Manchester will play host to a brand new immersive pop-up cinema… set in an office block like the movie itself.
The exclusive preview is for independent thriller Keeping Rosy, starring Shameless actress Maxine Peake and Inbetweeners’ Blake Harrison.
In true Manchester style, the premiere of this psychological thriller will be going against the grain as it will be debuted on top of an office block in the city centre.
It’s all part of an attempt to get the audience fully immersed in the surroundings of the film, which is due for national release on July 15.
Oozing with tension, the film follows Charlotte (Peake) a career woman whose ‘perfect world’ falls apart after a betrayal in the boardroom.
As her life unravels, the plot becomes darker with the introduction of Roger (Blake) – a violent, psychopathic security guard.
The film also features Rochdale-born actress Christine Bottomley, who plays Charlotte’s sister.
Ahead of its premier Peake, originally from Bolton, is thrilled that the film will appear in Manchester before anywhere else.
“Manchester is a city close to my heart and one that is brimming with culture and creativity,” she said.
“I’m delighted that Keeping Rosy is being showcased first in Manchester before anywhere else, especially in such a unique and inspiring way.”
Keeping Rosy is the feature film debut of commercial director Steve Reeves, who has overseen more than 300 TV commercials during the course of his career.
One of which includes an ad for Agent Provocateur, starring Kylie Minogue, that received more than 360 million hits.
The thriller is also the third collaboration from producers Richard Holmes and Isabelle Georgeaux, who were behind the foodie-comedy Jadoo, which was an official selection at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.
As was Resistance, which saw Sharon Morgan win Best Actress at the 2012 BAFTA Cymru Awards.
Award-winner Holmes also co-wrote and produced other British films such as Shooting Fish, Eden Lake and Waking Ned and is excited by his newest film’s premiere.
“When we first started thinking about the film’s preview we knew we wanted to do it differently,” he said.
“Charlotte – Maxine’s character – is a very strong woman, whose roots – like Maxine’s – are in the North, which got us thinking that Manchester would be the perfect city for the film’s debut.
Georgeaux is also excited by the unique atmosphere that Manchester has to offer.
“We know that the people of Manchester like to do things differently,” she said.
“So we chose to use a tower block on Portland Street as the venue for cinema and have added some special touches to heighten the cinema experience for the audience.
“Most of the action in the film takes place in a high rise apartment block, so mirroring the film’s surroundings means that the audience cannot help but feel involved in the action.
“We’re all really looking forward to seeing the audience’s reaction.”
The thriller will be exclusively previewed on top of the office block at 55 Portland Street on June 6 and will run for four weeks before its UK national release in London on June 27, and nationwide release on July 15.
Tickets can be purchased from the film’s website: KeepingRosy.com and Ticketline http://www.ticketline.co.uk/keeping-rosy
