'I don't think there many films like Snooker Man, and especially from Surrey' - Director talks about his new Amazon Prime film

Snooker Man follows Johnny "Snooker Man" Bonnar. He is ranked as the UK's 17th best Ronnie O'Sullivan lookalike and working for the country's lowest-rated lookalike agency, Johnny takes a shot at greatness by entering the competitive world of miniature snooker.

We caught up with producer and director Sam Casserly, who gave us a run down of how the film came about.

He said: “Snooker Man came about after winning the 'best adult short film' award at the Dorking Film Festival in 2020 with "Plonker Man" which was about someone trying to audition for the Only Fools and Horses Musical as Rodney Trotter, but ultimatley failing. I also paid reference to lead actor, Nick Hayles looking like Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead).

"After Nick's mum made an off-the-hand comment that she thought he looked more like Ronnie O'Sullivan, the idea for "Snooker Man" came about. We filmed it on and off through lockdown, mostly in my flat in Hersham. We also filmed scenes in Coronation Recreation Ground, also in Hersham.

“All the interviews in the film were semi-improvised, where I would brief actors on the situation, what they felt about what was going on, and a rough idea of where I needed to story to go. Certian lines were exactly scripted when I needed specific lines to occur, or certain jokes to happen.

“The supporting actors who make up the boss of the terrible lookalike agency and his daughter, Stephen (as Barry Keane) and Roxi (as Maggie Keane), who are actors I've worked with before. Overall, I've worked on around 6 or 7 horror feature films and shorts with these 3 previously, and have used clips throughout Snooker Man of them. I kind of made fun of how terrible they were as an applogy to the actors they unfortinately had to take part in them!

“I've always filmed projects around Surrey, including Hersham, Walton on Thames, Molesey, Hampton Court, Esher, Weybridge, and Farnhan. There isn't much of an independent filmmaking scene in the area. Not much independent cinema going or film festivals happening. I know we have Pinewood Studios, but I wouldn't say that's accessable for low budget filmmakers like myself!

“On the creation of the film, I initially wanted to make Snooker Man as an excuse to make something again with actor friends and reconnect during lockdown. I included the absurd idea for competitive miature snooker after discovering documenatries about people who play competive computer games and other bizare things such as stacking cups and completing rubix cubes quickly. Passtimes usually done at home alone, but done in front of large crowds of fans who follow them like sports teams. I'm sure miniature snooker would become a thing some day too!

“I've gotten a lot of positive feedback after releasing the film in January, and you have some excellent senes with bad lookalikes, including Daniel Craig, Harry Hill and Toby Jones!

“But with any film that crosses over into very much loved fandon, we have annoyed some snooker loopy fans. For some reason, they feel snooker needs protecting from parody and comedy. I love snooker, but I can't say I'm a die hard fan, and we've recieved mostly love from snooker offcinados who have a sense of humor. I do enjoy the negative petty comments as they do drive online engagement, making more people see the film!

“The actors who are not as good with a cue, I've protected with editing. I wouldn't go into the film expecting classic sporting action, and there is a mistake at one point in the film with the scoring. It will be a fun Easter egg for those who spot it!

“I don't think there many films like "Snooker Man", and especially from Surrey.

“I hope people give it a chance. It's the kind of film to be enjoyed with a pizza and a beer. We encourage everyone, no matter what you think of it, to review it online and let me know on social media your opinion on it. And also tell others about it if you wish!”

Sam added: "Snooker Man celebrates the underdog spirit, and we're excited for audiences to join Johnny on his offbeat quest for miniature snooker glory."

Snooker Man is available to stream on Prime Video in the UK and US.