production partners

Toward the end of last year, we sat down with writer, Kal Bonner, her husband Tim and their partner in production, Tom Killick. We had no idea at the time, chatting over Kal’s latest project, just how much of an impact it would have. A few weeks after we met, this local, creative trio saw massive streaming success with a true story, turned movie; rewritten, reedited and retold by Kal.

PTO.

Production Partners

Reaching the top three movies on Netflix over Christmas, Big Boys Don’t Cry is a testament to strength forged in unlikely places, and its undoubtedly Kal’s most significant work to date. But she couldn’t have done it alone and as we discussed the collaborative efforts of the production, this shining example of the potential in partnership unfurled into and throughout the fabric of the film. The trust in partnerships and in the resulting processes that bring about fresh thought, fruition and sometimes even healing, is the theme between the team behind the scenes of this movie too. Partnerships matter and Kal & Co sew up the notion and a motion picture, masterfully.

Writer, editor and producer, Kal Bonner is somewhat of an enigma and barely talks to the media. Her husband Tim also works in the industry, in the very forward-facing realm of production, he also acts as Kal’s de facto manager. Their symbiotic relationship is a partnership through and through; in fact, whilst Kal rarely gives interviews, you’ll find that no conversation with Tim goes without a hearty and sincere sum-up of Kal’s latest achievements and projects. Whilst Kal sets her mind on a project, Tim satellites around her, working in the wings and always, (I mean ALWAYS) supporting her with gusto. He could easily be in PR, but it’s the intrinsic understanding and synchronicity they share that enables him to do such a fine job on Kal’s promotion. He’s not wrong either; his pride and accolade is very much a fitting tributehis wife is a genius (something Tim feels is bolstered by her autism and ability to see the big picture before it’s written; hyper-focused with profound creativity, Kal applies her neuro-divergent abilities like a super-power).

I asked Tim about the partnership he shares with Kal, being together, married, working… it’s a lot… “You go through life and hopefully find a soulmate. I found my soulmate. We are intrinsically connected. It’s all too easy for people to walk away when things get difficult. But when you are intrinsically connected, you just wouldn’t think of it. Kal was diagnosed with Lupus right when she was forging a new part of her career, she needed some support with certain things and so that’s what I did. And that’s what I do, I support her in everything. Kal got me into this industry, into old movies, the classics, black & white films… Since working with her I have come to learn so much and I watch her as she works - she commands so much respect from people, sitting in a room or walking the red carpet with all sorts of notable and famous directors and actors - and there’s me and Kal, doing our thing, it’s a ride.”

Taking Big Boy’s Don’t Cry for example, a story that has been brought to life on film from the autobiography by Paul Connelly. Having been a boarder at the notorious St Leonard’s in the eighties, his story is one of horror. Child abuse was rife and many of Paul’s classmates had suffered terribly at school and thereafter; many committed suicide, which is what spurred the police investigation and Paul’s autobiography.

Holed up in an editing suite with Tom Killick from Jersey-based, 3C International, Kal’s new vision and script needed expert skills and energy to boot. Tasked with reworking previously shot footage, film clips, out takes and the sound and aural elements to fit Kal’s new script and storylineTom had his work cut out for him. Both Tim and Kal did mention that Tom has the patience of a saint after working with him on projects before and managing to bring Kal’s vision and script to life.

“With total creative control of the film and such a sensitive topic, I needed to work with an experienced editor who knew how I operated. I've worked with Tom Killick before, so I felt comfortable shipping the postproduction to Jersey, where Tim Bonner acted as a local Producer. It's important to point out that the project was pitched to an Oscar and BAFTA winning production house in the UK who lost out to our Jersey team. I'm glad they did and am very proud to have been involved in this film. I do hope that its message is understood, that it reaches other victims of abuse and goes some way to offer hope.”

With many on-screen depictions of stories like Paul’s, desensitised viewers often sadly expect (and too often actually see) graphic and gratuitous violence in order to portray the severity of a scene. In Big Boys Don’t Cry, Kal purposefully does the polar opposite with the script, without using graphic detail in an overt way to convey the abuse. Less is definitely more in terms of impact thanks to her decision. Working with such a delicate topic meant bringing a deep and tangible character-arc for Paul’s character (played by This is England actor, Michael Socha) and a thought-provoking storyline that leaves much to the imagination.

“When Executive Producer, Richard Hart, brought this project to me, it was evident that this was an extraordinary and unique story. One that required absolute respect. Extracting Paul Connolly's emotional development from child to adult was a priority. This is how I approached the revisualisation of the storyline and character development.”

Through trust and openness, the teller of a story, or the maker of a movie, has a momentary relationship with the audience, whether it’s through sharing something good, or something so devastatingly bad. “Paul Connolly's story has many shadows, but through this film, Paul permitted me insight into a world that is the stuff of nightmares. Where inner conflict doesn't end with a court case, and retribution doesn't always offer salvation. It is not comfortable viewing, and so it shouldn't be.”

It will interesting to see what Kal & Co do next. One thing that is glaringly apparent from our chat in the theme of this edition of Gallery and that is -

Trust is tantamount when talent partners up.

Check out Kal Bonner’s movie, Big Boys Don’t Cry on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Bridalbible

2023

Bridal Bible

Cover Image

The wedding to Andy Le Gresley Photographer

Tasha and Phil

CONTRIBUTORS

Ceri Baker

Andy Le Gresley

Love Wine Team

Seiva Beauty Team

Will & Georgia, Submarine Creative

Kayleigh Dwyer, Oasis Hair

Anna Renouf, Wonderlands

Ffi, Bella Fiori

It is our mission to inspire you with new ideas and help with the practicalities of planning a wedding in Jersey. The next thirty-two pages are full to the brim with expert advice, top tips and a whole plethora of prettiness that you can incorporate in your big day. From beauty basics to setting the scene, we’ve tracked down the best people to help guide you through this fantastic time.

Our handy A-Z format means that everything is laid out as easy-to-absorb bite-size information. We’ve tried to make this guide useful for all ages, so if you’re being swept off your feet at 16 or have only just met Mr Right at 81 then there should still be something in here for you.

PUBLISHER

BEN DAVIES ben@factory.je

ADVERTISING & SALES

CERI BAKER ceri@factory.je

FEATURE NEXT YEAR editorial@factory.je

AUDIO NOTES

01534 811100

BY

Make sure you check out the wonderful weddings from lovely locals who tied the knot in 2022. We’ve included the work of a few talented videographers, because you can’t beat the brilliance of looking back at a video that’s captured all of the fun, laughter and magical moments of your big day. Our wedding checklist is one of the best in the business, so, as long as you’ve ticked off all those boxes, then you are ready to tie the knot.

Enjoy your planning and try and refrain from being too much of a bridezilla, although this is your moment, so milk it!

Team Gallery