Joe Dempsey (Game of Thrones, Adult Material) leads a wave of new additions to the cast of “Truckload,” winner of the Primetime Empower Fund Award at Cannes 2024.
Dempsey is joined by Adam Ali (Waterloo Road, Little America), Cathy Tyson (Boiling Point, Criminal Record) and Lara McDonnell (Belfast, Artemis Fowl). The project, which stars Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Broadchurch), aims to support female and non-binary filmmakers.
Based on the real-life experience of writer and actress Evie Jones, the comedy-drama Truckload follows Lizzie (played by Jones) as she returns to Manchester after a life-changing car accident. The film explores her journey of recovery and the impact it has on her relationships.
Director Ayla Jordan Edge and producers Arpita Ashok and Victoria Emslie round out the cast with Carol Starks (“Save Me,” “Casualty”) and Angharad Bowen (“Bandits,” “Smile School”).
“We are thrilled to be working with casting director Verity Naughton to build a fantastic cast around Evie as our heroine Lizzie and Judy as Lizzie’s mother Sarah,” said Ashok. “Joe Dempsey brings depth to Lizzie’s brother Tom, while Adam Ali shines as Lizzie’s best friend Amir. Cathy Tyson delivers a nuanced performance as Lizzie’s physiotherapist, and Lara McDonnell brings fresh energy as Lizzie’s cousin. This team ensures that Truckload is authentic and thoughtful but also joyful and life-affirming, reflecting Evie’s lived experience.”
“Writing became a bit of a cathartic process, allowing me to channel my experience as a newly disabled person,” Jones added. “My relationships with my family, my friends, even myself—everything—changed. At the same time, I still had the same ambitions and dreams that I had before. I wanted to make sure that the script wasn’t entirely focused on the physical disability, but on the inner transformation and acceptance of my character’s new life.”
“When we were looking to cast this film, I knew we needed to strike a delicate balance,” said Jordan Edge. “We were looking for authentic, local actors who understood that this story was based on Evie’s real life and the nuances it required, but we also needed actors who would generously give us permission to laugh. I’m so happy with the incredible cast who have all integrated themselves into the multidimensional world Evie has built.”
The project received a £10,000 ($12,770) grant, plus £30,000 ($38,305) in-kind support from HAWK London and Picture Shop. Tysers’ insurance companies have also joined the project.
“Our inaugural fund and winning team demonstrated that with the right strategic partners we can tell stories that have never been told on platforms before, and attract high-profile, authentic voices that increase the scope and impact of the project beyond the film itself,” said Emsley.
