Thriller is a real labour of love for Mitchell
Movie shot in East Kilbride
A budding young filmmaker is enjoying festival success for his debut feature film Jacob Tyler.
Mitchell Ronald directs and stars in the independent crime thriller which was this week picked up by Lift-off Global Network – a platform for first-time filmmakers which aims to showcase and guide emerging talent from around the world.
Shot almost entirely in his hometown of East Kilbride, Jacob Tyler is produced by Mitchell’s company Apple Tree Pictures with the official trailer now available to steam on YouTube.
Mitchell, 26, told the EK News his directorial debut “explores the concept of real evil that exists in our world and the profound impact it has on individuals”.
He said: “Jacob Tyler is a crime thriller which follows an army man, who was a bully victim. He comes back after service and tries to settle down. But his best mate gets murdered so he sets out on a path of vigilante style revenge to take down the killers and get justice for his friend.
“The film is based off my vision of lowlife behaviour I’ve seen in and around Glasgow. It is a film that delves into the depths of human nature, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the actions they would take if given the power to combat such darkness.”
Born in Glasgow and raised in East Kilbride, Mitchell is an independent filmmaker trying to carve out a career for himself in the world of film by selffunding his own projects and learning on the job.
His love for films started in primary school where he began acting and went on to perform in numerous high school plays.
Mitchell landed his first feature acting role in Angry Young Men, directed by Paul Morris, which sparked his interest in directing.
He then went on to self-fund Jacob Tyler, which is shot primarily in Stewartfield, Kittochglen and at Centre West, with Duncanrig Secondary School underpass also making an appearance.
For the cast Mitchell reached out to communities involved in the industry on social media and landed former Miss Scotland Keryn Matthew who plays his sister Beth Tyler in the production.
Mitchell added: “Filmmaking has always been my main ambition. I grew up in East Kilbride and there’s just something striking about it which adds to my vision for the film. I feel like EK in general is just a really good film location.
“Because of the budget it took us two-and-a-half years to film, but we finally got there in the end. It was really long and hard, but I’ve really enjoyed the process.
I’ve got to thank my editor Nico Palmieri for doing such a great job.
“I’m proud to have recently completed my first feature film. This project has been a labour of love, driven by my passion for storytelling and my desire to bring thought-provoking narratives to the big screen.
“I’m excited to share my vision and the hard work that went into Jacob Tyler and I hope to spark conversations and provoke thought long after the credits roll. As an independent filmmaker, I am committed to pushing boundaries, telling compelling stories, and leaving a lasting impact on those who experience my work.
“I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my skills and passion to the big screen and bigger audiences.”
A private screening of the film is set to be held at EK Arts Centre in the coming months, with the film available to stream later this year.
Meanwhile, Mitchell’s next project will resonate with Scottish teenagers.
Gaff delves into the world of high school parties and promises “a solid cast” with scenes shot throughout East Kilbride.
Mitchell paid thanks to Carluke Golf Club for hosting a fundraiser and Business Gateway for helping to fund Jacob Tyler.