REM HEAD

Aim

REM HEAD explores what it is to be an addict, a carer and a sibling - commanded by the indomitable screams of Punk.

REM HEAD dives into the life of Elyna, a wannabe punk, addicted to the substance somnaptonuerodin, recreationally known as Sleeping Beauty, which allows the user to enter a state that permits lucidity within their dreams. In this state, Elyna can realise her ideal self as a punk musician. In doing so, she neglects her greatest obligation: her little brother Max, who has to take matters into his own hands.

The vision for REM HEAD centres heavily around the arc of both Elyna and Max, and how this dictates what we see and how we see it. Elyna’s arc is tragic, from bad to worse. Her dreams are kinetic, colourful and wild while her reality is bleak and colourless. We want to transmit this contrast using all departments.

The use of drugs won’t be represented as a choice. Elyna has been taking them for some time and her reliance surpasses conscious decision. Max’s life with Elyna will be hyper-real and ultra-grotesque in quality of life. The Punk scene will be represented not as dark and belligerent, but as unifying and passionate.

This is present-day Punk, worshipping their ancestors and honouring the musical process, but revising the culture into a more defined aesthetic and genre. At the heart of the film, however, is Max – and REM HEAD ultimately becomes his film. Max’s story is one of triumph and overcoming. We will see him come from Elyna’s desolate influence and build his own sense of self – an energy and radiance that Elyna could only dream of, becoming his truth. While there is disaster and grief in this film, there is conquest on Max’s behalf – we will show this in a crescendo of sound and vision, a final cry that leaves the audience feeling untouchable and inspired. But ultimately, this film is Punk. So. Very. Punk.

For REM HEAD, our objective is very clear. To offer our interpretation of the archetypal addict – rather than offering an unexpected representation, we want to show how a side to the kinds of people our audience might know. A side that they can relate to, potentially seeing how they could have found themselves where Elyna has found herself.

We wanted to present a second party to Elyna’s equation in the form of her little brother Max, who serves to portray how someone’s substance abuse can sabotage the lives of not just themselves, but people that helplessly rely on them. Lastly, the story needed a kick. The Punk music has a reason to be here. It gives Elyna a culture, an aspiration and a belief system to reflect on. She is not just a vessel for trips and highs, but a person with a suppressed but poignant personality.

 Why make this film now? The first reason… Punk is not dead. The second: one being that substance use is more trivialised than ever, resembling that of a right of passage at some stages of life. Death as a result of drug abuse or overdose still remains tabooed, with families often covering up the real reasons for their grievances in order to retain the late person’s dignity.

Each department requires a chunk of the budget in order to maximise their creative potential. We are working with such a talented team of people who are all so passionate about this project.

By meeting our goal, each department will have the resources it needs to match the ambition of the film.

Take a look at our budget breakdown to find out where the money you donate is going. We want you to know that any donation you make plays a tremendous role in helping us bring this vision from concept to reality!

All money you donate will be put towards the film in departments, some of the main things will include -

- The actors

- The set build 

- The Locations

- Feeding our amazing crew 

- The equipment and much more...

Any donation helps. Your contribution, big or small, can make a difference to us. 

The REM HEAD Revolution, this mystery pub crawl event you will need to for teams of up to 10 as you venture around Bournemouth in search of the passcode that allows you into the revolution, this be taking place on Saturday, 6th December from 19:00 - 22:00. To get your tickets, you need to redeem the reward below on this crowdfunder named 'Join the Revolution'  and this will count as your ticket.

This Punk Gig Night will take place at the Old Fire Station on the 11th December, doors open at 7:00 and the first of the 4 bands playing will be on at 8:00. to get your tickets click this Link https://www.oldfirestation.co.uk/event/rem-head/270835 or go to the Old Fire Stations website, I hope to see you there.

Go follow our Instagram by clicking this link REM HEAD, if that hasn't convinced you, here is a little taste of what we have featuring on out page.

I'm Benjamin, the Director and Co-writer of REM HEAD. This beloved brainchild has only been in the works for a tiny portion of my life in comparison to the span and grasp of which music has had over my entire existence. I’ve always found myself gravitating towards the use of sound, and not shying away from declaring it in a scene. Starting at a young age with the right of passage, Dire Straits’ Dire Straits Album, moving on to Jack White’s Icky Thump and Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland. My sights then turned to The Clash and The Pistols, of course. Don’t worry, I took the necessary stops at Floyd and Radiohead, amongst other legends and underdogs. This all led me to REM HEAD, I felt now was a good time to scratch the itch and finally, officially in a big way… declare the music.

I’m Joe, the producer and co-writer of REM HEAD. My role within this project is to oversee the production of the film and help manage and organise the departments and finances involved. My more enjoyable role was assisting Ben in bringing this unique ‘brainchild’ of his to life. This story of the burden of addiction, and a young carer choosing to live in their own fantasy rather than trying to bring that to life, drew me in as an original, important story wrapped within a dense layer of punk culture. We have an amazing, hardworking team that I believe, with your support, will be able to bring this inspired story to life. These creative Individuals have made me very excited to continue bringing this production to life.

I have always loved punk culture as it embodies raw energy, rebellion and authenticity. A visual and emotional defiance against conformity, expressed through bold aesthetics and unapologetic self-expression. As the Director of Photography, I’m thrilled to bring this vibrant, energetic punk world to life. Through the collaboration of this incredible team, I believe we can capture the defining transition between two contrasting worlds; dream and reality. Beyond this visual journey, the story also explores the emotional tension between addiction, responsibility and family. Through the careful use of lens and light, I aspire to craft a film that is not only visually striking but deeply emotional.  

When I was given the opportunity to manage the lighting for this project I was incredibly excited about it. The story is one that really encourages a creative approach to lighting because of how integral the visuals are to depict the attitude of the film. I can’t wait! to bring this film to life. Ben is a solid Director and I know that with the help of the rest of the incredibly talented team this will turn out to be a solid film.

Gigi - As one of the Production Designers, my main goal is to capture the contrast between Elyna‘s dreams and her reality. For the dreamscapes, this will be done through using the raw elements of punk to make the world feel immersive but detached from reality. In contrast, the production team will carefully design a set-build that highlights the complexity and deep emotional struggles that comes with family and addiction; with this being one of the film‘s key themes. I am excited to see this story come to life, and I am looking forward to collaborating with such an amazing team.

I was drawn to REMHEAD due to its commentary on losing yourself within your own desire. In this current climate, our generation have less opportunities- and focusing on success forces us to sacrifice our relationships and responsibilities to each other. As Sound Designer for REMHEAD, I will be creating a rich, textured tapestry of sound across the film that blurs layers of hyperrealist and surrealist elements to reflect the effect drug use has on Elyna. REMHEAD's sound will hopefully reinforce and service the overall film.

It's the nuance of siblinghood that drives my care for Elyna and Max's story. Finding the delicate, but instinctively heavy, juxtaposition in performance is where the essence of image montage lies in REM Head. As unrelenting as the idealised punk aesthetic will be,  that movement will be carried on, with emotional equivalence, in the uncomfortable and quiet sequences as well.

I’m Fer, an alternative creative and barber based in bournemouth, ive been incorporated with the punk societies and punk culture of london since youth, and inevitably adored remheads concept. im excited to help produce a film where i have knowledge in the genre behind it and I'm excited to be involved with a project that i have so much passion for.

I’m Archer, the 1st AD of REM Head. My role within the film is to ensure that the production runs and is completed on schedule, and ensuring thar this is done safely. I am absolutely thrilled to be working with such an incredible team, and cannot wait to watch the production evolve over the coming months!

After reading the script and pitch, I'm excited by Ben's vision of the vibrancy and multi-media counter culture of the punk movement in combination with a story addressing addiction and its effects.  Our main aim is to create a perfect balance of the colour and experimentation, whilst also creating a grounded environment.

Hi I’m Mya, Art Director for ‘R.E.M Head’. I was drawn to this film through my love of punk and post punk, but also portraying how drugs and desire can rip a person apart, leaving the ones who love them behind. Creating a space in which Elyna lives with her little brother was really enticing to me, exploring how the space may be neglected and the juxtaposition with how alive the dream sequences are. I’m excited to bring this world to life.

And last but certainly not least, we have our astounding Makeup and Costume artists who, even though they only joined the film recently, have proven their metal, through skill, passion, and willingness to just headfirst into this film.

Congratulations and thank you for getting to the bottom of our crowdfunder page as a reward I will show you even more of our amazing Instagram posts.

This project successfully funded on 12th December 2025