By Design - Dystopian Female-Led Short Film

Aim

Help us bring to life our dystopian LGBTQ+ film exploring intimacy and quiet rebellion within a society built on conformity and control.

In a world where the system demands conformity, two girls' secret intimacy becomes a quiet act of resistance.

Set within an oppressive rural system where women are raised for predetermined roles as Wives and Mothers, the film follows two young women whose growing connection quietly threatens the world around them.

As feelings emerge that neither of them expected, the future they have always been preparing for begins to clash with the future they truly want. Faced with a choice between obedience and self-discovery, they must decide whether to follow the path laid before them or forge one of their own.

Inspired by the oppressive atmosphere of The Handmaid's Tale and the emotional tension of The Long Walk, By Design combines psychological suspense with restrained visual storytelling to create an intimate yet unsettling portrait of love, repression and resistance. 

At its core, By Design aims to reflect the modern pressures and struggles felt within today’s social and political landscape. Through its themes of conformity, control, femininity, and identity, the film hopes to spark conversation and encourage audiences to reflect on the kind of world we are creating — and the kind of world we want to live in. 

By Design will be filmed in North Yorkshire, with a local Northern Crew.

By Design - Visual Style

TEAM

ACTOR/WRITER - Hannah Frankland

My name is Hannah Frankland, and I'm an actor from Richmond, North Yorkshire.

When writing By Design, I was inspired by many of the conversations and events happening in the world today. As a woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've often found myself reflecting on the expectations society places on us and the pressures many people face simply for being themselves.

At its heart, By Design is a story about identity, belonging and the courage it takes to question the path laid out for you. While set in a dystopian world, it explores themes that feel incredibly relevant today.

I'm incredibly excited to bring this project to life so close to my hometown and to help create opportunities for more people like me in the North. Through By Design, I hope to create something that resonates with audiences and showcases the incredible talent that exists outside of traditional filmmaking hubs. 

DIRECTOR - Ella Greenwood BCA

Ella is a Forbes 30 Under 30 Filmmaker who holds a British Citizen Award Medal of Honour for Services to Arts. Films she has directed include 'Smudged Smile' starring BAFTA Winner Mia Mckenna-Bruce which premiered ay Oscar Qualifying Chicago International Film Festival, 'Self-Charm' starring BAFTA Winner Bukky Bakray, 'Faulty Roots' which won her the Rising Star Award at BAFTA Qualifying Carmarthen Bay Film Festival, 'Why Wouldn't I Be?' starring House of the Dragon's Harry Collett which premiered at BAFTA Qualifying Manchester Film Festival, 'Bibimbap for One' which premiered at BAFTA Qualifying Norwich Film Festival, and the one-take film 'Twofold' which was nominated at the Amazon MGM Studios LGBTQ+ Competition, and won her Best Director at BIFA Qualifying Kino London Film Festival. She is also an accomplished Documentary Director, with her recent film 'Lost Generation' having been screened to MPs in the House of Commons. 

PRODUCER - Maya Bartley O'Dea

Maya is a Producer whose work has been screened at BAFTA and Academy-qualifying festivals worldwide. She has produced over 10 short films, including 'Why Wouldn't I Be?' and 'Bibimbap for One' and her most recent short, ’Twofold,’ was nominated at the British Short Film Awards. She worked across LA and London on the film ‘Once Upon a Riot’ with American production company ‘Dreamotion’. Maya has worked on several projects for major broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4, and BBC, which have been nominated at the TV Broadcast Awards and the Royal Television Society.

Together, Ella and Maya run Broken Flames, a Foundervine Future 40 Company. They have created a whole variety of award-winning short films, which have screened at BAFTA & Academy Qualifying Festivals across the globe, and have been featured by the likes of Grazia, Refinery29, BBC, Huffington Post, Variety & Deadline. 

Actors who have starred in their previous shorts include Harry Collett (HBO'S House of the Dragon), BAFTA Winner Mia Mckenna-Bruce and Tut Nyuot (Stephen King's The Long Walk).  

Location

By Design will be filmed in a rural cottage in North Yorkshire. Our filming location is secured, subject to funding.

The location is central to the story, reflecting the isolation of the world our characters inhabit. Its beautiful countryside setting contrasts perfectly with the film's darker themes, helping to create the unique atmosphere of the film and bring the world of By Design to life.

Costume

Costume is one of the most important elements of By Design. It represents society, control and the state of the world our characters live in.

The costumes help tell the story before a single word is spoken. The girls' dresses are designed to reflect innocence, conformity and the expectations placed upon them, while Mother's costume represents the future they are expected to accept.

Inspired by historical silhouettes and dystopian storytelling, costume is a key part of building the visual world of the film and bringing this unique society to life.

As these costumes are unique to the film, we are working with a costume designer to create bespoke pieces that support the story and make the world of By Design feel authentic and believable on screen.

Why we need your support

By Design is a visually driven film: The world, costumes, locations and atmosphere are not simply background elements — they are essential to the storytelling itself.

Every contribution will help us realise the visual world of the film, from costume and production design to locations, cinematography and supporting the talented team bringing it to life.

Over £5,000 has already been invested into the development of By Design, helping us reach this exciting stage of the project. We are now looking to raise £6,000 needed to bring By Design to life on screen.

Funds raised will support:

• Production Design & Costumes

• Equipment & Cinematography

• Cast & Crew Support

• Locations & Production Costs

• Festival Distribution

Every donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to bringing this story to the screen.

Additional Stretch Goal - £4000

The £6000 raised will ensure the film is made, but if we can surpass our goal and raise additional funds, it will mean we can really push the film's journey after post-production, including worldwide festival submissions, promotion, PR strategy and support to help realise the film's full potential, reaching the widest audience possible.

THANK YOU

What began as a simple idea has grown into a project that I truly believe in, and I am incredibly excited to finally bring it to life.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the project and for supporting independent film.

Whether you choose to donate, share the campaign, or simply follow the journey, your support means more to me than I can put into words.

I hope you'll join us as we bring By Design to the screen.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 7th August 2026 at 2:29pm