Charlie Morgan

Unemployment and destitution are amongst the issues tackled by a Bexleyheath teenage filmmaker in his movie which has been nominated for a national competition.

A screen grab of the movie

Charlie Morgan, of Penbury Road, shot No Money No Mercy over the course of a month and drafted in his brother and cousin to star in the 18-minute film.

The 18-year-old said: “I hadn’t picked up a camera until about a year ago, so this is amazing.

“The film tries to show the extremes of the recession and how money can drive you mad. In fact I considered calling it Driven Mad because a lot of it was filmed in the car, but I thought that might be a little bit cheesy.

“My brother and cousin aren’t the best actors in the world, but I made them into stars!”

Charlie Morgan

It was filmed around Brands Hatch because Charlie wanted the open fields to represent the emptiness of a life dictated by money. As well as directing the film, he wrote the script and produced what he hopes will be a competition winning piece.

The former student of Trinity School, Belvedere, had planned on joining the Marines upon leaving school this summer, but a sixth form media film trailer project changed his life plans.

He gained two B and two C grades in his A-levels and he has been working tirelessly applying for apprenticeships and runner jobs.

“I’ve got all the qualifications. I’ve always liked films and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life now.”

No Money No Mercy has been nominated by Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce in parliamentary competition Film the House and Charlie hopes it will be shown in the Houses of Parliament at the end of October. The piece will be competing in the drama, thriller and action category.

The likelihood is only one movie will be shown in Parliament and the aim of the competition is to celebrate the best up-and-coming amateur film producers, directors and script writers.

All politicians had the opportunity to nominate aspiring film buffs from their constituencies and Mrs Pearce, who is the MP for the area Charlie went to school in, was delighted that she could play her part in promoting his film.

She said: “It was very difficult deciding which film to put forward to the next stage of the competition as the standard of entries from the area was so high.

“I am very proud to be showcasing some of the great talent from this area and I want to wish Charlie Morgan the best of luck in the next stage of the competition.”

Having done brilliantly just to get this far, other prizes include studio tours, work experience and private screenings for friends and families.

Charlie will know his fate on October 30 and is hoping it will be an early triumph on the road to a successful career.

To learn more about the competition visit www.filmthehouse.com.