard’s offer to play the role of John, based on his belief that, together, we could do it.Reading the script for Against the Grain immediately resonated with me, this is a story that encompasses so many aspects of life which we take for granted and slowly and carefully exposes this flaw line by line. With Richard’s patience and guidance, we made the journey through the film together and I enjoyed the whole, unique experience of working on the film. Richard and his crew were professional, courteous and enthusiastic throughout and I would not hesitate to work with him again.

Mark started working in TV drama 20 years ago as a trainee in the camera department, working up through clapper loading, focus pulling and camera operating. He began to work using film cameras and has seen the rapid curve and development of digital camera technology first-hand. As well as popular and high profile TV drama he has worked across commercials, online content and corporate film also. During his time working with cameras Mark also made a handful of award winning short films as a writer and director, which traveled the festival circuit and gained press publicity. From this Mark has also built up a body of work as a director for hire on commercials, branded content, online promotions and corporate film also. In the drama world, Mark recently started DOPing TV shows and is slowly gaining credits in that environment whilst being a regular operator on popular and high end drama. 

I’ve worked in the film and television for a considerable number of years as a Production Designer/Art Director. Recently I have been working as UK Supervising Art Director on DAS BOOT and Production Designer for Black Road which was the winner of best short at the Berlin film festival. Currently Director for White Elephant Contemporary Arts.   I became involved with Against the Grain after Richard sent me the script. I really liked the concept of the garage being the character’s refuge, a place of solitude in which to confide or even confess. Richard’s vision matched with mine and we created a wonderful space.

As a budding producer Trisha has worked on many productions and has seen a range of short film projects through from conception to completion. With her drive and ambition she develops projects, cost effectively manages productions and keeps the cast and crew motivated. Always up for new challenges, Trisha strives to help unique and powerful stories come to life.