Macclesfield's help sought to kickstart creative's next bright spark
By Alex Greensmith
29th Jan 2024 | Local News
A Macclesfield woman is hot on the heels of her next creative project, and would love a little help from the town that inspires her.
Bollington resident Jade Tideswell, who goes by the stage name Kitty Riggs, leads two equally-busy lives.
By day, she helps out her mum Jane at the family business, being the independent Tytherington gift shop Moulina.
By night, Kitty flexes her creative muscles and works a media project to propel a second career in the arts.
And currently, she is making a short film with local talent, that she requires a little financial help in making it the best it can be.
Don't Lick the Walls is a short film on mental health and friendship, written by Kitty Riggs.
Macclesfield Nub News met with the 23-year-old to find out more.
"The project as a whole is a TV show", said Kitty.
"But to pitch it, I have adapted it into a short film which will be made first.
"The short follows kids going into what I have named a 'sadhouse', which is a mental health respite facility.
"It is a comedy, it doesn't sound like it but it is one!
"The 'sadhouse' uses new, and innovative therapy like dance therapy instead of medication.
"And the film is raising awareness for mental health, in a more comical way."
Kitty already has a well-received novel behind her with 2020's What if Bowie Were a Woman?
More recently, she released the poetry book The Kid in Colour in late 2023. Kitty also frequents poetry nights at The Button Warehouse in Macclesfield.
But Don't Lick The Walls will be her most ambitious short film since she graduated college.
The script is three years in the making, with a long history.
"I've also put it together into a massive novel," explained Kitty.
"I was given the advice to make it into a short film, as commissioners want to see that."
The film is sought to be funded with small grants, money from Kitty's own 'kitty', and this community crowdfunding.
£360 has been raised on the JustGiving page so far.
"We really didn't want to ask people because we know how tough times are", revealed Kitty.
"But we want to pump the money from the JustGiving back into the local area, by hiring local performers, local talent and eventually support charities with it.
"Eventually, the aim is for the money to not just go towards the film.
"For example, all of the costume, props, and set dressings we are getting from local charity shops. That is having a knock-on effect.
"Having a small business, we know how important it is to support shops like that, I'd be excited if someone cane into here and said 'Oh I am using this for a short film'.
"We want to support local acting or production talent, that haven't yet got experience in the industry.
"I am really excited by it, it should be a lot of fun."
A venue in Bollington has been chosen for filming, additionally Kitty would love the film to be screened locally when released.
Progress can be tracked on the Don't Lick the Walls Instagram, where casting calls can also be found.
When asked what she had to say to those that have, or will donate, the former Tytherington School pupil had this to say:
"I'd just like to say a massive thank you," she said.
"I was a bit blown away, I really didn't think we'd get anything. I know how tough it is for people at the moment.
"A pound, two pounds, anything will cover as we have got a lot of expenses. It means the world really."
Test shooting has begun as of today. Filming is aiming to conclude in April, with a release targeted for June.
Macclesfield: Once again, you can donate HERE.
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