New National Youth Film Academy Product has provided £600 of match funding
COCKPIT - Short Film
London, England, United Kingdom
Aim
Crowdfunding campaign for a short comedy film called Cockpit that aims to raise awareness about animal cruelty.
SYNOPSIS
Three outsiders take their roosters to an underground cockfighting ring, hoping to win big. But when their cocks refuse to fight, the frenzied crowd flies into a rage. The cockmaster, king of this blood sport, decrees that the outsiders fight in place of the roosters. They face a choice: put on a grisly show for the audience, or face public execution.
People seek entertainment to escape many things, but not violence. Not cruel torture, bloody execution or gruesome vengeance. Stories are full of bloodshed, which we not only expect but often desire. This film will explore how audiences - on both sides of the screen - react when that desire is aroused and frustrated by turn. Enter the Cockpit.
Cockfighting is a blood sport where roosters battle to the death for human enjoyment. Outlawed in England in 1835 but never fully eradicated, it thrived in the Edwardian underworld, where the film is set. Of course, no cocks will be harmed in the making of this film: the premise is that they refuse to fight, enraging the spectators.
This will take place in a disreputable atmosphere created by shadowy lighting and period production design. The bloodlust of the characters will be animated by slow-motion set pieces and dynamic transitions. And handheld POVs will make the viewer feel part of the crowd - an immersion which for our concept is crucial.
Cockfighting is a particularly vicious instance of animal cruelty, and perhaps it should be no laughing matter. All the same, this film will be funny. We’ll use comedy to lampoon and satirize the crowd - not to make light of the violence. A delicate balancing act, but one which will allow the film not only to make a powerful statement on our disturbed attitude to violence, but also to be first-class entertainment in its own right.
As well as making you laugh and showing you a good time, we aim to raise awareness about animal cruelty around the world. We hope to showcase the film in multiple film festivals and on the Q&A's explain our true purpose of making this film.
Did You Know?
- The UK alone receives over 1.000.000 animal cruelty cases but only 10% of the cases are solved. This is because of the weak protections laws, only the most shocking cases are reported, and few are ever prosecuted.
- Every 60 seconds, one animal suffers abuse.
- The animals whose abuse is most often reported are dogs, cats, horses and livestock.
- Dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of organized animal cruelty go hand in hand with other crimes, and continues in many areas of the United States due to public corruption.
- Every year, more than 10 million animals die from abuse in the US alone.
- The HSUS documented uniformed police officers at a cockfighting pit in Kentucky.
- About 97% of all abused and killed animals yearly are farm animals.
- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has prosecuted multiple cases where drug cartels were running narcotics through cockfighting and dogfighting operations.
- Dozens of homicides have occurred at cockfights and dogfights.
- A California man was killed in a disagreement about a $10 cockfight bet.
Sources:
We are Team 9 - All official members of the National Youth Film Academy!
Our team was assembled by the National Youth Film Academy. We're all at the start of our careers, but this will not be a student film. We agreed our priority at the outset: to make something original that packs an emotional and visual punch. Something, to put it baldly, that has never been seen before.
DIRECTOR - Xan Gilmour
My film journey started at university, where I made a questionable film about a superhero called ‘Flaming Unicorn’. After graduating, I shot documentaries in Barcelona, London, Lesvos and Berlin, focusing on refugee camps and community integration. I want to tell visual and stylised stories about eccentric characters in extreme states of mind. My biggest production, about to finish post-production and enter festivals, features a 6ft 8in demon from the Daoist Hell of Ninefold Darkness. ‘Cockpit’ might just be the strangest thing you treat yourself to this year: a powerful statement on the relationship between violence and entertainment - and one hell of a hoot to boot.”
WRITER - Joe Miller
I started writing films years ago because nobody was making the movies I wanted to see. Since then I’ve continuously challenged myself with concepts that are out of my depth and this film is no exception. ‘Cockpit’ is the most ambitious script I’ve ever written and I’m excited for everyone to see it. ‘Cockpit’ is the biggest project I’ve ever worked on and the team are working hard to make it something special.
PRODUCER - Andres Ortiz Pinilla
I always had a strong passion for film, this passion led me to create Wolf Balance Productions and The Last Howl Film Festival. Being a Middlesex University Student, I have had the chance to work on various projects including my most recent; Wish You Were Gone which is currently circulating through film festivals and winning awards. Creating a film is a true challenge and an adventure that as a filmmaker, definitely needs to be recognised. 'Cockpit' is definitely one of the most ambitious short films I have worked on and I can't wait to make it.
D.O.P. - Daniel Ritchie
I started making films when I was eleven years old, and recently finished my Film Studies and Production degree at Queen's University Belfast. I mainly work as a writer/director, so working as the Director of Photography is a new challenge for me. But collaborating with Xan to realise his vision has been immensely fun, and I love the chance to create these bizarre visuals. 'Cockpit' is exactly the sort of mad short that I'm craving to make at this point in my career - with oodles of style, laughs, and depth. I've loved working with our talented team so far, and can't wait to make this dream a reality in August.
1AD - Jessica Burton
After creating two short films independently on my Film Studies course at Hereford Sixth Form College, I was accepted into the B.F.I Film Academy with Rural Media where I was mentored by industry professionals and in a group created my own short film which premiered at a local arts centre. In 2020 I was accepted into the National Youth Film Academy and the SetReady 2021 programme and now I’m here with this amazing team, very excited to make this short film! I think the concept is so unique and kind of bonkers (in the absolute best way) and at the same time asks important questions to the audience. I am so thrilled and grateful to be a part of the ‘Cockpit’ team as First Assistant Director and can’t wait to share it with you all!
2AD - Hannah Kerai
My fascination for film emerged from my first encounter with film production which was creating a 3 minute film opening as part of my GCSE coursework. This fascination grew extensively as I got the chance to work on Sam Mendes’ Oscar winning 1917. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to work in this industry. My faith in this Edwardian comedy stems from our passionate director’s vision. I believe that this film will be a good start for all of the cast and crew involved in trying to get into the industry. I have been put into a group with so many talented people to the point where I find myself incredibly lucky that I get to create this film with them.
SOUND DESIGNER- Eleanor Moss
I’ve joined NYFA to gain knowledge and training in the film industry. My experience has been welcoming and so inclusive in the process. Cockpit is made from a collaborative effort to bring you a thrills-staked comedic film. When three cocks refuse to fight, their owners are sent into the ring for blood.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER- Emma Bruno
For as long as I can remember I’ve loved writing and acting and thanks to NYFA I am now able to explore different roles involved in film. I’m very proud to be working on Cockpit with such amazing creators. I hope I go my whole life making art for many to see. I love film and the industry, and one day I’d love to be able to say I inspired someone the same way others have inspired me.
CHARACTER THOMAS - Tom Moya
I am an actor from South Wales totally inspired by the art of method acting. An enthusiast of understanding character and emotion. My goal is for the audience to gauge with the character through my style of acting. I became a NYFA member in January 2021. I have worked on a few student projects and 'Cockpit' will be my latest and most exciting endeavour. Although 'Cockpit' is a suspenseful comedy it, subtly, shines a light on the darkest elements of society from animal cruelty to underground fighting. One thing is for sure… we're all in for a hell of a ride.
CHARACTER SAM - Jake Monib
I think like most actors out there, I've always wanted to be a Bond villain, and so starting from the age of 14, I began acting in stage plays all the way up through secondary school and then later applied and auditioned for the National Youth Film Academy, which I was able to be accepted into as a member. 'Cockpit' will be my first ever short film and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it, along with the cast and crew and everybody who's involved in it. I think it's a wild concept of a film full of laughs and definitely something that audiences should be able to treat themselves to when it comes out later this year, hopefully. As for my background, I'm originally from North London, but I'm also of Filipino descent, and I think it's going to be exciting to see more representation of East Asian and Southeast Asian culture in film, TV and theatre happening in the near near future.
CHARACTER PATRICIA - Jessica Slater
I have trained in Acting at Pauling Quirke Academy, The Brit School and more recently gained a place at Identity School of Acting. Although most of my experience has been in theatre I am looking to get more involved in film. I’m extremely excited to play the role of the kind hearted outsider, Patricia. I can’t wait to get filming, and for people to see our whacky film.
CHARACTER MR.COCKROFT - Lewis Galvin
I was with Sylvia Young Film Agency from when I was 9 years old and I have been in a few adverts for Barnardo’s and British Gas and done a few short films with BFI for school productions and also done theatre through college for example ‘Motortown’, ‘The Dumb Waiter’ and the musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. I have always dreamed of being on the big screen all around the world and love making people smile and laugh and bring them lots of joy and that's the main reason why I wanted to become an actor. ‘Cockpit’ is one of the biggest films I’ve had to do SO FAR, it’s something different and unique and definitely in my league, I can not wait to get started and can not wait for people to see it.
CHARACTER MRS.COCKROFT - Katie Suitor
I am an actress from the Lake District. I trained at the University of East Anglia between 2017-2020. During my time at university, I was fortunate enough to play characters such as ‘Rita’, from Willy Russell’s ‘Educating Rita’, as well as performing in a sell-out farcical comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2019. Since graduating, I have been working as a floor runner for an upcoming Sky and HBO drama, which has given me an amazing insight into the world of film and TV (having only ever had experience in theatre). In October 2021, I will be continuing my training at Drama Studios London, studying on their brand new MFA in Professional Acting with Independent Production.
CHARACTER THE BUSKER - Iris Kalian
I have been acting since I was a child, but first saw film/television sets in 2016, working as an extra during my time at college, and quite frankly, fell in love with TV and film there and then. Whilst at university I seeked similar opportunities, taking part in various film and stage projects in my spare time: Student projects of the Aberystwyth University Theatre Film and Television Studies department, including a short film (Dweller 2018); Various plays and immersive theatre fundraising evenings with The Nomadic Players. In the summer of 2020 I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and in September the same year became a member of The National Youth Film Academy! I am so excited to be a part of Cockpit and look forward to seeing where a career as an actress will take me next.
CHARACTER THE BUTCHER - Rob Cannon
My inspiration to become an actor comes from my family; generations of teachers with a fierce passion for theatre, film, and the arts. I was introduced to the theatre by my parents at a very early age, and I was then brought onto the stage to star alongside my Dad and Sister with my Mum being our backstage guru. I was introduced to film and television work during my time studying and instantly fell in love with the whole process. Whilst studying at Sheffield Hallam University I had the opportunity to work with television and film actors in varying genres, such as Samuel West from Darkest Hour and Lydia Rose Bewley from Plebs or The Inbetweeners. I worked to help create several student films whilst studying, including The Bunker, Game Night, and Our Bus Stop. I graduated in 2018 with a first class degree in Performance for Stage and Screen BA (Hons) and continued on to teach acting one-to-one with students auditioning for college, university and drama schools. I became a member of the National Youth Film Academy in 2020 and was given the amazing opportunity to work on Cockpit not long after. I cannot wait to see where my acting career will go from here, watch this space.
CHARACTER THE BOOKIE - Sarah Veazey
I trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Drama and Musical Theatre, I appeared in the short film “The State of Things Now” directed by John Powell with the National Youth Film Academy in 2017 on their breakthrough into Acting course before completing a years course in acting at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts from 2017-2018. I have performed onstage with Theatre company Vivo D’arte at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury and immersive theatre at the Frogmoor Papermill in Apsley.
CHARACTER FATHER MORGAN - Sean Climie
I love what I do-when I act I am able to simultaneously create and explore new worlds not only for myself but for an audience. All of my credits currently lie in theatre, and I love live elements of shows. I’ve performed and worked with local theatre companies based in Hull performing in various types of performance. My favourite roles that I’ve played so far include George H Jones in ‘Machinal’ to Gromov in ‘Aristocats’. ‘Cockpit’ is my first foray into film and I couldn’t be more excited to bring the daft Father Morgan to life on screen. As a fan of character driven narratives, Joe Miller has done a fantastic job and everyone who comes along to see it is in for a treat! I’m really looking forward to exploring the freedom that screen acting can bring.
CHARACTER SISTER MARY - Sean Coleman
I am from Bracknell, Berkshire and I started my career as an extra in film and TV. I then moved on to have training in Musical Theatre at Artemis College. This is where I expanded my skills in acting, singing and dancing. I was a member of my college’s Young Producers Board where I was elected as chairman. In their meetings they discussed ways to help raise money for performances or for fellow students to afford uniforms or to pay for extracurricular activities. I worked as a entertainer in theme parks and taught himself new skills such as magic, card tricks, piano, guitar and ukulele. While I worked as an entertainer, I improved my improvisation skills due to being on the spot around park guests while remaining in character all day. I’m excited to be going to NYFA to meet people with similar interests and get the chance to gain knowledge and experience about creating a movie from scratch. I’m very excited about our film Cockpit as I think it’s very different from a standard short film and we have a great team and I can’t wait to get started.
CHARACTER COCKMASTERS HAND - Josephine King
My acting lies mainly in Theatre and Contemporary Theatre. I am very excited to move into film and begin my journey acting in front of the camera.. I am very lucky to start in a project where everyone is extremely talented and dedicated to make it the best it can be. My role is exciting and will definitely give me character freedom to make it my own.
We are aiming to produce a festival-winning short. We believe we can accomplish this with the strength of the screenplay, the talent of our team, our carefully planned film festival run and most importantly. YOUR SUPPORT!
In order to make this project happen we need your help by donating! Any donation helps since we are doing a very ambitious film!
We will not keep any of all the money donated. Every donation will go towards making the film and all the money left will be donated to the RSPCA.
BUDGET NEEDED TO MAKE THE FILM HAPPEN
This project requires a minimum of £9500 to make it happen and ideally £14,500 to achieve the directors vision to its highest standard.
MINUMUM BUDGET BREAKDOWN
ABOVE THE LINE - £340
We require to hire an experience actor (+40 age) for 4 days and at least pay him minimum wage. Like I mentioned earlier, the rest of the team are doing this for the passion of filmmaking and we will not take any money from the campaign.
TRAVEL - £360
Most of the crew will be paying its own travel since the filming location will be very close form where we are all staying, but some extra crew help and cast will be coming from other parts of London and we must cover their transportation expenses.
FOOD - £1260
We need to feed a team of 33 members for 4 days which is what the filming will last. This is vital since some nice warm food will make us work happier and make sure we can deliver the best film possible.
EQUIPMENT - £1440
We need to rent camera, lighting and sound equipment. We have a deal with ProCam through the National Youth Film Academy and this is the package cost.
LOCATION - £2500
We would be renting a film studio and a room/area near by to set up our unit base for all the filming days.
ART DEPARTMENT - £3000
This department is KEY to stablish the environment on screen. We have to spend a lot of money on costumes since we have to create 13 different characters set on the Edwardian England era. Also, we need to build the "cockpit" set and materials aren't cheap. This price includes the hiring of the roosters and all professional requirement to make it safe.
MISCELLANEOUS - £600
ITS PARTY TIME! We will be using this money to distribute the film. Paying entry fees to the multiple film festivals world wide we want to apply to! If you get a reward high enough you can even join the team on the red carpet events and see the film on the big screen with us!
This is the minimum we need to make the project happen. Ideally, we should raise £14.500 so we can get extras, get a better location, bigger team (more make-up artists), pay for the full crew transportation, get better materials to build the set & hire the roosters for a longer time so we can make sure we get plenty of shoots.
We strongly value your help and have put together a reward system as a way of saying "Thank you" for your support.
Achieving this goal would be incredible. so we want to make sure to give back to you! In exchange for your support, we have a wide selection of perks available. We are eager to involve everyone interested in the film and really make this a collaborative process with you! Any contributions will go a long way!
Find out more about what rewards you could get depending on your level of support on the right side of the crowdfunding campaign.
The rewards go all the way from a personalised thank you email to getting tickets for our premiere and meeting the team by coming to set so you get to see how we do the film.
CHECK THEM OUT →
£10 or more
You will receive a personalised thank you email after the crowdfunding is finished and the digital copy of the film after the film festival circuit is finished!
£20 or more
You will receive all of the awards above and the exclusive online premiere link after the film is edited, exclusive behind the scenes pictures and the option to become a V.I.P. member for life of Wolf Balance Productions!
£50 or more
You will receive all of the awards above and a Thank You credit on the film and on social media once the crowdfunding is finished!
£75 or more
You will receive all of the awards above and an invitation to join us on set by being an extra! This reward guarantees you screen time on our film, you will be added to our IMDB page as an extra, you will be able to see how a the National Youth Film Academy set looks like and you will be able to see your face on the big screen by being added to our what's app group chat and being updated on official selections!
*You must be available on these dates (11/08/21 & 12/08/21) and be able to come to set on the Greenwich, London area*
£100 or more
You will receive all of the awards above (except the £75 reward) and a Special Thank You credit on the film and social media. We will also record an exclusive Thank You video on set and send it to you & we will keep you updated on how the film is doing on the film festivals first!
£150 or more
You will receive all of the awards above (except the £75 reward) and the original digital copy of the paperwork used on set. Also, we will invite you to do a Q&A zoom call with the crew after the filming is finished so you can get to meet the team and ask any questions you may have!
£250 or more
You will receive all of the awards above (except the £75 reward) and an Associate Producer credit on the film & IMDB. We will also send you the official poster of the film printed to your house signed by the team!
£500 or more
You will receive all of the awards above (except the £75 reward) and an Executive Producer credit on the film & IMDB. You will also receive 2 tickets for the premiere of Cockpit at the ODEON Cinemas in London. Come in October get some drinks, get some food, enjoy the event with the team and take some nice pictures on the red carpet!
£1000 or more
You will receive all of the awards above (except the £75 reward & £500 reward) and an solo Executive Producer credit on the film & IMDB. You will also receive 2 tickets for any film festival that Cockpit is accepted on across the world, you chose which one you want to attend! Get some drinks, get some food, enjoy the event with the team and take some nice pictures on the red carpet! Also, if you have a business we will add your business logo at the end of the film to promote it across the world and you will the opportunity to come to set and meet the crew in person while we work so you get a feel of how good the film will be!
OTHER WAYS OF HELPING US OUT!
Spread the word and tell everyone!
Share the link of the campaign so more people get to know about this!
Upload it on your social media and tag us!
@cockpit_shortfilm
Check out our Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok:
https://linktr.ee/Cockpit_film
- Q: What will this film achieve and what purpose will it serve in its final format that will convince us to donate?
A: Having come out of lockdown, it is perhaps even more difficult to collaborate and network. With the closure of cinemas and theatres, the arts have paid a substantial price. Yet despite the odds we have created a film concept and are finalising shooting dates in order to create an ambitious piece of work. Our project has and will continue in its final form will bring actors, writers and filmmakers from across the country together to create networks that before would not have been possible-particularly in the current climate.
- Q: With the premise of a show surrounding cockfighting how are you ensuring transparency and care with regards to animal welfare?
A: While this show takes place at a cockfight, no animals are shown to actually fight. Moreover, we have hired the cockerels form a sustainable farm where the animals are cared for. The cockerels minders will also be on set at all times and with the NYFA also overseeing this process this provides accountability.
- Q: What film festivals will you apply to?
A: We will be applying to festivals around the world. Like this: 75% UK film festivals, 15% US film festivals, 5% Canada film festivals & 5% other countries. Then among those countries it will be 25% Academy Awards Qualifying film festivals, 70% Prestigious & GOLD film festivals and finally 5% to distribution film festivals.
- Q: Who would enjoy this film?
A: Anyone with a dark sense of humour or anyone who likes an ironic twist. The show is filled with zany characters who are walking contradictions that undermine authorial figures and structures: case in point an (alcoholic) priest dancing around a place of sin or the elegant and pretentious Mrs Cockcroft (no pun intended) who uses her posh accent to rile the animals into killing one another.
But maybe steer clear of this one if you are a cock-or a nun.
- Q: What examples of other films/shows is the film similar to?
A: The show is based in 1920’s London in an area inhabited by the lowest of the low, the scum of the town (think of the dirty streets in Peaky Blinders season one).
- Q: Can you let me know a bit more about the team and project?
A: All actors and crew are vetted by the National Youth film Academy and are supervised by award winning Rafael Kapelinski. Like any film cast and crew there are a wide range of people with different experiences and credits, providing a rich base for us to work on and grow. Previous shows from NYFA that have had investment have won awards; you only need to look at Johnny Powell’s ‘Rottweiler’ from the previous year which has won awards at Earls Court Film Festival and Bristol Independent Film Festival and also been screened elsewhere including the Raindance film festival (while only operating on a budget of £5000!). Moreover, we already have confirmation that the show will be displayed at the ODEON IMAX.
- Q: How can you provide transparency with the proceeds raised on the crowdfunded?
A: Receipts, NYFA supervision, the final show, previous crowd funders created by the producer and crew.
Previous Crowdfunding Campaign Created by the Producer
- Q: In a few sentences what's the show about?
A: All of London's scum gather together in the darkest, dingiest spot of town to watch cocks rip each other to shreds in a fight to the death. When three budding paupers try their luck to win in the spoils of victory they find that their cocks have other ideas. Can they get their animals to give in to their inner predators? Or will they have to endure the consequences of the bloodthirsty, unrelenting crowd?
CONTACT
[email protected]
This project successfully funded on 1st July 2021