Sean Bailey Bristol, United Kingdom

The movie, "Finnegan's Puddle" is a twisted black comedy set in the delicious underground squalor of Bristol. Following the plight of "Sinead" trying to escape the wild West Country in a yacht bound for the Caribbean. 

The cast includes Julia Deakin (Marsha The Landlady in Spaced, Shaun of the Dead &Hot Fuzz ), Kirris Rivier (RED 2, The Sandman & NY-LON) and Olivia Griffiths (Viewfinder & Peninsula) as Sinead!  The films share traits with films such as: Enter the Void, Easy Rider, Withnail & I, Amélie, Fours an Unlucky Number and Trainspotting.

Produced by Ed Maddox, Executive producer Michael McCall

Nathalie Canvin and Sean Bailey from MIDNIGHT MOSS

Lot's of his crew come from the free festival and illegal rave scene and a key focus of this digital project is bringing it into the wild. Working out of the Watershed in Bristol with many people from lighting design, sound design, holograms and all manner psychedelic wonder they dream of a new experience in midnight cinema.

Mike from Midnight Moss has finished building a cinema rig on top of a former Mad Max, Scottish Power cable truck previously owned by Spiral Tribe. They will be screening new cuts from Finnegans Puddle and other films in a festive, lit, midnight garden adventure for the van dwellers of The Downs. In honour of van dweller herself, top tier method actor, poet and the most sound, loyal friend anyone could hope for, Olivia Griffiths. 

On the lookout for more people to join and collaborate, so do drop a message!

A note from Sean with a more in depth look at the story and production and the changes we had to make;

Hi there

In Finnegan’s Puddle, the lines between life, loss, and reflection blur as we embark on a haunting journey through the underbelly of Bristol, anchored by the tragic story of Sinead Finnegan and her estranged twin sister, "Nieve", a new character born from sadness that we have now fully developed and cast.

So Sinead finds herself ensnaggled in the delicious underground squalor of the West Of Englands hippy rave/free festival scene. Brought into it the through love and unity of her fading hippy parents but now, bullied by her toxic boyfriend Dom and her a fair-weather insta friends, she witnesses the brilliant light that started in the 90s fade into darkness. While navigating her turbulent existence, Sinead is haunted by the memory of Nieve, who now dwells in the shadows of her past, a doppelgänger lost to the torment of family estrangement.

Amidst this backdrop, the film paints a rich tapestry of the death of alternative culture, familial grief and the importance of water, bubbling up from the murky depths of our souls. The story unfolds around a seemingly innocuous puddle in the garden that holds profound significance; it is a reflection of Sinead's memories and a portal to the depths of their family’s heartache. Over the puddle is a bridge between reality and a haunting fluidity where past and present converge, showcasing the transient nature of life and the echoes of love lost.

Yes so as Sinead wrestles with her dark reality, a dangerous opportunity arises in the form of Iziah, the bumbling yet spirited son of Captain Haddock. He offers her an escape to Barbados, illuminating a path toward freedom. Yet, the shadows of her past loom large, particularly Nieve, who exists in the ethereal reflections cast by the puddle, constantly observing, yearning for connection but unable to intervene with her Finnegan family.

Dom’s narcissistic personality casts a dark shadow over Sinead, representing the threats that dwell within her own life, while simultaneously showcasing how the haunting memory of her Nan and strange reflections of Nieve serve as a guiding light from the other side. As the climax unfolds, Nieve’s presence in the puddle's reflections become crucial and makes her question both whether Nieve still exists and even, her own existence...

The audience in The Gods though, can see Nieve linger in the back streets of Montpelier, Bristol, obscured by foliage, waiting to physically reconnect with her family. Her essence draws strength from their sisterly bond, ultimately leading to a moment of reckoning when she thwarts Dom's destructive influences in a powerful, unseen confrontation.

With the tragic loss of our Olivia, the actress who plays Sinead, the narrative transforms into a poignant exploration of duality and reflection. The film becomes a vessel for understanding not just the weight of grief and unmet potential, but also the enduring hope tethered to memories of loved ones, the love of our fading community and culture. The intertwining of Sinead and Nieve Finnegan and their father Chris with his "static traveller" friend, Steve echoes a tragic/comic reflection, the transient nature of existence, and the enduring connections that defy time and space.

In this reworked vision of Finnegan’s Puddle, water not only becomes the fluidity of time and memory but also a portal through which the characters confront their traumas. The twin sisters' bond becomes a central motif that bridges the depths of despair with flickers of resilience and beauty. Sinead faces her fears and ultimately embraces her autonomy, Nieve’s ever watchful presence offers an ethereal reminder of the indelible impact of family and love beyond life’s murky confines.

Through this narrative metamorphosis, we aim to honour the memory of Olivia who plays Sinead. The flicker of joy we have left, is the fact we shot most of her scenes, as she was the first artist available in this production. Now through deep improvisation and inner work we also give voice to Nieve, creating a story that reverberates with truth and emotional depth, providing audiences a powerful exploration of inner strength, familial and community connection, against the haunting backdrop of loss. However we do not forget divine comedy in this process and accept that we are ALL, as daft as a brush.

Peace x