Skellig (film)

Skellig (also known as Skellig: The Owl Man) is a 2009 British fantasy television film directed by Annabel Jankel and starring Tim Roth in the title role. The screenplay by Irena Brignull is based on David Almond's novel of the same name.^[1]

Skellig
Written by	Irena Brignull David Almond
Directed by	Annabel Jankel
Starring	Tim Roth Bill Milner Skye Bennett John Simm Kelly Macdonald Jermaine Allen
Theme music composer	Step Warbeck
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language	English
Production
Producer	Nick Hirschkorn
Running time	102 minutes
Original release
Release	12 April 2009 (2009-04-12)

Plot

Secondary school student Michael Cooper moves to a decrepit house, with his parents and baby sister. There, she suffers a heart condition and is sent to the hospital. Michael investigates the dilapidated garden shed and meets Skellig, a man with owl wings. Michael befriends a girl named Mina, who is equally intrigued by Skellig. When the couple argue about moving away, Michael brings Skellig outside and Dave burns the shed. Michael and Mina take Skellig to a tall tower, where Skellig reveals his magical ability. The condition of the girl worsens and Michael frequently visits the hospital, where he meets a dying woman named Grace. Encouraged by Michael, Skellig allegedly visits the hospital to save the girl, whom Michael and his parents named Grace Joy. Some time later, Skellig spends time with Michael and Mina.

Cast

• Tim Roth as Skellig
• Bill Milner as Michael Cooper
• Skye Bennett as Mina
• Kelly Macdonald as Louise
• John Simm as Dave
• Jermaine Allen as Leakey
• Edna Doré as Grace
• Eros Vlahos as Coot
• Alexander Armstrong as Mr. Hunt
• Navin Chowdhry as Mr. Watson
• Nickie Rainsford as Mina's mother
• Tameka Empson as Nurse #1
• Lisa Zahra as Nurse #2
• Corey Brown as Schoolboy

Production

The film was part of Sky 1's plan to invest £10 million in producing three new high-definition dramas.^[2] Filming began in Caerphilly on 2 September 2008, with scenes shot in Cardiff, Wales.^[3][4] Roth joined the cast for the film.^[5] It was written by Brignull and directed by Jankel. The film aired on Sky 1 on 12 April 2009.^[3]

Awards

• Won - Cinekid Film Award - Honorable Mention
• Nominated - RTS Television Award for Best Effects in Picture Enhancement
• Nominated - RTS Television Award for Best Effects in Special Effects
• Nominated - RTS Television Award for Best Make-Up Design
• Nominated - VES Awards for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Mini-Series or Series
• Nominated - PI.CA for Everything