This week on The Third Reel, we’re joined by director Keith Kopp and producer Luke Allen to talk about their ambitious upcoming feature First Christmas — and the very real journey of actually getting a film made.
We dig into how Keith and Luke found their way into the industry, how their paths crossed, and how that collaboration has snowballed into their biggest project yet. First Christmas is already shaping up to be a stacked production, with a cast including Mark Addy, Eleanor Tomlinson, Russell Tovey, Dean-Charles Chapman, Samuel Anderson, Ian McNeice, Yasmin Al-Khudhairi and Alex Horne — which, frankly, is the kind of lineup that makes you double-check you’re still an indie film.
But before the cameras roll, there’s the small matter of… money. We talk candidly about the final financing hurdles, what it’s like pitching a film in today’s industry, and their recent trip to Cannes — where dreams are pitched, deals are made, and sleep is optional.
With principal photography planned for later this year and a target release of late 2027, this is a rare, behind-the-scenes snapshot of a film in motion — not after the fact, but right in the thick of it.
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to get a feature film off the ground (beyond shouting “action”), this one’s for you.
Want to follow the journey of First Christmas?
Check out Luke’s production company at www.askseekknock.co.uk
Follow along at linktr.ee/firstchristmasmovie
Or find them on socials @firstchristmasfilm
Who do you want to see us interview next? We want to know!
Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod
https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 - Preamble
00:17:00 - Previous Work
00:26:15 - How They Met
00:35:50 - First Christmas
00:54:40 - Cannes Debrief
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