Actor turned director tells of northern focus
Rich McKennyA Peaky Blinders star who has turned his talents to directing has spoken of his hopes to reflect the lighter side of life in the north of England.
Burnley-born Jack Hartley is hoping for more success at this year's Manchester Film Festival to follow the award he received at last year's event.
Hartley, who has also appeared in the likes of Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Holby City, saw his "surreal comedy" A Piece Of Cake - which was shot in Stockport, Greater Manchester - scoop a best cinematography award.
This year his film Humble Pie, shot in Audenshaw, is also being shown at the north of England's largest film festival.
Hartley, 31, said: "When you see a lot of these shows on TV it is about how hard and depressing it is growing up in the north but growing up in Burnley it was great crack and I had a right laugh.
"I want to lean into that more and celebrate that."
'Northern voices'
Hartley described how he admires series such as Sky's comedy-drama Brassic, especially the work of Chorley actorJoe Gilgun and Hyde-born writer Danny Brocklehurst.
"I see something of their journey and I am hoping to follow in their footsteps," he said.
"Although I would say much of my work is not so much northern grit but leading into comedy and surrealism."
He added: "I've always grown up enjoying a lot of northern comedies with the work of Peter Kay, Craig Cash and Caroline Ahearn – I feel like there's a gap for northern voice in film and TV
"I don't see enough of it. I would love to carry that torch and keep championing northern talent and northern voices.
"The north is so full of talent and it would be great to keep pushing our great casts and crews."
Hartley, who said he "fell into acting" said he became attracted to life on the other side of the camera because he wanted to "make my own ideas come to life".
The 10-day festival starts on Friday.
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