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THE PRINCE OF WHALES

Comedy - Development 2025

The incredible true story of retired Cornish builder turned artist STEVE CAMPS, whose iconic whale paintings saw him shoot to global fame in 2024.

https://powfilm.net

- Year of production
- 2025
- Genres
- Comedy, Drama, True Story
- Countries
- UNITED KINGDOM
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Budget
- 3 - 5 M$
- Duration
- 120 mn
- Synopsis
- https://powfilm.net
  
  A remarkable new feature film project is in the works which will explore the extraordinary journey of Cornish artist Steve Camps - dubbed the ‘Prince of Whales.’
  
  The idea for the film was sparked after screenwriter Tom Keenan (The Rosy Cross) read about Steve’s late-blooming artistic success in The Observer and felt compelled to tell his story. Now, with the life rights secured and early-stage investment in place for script development, the project is gaining industry interest.
  
  Steve, a retired builder, had never picked up a paintbrush before his 60s. But after retirement, he began creating his now-iconic ‘outsider art’ whale paintings which would soon gain global recognition and sell for thousands of pounds. Discovered by Tabby Booth, owner of Falmouth’s Sailors Jail Gallery, Steve’s work quickly became sought after, with pieces owned by high profile names including Clive Myrie, Cath Kidston and shared online by Dawn French. His art now sells internationally, even gracing the walls of Columbia Prep School in Manhattan, the alma mater of Moby Dick author Herman Melville. Steve’s story has also been widely covered by national media including The Sun, BBC , and ITV News, further cementing his status as a remarkable artistic discovery.
  
  Tom Keenan, Writer/Producer, said: “I read about Steve’s story in The Observer last year, and it struck a chord immediately. After meeting him in Cornwall and talking with Tabby, my writing and production partner Kelly Buckley and I knew this was something special. Steve’s journey - going from a lifetime in construction to becoming a celebrated artist - has all the makings of a brilliant film. It’s inspiring, uplifting, and proof that life can surprise you at any moment. Within days of securing the rights, we had early development funding in place to begin writing the script, and there’s already huge anticipation around where this story could go.”
  
  The film is being co-written by Kelly Buckley, a journalist, producer and media composer. Dr Kingsley Marshall, a UK-based academic and film producer, and Head of Film at Falmouth University has also joined the team as Development Producer.
  
  With a backdrop of Cornwall’s breathtaking landscapes, the film will capture not only Steve’s artistic journey but also the fascinating interwoven story of Tabby Booth, a former Central Saint Martin’s student-turned-gallerist who championed his work.
  
  Steve Camps, Artist, said: “I am still amazed that people like my whales so much - and even more so that a film is being made about me! I thought, why would anyone want to make a film about me? But after meeting the team, I’m really happy to be working with them. I like their ideas. I think the world needs a good story right now and I hope mine is inspiring for some.”