A Kestrel For A Knave
For BBC’s The Read, Christopher Eccleston performs the much-loved book by Barry Hines.
Client: BBC Arts / Rural Media
Sector: Narrative (64 Mins)
Services: Sound Design & Mix
SYNOPSIS
Set in a mining town in of South Yorkshire, Kes is a bittersweet tale of working class strife and the desperate attempt to escape one’s circumstances, while finding beauty and magic in the everyday.
Teenager Billy Casper struggles both at home and at school. While rambling on a farm he chances upon a young kestrel which he names Kes. He subsequently discovers a passion for falconry, his only reprieve in life. When his brother Jud sends him on an errand, he messes it up with devastating consequences.
SOUND DESIGN
We see two contrasting styles - the bleak reality of Billy’s home and school life and the magic of his time spent with Kes.
For the flight scenes the production designers did a fantastic job of creating a magical feeling through shadow puppetry. This was enhanced by Simon Passmore’s score and further complemented with our magical-sounding whooshes and transitions.
There are exciting fight scenes, which we supported with gritty and impactful sound effects.
BROADCAST
Originally broadcast on BBC Four at 8pm, Sunday 17th September 2023.
CREDITS
Starring - Christopher Eccleston
Director - Kieran Stringfellow
Producer - Tasha Williams
Production Company - Rural Media
Director of Photography - Luke Collins
Production Design - Prop it Ltd
Sound Design & Mix - Brian Lane
Score - Simon Passmore
Editor - Dave Jones
Colourist - Vic Parker