A moving film celebrating what makes Nottingham unique has been shot in the city's empty streets.

The 90 second video, made by city filmaker Tom Dennis, has had thousands of views.

The Thing about Notts features Nottingham chef Ritchie Stainsby out and about the ghostly city centre during lockdown.

It poignantly starts with him locking the door of the restaurant he runs with partner Lauren Nally, No. Twelve, at Eldon Chambers, off Wheeler Gate.

Locations include a deserted Old Market Square, Hockley, Derby Road, the Embankment, the Lace Market, and Trent Bridge, with Ritchie reciting a heart-warming poem composed by Tom about this tough time and what keeps the community flowing.

A still from the video featuring Ritchie Stainsby on the left lion
A still from the video featuring Ritchie Stainsby on the left lion

Ritchie, who has been friends with Tom since college, said he hoped the video would help to lift the community's spirits.

"As a business it’s difficult to escape only promoting yourself, however, in this difficult time, we wanted to put the focus on Nottingham as a whole and its fantastic people. For without that, there would be no need for business in the first place.

"The intention was to spread a little love, lift some hope and reassure the people of Notts that we will bounce back and although our lives will be altered, there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Notts born and bred Tom recently returned to the city after freelancing around the country.

Now living in The Meadows with a base in Hockley, he has worked predominantly as a camera operator for BBC TV for the last eight years, filming hundreds of episodes of daytime dramas such as Doctors.

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He said: "I decided to take a step back from the bigger jobs to use what I've learnt about film making to support Nottingham's local small and independent businesses. As I was about to launch the lockdown begun, and small businesses have to prioritise the day to day costs now more than ever, so video marketing isn't an option.

"I decided I wanted to continue to support local business regardless of cost so made a plan to launch my social pages and release a film every day promoting a local business."

Inspired by his mum's writing which include's children's books, he set about composing the words for the video.

Ritchie Stainsby pictured in Pelham Street - the only of many independent businesses
Ritchie Stainsby pictured in Pelham Street - the only of many independent businesses

"We wanted the video to be a reminder to customers to support local businesses but also to be proud of our city and the fortitude and creativity that keeps our high streets vibrant with independent businesses."

His housemate Adam Fletcher, a feature film sound recordist, also worked on the project - all filmed in accordance with social distancing rules using long distance radio microphones, extended reach boom mics and zoom lenses for the cameras.

Ritchie Stainsby being filmed leaving his restaurant No Twelve, in Eldon Chambers, off Wheeler Gate
Ritchie Stainsby being filmed leaving his restaurant No Twelve, in Eldon Chambers, off Wheeler Gate

"We've been promoting online and had some incredible feedback and quite an emotional response from customers and business owners, which just affirms that small businesses are way more than a job; it's a lifestyle," added Tom.

THiNK in NG, at Cobden Chambers, said: "I love this little video, thank you for making it all about us. We’ve a fantastic community in Nottingham."

Hana Glover posted: "This brought a tear to my eye! Thank you for making such an awesome video. I can’t wait to come and see you when this is over."

Homemade Cafe responded: "I don’t know you, but I totally love this. What a fab video clip. Thanks for taking the time to do this, very uplifting. Thanks for sharing."

Tom's new venture My Town Vision, which can be seen on Instagram, also features videos with Shop Zero and the Bead Shop.