The Brook – Film Fundraiser

by chris.watt in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

The Brook – Film Fundraiser

Total raised £8,860

£16,000 target 6 days left
55% 35 supporters
Support Us

  Your donation will be matched

This project will only be funded if at least £16,000 is pledged by 21st February 2025 at 5:35pm

We are raising funds to help towards production of our next film.

by chris.watt in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

 donated match funding
Creative Scotland Crowdmatch is providing live match funding

Synopsis

As disappearances mount, the townsfolk of Elmbrook are left to wonder if it’s the work of their urban myth, or has something far more sinister come to claim them?

Background

Chris and Paul have previously collaborated on three projects, but The Brook marks their first low-budget feature film together. This project is a carefully crafted blend of genres, including horror, mystery, thriller, and sci-fi. The Brook is aimed at a mid-to-late teen audience.

At the core of its story lies an urban myth. Back in the late 60s and early 70s, it was fashionable to keep exotic animals as pets. Google ‘Christian the Lion’ if you don’t believe us! In 1976, it all changed. A dangerous wild animals act came into force. Insurance and other terms meant keeping exotic animals became very expensive and with the threat of termination, a lot of owners simply let their pets out into the wild. Sightings of large wild cats have gone on for the past 40 years and a lot of them have been in Scotland. Urban myths already exist, such as: The Beast of Exmoor, The Durham Puma and The Demon of Dartmoor. The British Big Cats Society, receives reports of between 300 and 500 sightings per year, the vast majority regarding black panthers. Google it if you don’t believe us!

Update: There has just been a sighting of two Lynx’s in Scotland. The full article is on the BBC website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz6pxdxe4j9o

While horror and thriller are at its core, it goes beyond the typical teen slasher. The film also explores themes of coming-of-age, friendship and grief. Driven by its characters, The Brook showcases the influence of fashion and music in shaping the village of Elmbrook. Our inspirations for the film include: The Lost Boys, Stranger Things, and Scream.

Stills from our previous films

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Testimonials

“This film made you laugh, made you cry and touched your soul.”

“Very introspective and genuine. We need more films like this.”

“The emotions are so poignant. I’m very moved.”

Where the money will go

If successful, the fundraising will help go towards our production costs. These include equipment hire and purchase, locations, travel, accommodation and catering.

Creative Scotland

We're delighted to say that this project is supported by Creative Scotland's Crowdmatch. Any pledges will be matched on a £1 to £1 basis, up to a maximum amount of £250 per unique supporter. For example: If you pledged £50, Creative Scotland will match it, so we'd actually receive £100 from your £50 pledge.

The Team

Chris Watt, Screenwriter

I am an Aberdeen based screenwriter, who over the past five years has enjoyed success with two genre-driven feature films that I was screenwriter on: STALKER (2022), a horror thriller directed by Steve Johnson and starring Sophie Skelton (Outlander). Released in theatres & on DVD/digital in 2023, it was exec-produced by Golden Globe Winner Gareth Wiley. And THE MIRE (2023) a psychological thriller about the final hours of a religious cult, which held a sold out premiere in 2023, before being distributed on Prime Video.

I also wrote the script for the multi-award winning short film BRUISE (2022), which premiered at the Oscar/BAFTA qualifying Galway Film Fleadh and was co-writer of the short film THE PURSUIT OF INDEPENDENCE (2024). 

A member of BAFTA Scotland, I recently won the Shore Scripts TV Pilot Competition for my pilot script, the comedy drama, SOUTHBANK. I am passionate about creating film and tv stories that are driven as much by character as they are by situation.

Paul Stainthorpe, Director

I’ve been telling stories since 2016. I once received a message from a stranger saying my first short film ‘FLOPPY TOAST WITH DRIPPY BUTTER’ had “saved their life.” This is why I continue to tell stories.

I’m a member of Directors UK, BAFTA Connect and a patron of Beacon Films – a local production company of disabled, autistic and neurodivergent filmmakers. My vision is to highlight stories for a more inclusive and sustainable industry.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your time and support!

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Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£20 or more

£20 Reward

An even bigger thank you with access to our digital poster.

£50 or more

£50 Reward

All of the above, plus your name under ‘Crowdfunder’ in the end credits.

£100 or more

£100 Reward

All of the above, plus access to behind the scenes and film stills.

£250 or more

£250 Reward

All of the above, plus a ‘Special Thanks’ in the end credits and on IMDb.

£500 or more

0 of 5 claimed

£500 Reward

All of the above, plus a one hour Zoom script consultation with screenwriter Chris Watt.

£1,000 or more

1 of 2 claimed

£1000 Reward

All of the above, plus a ‘Contributing Producer’ in the end credits and on IMDb.

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