Millie Is The Star Of New Geopark Film

A 10 year old schoolgirl is to star in a new film beaming the delights of Torbay's natural beauty around the world.

Torbay's got Talent finalist Millie Day from Galmpton is the voice of a specially created animated star of the new film created to promote the English Riviera Geopark.

Film producer Mischa Eligoloff explained: "When we started production it was agreed that a young girl's voice would add significantly to the power of the film.

"We contacted Torbay Acting Factory based at the Palace Theatre to see if they wanted to help us in our search for the voice. We then auditioned 10 young stars of the future. The unanimous verdict was that Millie's voice is perfect for the role as she conveys the story of our Geopark combining awe, authority and humour. Her voice beautifully complements the visuals and the music.

"Millie and her mum Lorna went to South Devon College which lent us its professional recording studio and Millie recorded her voiceover in only one take. She's been an absolute star," said Mischa.

The film is to be 'premiered' on Thursday at Kents Cavern.

The schoolgirl, from Brixham Road, Paignton, who attends Galmpton Primary School, said she had loved performing for as long as she could remember, but only began to get properly involved when she joined the Acting Factory.

"I go weekly and have been lucky enough to be involved in many of the productions and showcases. I really love to perform and, while acting is what I dreamed of, I soon found I had quite a good singing voice."

Millie said through the Acting Factory and her 'wonderful' teacher she gained lots of confidence. She won first place in the junior section of the Acting Factory's Singing Star competition.

She then won through to the final of Torbay's Got Talent at the Babbacombe Theatre.

She is currently in rehearsals for the Babbacombe Theatre summer show.

"I am really enjoying it. I will be singing and dancing as part of the troupe, and gaining lots of valuable experience."

The short film, commissioned by Torbay's Culture and Environment Partnership took eight months to make, and was directed and animated by Bex Glover at Severn Studios and shot by local South Devon College student Jonathan Palfrey.

It combines live action with colourful animation to make the concept of the Geopark accessible to as many people as possible while showcasing beautiful Tor Bay.

The film will be available as part of an education pack to Torbay schools, uploaded onto YouTube, and distributed through a wide range of social networking sites.