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The Great Caerphilly Cheese Heist is set to premiere at Blackwood’s Maxime Cinema next week.

Funded by Caerphilly Arts Development, ‘Lights, Camera, Caerphilly’ is the only trainee-paid scheme of its kind in Wales according to director and producer Andrew Creak, who spoke to Caerphilly Observer.

“It’s a totally unique scheme where we hire young, up-and-coming actors, who are looking to kickstart their career in the industry.

“The best thing about it is that everyone on set gets paid the same. So we had trainee actors and film crew members working together as equals.”

The project, which is in its second year, also features a professional actor who works alongside the trainees.

This year it was Caerphilly’s John Weldon, who as well as being a teacher at St Cenydd School, has had roles in The Tuckers, Mammoth, Skins, and more.

Andrew continued: “John was one of my tutors growing-up and I’ve worked with him on a few things now. He’s great and a model pro to the trainees.”

The short film is around ten minutes long, and tells the story of a man who had his lucky wheel of Caerphilly Cheese stolen by the Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle.

“We put the advert out about a year ago and had 20 scripts sent in. We liked this one from Doug Austin so then began casting people aged between 16 and 25.

“The filming itself was done in Caerphilly town centre over two days and the trainees really got the full experience.

“The paid element is great because it allows people from less privileged backgrounds to apply knowing there’s a paycheque at the end of it.

“Having spoken to everyone involved they’ve absolutely loved the experience, and already we’ve heard from last year and this year that actors and crew involved have gone on to land jobs in the TV and film industry.”

The Great Caerphilly Cheese Heist will be premiering at Maxime Cinema, Blackwood, on Sunday February 9 and is funded by Screen Alliance Wales.