A self-doubting painter, Martin, has become increasingly anti-social. He isolates himself in his room and manically paints all day. Martin, obsessed with the idea of becoming a great painter, believes this is the only way that he can make his life meaningful. In his solitude, Martin starts to personify his super-ego and forms a separate personality - False Martin.
False Martin is the embodiment of Martin’s desires. He is who Martin truly sees himself to be. False Martin convinces Martin, that if he paints the perfect representation of this ideal, he will come to life and both will combine into one perfect being. We follow the journey of Martin’s last day making the portrait of False Martin, which happens to be his birthday.
Yes. The film will use unconventional modes of representation to reflect the main character’s confused state of mind. At key points in the narrative, the film will change styles to emphasise changes in mood, character, etc. Camera angles and lighting will be exaggerated. Continuity of space and time will be disrupted.
All of this is meant to confuse and disturb the viewer and put them in the mind of the character, who is in a kind of psychedelic nightmare which intensifies with each passing moment. Reality and fantasy will merge and at the end it will be unclear what was real and what wasn’t.
A team effort between our costume, make-up and animation departments will bring the character of False Martin to life. He will look like a creature that has come out of a cubist painting. We will use body paint, prosthetics and costume to create a practical creature that resembles Martin’s finished portrait.
As Martin paints, he falls into a trance, which is represented by a short animation. The animation follows the progression of the painting and reveals the story between Martin and False Martin.
The plan is to shoot from the 14th to the 19th of February and we have set up a number of preliminary deadlines to ensure we're well prepared. The script has been locked, we have finalised the budget and development work on the film's animations sequence is already underway.
The majority of this story will be told by Martin's claustrophobic space and the numerous art materials that cover it. As a result, the lion's share of the film's funds will go into the creation of Martin's studio. The second most important investment is living expenses which ensures our hardworking crew is well-fed, looked after and ready to go about the hard work of making this film. Should you choose to support us, I know they'll be very grateful!
Ignat Ignatov
Director
I was born in Bulgaria on the 3rd of February, 1996 at 10:00 in the morning. I believe in collaboration and teamwork, they’re the most important aspects of filmmaking to me. I’m drawn to the absurd and the surreal, but I take inspiration from many different sources; ideas can come out of anywhere. My favourite film title is 'A Pigeon Sat on a Brach Reflecting on Existence' (it’s also one of my favourite films).
Kai Langford-Do
Producer
I was born in San Francisco on the 19th of December, 1999. I don't remember what time because I was still a foetus. I have performed numerous roles including directing, script supervising and producing. When I was a kid, I would use my toys to make stop motion videos. I guess I never stopped escaping into my imagination and telling stories. The problem of creating, of dealing with one's inner demons and absurdist dreamscapes has always fascinated me. I couldn't think of a film title, but 'Neon Meate Dream of a Octafish' is one hell of a song title.
Pawel 'Pav' Sarniewicz
Co-Producer
There isn't really much information regarding where and when I was born. I do know for certain it was in the past and most likely somewhere in Poland (the one that looks like an oversized ice cream cone on the map). I have been producing films at the Bournemouth Film School for the last 3 years. I am a passionate storyteller myself with a fairly successful career as an industrial abseiler in the UK. My favourite film title? Easy: 'Koyaanisqatsi'- It's also one of my favourite films and the one that made me decide to get into film making.
Alex Day
Director of Photography
I was born at 10:16PM one evening in September. Am I the Cinematographer of this project? Yes. Art, music, photography and film will all come together into this film being a film. An artist that was born before me, Salvador Dali, is a favourite. And my favourite film being Meshes of the Afternoon by Maya Deren.
Mason Goodman
Editor
I was born in Southampton on the 19th of June at some point. My mum doesn't remember the exacts. I came into filmmaking from the weird world of YouTube montages. Since then, its remained about as odd but in a professional setting. My favourite film title is 'In The Mouth of Madness' because of the image it provokes.
Patrick Bradley
Sound Designer
I'm born at 20 minutes past 6 PM on a Saturday every Saturday. My mum named me Patrick, but my Dad calls me Patrick. You can call me either. Doesn’t matter. Whichever works for you. My favourite film title is this one! ‘A Patrick Patrick-ing A Patrick’. Wait. I mean ‘A Patrick Paint A Painting.’ No. ‘A Paint Painting Patrick Painted’.... ‘Painter Painter Patrick Painter’? I don’t even know anymore. Ignat told me the title but I couldn’t hear him.
Zak Ferguson
Sound Mixer
I was born in Essex on the 19th of December, 1998 at 1:35 in the morning. I’m drawn to films that allow me to experiment with sound and push it to its maximum potential, and to be able to do so in the most unique ways possible. My favourite film title is 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.'
Eric Newman
Production Designer
I was born in England on the 7th of July, 1997. It was a Sunday, at 8am, with no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt. Danny Ings is my main inspiration as a production designer. I think his work is fantastic. I’ll drive all night to get your actress some shoes. I’m chameleon, Corinthian and caricature. Big fan of Ant Merchant Drink. My favourite film title is 'Trash Humpers.'
Sebastian Dominguez Aleman
Costume Designer
I was born on the 11 of November 1997 at 18:00. Originally from Mexico, I moved to the UK to pursue my passion for costume design and film. I believe that good communication is the most important aspect of a film production. My interests have always been drawn towards the weird, the dark and the taboo aspects of film and art. My favourite film title is 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer.'
Niamh McDonagh
Makeup Designer
I was born in London on the 27th July 1998 at 11:26 in the evening. I am a prosthetics and makeup artist and body painter from a fine art background so I am really excited about being involved with such a creative film like this. My favourite film titles are ‘Its My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To’ and ‘Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title.’
Francesca Loss
Animator
I was born in San Carlos, Uruguay on the 30th of September at 9:00 at night. My grandma would feed me porridge while my eyes were glued to the cartoons on the screen. I would always immerse myself in books and stories. My dad would say I ate the books. I was so fascinated by films such as Princess Mononoke, The King and the Mockingbird and Raining Cats and Frogs, that it made me want to make films too and reach people the same way these films did. My favourite title is 'Your Face on Someone Else.'
Absolutely! Ignat's film is a true passion project and labour of love to boot. It's a story about the problem of creating and of dealing with the heavy expectations we put on ourselves and our work. We're often trying so hard to be better; to be worthy of who we want to be. But is it ever enough? 'A Painter Painting a Painting' explores how self-criticism is actually the limit to self-actualisation.
Each of our team believes this is an incredibly singular and unique film that is not often made. We've gotten this far. Who can tell how far we can go? We have a diverse set of collaborators across such eclectic mediums as animation, prosthetics and of course, fine art. Whatever your passion, I look forward to you joining our team as well!