WHAT would we do without Nutella?
Scottish filmmaker Antonis Kassiotis has made a new viral spoof trailer set in Glasgow 2022, where the aftermath of Brexit has resulted in the banning of imported goods.
The prohibition covers much-beloved hazelnut spread, Nutella.
The hilarious parody has already racked up thousands of times online and has even caught the eye of acclaimed writer and director Armando Ianucci.
The Sunday Post chatted to Antonis about how his quirky hit came to be.
“I think we’re starting to get bogged down in Brexit coverage”, said Antonis. “We need something to laugh at.”
The young creative drew inspiration from a huge variety of films – from the warm humour of Wallace and Gromit, to the zany screwball comedies of the 30s to TV series Boardwalk Empire.
“People think good cinema has to be dour, serious stuff”, explained Antonis, “but it really doesn’t have to be.
“My favourite film of all time is Some Like It Hot. It’s the perfect combination of sexy and silly.”
Although the when Antonis first dreamt up the idea he was planning a 20-minute short film, the project evolved into its shorter form.
“I decided on a spoof trailer because it was the concept itself which was funny.”
The choice of Nutella clearly tapped into the psyche of some shoppers, as was seen the incredible riots in France after supermarkets offered a 70% discount on the sweet spread.
The skirmishes resulted in the police being called and one person receiving a black eye.
Serieux ??!! Tout ça pour du Nutella ?! ? #Emeute #Nutella pic.twitter.com/UoNTmK78eE
— Kenny Le Bon (@kennyLebon) January 25, 2018
“As well as what was going on in France, the day after the film came out also turned out to be World Nutella Day.
“I took that to be a sign.”
The project, which Antonis and his 25-strong team managed to make for under £1000, has been a huge hit.
The Thick of It creator and Death of Stalin director Armando Ianucci even shared the video on Twitter.
talented young Scottish filmmakers, and a comedy about Nutella prohibition. https://t.co/Sofv3Eb0Fc
— Armando Iannucci (@Aiannucci) February 16, 2018
“He [Armando] sent me an email saying ‘well done, this is really great'”.
“I’m so pleased with how the film turned out. It’s as close as I’ve come to the kind of films I’d like to make.”
After the success of The Big Spread, Antonis is already planning his next project – his own Mel-Brooks-and-Gene-Wilder-inspired twist on the classic A Christmas Carol.
“I definitely want to champion film-making in Scotland. I’d like to make films with more of an international outlook.”
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