Checking In – Looking back (a behind the scenes special)

Almost a year ago an ambitious independent film project was screened for the first time to an enthusiastic audience. Checking In has gone on to be featured in film festivals across the world and won Best British Film at the London Film Awards 2014. The movie is now available on VOD for the first time and in celebration of its continued success we’re going to be visiting some of the cast and reflecting upon the film in a series of special blogs.

This particular post is a little different as we take a peek behind the scenes of what goes into making an independent movie in a real life hotel on a shoestring budget.

Director Leah Green talks to actor Michelle Cox (Sally) and musician Adrian Harvey prior to filming a scene for story #2 Sally & Tim.

Director Troy Dennison with DOP Ben Thompson preparing to film Nici Preston (Radka) in a scene from story #1 Ted & Mary.

Director Mark Adams talks to Laura Evenson (Jenessa) between scenes.

Katey Wilkins (Lady of the Night) in make-up during the filming of story #4 Ren & Kalpna.

Actors Conner McKenzy (Pete) and Tony Gibbons (Aaron) rehears one of the intense scenes for stoy #5 Pete & Aaron.

All of our amazing extras (and a couple of the directors) line up after shooting the intricate wedding scene for story #4.

Once filming is completed the long and arduous process of editing takes place.

Phil Stanley (Ren), Reynah Rita Oppal (Kalpna) and Katie Wilkins (the lady of negotiable affection) at the films’ premier at the Lighthouse cinema.

Some of the team gathered outside the hotel for a newspaper photoshoot.

Tony Gibbons (Aaron) being interviewed by Satnam Rana for BBC Midlands Today.

Rebecca Harris-Smith, Roger David Francis and Troy Dennison being interviewed by Carl Jones for Bigcentre TV.

A Q&A session with the audience following one if the films’ special screenings.

Click the image below to see the film’s trailer –

Checking in is now currently available on VOD at the following sites –

Vimeo Link (click image)

VHX Link (click image)