Young Filmmaker’s Journey: Dylan Melia’s First Short Film at Letton Hall
Seventeen-year-old Dylan Melia stands at the threshold of his filmmaking career, pouring his passion and creativity into his first short film, “The Cost of Man.” As a worship leader at Fountain of Life Church in Ashill, Dylan is no stranger to leadership, but filmmaking represents a new and exciting challenge for him. This ambitious project, set to be filmed at Letton Hall Christian Conference Centre near Shipdham next month, isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a strategic step toward his future education and career in film. “I felt that creating a proper, well-made fictional film would be a real challenge as it was something I hadn’t attempted before but felt excited about,” Dylan explains. “The aim with it would be to help me get into a film university as well as creating something that I could show people and be like, hey I helped make that.” His enthusiasm is palpable, reflecting the drive of a young artist ready to make his mark on the world.
The journey toward “The Cost of Man” began with a story written by Adam Jackson in 2019. Adam, a videographer who works with local churches and charities, has been instrumental in Dylan’s development as a filmmaker, teaching him video editing techniques and now serving as a producer for this project. Together, they’ve spent months adapting the original story into a screenplay, refining their vision for the film. Their collaboration showcases the power of mentorship, with Adam guiding Dylan through the complex process of bringing a story from concept to screen. The film itself tackles weighty themes, following “two ageing academics as they grapple with how to save the world from peril, and what lengths are truly required to do so,” as Adam describes it. “The story challenges the boundary between ethics and morality, exploring themes of sacrifice and survival.” Such profound subject matter demonstrates Dylan’s ambition to create not just entertainment, but art that provokes thought and reflection.
Securing Letton Hall as the filming location was an unexpected victory for the young filmmaker. What seemed like “a long shot at first” turned into a partnership with a venue that proved “really flexible, supportive and have been facilitating for projects other than weekend stays for churches.” This development highlights how community institutions can play vital roles in nurturing local talent and supporting creative endeavors. The historic and picturesque setting of Letton Hall will provide a rich visual backdrop for the film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas and moral questions, adding depth to the storytelling through its environment. The venue’s willingness to accommodate the film project represents the kind of community support that can make the difference between aspiration and achievement for young artists like Dylan.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Dylan’s project is the diverse team he has assembled. His crew includes both experienced film professionals and novices eager to learn, creating a collaborative environment where skills and enthusiasm complement each other. “The right people have all been brought into it and that has been such a blessing,” Dylan reflects, recognizing how fortunate he is to have found supporters who believe in his vision. This mix of experience levels mirrors Dylan’s own position—standing between his current skills and his aspirations, learning as he creates. Young people from his church and college have joined the project, seeing it as an opportunity to begin their own journeys into filmmaking. In bringing together this eclectic group, Dylan isn’t just making a film; he’s building a community of creatives who can learn from and inspire each other.
The production continues to evolve, with several roles still available for those interested in participating. Dylan is particularly seeking people with experience or interest in lighting and sound design, as well as practical support like drivers and set builders. There’s also a casting call for an actor aged between 60 and 79 to play Dr. Marcus Langford, the antagonist of the story, described as someone at “the tail end of his career.” Dylan’s specific emphasis on involving young people who want hands-on experience alongside established industry professionals demonstrates his commitment not just to his own development but to creating opportunities for peers with similar aspirations. This aspect of the project highlights how creative endeavors can serve as educational platforms, providing practical experience that complements formal learning.
As filming approaches in mid-March, Dylan continues his fundraising efforts through a GoFundMe campaign (gofundme.com/the-cost-of-man), offering supporters the opportunity to have their names included in the credits. This grassroots approach to financing embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking, where passion drives the process and community support makes it possible. For those interested in contributing their time and talents to the production, Dylan can be contacted at [email protected]. “The Cost of Man” represents more than just a young person’s first film—it’s a testament to the power of ambition, mentorship, and community support in nurturing the next generation of storytellers. As Dylan Melia takes this significant step toward his future in film and television, he’s already demonstrating the collaborative spirit and determination that characterize successful filmmakers, suggesting that this first short film may indeed be just the beginning of a promising creative journey.
