Social Film Drama

The Overdose Notes: Client & Audience Feedback

"The ‘Overdose Notes’ tells the story of Chris Mills, a drug and alcohol addict with a history of convictions for anti-social behaviour. Within 24 hours of his final release, however, Chris is found dead as the result of a fatal drugs overdose.
Here is some of the feedback we have had from people who have watched the film:

“The film is so good and the messages so relevant that I very much hope it can have a national audience.”
Stephen Shaw, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for England and Wales

" The audience, full of those whose organisations were part of the system that had unwittingly contributed to the death of this man, were stunned into silence, touched by a sense of common humanity and a desire to do something. The case study was accurately portrayed but done in such a sensitive manner that it inspired rather than threatened all of us who were being challenged to take collective responsibility to prevent anything like it happening again. A truly special experience.”
Diana Fulbrook, Chair of Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board and Chief Officer, Wiltshire Probation Area

“The most impactful thing I have ever seen!”
Jane Scott, Leader, Wiltshire County Council

“It is a film which has the power to change attitudes and behaviour. Its use should be widened to CJS partners nationally.”
Norman Jeffery, Area Director, Her Majesty’s Court Service

“I showed the DVD to Governors and it was very well received. The Area Safer custody Lead and Drug Strategy managers also viewed it and were very impressed. So much so that we now have copies for each establishment in the South West area.”
Doug Moon, Governor, Erlestoke Prison

“The film had an incredible impact. The characters were extremely well played which made the whole scenario believable and they evoked an array of emotions.”
“The location and setting was entirely appropriate. The storyline was exactly as we wanted i.e. it posed questions but did not point the finger of blame. It is this which makes it so suitable for a variety of audiences. The feedback I have received was extremely positive with everyone saying how thought-provoking it was.”
Yvonne Maunder, Business Support Manager, Wiltshire Local Criminal Justice Board

“I just wanted to write that I thought that the short film was incredibly moving - in fact I had to leave the room for some fresh air after watching it.

As I think you know, I spent some time in prison for a drugs offence and I recognised many of the points alluded to in the film. Although my circumstances were very different, the film was right to the point and reminded me of the futility that was felt by myself and other inmates at the time. I have often thought that the help given to offenders is inadequate especially on release and its no wonder to me that not reverting to old habits is very difficult, especially when you feel regarded as scum by many people in society.

I hope the film makes the people who watch it realise that there are many people that if they received the right help at the right time, they would not be such a drain on police, legal and prison services. In fact they would not be a drain on those services at all.

Thanks for making such a thought provoking film. I sincerely hope it helps change things...... “
Councillor representing Wiltshire County Council, North Wiltshire District Council and Chippenham Town Council

The film was screened at a conference for organisations and agencies with responsibility for criminal justice. We asked the delegates how the film and its story line made them feel. What they said is recorded below. The ability of the film to stir people’s consciences and inspire change is self-evident.

"Could more have been done earlier"
“Ashamed”
“Determined to act”
“How do we break the cycle?”
“Powerful”
“Clear”
“Disappointed to be part of system which did not do more”
“Guilt”
“Was it preventable?”

 

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