Tommy Jessop Goes to Hollywood
“What we want is for him to have the same opportunities as any other actor, and not be sidelined because he has Down’s syndrome.”
Blue Apple’s co-founder Tommy Jessop worked with his brother, film-maker Will Jessop to create a documentary film for BBC One, and has been credited as a cinematographer. Frustrated by the lack of work after his role in BBC hit drama Line of Duty, Tommy’s documentary follows their journey as Tommy takes matters into his own hands and pitches an idea for a superhero movie to Hollywood producers. The main character is based on his teddy bear Roger.
Tommy and his mother Jane set up Blue Apple to create acting and performing opportunities for people who have a learning disability who cannot access mainstream activities. Tommy has been an active campaigner for the rights of learning disabled people and now he is challenging society’s expectations again.
The documentary was broadcast on Monday, August 21 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and had wide advance promotional coverage including a radio van interview for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, mainstream TV and newspaper interviews.
All the press reviews are full of praise for this documentary. Below are some of the comments from the broadsheets.
“If Jessop’s confidence is anything to go by – and it really is true that this is all it takes – then his superhero story is far from over.”
“... a wake-up call to casting directors, not just of Tommy Jessop’s talent, but to a whole cohort of actors with Down’s syndrome who deserve a wider range of roles.”
“Their tenderness was proper lump-in-the-throat stuff and an antidote to the daily horror dished up in the news.”
“This inspiring documentary...doesn’t sugar-coat reality.”
“...he was making a serious point without waving banners or banging a drum..”
See what you think for yourself by watching the film - here is the link.