“The Light WithIn: An Irish Quaker Story” Unit Stills Photography
This project immediately struck a chord and grabbed my attention because I love working on period pieces, love the supernatural genre, and I had learned in recent years that my own Irish ancestors were deeply rooted in the early Quaker community of Ireland.
Testimonial from Producer David Butler and Writer and Director Denis McArdle
Daniel worked with us on our shortfilm ‘The Light WithIn an Irish Quaker story’.
Not only did he brilliantly capture the mood and vibe on set with his behind the scenes shots.
His photography was key to us securing interest from VFX Artist, our composer and also post production services. As his work depicted key scenes and the visual style of the film.
We highly recommend Daniel and we hope to work with him in the future.
“The Light WithIn” Film Synopsis
“The Light WithIn: An Irish Quaker Story” is a supernatural period drama set in Ireland’s Quaker community in the 1780s. The story follows the Cantor family, particularly the two sisters, Lydia and Margret, as they grapple with illness and supernatural events within their Quaker community.
“The Light WithIn” Key Highlights
Historical Setting
The script is set in 18th-century Ireland, providing a unique backdrop for the story. It portrays the Quaker community’s customs and beliefs of the time.
Supernatural Elements
The story introduces supernatural elements, such as the warning from an old man and woman about faeries and mysterious occurrences. This adds an eerie and mysterious atmosphere to the narrative.
Family Dynamics
The script delves into the dynamics of the Cantor family, focusing on the relationship between Lydia and Margret. It highlights their bond and the lengths Lydia goes to in order to protect her sister.
Cultural and Religious Themes
The script explores themes related to faith, superstition, and community. It contrasts the Quaker beliefs of the Cantor family with the indigenous superstitions of the local people.
Atmospheric Descriptions
The script creates a vivid atmosphere, with detailed descriptions of the Irish countryside, the Quaker meeting house, and the supernatural events, immersing the audience in the story’s world.
Why “The Light WithIn” Matters
“The Light WithIn” matters because it offers a captivating blend of historical drama and supernatural elements. It provides a glimpse into the Quaker community of 18th-century Ireland, a setting hitherto unexplored in mainstream cinema. The script also raises questions about the intersection of faith and superstition, inviting viewers to contemplate the mysteries and beliefs of the time.
Moreover, the story revolves around the bond between two sisters and their determination to confront the unknown to protect one another. This universal theme of sibling love and sacrifice adds an emotional depth to the narrative, making it relatable to a wide audience.
Incorporating Irish folklore and supernatural elements, “The Light WithIn” weaves a tale of intrigue and mystery, drawing viewers into a world where the lines between the natural and the supernatural are blurred. It’s a story that promises both historical richness and an engaging exploration of human emotions and beliefs.
“The Light WithIn” Cast & Crew
Cast
- Finnuala Gillen as “Lydia Cantor”
- Steve Gunn as “Robert Cantor”
- Eliza Butler as “Margret Cantor”
- Andy Crook as “Whigham”
- Michael Creagh as “Jacob”
- Catríona Ní Threasaigh as “Cailleach”
- Martin Brennan as “The Old Man”
Crew
- Writer Denis McArdle
- Director Denis McArdle
- DoP David Christopher Lynch
- Producer David Butler
- Sound Designer Sarah Sherlock
- Location Sound Aoife Moran Terry
- Location Sound Philip Kidd
- Boom Operator Kyle McCarthy
- Addition Foley & Sound Design Graham Tully
- Gaffer Liam Gaffney
- First AD Sierra Dann
- Second AD Michael Behan
- Camera Assistant Brian Dooley
- Make-Up Dawn Butler
- Art Direction Eamonn Elders
- Assistant Art Director Simona McArdle
- Scene Prep Artist Dayna Crossan
- Scene Prep Artist Kellyann Hyland
- Prop Designer Kayleigh Fallon
- Prop Hire Sarah Delany
- Costume Design Sheila Rebello
- Editor Jack Lunt
- Unit Production Manager Maria Sheridan Lambert
- Assistant Production Manager Richard Kearney
- Assistant Production Manager Anna Lambert
- Assistant Production Manager Margaret Rowe
- Unit Stills Photographer Daniel Geesen
“The Light WithIn” Filming Locations
It was my privilege shooting Unit Stills Photography in County Laois for the project. County Laois made the perfect setting for this story and the filming locations added great production value to the short.
- Roundwood House, Mountrath, County Laois, Ireland
- Quaker Graveyard, Tinneel, County Laois, Ireland
- Rosenallis, County Laois, Ireland
- Wesleyan Chapel, Skerry, Rosenallis, County Laois, Ireland
- Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum, Dunacleggan, Donaghmore, County Laois, Ireland
- Glenbarrow, County Laois, Ireland
