Investment vehicle created to support Toilers of the Sea movie

Friday 01 October 2021

The film adaptation of Toilers of the Sea edges ever closer to fruition following a newly-developed partnership with Sarnia Asset Management and its enigmatic CEO, Swen Lorenz.

Mr Lorenz made headlines in 2020 after the launch of the ‘Sark Society’, a programme designed to double the island's population. It offers prospective new residents a "digital handbook, personal advice and exclusive opportunities" for a joining fee to his society.

Mr Lorenz has since met with producers of the Victor Hugo adaptation - which has strong links to Sark - subsequently creating an investment vehicle to help fund the production: Sarnia Film Finance.

David Shanks and Joy Mellins need to raise £10m before the production can be greenlit, however Mr Shanks remains positive that filming will begin soon.

“We’re still on to shoot over here before Easter,” he said.

Pictured: Mr Shanks said casting hasn’t been confirmed yet, but they are circling at least two A-Listers for the roles of Gilleat and Deruchette.

The production has been clocking up significant £100k chunks of investment so far, but Mr Shanks said: “We’re still looking for that big ticket investment.”

The creation of Sarnia Film Finance will give investors reassurance that their capital is safe, he said. 

"It’s a single purpose project to help raise money for the production of the film.”

Minimum investments start at £50k and it’s capped at £15m. Investors' money will now be overseen by a Guernsey regulated company.

Pictured top: Producers Joy Mellins and David Shanks.