The Great Escape (2017)

The Great Escape is a short film by award-winning actress and director Shelagh McLeod.

An old man struggles to find hope when his only daughter commits him to a nursing home.

Music in The Great Escape

The score for The Great Escape is inspired by music from British film music, ranging from pastoral shades to military marches. All the music in the film is synthesised, sequenced using East West Quantum Leap Symphony Orchestra.

With narrative themes of death, space travel and family loss, the film gave great scope for an emotive score that would play a central role in communicating the arc of the story.

The Great Escape (2017)

Shelagh McLeod

Born in Vancouver, Shelagh McLeod’s family relocated to England when she was age 6. Returning to Canada after drama school, she worked with actors John Neville, Douglas Campbell and Elizabeth Taylor before moving to Los Angeles and pursuing her TV career. She returned to England after eight years. McLeod is well known as an actor in British drama Peak Practice.

McLeod has directed a number short films, her debut feature film Astronaut, starring Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), was completed in 2018

Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws

Cast 

Kenneth ColleyAngus
Felicity DuncanStella
Patrick GodfreyLen
Veronica RobertsNurse
Sophie WardMolly

Produced by 

Jessica Adamsproducer
Rupert Bryanexecutive producer / producer
Sean Buckleyexecutive producer
Emanuele Costantinico-producer
Shelagh McLeodproducer
Joanna O’Malleyproducer
Simon Shepherdproducer

Music by 

Jools Scott

Cinematography by 

Michal Wisniowski

Film Editing by 

Nigel Buck

Costume Design by 

Alice Bambridge

Sound Department 

Ben Carrre-recording mixer
Emanuele Costantinisound mixer / supervising sound editor

Camera and Electrical Department 

Bryan Gavigangaffer