A new film by Jody Medland
Shooting in Barnstaple in March 2025
Writer, Producer and Director Jody Medland has written a dark drama that shines a light on what life can be like for somebody forced into assuming the role of a caregiver.
In the film, titled Alone Together, just months after their wedding, a severe stroke minimises Mia’s mobility and speech to that of an infant child. By default, Jason assumes the role of her housebound carer, testing the sacred vow “til death do us part” to its limit.
Although the film is fictional, it is largely informed by a real-life couple who Jody knows incredibly well.
“I know someone this has happened to,” says Jody. “And I’m close enough to see what types of strain it causes. Emotionally, practically, and financially, there are challenges involved that I’d like to make people aware of, because I think those who undertake this responsibility are the country’s unsung heroes.”
Social and political attitudes sometimes seem to suggest that those claiming benefits for being in-house carers are living an easy life, a misconception the filmmaker is looking to put right.
“In Britain, we have a culture of benefits cheats, and this seems to make caregivers a soft target. But when you can’t work because your loved-one needs you, and you lack basic needs such as sleep and social contact with family and friends, who often distance themselves from the situation, it can be very easy to slip into depression. Let’s not forget, these carers are also trying to grieve the loss of a life they have lost, along with the fact that their loved-one has been fundamentally changed, and this is an awful lot to deal with at the same time.”
The couple that the film is based on have been unable to access financial assistance from the government due to the fact their savings are too high, something that Jody feels is unjust.
“Personally, I think it’s fairer to work out allowances based on how much money these carers save the government as opposed to how much they have in their bank. If your personal savings are drained due to ending up in this circumstance, it only adds financial pressure to the list of things that carers need to worry about.”
For those familiar with Medland’s work, they won’t be surprised to learn there are many dark twists along the way.
“For me, good films always make a social point, but they also remember to entertain. Alone Together dances the line between fantasy and reality and explores the types of thoughts a person might have once the life they were pursuing has been ripped away from them.”
The micro-budget film is scheduled to be shot in Barnstaple in March 2025, and Jody is still seeking local actors, locations, and investors to be involved with the project. For more information, contact Jody directly on jody@penworksmedia.co.uk.
Key Information
Writer, Producer & Director Jody Medland
Film Title Alone Together
Genre Drama / Thriller
Production Dates Sat 15 – Sat 29 March, 2025
About the Author
Jody was born and raised in Barnstaple before moving to London, where he worked as a writer for 20-years. He moved back to Barnstaple in 2021 when his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, where he has remained ever since. Jody’s work is renowned for its strong themes and originality, and for bringing attention to social and political issues.
For more information about Jody or his film project, feel free to contact him directly on the details below.
Jody Medland | Writer, Producer & Director
+44 (0) 773 136 1264
jody@penworksmedia.co.uk
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Interested in being an Executive Producer? Financial contributions from as little as £500 will ensure you are credited as such on the film, and you’ll receive other perks such as project updates, set visits, tickets to screenings, and also a Return On Investment deal that will see all investors paid back as a matter of priority once the film starts generating income. For more information, contact Jody today.