Big Smooth

Just been to watch the premiere at the Gala theatre in Neil's hometown of Durham, the film was a brilliant tribute to a well remembered man, striking attention to detail with some brilliant interviews from some key people from Neil's sadly short but very fulfilled life.

Can always remember seeing Neil in and around Durham back in the 90's / early 00's, especially in Cafe Rock with his mates drinking three bottles at a time!! Didn't realise just how much basketball he played in America and this film totally shows how well respected he was out there not just for his skills but also his kindness and big heart

Bravo to Paul and the team for giving us all an insight into big Neils life.

I've just attended the world premiere of Big Smooth and have to say it was a great piece of cinema - I thought the narrative that Paul Stainthorpe created was sensitive and uplifting with a great sense of the human spirit that is in us all. The weaving together of narrative from both sides of the atlantic worked well with some wonderful heartwarming stories.

The story was in many ways a simple one but I felt the piece revealed the layers that sit below all of our lives through an exploration of Neil's ...Stainthorpe and the team behind this, and the participants, should be incredibly proud of this as a piece of art as well as a wonderful human story...I'm sure they are.

Being best friends with Neil from a young age I expected to be biased or even critical of the documentary, but I had no reason to be any of these. Being either involved or part of Neil's life growing up and spending time together as mates whenever possible (between Neil's travels and work) I was apprehensive of how the film would portray Neil and the life he had. On watching the Premier I was blown away by the sett out and content that Paul Stainthorpe and the team have used and produced a great, true, funny and emotional documentary.

Before the film started Paul Stainthorpe introduced everyone and stated "if you feel like laughing, then laugh - If you feel like whooping, then whoop and if you feel like crying, then cry". What he should of stated is "when you laugh - when you whoop and when you cry" because this is guaranteed when watching this true, funny and emotional film.

Brilliant work and a must watch.

I went to the premier of Big Smooth last night and didn't know what to expect. I found out about a man who went to my school in Durham, and played basketball with my husband in the 90's. I was amazed with the life Neil led and the person he clearly was. The way he touched people and made a difference to their lives is a real legacy and it's wonderful someone has memorialized him so well. It was amazing how much research, groundwork, and detail went into this piece of work. The interviews were awesome and the content had my attention and interest transfixed. Paul and Richard have created an impressive, professional and touching documentary film. I'm really pleased I went to watch it and would highly recommend.

Big Smooth is a stunning documentary that has truly captured the beauty within such a wonderful, larger than life character. Sensitive storytelling at its best!

We see the highs and lows all while being taken on an emotional journey of discovery with real attention to detail throughout. The transatlantic element really brings some great characters to the screen and the interviewees talk so passionately about Neil. The enthusiasm is infectious.

The music, the footage, the editing, the whole tone of this documentary was simply wonderful. Amazing documentary that has the power to really inspire others.