Clevedon Pilot Gig Club Hits the Big Screen

There was a sell-out audience of over 300 at The Curzon Cinema on Sunday evening, 20th October, for the eagerly awaited premiere of the filmed documentary ‘Blood, Sweat and Oars’, charting Clevedon Pilot Gig Club’s build-up to and participation in the World Pilot Gig Championships in the Scilly Isles last May.

Produced by Martin Wells and written and directed by Clevedon resident Colin Gardner of Talldog Media, the 90 minute documentary highlights the thrills, spills and excitement of pilot gig rowing and racing, particularly the colourful and spectacular annual Championships in St. Mary’s – reckoned to be one of the best kept secrets in the UK. With over 60 of their members competing this year in their own gigs ‘Watch and Pray’ and ‘Blackbird’, plus four borrowed gigs, the film gets right in amongst the action, highlighting the close tussles between the Club’s own teams, including the emotional stress and enthusiasm which the event generates.

After the screening Chairman Andrew Brown thanked and congratulated the Production Team for their superb effort and a really magnificent result, a great showcase for the Club. He also took the opportunity to thank those many sponsors, donors, local individuals and organisations who have all helped in their various ways to build the Club since its humble beginnings in 2009.

Following the overwhelming response, and with quite a few people unable to attend and others having to be disappointed with late bookings, plans are already being discussed for a second showing possibly in the New Year. Meanwhile the documentary will now be promoted in various Film Festivals and marketed to the major TV Companies, so could well receive a nationwide screening in the not too distant future. A special DVD will also be produced.