Mr Smythley Film Role Offer for Joe Wilkinson.
An 80s inspired Sci-Fi adventure filled with action, mystery and nostalgia...
Synopsis: 12 year old Jack Parker and best friend Benji race to uncover the mystery of the strange signals being transmitting from their town. Could it be proof of Aliens living on Earth? The boys have three days to find out or risk being split up forever.
Format: Independent Feature Length
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Comedy
Status: Post-Production
Character: Mr Smythley (Open to improv or exploring character further)
Fee: £2,000 negotiable (1-day shoot in Brighton area, single location)
Filming Dates: September/October (Flexible to work around availability)
Script/Sides: Click Here
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to request further materials.
Jonathan Brooks – Writer/Director & Producer
E: john@unitedmagic.co.uk
T: 01903 339941 / 07791602242
Story.
In the quiet country town of Drapery Falls, strange signals are transmitting into the far reaches of space. Best friends Jack and Benji are convinced it’s proof of alien life—and they’re determined to uncover the truth. But they’re not the only ones listening. Something else has intercepted the signal… and it’s getting closer. With just three days before Jack is forced to move away forever, the boys set off on one last adventure to solve the mystery—and maybe save more than just their friendship.
Mr Smythley.
Mr. Smythley is one of the film's central antagonists and plays a crucial role in driving the story forward by creating a major divide between our heroes, Jack and Benji. He’s a cantankerous, unpredictable manager at the National Space Agency, where Prof. Alan Parker (Jack's father) works. After two years of investigating the bizarre signals from the town, Alan has no proof that aliens are involved. In response, Smythley takes drastic action: relocating Alan and splitting up Jack from his best friend, Benji.
Smythley is outspoken and unfiltered, but as the story progresses, he reveals deeper layers of confusion and insecurity. His emotional arc comes to a head when he learns of Prof. Parker’s resignation at the end of the film. This triggers a dramatic emotional breakdown, where Smythley rapidly cycles through all five stages of grief—anger, denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—in a single, chaotic outburst. The role is not one to take too seriously and allows for plenty of improv if willing, there is no top to this character.
The role has been purposefully written as a one-day shoot but with maximum impact. Mr Smythley closes the film with his absurd explosion of emotions, making a lasting impression for audiences and a unique performance.
The film draws heavily on the spirit of 1980s genre cinema, both visually and thematically, with clear nods to the bold, practical, character-driven storytelling that defined that era.
Principle Cast
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Leo Cropley
(Choirboy, Matilda, Snow White)
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Henry Richards
(Rockaruma, Little Fred)
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Laren Cornelius
(Doctor Who, Gavin & Stacey)
-
Neil James
(Christmas Time, Strike)
-
Gene Foad
(The Lake, 21st Century Schizoid Man)
Featuring Music from
Directors Vision.
From the very beginning, I knew exactly the kind of film I wanted to make—even before I touched the script. A nostalgic story full of mystery, wonder, and adventure—something I found in the films from my childhood that inspired me to become a filmmaker. Stargazers is my love letter to the sci-fi/adventure films of the early 1980s. But this isn't just about retro aesthetics or following a trend. I wanted to capture the spirit of a time when storytelling felt more grounded—before modern technology became a constant presence. I wanted to return to what made me fall in love with cinema in the first place: the thrill of adventure and the pure innocence of childhood. At its heart, Stargazers is about the bond between two best friends. Through their journey, I was able to explore themes of friendship, family, and resilience. Yes, the story includes aliens, cosmic weapons, and spaceships—but beneath all the sci-fi elements, it's really a story about friendship and never giving up.
- Jonathan Brooks (Writer/Director & Producer)
Distribution & Festival Campaign.
Festival Campaign:
We’re crafting a focused festival strategy aimed at maximising both critical recognition and industry exposure. Our goal is to secure a premiere at a BAFTA- or Oscar-qualifying festival followed by a curated run through genre-specific and press-heavy events which offer visibility with distributors, buyers, and press. These festivals not only spotlight bold indie voices but also offer valuable press coverage and award visibility. We’re also targeting press partnerships and media outreach to support our launch and position the film for broader industry attention, sales opportunities, and potential awards runs in key categories.
Key Festivals:
BFI London
Tribeca Festival
Raindance Film Festival
TIFF
FilmQuest
Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival
Distribution:
We’re pursuing a hybrid distribution model that leverages both premium TVOD placement and wide-reaching AVOD exposure to maximise accessibility, visibility, and long-tail revenue.
Phase 1: Premium TVOD Launch (via Quiver)
We plan to release Stargazers on curated platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon, and Google Play using Quiver. This allows for full control over pricing, release timing, and promotional campaigns, creating a polished digital storefront to support festival momentum, press coverage, and early audience engagement.
Phase 2: AVOD & SVOD Expansion (via Filmhub)
Following the initial launch window, the film will be distributed to a wider audience through Filmhub, placing it on platforms like Tubi, The Roku Channel, Plex, and more. This ensures long-term visibility and revenue potential across ad-supported and subscription-based platforms, especially for genre-friendly titles like Stargazers.
This strategy offers both visibility and sustainability, allowing Stargazers to find its audience across multiple channels and markets.
