" Prestatyn film maker drafts sequel for ME drama after ‘crazy’ response THE second episode of a drama series which seeks to raise awareness of chronic fatigue syndrome is already in the making. Tom Ellis, of Prestatyn, teamed up with a group of young film-makers to tell the story of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). According to Tom, episode one of M.E, Myself and I – entitled Isolation – received a hugely positive response. The web drama series, based on the experiences of real-life sufferers, tells the story of Rachel, a teenager who has been diagnosed with the long-term illness, which has a wide range of symptoms, including muscle pain, intense physical or/and mental exhaustion and specific cognitive disabilities." http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16403000.Sequel_for_ME_drama_after____crazy____response/ episode 1 can be viewed here: eta: just watched episode one my personal opinion; I don't think it does us any favours, but might appeal to younger sufferers(?) eta2: same article here http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/16403000.Sequel_for_ME_drama_after____crazy____response/
Well I really liked it, I think it's a great project to be encouraged. Seems like a realistic portrayal (i.e. desolate) with a bit of grumpy teenage cynicism/humour thrown in. The film-maker is 28 and has had ME for 17 years, which I make to be from the age of 11, so must know what he's doing, and I think he's doing it well.
Yes, I can see how it would appeal to sufferers who can identify with it; but I was trying to see it as a non-sufferer who maybe didn't know much about it would. But maybe that's not their intended audience? eta: but it does say it's to raise awareness so I don't know(?)
Yes, a "hugely positive response" could mean anything, and if it's just a response from ME sufferers it may not do much to raise awareness.
I watched most of the first episode - I suspect that if a lay person watched it, they may have the impression that ME is psychological as there was no definitive statement that ME is biological and they way her symptoms are played out could be interpreted either way. I knew what she was talking about in terms of her symptoms, but I'm not sure all folks off the street would. Maybe adding a statement that ME is bio at the beginning frames what follows and provides unambiguous clarity.
Prestatyn filmmaker directs, writes and releases second episode of ME drama https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/...de-drama-series-released-prestatyn-filmmaker/ (I haven't watched it)
Abergele man's drama series highlights the effects of ME Show has received praise from sufferers for its truthful and emotional depiction of an often misrepresented illness. 9 September 2020 https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/abergele-mans-drama-series-highlights-the-effects-of-me/