Frank Kelly is starring in a film that costs less than my monthly grocery bill.
In an astounding twist of fate—or perhaps just a really slow morning—Frank Kelly, the infamous Father Jack from the beloved TV comedy Father Ted, is appearing in a film so budget-friendly it’s practically begging for a penny-pinching award. Yes, you heard it right; this cinematic masterpiece is being produced by a pair of resourceful students, Keri Collins and Paul West, who presumably found some loose change between their couch cushions and decided to go for it.
Kelly, the proud owner of a long list of roles (entry-level job titles: “Irish actor” and “was in some movies”) has graciously taken on the role of a grandfather in this 10-minute epic titled A Day Out With Gwyn. Why? Because after glancing at the script (and perhaps contemplating his pension plan), he invited the aspiring filmmakers to his home for a little heart-to-heart, undoubtedly while sipping on some of that fine Irish whiskey he still can’t seem to shake off.
“I’m very much in favour of encouraging film-making,” Kelly explained, presumably still in his Father Jack persona. “If you don’t plant the seeds, you don’t get plants.” Which is true, unless you try to grow them in a dog’s backyard—then you might just get a neighborly complaint instead.
Frank Kelly’s iconic creation – Father Jack, the king of the one-liners.
As he flipped through the sea of scripts that flood his mailbox, Kelly sighed, “I receive plenty of scripts—very few are any good.” Which is comforting in a way; even Hollywood has its fair share of “write what you know” tinged with “what were you thinking?” vibes.
Even though Kelly graced the silver screen with memorable performances in films like Ryan’s Daughter and the Italian Job, he knows he’s forever etched into the minds of fans as the wild and intoxicated Father Jack. Stereotypes be damned! His twelve-year stint on a weekly satirical show in Ireland made sure people couldn’t walk past him without quoting some slightly inappropriate line. “You owe something to everything you do,” he remarked, possibly raising an eyebrow at the lack of sporadic hugs from adoring fans.
Fast-forward to Tuesday morning, where the sunrise marks the final scene’s shooting on the beach—because nothing screams “cinematic gold” quite like waking up at dawn with sand where it should never be. By lunchtime, with coffee kicking in, the crew still appeared to be on schedule, mapping out major scenes that would involve a cast of four—an ensemble that’s about as exciting as a small-town drama.
Frank Kelly and young Adam Williams in a scene that screams “best bud vibes.”
As the youthful duo, 15-year-old Adam Williams and 16-year-old Charlie Bird bravely take on the roles of teenage boys – a demographic often fraught with awkwardness and memes—Kelly offers guidance like the wise sage he is. “He has instilled confidence in us,” Keri raved, probably wearing a T-shirt that boldly states “I survived Frank Kelly’s directing tips.”
And where does the crew find themselves between shots, you wonder? In a cozy little corner next to a chip shop, thoroughly embracing the essence of a true indie film set. They’ve mastered the art of improvisation, including catering compliments from Keri’s parents. Because nothing says “cinema” like homemade sandwiches and the smell of vinegar.
But fret not, delays are part of the trade, and Kelly takes it all in stride. “As one actor said—they pay for the waiting, the acting—I give for free,” he quipped with the charm of a lifetime spent in front of the camera. So, as this film sails toward its inevitable screening at the UGC in Cardiff, we can only hope that it finally lands in the same realm of cult classics that Father Ted so effortlessly occupies.
