Filming in Amersham: Could Bucks become production hotspot

Director, producer and writer Jack Peter Mundy, who hails from Chalfont St Peter and now lives in High Wycombe, has wrapped the shooting of a short film with Oscar- winning cinematographer Ali Farahani across Bucks locations.

Gone But Not Forgotten follows teenager James, played by a Marlow student Samson Oliver, and his life after the troubling disappearance of his older brother Sean played by Samson’s real life brother Toby Oliver off Black Mirror and The Split.

Jack said: “We shot predominantly on location in Amersham, which was Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, my old school.

The crew on set at Dr Challoner's Grammar School (Image: Deception Films)

“When I was writing about this teenager, my only real reference was me growing up, so I thought I’ll write about Dr Challoner’s, and it was always on the back of my mind I’d like to set it there.”

The school has been “really supportive and accommodating”, Jack thanked.

As well as touching on the tragedy of loss and family breakage, the film also includes LGBT+ themes and “finding love in the darkest of times,” Jack said.

The short film, which is now doing its’ rounds at film festivals, is used as propeller to raise money for an independent feature film.

The fictional characters’ lives also include Chalfont St Peter’s Goldhill Common and Pond Lane, where Jack grew up, while the protagonist’s single dad works in Uxbridge.

Jack, who has filmed up and down the UK at scenic locations, said: “I live in a lovely area. There’s a lot of beauty, a lot of character to the areas I live in, so I thought why not film right on my doorstep.

“It’s logistically easier, but there’s also a lot to be said for the character of the places that we know so well.”

He also thanked the Buckinghamshire Council’s film office for being accommodating when they asked to film at locations such as The Rye near the lido.

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One of the obstacles for filming permission can be caused by concerns about road blocking, which Jack and the crew didn’t need to do.

“I definitely encourage other filmmakers to shoot in Buckinghamshire – and not just the really picturesque Midsomer Murder- type places.

“A lot more can be filmed in places like High Wycombe and the little villages.

“More places in Bucks should be on film I think.”

Currently the team is crowdfunding for the post-production of the short film, and he welcomed any donation or sharing the link to the film and the fundraiser to “create a buzz.”

“We know donating is not possible for everybody. It’s not just a money grab, but it’s also giving back and showcasing where we are and where we live, “ he added.

Find out more about the film and fundraiser here.