New film promises a ‘message of hope’

For Luke Allen, film is in his blood. It’s a passion that is as infectious as it is unstoppable.

A lad from Wrockwardine Wood that is building his career in a sector that many would feel out of reach. Luckly, no one told Luke, or if they did, he would have shook it off and asked someone else until they told him he could make it in the film business.

In a chance meeting at a Film4 networking event in Bristol, Luke found director Keith Kopp, and they went on to work together in one of Lukes projects. Then again, nothing is by chance. You get the firm impression that Luke makes his own luck.

This time Keith Kopp, the director for this new project, sought out Luke to produce the movie.

Then again, nothing is by chance. Luke makes his own luck.

He has most recently been working on a film starring Vinnie Jones and has a string of short film credits on his film CV. It’s not hard to see how, when you sit down in front of this personable, but warmly persistent persona.

I met Keith, Luke and Lizzie at Wellington Orbit, the independant local cinema which champions local film connections with a supportive audience.

Keith, hailing from Oregon but settled in Bath for love, already has an award winning feature film (Translations) under his belt, and has directed one of Lukes films (Something Sketchy) before.

The new film, First Christmas, written by award winning writer Laurence Guy (Translations) promises the audience hope, despite the initial premise. A widower hosts the first Christmas at the familial home without Mum.

“It’s about what happens when the glue goes.” explains Keith. “Mother dies, pressure is on Father to put on a good show for kids returning home for Christmas”.

“It’s about real life.” adds Luke. “People think gritty dramas are real life, real life is more like a comedy drama. It’s a Christmas film and it’s a message of hope.”

“Take a look at the news and there is definitely an appetite for hope. It’s the core of Christmas.”

The shooting is a little way off, but locations are being scouted locally. “It’s set in Shropshire, it feels like it should be.” Luke explains.

“It also gives us an opportunity to develop the talent for both cast and crew more locally than is often the case. We are planning on getting colleges involved to provide on set learning opportunities that don’t come around here very often.”

Another hidden aspect of film making is also important to the team working on First Christmas. Luke is keen to make working in film more inclusive for neurodiverse and disabled cast and crew members. “We have our list of ideal cast, but we also want to give opportunities to actors who just deserve a chance.” says Luke.

Alongside granting fresh opportunities, the team are taking recommendations from the Film & TV charity, into their ways of working. This organisation provides mental health care and support to the industry.

“It can be a toxic work environment, but we want to normalise a more healthy and inclusive approach from the start” said Luke.

Funding a film is always a challenge, and this is stage First Christmas is at right now. “It’s a Catch22” explains Keith. “The actors are only interested if the film has the investors on board. The investors are only interested if the actors are on board.”

Private investors have already seed funded part of the development stage, and there are funding bodies that can be approached to get to the next stage.

Producer Luke is keen to discuss the options for sponsors. “At this early stage we have all the incentives on the table. From product placement, to having your name roll up on the end credits, the red carpet premieres and visits to the set.”

Lizzie Hart, keeping the pair to timetable in a round of interviews added “Anyone interested in finding out more about these opportunities can contact Luke by email on luke@askseekknock.co.uk“

“For fans wanting to keep up with First Christmas news, get over to Insta @firstchristmasfilm “

On its current trajectory, filming late 2025 for a Christmas premiere in December 2026 is likely.

Pic: Lizzie Hart, Keith Kopp and Luke Allen at Wellington Orbit