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Never Alone

Never Alone follows is the story of one young girl's courage to overcome the guilt of her sister, Maddie's death and and reconnect with her family and friends. With an unexpected appearance from Maddie will Bella be able to move on? - Debut film production from 14 year old Olivia Maiden.

  • Olivia Maiden
    Director
  • Olivia Maiden
    Writer
  • Olivia Maiden
    Producer
  • DW Hoppson
    Director of Photography
  • Velton Lishke
    Sound recordist
  • DW Hoppson
    Editor
  • Tori Eadle
    Hair and Make up
  • Claire L Hughes
    Hair and Make up
  • Jonathan Chambers
    Music
  • Jonathan Phillips
    Promotional Photographer
  • Sarah Sirr
    Casting Assistant
  • Lauren Carver
    Lead Actress (Under 18) - Bella
  • Kimberley Shopland (Skye)
    Other Cast (Ensemble)
  • Velton Lishke (Father)
    Other Cast (Ensemble)
  • Susie Maiden (Mother)
    Other Cast (Ensemble)
  • Megan Hughes (Flo)
    Other Cast (Ensemble)
  • Abby Sparrow (Jessie)
    Other Cast (Ensemble)
  • Andy Deluca
    Supporting Actor (Jack - Step-Dad)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Tragedy, Love
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 9 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Olivia Maiden

Olivia decided to venture into the world of directing and filmmaking in 2016. As an aspiring young actress, her drive was wanting to act in more 'complex and deep storylines' as 'stronger female characters'... this was her motivation for 'Never Alone', her directorial debut. However this short drama soon became a lot more than a way for her 'act' and became a passion project with a meaning close to her heart.
Having won and been selected for over 20 international film festivals, it's clear to say that Olivia is in love with all things film.

She has high hopes for her current drama/thriller: Bea Before Me which is currently in post-production. Olivia enjoyed the challenge of directing 'Bea Before Me' with a complex storyline and unique message while also taking on the role of 'Beatrice'.

She is currently writing 'Ollie Williams' - A short family drama with the aim of a Summer 2018 shoot.

Olivia is now also the managing director of 'Dream Hive Films' her production company with the mission statement "We aim to create thought-provoking films by challenging stereotypes, using up and coming talent and making you think, 'what would I do?'"

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Director Statement

'Never Alone' is a short tragic drama centred around Bella, a young girl who is consumed with grief of the death of her Father and guilt of the tragic death of her twin sister, Maddy. With her school work and her social life suffering because of this... can she really find a way to move on or will Maddy keep her from moving on?
When I was seven years old, my little sister Florence sadly died of a horrible disease and I remember the guilt and grief of loosing her.
In October last year I became interested in creating a film exploring this theme and helping others in the same situation.

DW Hoppson, soon became the camera-man and editor on 'Never Alone' with Velton Lishke as Boom Operator. Both of their support is hugely appreciated as it is rare that someone would have faith in a young girl. They supported me throughout the whole process from Script to Screen and without them 'Never Alone' would never have reached it's full potential.
Actress Lauren Carver soon accepted the lead role of Bella. It was obvious from her first audition that her deep understanding of Bella was more than you would expect from any adult twice her age, so there was no doubt about casting Lauren in the difficult role. She exceeded everyone's expectations during filming which led her to be nominated as 'best child actress' at the Top Indie Film Awards.
Lauren was ably supported by Abby Sparrow, Megan Hughes and Kimberley Shopland, all child actors (under 12), who I had cast from an open round of auditions held in the village hall... they all brought an individual and unique take to their different roles which led to me writing in a third role for Abby.
I had soon cast Andy Deluca in the role of Jack. Casting an adult actor was difficult especially to gain their trust but Andy's trust and support in me made it so easy to work with him and he has been an enormous support through all filming.

Never Alone leaves people questioning 'what has happened to Maddy?'; 'Will she come back?' 'Has Bella moved on?' But ultimately this is up to the viewer.
Bella has learnt to let go and move on and re-unite with the people she had become isolated from, her family.

With all the support from the cast and crew, I can proudly say that:
NEVER ALONE IS WRAPPED.