AN original short film show-casing a wealth of local talent was filmed in Kingsbridge last weekend.

The film, entitled Borrowed, is inspired by an article by Julia Llewellyn Smith that explored the loss felt by stepmothers for their stepchildren after a relationship breaks down.

The film tells the story of one such woman who, unable to see the children she has raised as her own, resorts to taking three hostages in the desperate hope of persuading their father to grant her access.

The film was shot in Kingsbridge over the weekend of September 26 and 27 using locations on Fore Street, in Harbour House and at the library.

The primary goal of the film is to promote local talent – it ­features a cast and crew of 17, all of whom have a connection to the local area.

The film has been written, directed and produced by Stuart Price, along with producer and director of photography Matt Smith, who also runs photography studio Picture South Hams.

The leading role is played by Jess Murphy, who flew in ­especially for the shoot. Jess was born in Plymouth and has recently appeared in Holby City and the new Macbeth film.

Local actors include Sally Feetenby, Gina Carter, James Osben and Gill Garland, who appeared in the Inn Theatre Company’s recent production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in Dartmouth.

The film is now in post-­production, with the final edit scheduled to be completed by the end of November. The plan is for a local screening to be arranged in late November or early December, followed by promotion and submission to both national and international film festivals.

Jason Yeoman, assistant ­cameraman and lighting, from Head High Productions, said: ‘It went really smoothly; it felt like a successful shoot and everyone bonded.

‘It wasn’t an easy shoot ­logistically, mainly due to the lighting, but there was a community atmosphere and everyone felt as if they had achieved something really special.

‘I was amazed at how good the local actors were – they were some of the best actors I’ve worked with.’

Sally Feetenby, who played the librarian, said: ‘It was my first time in film and so was a completely new experience for me, but it was really enjoyable.

‘I’ve been with the Inn Theatre Company for eight years and also belong to Kingsbridge Amateur Theatrical Society.’

When asked what it was like to work with Jess Murphy, Sally said: ‘I thought Jess was lovely. I wasn’t sure how it would be, as she was so experienced, but she was down-to-earth and it was great to go through the process with her.

‘I learnt that acting in film is very different to the theatre. When you’re acting on stage the emotions flow and there’s a ­continuation through the whole piece.

‘But with film there are a lot of stops and starts. It doesn’t always flow as well as if you were in a theatre piece – your emotions follow the flow. I found it really interesting to see how Jess could quickly turn on emotion.

‘In film you have to be on your toes all the time, ready to pick up from where you left off.’

Writer, director and producer Stuart Price said: ‘It was a really positive atmosphere and all the cast and crew got on well together. Everyone really liked Jess, enjoying the opportunity to work with a professional actress.

‘From the very first moment we commenced filming on Fore Street, the buzz on set was ­fantastic. Cast and crew worked hard throughout the next two days to ensure the numerous camera and set changes ran as smoothly as possible.

‘Problems arose but were soon surmounted, and when finally we were able to relax over a beer on Sunday evening, the verdict by all was, “what an experience”.

‘But what made the weekend equally as enjoyable was the support we had from so many local people. Too many to mention by name, but I would like to thank the staff at the Harbour House cafe and the Seven Stars for ­providing excellent food, Kingsbridge Community College for the loan of tables and chairs, and a special thank you to Maria and her team at the library, ­without whose assistance the project would never have got off the ground.

‘We’d also like to thank our sponsors who have kindly donated towards the project, including Bartons Solicitors and Charles Head estate agents,

as well as numerous family ­members and friends.’

The producers have committed to making a further two short films in 2016, with the next one planned for March.

They have a couple of ideas for scripts, with the notion of making a comedy particularly appealing.

After these they hope to begin work on a feature-length film.