THE PRINCE OF WHALES
A ROSY CROSS PRODUCTIONS FILM
A heartwarming UK drama-comedy feature film set in Cornwall, based on the inspiring true story of retired builder turned international artist Steve Camps who shot to global fame and fortune in 2024
STEVE CAMPS
Pictured: STEVE CAMPS (c) Kelly Buckley 2024
From Builder to Artist to the Big Screen: Feature Film on Cornwall’s ‘Prince of Whales’ in Development
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, and has 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 fascinating interwoven stories of those around him who’ve
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.”
Tabby Booth, Artist, Agent & Gallery Owner, said: “It’s rare to find a true outsider artist and it’s an amazing experience to be able to share Steve’s story with a wider audience.”
With a heartwarming, feel-good message, this film project is set to celebrate creativity, resilience, and the unexpected twists that life can bring.
END
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
tom.powfilm@gmail.com | kelly.powfilm@gmail.com
MEDIA
In March 2025 journalist David Barnett exclusively revealed the film being in early development in The Sunday Times.
TOM KEENAN
Tom Keenan is the creator and producer of The Rosy Cross, a TV series exploring the Shakespeare authorship debate currently in development with Shinawill [Game of Thrones], Lasse Halleburg [Lillehammmer] and Big Light Productions [Leonardo]. He is currently adapting All Too Beautiful, a book by Paolo Hewitt, into a feature on the life of Steve Marriot and The Small Faces.
Tom is the founder of Rosy Cross Productions, a company which secures existing IP and develops it for TV & film. He owns the life rights to the Steve Camps story.
DR Kingsley marshall
Dr Kingsley Marshall joins the project as Development Producer. Kingsley works within his own Myskatonic Films, and as an executive associate producer within feature film partnerships including Film4, BFI, BBC Films, Bosena, Baracoa, Boatshed, and Storm Force Films under the Sound/Image Cinema banner. Kingsley is the principal investigator of Charismatic, a 1.04M Innovate UK funded R&D project in partnership with Charisma AI, UAL’s Creative Computing Institute, Channel4, and Aardman exploring AI’s role in the creative industries.
Kelly ann buckley
Kelly Ann Buckley joins the team as co-scriptwriter/co-
producer. An award-winning writer with over 30 years in
journalism, Kelly also specialises in music composition &
sound design. Her work includes commissions for Levi’s
Footwear/New Waverley Studios, Focal Point Gallery,
Metal Arts, Estuary Festival, DigiFest, Alexander Whitley
Dance co., with projects featured at international film
festivals, including Cannes. Kelly has a wealth of on set
experience appearing as SA in many major TV productions
& runs her own multimedia arts & sound studio K-A-B
producers
TOM KEENAN
DR Kingsley marshall
Kelly ann buckley
tom.powfilm@gmail.com
kelly.powfilm@gmail.com
@princeofwhalesfilm
CONTACT
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (c) 2024