Arts University Bournemouth has provided £1,200 of match funding
Ring Eclipse
Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Aim: A sci-fi film set in 2074 explores the relationship between two siblings in a post-apocalyptic world who find themselves on opposing sides.
10 years after losing their parents in The Shattering- the event that reshaped the universe- siblings Caleb and Lola try to redefine their places in the world, whilst trying to figure out how they fit into each other's. With Lola wanting to change things for the better, and Caleb trying to hold his family together, tensions rise and conflict begins to rear its head.
In a world where oxygen levels are low, and the remaining population lives underground, OxenCo has taken over, creating and selling artificial oxygen and despite their seemingly helpful nature, something sinister lies within. Lola finds herself working with a rebellious force and makes a life-changing discovery that could finally fill her desolate world with hope.
The Director's Vision
Ring Eclipse’s sci-fi drama genre and post-apocalyptic dystopian setting act as a backdrop for the film's exploration of environmentalism and the impact of human greed (shown through OxenCo). Despite this, the core of the film is the relationship between family, and the trust between different members of the family, dominantly the siblings Lola and Caleb. It depicts how the small family has dealt with the disaster and the loss of the siblings' mother and father and how this has put a strain on their relationship. Tonally, the film is very sour and should feel like a warning to present-day viewers.
Lola is a budding scientist, taking after her late mother who died during an attempt to leave the Earth. She was only 6 when 'The Shattering' happened and so she doesn’t remember much of life before but this does not stop her from striving for a better future. With his parents gone and his Grandad sick, Lola's older brother Caleb believes it is his duty to care for what is left of his family, even if he seems a little cruel at times.
Production and Set Design
The Bunker is our most important location, as it provides a window into our character's lives from the beginning of the film. Although cluttered, the bunker provides an inviting sense of warmth and is almost alive despite its compact structure. It is filled with the lives of the three characters, showing their histories, their interests and, most importantly, their personality. This will especially come through in the set dress of Grandad's room. Our oldest family member holds the most history, and his room will reflect that through memorabilia and personal items. Despite being bedbound, his personality will shine through the set.
The empty, desolate landscape outside is a stark contrast to our interiors. The location reflects the 10 years of the inconsistent and unpredictable climate, the land completely barren, with no signs of life, aside from the worn bunker entrances. This exterior area will signify the true impact The Shattering has taken on the physical world itself, whilst reflecting the emptiness that lives inside those who have lost hope entirely.
Costume
The costumes are essential in tying the visions together, as they really show who each person is. As the film takes place 50 years from now, we have to consider what clothing would be mainstream by then. Once you add in the factors of no plant growth, meaning no natural fibres for clothing, you're left with one option- hand-me-downs.
Despite her trying to grow up faster and making life-changing scientific discoveries, Lola is, at heart, a teenage girl, and we want her clothing to reflect that. Teenage years are a key part of developing individuality, and this will be shown by details within her otherwise unimpressive hand-me-downs from her brother, such as differing patches of fabric and scribbles on her shoes.
Caleb is responsible and takes a practical approach to life, which is shown by his ill-fitting clothing, presumably belonging to his late father. He is simply there to get things done, and him putting his family first means he doesn't necessarily think about his looks, with holes in his shirts and trousers, poorly patched up with unusual fabric.
Visual Style
Camera: As this story, at its heart, is about a child, their dreams for a better world and their bond with their family, the camera work has to reflect this perspective. The camera will present each character as Lola would see them, a supportive but cautious brother; a cold and scheming uncle; and a fading grandfather.
As the eyes of the audience, it's important that the camera can explore the space, allowing the audience to discover more of the world and appreciate the tireless work of our production designer!
We’ve taken inspiration from films like 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) and Vesper (2022), focussing specifically on how they use camera work creatively to inform the audience about a character’s emotions and to explore a restrictive space.
Lighting: The goal of the lighting in this film is to combine the feeling of safety and comfort of the family home with the cold and hostile world that the characters must survive in. To achieve this, the bunker lights will be harsh, blue fluorescent tubes that fill the space with cold light. This will be interrupted by lamps, string lights and bulbs that have been brought in by the family over time. These lights will create pockets of warmth within the bunker. In this way, the lighting helps to tell the story of how the family and the wider world try to reclaim their comfort and humanity.
We have taken inspiration from films and shows like Blade Runner (1975) and Silo (2023-) for the lighting, looking at how they mix colour temperatures and florescent lighting to create contrast. Also, examining how they light closed spaces with no daylight or windows.
Colour: Colour is an important part of the visual style of this film, from lighting, props, costumes and the set. The colours of Ring Eclipse will work together combining naturalistic tones of orange and brown with artificial blues and greys. These colours will give the interior and exterior sets a distinct visual look, separating them from one another.
We live in a world that is unpredictable and constantly changing, and as a young person growing up in such a world, it's sometimes difficult to see where your future lies. With the effects of climate change becoming ever more visible in our day-to-day lives, it’s a hard truth to swallow that tomorrow isn’t promised. It's easy to feel hopeless and lost, just a few years ago we saw the world as we know it shut down almost entirely, a sudden and shocking change to many of our lives. Many of us felt trapped in our own homes, isolated and fearful for what was to come. However, it was during this isolation period that many of us realised the importance of those around us and the relationships we have with them. We learnt that while our futures weren’t certain, the bonds and human connections we already had would help us navigate that uncertain road.
The narrative of Ring Eclipse takes these feelings and carefully weaves them into a dystopian post-apocalyptic setting. Caleb and Lola now navigate a world that is desolate and lifeless, where companies like OxenCo can monetise the most basic of human needs. Against the backdrop of the bleak world, the siblings' views on how to cope divulge and cause them to drift apart. However, much like us in the real world, they come to realise understanding and trusting each other only strengthens their resilience to the harsh reality, allowing them both to try to better the world around them.
We've got the vision, the plans and the ambition, but we're missing one key element- your support! Our film looks great in theory, but we need both funds and interest in order to set it in motion, and this is where you can help! Whether you can make a donation, or simply share our page, you have increased our chances of creating a successful film tremendously, and we are so thankful that you are here! Check out our amazing rewards too, we'd love for you to get involved!
The majority of our budget is going towards our art department- specifically the set build of the bunker- as it needs to include multiple rooms, as well as sliding compartments and a working door. The cluttered yet homely set dress will also take a large portion of our budget but is essential in showing the history and personality of our family as we follow them in this new world.
Casting also takes a significant portion of our budget, as we need 3 professional actors, who we'd like to treat as professionals, and this section of the budget allows us to do so! To create a happy and comfortable environment on set, we need our cast and crew living budget to provide anything from cast accommodation to catering for our hungry, hungry crew members so they have the energy to make the best film possible!
We are lucky enough to have equipment stores that stock everything we need, so camera and lighting is our smallest section of the budget, just enough for some colourful gels to enhance the sci-fi vision!
Writer & Director- Millie Gladden-Walke
Having worked in various roles on previous projects, I am delighted to be directing my final Graduation film, especially as this is a film I have written myself. For it to be screened at the BFI in London is an incredible opportunity and words cannot express how excited and grateful I am to have been allowed such an experience. I know this will be a challenging production for me, but that is exactly why I am so passionate about it. I want this film to push me to my full potential and help me further solidify myself as a filmmaker.
‘Ring Eclipse’ is a cinematic exploration of a multitude of themes, delving into environmentalism and the impact of capitalism (both themes I feel are prevalent in todays world) within the framework of the film's post-apocalyptic and science fiction genres. However, for me, the true core of the film is the story of Caleb and Lola, two young people trying to find their place in a misshapen world, all while trying to protect the other from the cruelties of it. Being a sister myself, I must admit I have taken some inspiration from my own experiences to create the dynamic between Caleb and Lola, and it is one I closely resonate with. I hope that those who watch the final film can also find something they relate to within the characters.
Producer- Mia Lindley
Throughout my time at AUB, I've always been drawn to films that mean something, and Ring Eclipse is no exception. Ever since Millie came to me with her idea back in May, it's been my priority to deliver her vision to the screen as best as I can. Sci-fi is a new genre for me, and I am excited for the challenges ahead. Although the main role of the producer is getting films made successfully, my personal goal is to create a set environment where both cast and crew feel comfortable and respected, putting well-being first through all stages of production.
Production Designer- Lydia Weston
Hi, my name is Lydia Weston, and I am the production designer for Ring Eclipse. As production designer I am in charge of the look of the film, this includes props and the set build. Millie is a good friend of mine, and I am so excited to help bring her vision to life! When I read the script for the first time I was really fascinated by the story. The sci-fi dystopian theme requires me to think in huge depth about the history of this universe. The set build for this is amazing and the aspect that intrigued me the most, which is an underground bunker that the characters have been in for 10 years. I'll have to decorate the walls and memorabilia, and I'll be able to funnel all the experience I've learned in my years at AUB to make the best set I can!
Costume Designers- Isabelle Martin & Katie Evans
Hiya, we’re Isabelle and Katie the co-costume designers for Ring Eclipse. We’re excited to help bring the world of Ring Eclipse alive by thinking about what our planet in 50 years will look like, especially with the effects of global warming and mass production of clothing. On top of this, highlight the story of a 16-year-old girl who is trying to improve the life of herself and others, and how this is shown through her clothing in a time where practicality overcomes fashion.
Director of Photography- Matt Watson
I’m Matt Watson and I’m the Director of Photography on Ring Eclipse. I was really drawn to the concept of this film because it tackles universal issues like environmentalism and corruption through the lens of a family drama. Its focus on family allows the film to portray the characters in a more intimate and emotional way while developing an expansive post-apocalyptic world. Both aspects are really exciting for me as I think that emotional impact and connection is what makes great cinematography. Also, the process of developing a post-apocalyptic world provides a huge opportunity to explore a unique visual style through camerawork, lighting and colour.
Gaffer- Benjamin Croucher
Hi, I'm Ben, the Gaffer on Ring Eclipse. I'm a big fan of everything sci-fi and the chance to work on a post-apocalyptic story like this is gonna really challenge me, giving me a lot of space to experiment. I want to be able to delve into the world of Ring Eclipse throughout production and bring to life the bleak but hopeful future through lighting design.
Camera Operator- James Rigby
Family struggles and conflicts are a daily reality for many, and having grown up with two siblings, I feel I have a good understanding of the story’s underlying themes. What interests me the most when working on any movie is getting to the meaning behind each shot and understanding its purpose. Along with the Director and the Director of Photography, I aim to capture this exciting story in a powerful way, and deliver it to the audience with the impact the writer intended.
Editor- Liz Doyle
I'm Liz Doyle and I'm the editor for Ring Eclipse. I mostly work after the film has been shot, cutting together the scenes and working with the sound department to choose and place the sound effects. What I love about my role is exploring the stories and playing with its structure and tone. I'm so excited to work on this project, as I get to work with an idea which is both big and exciting and also grounded in realistic and interesting characters, bringing a futuristic world into a context that is relatable and emotional.
Sound- Jack Fisher
I’m Jack Fisher the head of the sound department on Ring Eclipse. My role includes recording dialogue and sound effects and then editing those recordings into a sound mix during postproduction to form the sound design. I’m excited to work on this film because I am enthralled by the idea of humanity being forced to live in bunkers during the apocalypse, at the mercy of a corporate company that’s literally feeding them oxygen. It plays into my favourite science fiction tropes and I think there are exciting things to explore from a sound design perspective.
If you've read this far, thank you! Your support means the world to us, and we are so excited for what lies ahead!