In a small family-run Chinese supermarket, lifelong friends Tyler and Theo have grown up together, sharing countless memories. But with the store closing and Tyler preparing to leave for university, he worries that their friendship may be ending. When he finally tells Theo about his imminent departure, their bond fractures and the once vibrant shop falls quiet. As Tyler faces the shifting dynamics of their friendship, he grapples with the challenges of change, the weight of unspoken goodbyes, and a longing for a past he can’t hold onto. This intimate, heartfelt film explores themes of friendship, family, and the inevitable transitions of youth, inviting audiences to reflect on the beautiful and painful moments that shape us.
Combining the warmth of a coming-of-age story with a gentle realism, ‘Milk Candies’ aims to create an emotional portrait of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Inspired by the subtly impactful works of filmmakers like Hirokazu Kore-eda and Charlotte Wells, we aim to evoke the quiet beauty and tension that exists in everyday moments. Natural and intimate camerawork will draw audiences into the unique world of Tyler and Theo, enhancing the sense of realism and the emotional undercurrents of each scene. This grounded approach will give our story an authentic feel while embracing the reality of these quiet moments.
To bring this vision to life, our crew will collaborate closely across Camera, Lighting, Sound, Production Design, Costume, Make-up and Editing, to carefully craft the world of the film. By paying close attention to every detail, from props and set dressings to characters and wardrobe, we’re committed to capturing an environment that feels real, familiar, and full of the memories that shape who we are.
To get a deeper understanding of the work that’s already been done, please take a look at some of the mood boards below:
This film presents an original and relatable story about the universal challenges of growing up, change, and the complexities of our most important relationships. Tyler’s journey resonates with anyone who has faced the bittersweet experience of leaving behind childhood, home and familiarity while stepping into the unknown.
Importantly, 'Milk Candies' also aims to highlight an often underrepresented group, broadening the representation of British Chinese characters in original narrative film. This representation is important to our writer/director, who is himself half English and half Chinese and strives to create a film with authentic portrayals that sees its characters as people first, with their cultural background as part of their identity, not its definition.
Ultimately, this film is not just about one individual’s story; it’s about learning who you are and finding the courage to embrace change.
'Milk Candies’ is a student short film created with heart, dedication, and a vision to tell a unique story of family, friendship, and coming-of-age. To tell this story though, it’s essential that we have the creative freedom to shape every detail of this film. All of the money we raise will be put into the film, financing all aspects of production, allowing us access to a professional cast, and covering essential equipment, production design and post-production costs.
While donations are crucial to making this film possible, any support is invaluable. Sharing the word about our film through social media or by telling friends and family, anything you can do that helps spread the word is greatly appreciated. With your support, we can make ‘Milk Candies’ at the level it deserves and every little helps.
Thank you so much for your support.
It’s only fair that if you’re donating to the project that you know how your money will be spent. We’ve put together this pie-chart to give you an idea of how funds will be divided between departments. This budget has been designed to ensure every element of production has access to the tools and equipment they need.
WILL deBRETTON GORDON
Hi, I'm Will, the writer and director of 'Milk Candies'! When I first began writing, I aimed to create a subtle, understated story that captures real, authentic emotions. Now, over a year of development later, that initial vision remains. As director, I look forward to sharing Tyler's story and exploring the interconnected themes of childhood, friendship, family and growing up.
Another aspect of this film is its focus on a British Chinese protagonist and setting. As someone who is half-Chinese, it was important for me to write characters who are connected to, but not defined by, their culture. This is a story about a British Chinese character in a way that feels real, where their experiences are universal, yet nuanced by cultural context.
‘Milk Candies’ is a heartfelt meditation on the bittersweet realities that shape our lives. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this story to the screen with subtlety and nuance. I look forward to sharing it with audiences who, I hope, will find themselves reflected in its story.
LENNON SWORDS
Hello! I'm Lennon, the Producer for 'Milk Candies' I am thrilled to start this pure and emotional project. Having a great working relationship with William for a while now I will ensure that the whole team of talented individuals will be working to the best of their ability while providing a friendly environment for all. From working on previous projects at my time at AUB, I have acknowledged that the Producer has to take responsibility for their actions at all costs. Accountability, flexibility and honesty are key aspects which I will live by and implement throughout the production life of this film. I am excited to be a part of 'Milk Candies' and I can't wait to manage all of these departments to come together and eventually bring this authentic script to life.
GERI RAKOLCZA
I’m Geri, one of the Co-Producers on Milk Candies. As an international student studying in the UK, I’ve faced many of the challenges that this film brings to life: being away from family, adapting to a new environment, and navigating emotional growth and change. This story resonates with me deeply because of that, and I feel a strong connection to the characters’ experiences of love, loss, and finding belonging.
I’m especially excited to see those raw emotions on the big screen watching the depth of our characters’ experiences unfold, and seeing all the hard work from our talented crew come together into one moving story.
ANNIE FRASER
Hi, my name is Anais Fraser, I am the 1st Assistant Director. My job is to run the set and make sure everyone stays on schedule. I'm very excited to work with an amazing crew and make this film come to life. I wanted to work on this film because I loved the story, A heartfelt coming-of-age story about a British-Chinese teenager navigating the end of his childhood, the complexities of friendship, and the bittersweet reality of change as he prepares to leave for university. It follows the themes of Change, transition, friendship and connection.
XAVIER NOLAN
As the DoP it’s my responsibility to make sure the film is looking outstanding. I really want to make a film that dazzles the eye. That you will love.
It’s an important film to me because I really connected with this film way of expressing friendship and self discovery. On top of this I’ve personally had very similar experiences with having a friend drifting away.
We’re going for a soft contrast-like look that pays homage to the Hong-Kong style Will likes. Using warm tones and green tinted shadows. Using deep detail packed wide shots giving a stage for the actors to draw us into there world. With our world class team I’m sure we can make this a film to remember.
MORGAN WILKINSON
Hi, I'm Morgan and I'm the Gaffer for 'Milk Candies' I knew early on that I wanted to work on this film because of the very personal story at its heart. The script resonated very heavily with me, and I get the feeling it will do the same for many others. Stories that focus on such grounded and human settings and subject matter offer great opportunities to push visual storytelling to its fullest, and I'm incredibly excited to use lighting to help do that.
SOPHIE MOORE
Hi, I’m Sophie and I am the Camera Operator for “Milk Candies”. I’m so excited to work on this set, and collaborate with the whole team. The vision itself creates a beautiful, dynamic setup, and I love being a part of the team that gets to visually stylise and express this. I'm beyond grateful to be working with such a fantastic crew and a beyond captivating script. I can’t wait to see where this project takes us.
SOFI BONTEMPI
Hello! I am Sofi, one of the designers. I have always been interested in creating mood and emotion through production design, pushing the boundaries and designing based on symbolism and metaphors. When I read the script’s first draft, I saw its potential and was excited to bring this heartfelt narrative to life using my passion for production design. I was inspired to work on this film through its unique setting in a Chinese supermarket, which holds many childhood memories to the actors, where I’d like the warmth seen in the script to be conveyed not only through the actor’s speech but also through the set design. I am privileged to work on such an emotive script, with such a talented crew. I can not wait for everyone to see what we have been working on!
STEPHANIE DEMANT
Hi, I’m Stephanie and I’m one of the Production Designers on Milk Candies.
I’m super excited to get to work bringing the world of the film to life. For me, every design choice starts with the characters themselves. Creating spaces that feel like a reflection of the characters which inhabit them is an endless opportunity for visual storytelling and I can’t wait to bring this approach to Tyler’s world.
Milk Candies is a film that not only explores the universal challenge of accepting change but also gently captures the nostalgia and complexity of childhood. It’s a wonderful opportunity to design a world that feels both deeply personal and relatable to anyone who’s experienced the bitter sweetness of growing up.
ISSY CAMPBELL
Hi my name is Issy, I am doing the production/post Sound for Milk Candies.
This film utilises subtle sound design in a touching and moving way, with the use of blended languages and nostalgic feeling of childhood warmth. We are really bringing you into the characters lives, familiarising the audience with the sounds these characters are used to, the ambience of a family convenience store, echoed childhood memories and meaningful dialogue between two best friends. Designing with such a delicate storyline, allows for careful consideration and attention to detail when it comes to my specialism.
As head of department for Sound, I am responsible for what the audience and characters hear, emphasising moments, drawing attention, dialogue and music - Sound can be extremely powerful in a beautiful script like ours.
I can’t wait to work on this project, any contributions to the film allow us to create this world and let you experience it with us.
DOM TEVERSON
Hi, my name's Dom and I'm the co-editor for Milk Candies.
I'm extremely excited to work on Milk Candies, and collaborate alongside all of the amazing crew helping to make the film a reality, except for Dan.
In particular I'm drawn to the non-linear aspects of Milk Candies; the interweaving of the past and present to create a narrative that is amplified by each other, and molding that into a powerful experience of the memories of our youth.
DANIEL PRESSEY
Hello, my name is Dan and I am a co-editor on Milk Candies.
I was drew to this project initially due to my fondness for meaningful, character-driven stories, as well as the universally relatable themes the film addresses such as change, friendship and the inevitability of growing up.
From an editing point of view, I plan to focus on creating a rhythm that balances heartfelt moments with silence, letting the audience feel the weight of the unspoken emotions and shifting seamlessly between the narrative timelines.
The film offers me the opportunity to shape a deeply emotional and poignant story and I’m very excited to help bring it to life on the screen.
MARTYNA SZYMACHA
Hi, I'm Martyna and I am the Hair and makeup designer for 'Milk Candies'
As the makeup artist for this short film, I get to help bring the characters to life with my makeup skills. My job is all about creating looks that match the vibe of each character and the story, making sure everything flows nicely throughout the filming. I'm really excited about the unique story we're telling, and I can't wait to collaborate with such talented crew. It's a fun way for me to grow as an artist and play a part in this project.
MOLLY BARBER
Hi I’m Molly and I am one of the Costume Designers on Milk Candies.
What first drew me to this project was the emotion and realism behind the script. I really loved the way it highlights a time in kids lives where they start to grow up and begin to feel real changes. To be able to explore the themes of friendship, family and growing up will be so interesting through the lens of costume.
It will be a great opportunity to bring emotion through subtle costuming, using colour palettes and textures on screen to highlight each of these incredible characters. I am so excited to collaborate on the this project and bring the vision to life.
LULA HEDGER
Hey I’m Lula, one of the costume designers for Milk Candies.
I was initially drawn in by the emotion and relatability shown in the script for Milk Candies. I felt I could relate to the characters fear of change and how daunting it can feel to start a new chapter of your life. I think that the script captured this feeling beautifully and I knew I wanted to be a part of telling that story.
I was also enticed by the opportunity to design costumes for a contemporary piece. I will have the opportunity to experiment with colour schemes and textures on screen. I am looking forward to collaborating with my co designer Molly and the rest of the crew to bring this story to life.
BARNABY BRIDGES
I am the art director for Milk Candies. I am looking forward to building the world in the film, from the shop to Tyler’s bedroom which are two key moments in his life. Adding in details that inform about his character and build depth to the story. As well as crafting a world that feels real and lived in.
You’ve made it to the bottom of the page – on behalf of all of us here working on Milk Candies, thanks for taking the time to read everything. We are so grateful for your support in making this film happen. Stay tuned for what we get up to in production!
Crew Photos By: Blake Roj
Instagram: @blake.the.adventurer