'Milk' is
the debut short film by The Frames (now Social Spectrum Media). Shot on a shoestring budget in late
July 2007, Milk depicts the struggles of a young woman, trapped in a
life that she never aspired to. Her partner, depressed and vicious,
her family simply oblivious, Steph is haunted by one tragedy that
dictates her emotions. When it all comes together, how will she deal
with the pressure?
Milk has been broadcast on Propeller TV (Sky 195) many times and was rated viewers top choice March 2008. The film appears in Edinburgh Film Festival's "Film Guide 2008" and is currently awaiting festival news from Soho Shorts.
Pre-Production
History
Stephanie "Steph" Taylor
Born 19th June 1984 to Gill and Keith Taylor. She has one older sister, Annie Taylor.
An
outgoing, happy child, brought up in a fairly conventional working
class family, Steph soon became introvert and wistful just after
beginning high school. She became more anxious and self aware as the
school years past. This insecurity lead to average marks and poor GCSE
results. She was bright, but never wanted to shine in case of ridicule
from her more average classmates. Steph began seeing a boy in her final
year.
She fell
in love with Gary "Gaz" Baker, The school bully, believing that she
could be the one to bring out his sensitive, considerate side.
Rebelling against her families wishes Steph moved in with Gaz shortly
after leaving school, ignoring the advice given to her that he was
"Nothing but trouble" and that she should get an education. Steph
became estranged from her family.
The couple
scraped by, Gaz working and Steph signing on. Steph became more
dependent on Gaz, which irritated him and led to numerous argument.
Distances grew between them and the once loved up pair clashed on may
occasions, Gaz always winning the argument with his dominant presence.
Guilt ridden and envious due to his unfruitful living , Gaz began to
take his anger out on Steph.
Too proud
to go back home and too dependent to leave, Steph saw his outburst as
natural and her cross to bear, along with their diminishing sex-life.
The days became longer and more monotonous, made up of tea and
"Trisha", rotting Steph"s instinctively active brain. Suddenly Steph
found that she was with child. A break from the boredom. Something to
live and work for. A new Life - with or without Gaz.
Production Stills by Andrew Bainbridge
Gary "Gaz" Baker
Born 14th September 1983 to Denise and Paul Baker. Gaz was an only child.
Brought up
in a troubled home in the midst of a disadvantaged estate. Gaz spent
most of his youth tearing through the suburban streets trying to
entertain himself and his mates with mild acts of mindless destruction.
Due to his
parents lack of attention and discipline Gaz was not a bright child.
Parental habits tainted his persona, using violence as a constant means
to an end. Coasting through high school Gaz spent most of his time in
detention room 247.
With his
athletic build, stemming from endless chases and tree climbing and
fighting, Gaz excelled in sports, but used the respect given to him to
dictate his classmates. His bullying antics progressed to out and out
physical and mental torment towards anyone that did not fit his notion
of normality.
It was at
school that he met Steph. Her pretty figure initially attracted him but
her constant loyalty towards him cemented his attachment. Gaz left
school in pursuit of nothing but a nine to five job. Eventually he was
employed by his uncle and paid enough for beer money and a bit of rent.
The couple
moved in together against the wishes of Steph's family. Overtime Gaz's
resentment of Steph's more privileged upbringing became apparent. Gaz's
antipathy towards Steph grew after he found that she was pregnant.
Jealousy
and financial worries consumed him as she spent more and more time
gushing and spending for the baby. But his dysfunctional need for her
love forces him to make life changing decisions.
