Appeal for show to highlight autism
LITTLE REILLY’S MUM HOPES FOR TV PILOT
Reporter A LITTLE lad who couldn’t get a party invitation could be the inspiration for a new TV show.
Reilly Stephenson hit the headlines and won the hearts of thousands after his dad’s rant at friends who left him out of celebrations went viral.
The six-year-old, from Cramlington, is autistic and the condition has a huge impact on his life, sometimes leading to misunderstandings and exclusion from others.
Dad Shane had hit out online at the “hurtful” failure of friends to invite Reilly to their own children’s parties.
Now, after receiving thousands of messages of support, mum Christine Stephenson wants to use her experiences to create an “honest, heartwarming and humorous” film for mainstream television about autistic characters.
She’s hoping to produce a 10-minute pilot video featuring Benidorm actress Crissy Rock and boxerturned-actor Glenn McCrory, as well as a cameo for little Reilly himself - if they can get the cash to produce it.
Christine hopes the pilot could lead to a fulllength film for television, intended to raise awareness and tackle stereotypes about autism. She said: “Turning this into a film for TV is chance to reach a much broader audience. “The message is about autism acceptance and busting some of those deep rooted myths.” The devoted mum thinks the show would help families like hers hugely, by increasing understanding of children like Reilly. The production will feature autistic actors, and autistic consultants who, she says, will ensure it offers an accurate portrayal of many people’s experience of autism.
It will be made with the help of other members of support group Alphabetically Autistic, which Christine founded with other mothers of autistic children.
Christine said: “Families need support; I’ve stopped for more coffees than I dare to drink with mams at the end of their tether, mams in a similar situation - I love chatting to them and love to say you know what, it’s OK, if you want to know something about autism, ask an autistic person and build from there.”
The film is set to be based on The Life of Reilly, a play written by Alison Stanley, another mother of an autistic child, partly inspired by Christine’s blog of the same name. It’s already received rave reviews at Northern Stage, where it will be returning in March.
Christine said: “The film will focus on the many fights that special needs parents face daily just for the right education, support, understanding and independence for their child. It’s about acceptance and celebrating diversity. The film will see the character Reilly grow from child to young adult and harness his awesome character and humour.”
The group has already raised more than £2,000, but needs to make it to £5,000 by January 10 to fund the film.
Donations can be made at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ the-life-of-reilly-film-pilot-1