The Wrong Sort of Grapes

The UK lockdown of 2019-20 was very tough on the senior members of British society – they had been through WWII - they are the “Keep Calm And Carry On” generation. Lockdown meant they had to rely on friends and family to go to the shops for items they needed. No hugs at the door, always staying 6 feet apart from the people they love. The risk of this dreadful illness hitting our elderly folk was a terrifying prospect.

  • Ben Probert
    Director
  • Sarah & Barry Mitchell
    Writer
  • Sarah E Mitchell
    Producer
  • Helen Jansen
    Producer
  • Elizabeth May
    Key Cast
    "Liz"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 20, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ben Probert

Born at Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, Berkshire; Ben grew up with his two brothers and younger sister. He attended Charters School in Sunningdale from 1999-2004 where he studied Drama and Art as his main subjects. After leaving school he worked in catering at St. Mary's School, Ascot for three years waiting to be accepted into a college apprenticeship to become an electrician. He then went on and qualified as an electrician and got his degree in Electrotechnical Technology after three years of hard work.

Throughout this time, he also attended Acting workshops and started up his own production company "Full House Productions" alongside his brother Josh Probert and good friend Josh Reeve, together they wrote and produced two short films, many sketches and an Internet series which became very popular. This led to an article on the front page of the Bracknell newspaper stating a jump to fame.

In 2011 he was introduced to Luke Tedder, a local filmmaker who was in the process of casting for his second Feature Film "For My Brother" and was offered the role of Jason. This sparked a great friendship, and he went on to secure the lead in "Faux Pas" later that year.

In 2012 he produced and starred alongside Josh Reeve in Post-Apocalyptic Drama "Toxicity" which was later accepted into Cannes Short Corner, he then joined L&A Pictures in a Production capacity.

By 2015 he had built a diverse portfolio of work and secured many roles in Feature films such as The Monuments Men, Powder Room and A Royal Night Out. During this time, he continued to work with friend and colleague Luke Tedder at L&A Pictures, now re-branded Landa Pictures. Together they had Produced 11 short films and 2 web shows.

In 2016 Ben and Luke produced Landa Pictures first Feature Film "Precognition" which was released in 2019 on Amazon after completing the festival circuit.

After this, Ben decided to write and direct his first short film "Rainbow Trout" which ran festivals until 2020. He has now finished his second short film which is based around experiences of the COVID19 Lockdown "Self-Isolation" which is currently on the festival circuit.

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