THE actors behind the emotional £50 Christmas advert which touched the hearts of Brits have been revealed as a young actress and the co-founder of a digital marketing agency.
Love is a Gift, a short film by videographer Phil Beastall, has racked up more than 6million views this week, and dubbed as better than John Lewis’ annual heavyweight ad.
The 32-year-old’s video shows a man ticking off the days to Christmas, seemingly in anticipation of festivities and presents.
Instead, on the day he opens up a cassette box — an annual tradition — and listens to a tape of his tragic mother’s final Christmas message from beyond the grave.
His late mum was voiced by Natalie Martins, an award winning actress from Surrey, and the young man was played by actor Chris Ilston, who has since gone on to co-found COBA Digital.
The pair, along with Phil, have left the nation weeping this week after the film, shot in 2014, resurfaced and reminded people of the true message of Christmas.
Natalie posted earlier this week: “Oh my word! ‘Love is a Gift’ has now hit the 2million view mark.
“All the feels around the nation! Thanks to everyone who is sharing out short film.
“A special film with a special message.
“Congratulations Phil Beastall on this achievement – this didn’t happen by chance or sheer luck – this happened because you are a talented filmmaker and a wonderful storyteller.
“Good work deserves to be seen – you deserve this.”
And she added last night: “Our no budget film seems to be receiving all the love and stealing some thunder!
Elton… John Lewis… we’re sorry (not sorry!).”
Chris posted: “A short film I was a part of 4 years ago seems to have gained huge traction in the past 24hrs, created by the talented Phil Beastall – and although I’m pleased to say my appearance has changed for the better – the message is still as relevant now as it was then.”
Since the emotional tale went viral, Phil has been inundated with messages from fans who claim the video could have been used instead of the expensive Elton John-themed John Lewis advert.
Others have suggested the store hire him to make their Christmas ad for 2019.
Among those welling up after viewing the ad was Good Morning Britain host Ben Shephard who admitted on today’s show he couldn’t watch it without crying.
The young filmmaker told the show he got the moving idea for the film while on a run.
He said: “To be honest, it was just a last minute decision really. I’m a bit of a kind of frustrated film maker and I wanted to get a Christmas film out there.
“It was just when I was on a run on a Sunday and I just came up with this idea and I just really wanted to create something that would resonate with people as I thought especially in today’s society we kind of just need that reminder that we are not really defined by our careers and materialism, actually family does come first.
“So ultimately I just wanted to create something that was emotive and what resonated with people and maybe they would turn to their wives, husbands, kids whatever and give them a cuddle and say ‘I love you’.”
Phil, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said he was a fan of the John Lewis ad, but added: “People seem to like my film because it’s the story that shines through.
“You don’t always need a huge budget, just an impactful narrative that gets the message across.”
Thousands of commentators praised the video online and admitted that it had reduced them to tears.
Melanie Thomas wrote: “In tears. I have no words except John Lewis, tell your advertising team they [are] sacked.
“Stop plugging Elton John’s song and get this man to do your adverts.”
Lisa Darling said: “Best advert ever, maybe John Lewis should pay him a million.”
The response was so overwhelming that Phil conceded defeat in trying to respond to all the comments because the video attracted so much attention.
Most touchingly, Phil received messages of thanks from parents who have lost a child and also children whose parents are no longer alive because the video had a positive impact on them.
Phil said: “A lot of people are saying how it has touched them and made them feel that they can cope a little bit more this Christmas, which is amazing.
“I never expected that at all. To think people are getting so much from my film.
“I am blown away.”
Phil made the video in 2014 but was inspired to share it again now after seeing the Elton John advert on TV.
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The John Lewis advert cost £7million to make, a fortune compared to the small budget production Love is a Gift, which cost less than £50.
Professional videographer Phil dedicated the emotive and video to the selflessness of his partner of ten years Claire Higley, the mother of their children Ethan, Eliza and Zara.
The man in the video has to finally let go of his mother on the most family-orientated of days and Phil wanted to celebrate the life that has rewarded him with his wife and mother to his children.
John Lewis declined to comment.
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News Pictures £50 Christmas advert ‘son’ and ‘dead mum’ revealed as film passes 6 MILLION views
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