Private Project

LAST KINGS OF SOHO

2019 – Gino’s, an iconic Sicilian barber’s shop in London’s Soho, is in crisis. Antonio Castellana & Antonio Orlando describe their shop as a confessional space for men. Little Tony and Big Tony, as their clients call them, are famous for their anecdotes, humour, and priest-like discretion. However, massive rent rises force the closure of the shop, an Italian business since 1923. The news devastates their loyal clients, many of whom work in the film, theatre, fashion, and music industries. For the two Tonys it is the end of a way of life, but another surprise explodes their problems.

  • David Pearson
    Director
    'Black Car Home' and 30 other films mostly full length
  • David Pearson
    Producer
    Mugabe and the White African and many others
  • Antonio Castellana
    Key Cast
  • Antonio Orlando
    Key cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 53 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 2, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • David Pearson
    Distributor
    Country: United Kingdom
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - David Pearson

Writer, director & producer Arturi Films & Storyspring (BAFTA & Emmy Nominated, Winner Grierson, BIFA, RTS etc.), former BBC Executive, External Assessor NFTS MA Screenwriting. Produced the award-winning cinema feature ‘Mugabe and the White African’. Directed the cinema short ‘Black Car Home.’ I have directed more than 30 full length documentaries, plus some dramas, and Executive produced many documentaries and other TV programmes. Currently attached to direct a feature film thriller. Contact and social media: david@storyspring.co.uk @storiestravel, www.linkedin.com/in/david-pearson-3812aa2

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I went to Gino’s barbers for 30 years. Several members of the crew were also regulars. It was like going to a theatre every time, funny, insightful, revealing and sometimes shocking. Repeatedly, I asked to make a film there. They always said no. It would reveal too many client’s secrets. The barbers called Gino's a confessional space. They would keep your secrets. Little Tony is a very funny man, even when facing a crisis. When the crisis hit them, they finally said I could make a film. I wanted to record a way of life that would soon pass.