Super Unnatural - A Student Short Film

Log-line

Cheap, offbeat knockoff of the Ghostbusters team

A trio of unemployed paranormal investigators go on an adventure to find the infamous Bigfoot, captured by the film crew one of them has hired.

Synopsis

Super-Unnatural is a darkly comedic mockumentary that follows three unlucky, unemployed, paranormal investigators on an absurd quest for supernatural fame. Maverick, a reluctant leader, no longer believes in the paranormal but continues the hunt out of loyalty to his late conspiracy-obsessed father and his misfit friends: Donny, a pothead slacker and Steven, an eccentric comic book enthusiast with wild extraterrestrial fantasies.

Reuniting for an exciting investigation, the trio sets out to track Bigfoot. As they bumble their way through the hunt, Maverick struggles with his growing disbelief and whether to abandon the quest entirely, clashing with his friends who are determined to prove themselves.

Their misadventure takes a chaotic turn when they encounter their ex-teammate Gary; now a rival TV personality-dressed in a Sasquatch costume for his own show. Things spiral out of control when a trigger-happy farmer mistakes Gary for the real Bigfoot, leading to a wild and dangerous chase through the woods.

Director's Statement

As a filmmaker with a deep-rooted fascination for the paranormal and the unexplained mysteries of our world, I am thrilled to present "Super Unnatural", a short mockumentary that promises to be as hilarious as it is thought-provoking and tear jerking. This project stems from my lifelong obsession with scripted supernatural investigator shows, which I've reimagined through a darkly comedic lens.

The narrative follows Maverick, who has lost his belief in the paranormal since his father's passing but continues the hunt for his father's legacy and his friends. This story is deeply personal to me; it's about persevering for those you love, even when you've lost faith in yourself. I believe this will resonate with our audience, as many have faced moments of doubt but continue on for the people who matter most.

My artistic vision for "Super Unnatural" is to create a perfect blend of absurdist humour and genuine intrigue. I've made the deliberate choice to shoot the film in a documentary style, complete with shaky cam footage and direct-to-camera interviews, to enhance the authenticity of our characters' misadventures. The color palette will lean towards muted, earthy tones, punctuated by the occasional burst of vivid color to highlight the surreal moments our team encounters.

One of my key artistic decisions is to use sound design as a crucial storytelling element. We'll employ a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds to build tension and then subvert it for comedic effect. For instance, what begins as an ominous rustling in the woods might be revealed as our pothead character, Donny, relieving himself behind a tree.

The cast of lovably flawed characters is at the heart of this production. Each investigator is carefully crafted to represent different aspects of the paranormal community, from the true believer to the skeptic-turned-enthusiast. Through their interactions and individual quirks, we'll explore themes of belief, friendship, and the human need for meaning in an often chaotic world.

Our target audience for "Super Unnatural" is to viewers who have grown up with paranormal reality shows and possess a healthy skepticism towards them. We're also aiming to attract fans of mockumentaries and dark comedies who appreciate a blend of cringe humor and heartfelt moments. By balancing outrageous scenarios with relatable character motivations, we hope to create a film that resonates with audiences beyond the niche of paranormal enthusiasts.

Ultimately, "Super Unnatural" is more than just a parody; it's a love letter to the weird and wonderful world of paranormal investigation, viewed through a lens of compassion and humour. My goal is to leave the audience questioning not just the existence of Bigfoot, but also the nature of belief itself - all while laughing uncontrollably at the misadventures of our endearingly incompetent team.

This student film will also be screened at the BFI this summer. 

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Where will the money go?

All of the donated funds will go towards funding the student short film at LSBU. I already have an amazing strong team we just need money to help finance actors, equipment, props, costumes, locations, food and beverages, and travel. All donations will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for making my dream happen!