OUR FILM: 'WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT?'
Thank you for taking the time to click on our Crowdfunder, we are extremely passionate and excited for what we are about to show you. This project is a labour or love, cinematic expression and a lot of laughs, in this chaotic British short film.
LOGLINE: On the morning of her wedding, the happiest day of a bride’s life is put in jeopardy, as her friends & family cause a series of chaotic events.
'Bridesmaid's' meets 'The Office' with this relatable ensemble comedy.
Inspired by documentary filmmaking, our film aims to blend situational comedy normally seen in television series (sit-coms) within a short film format, bringing the mockumentary to life.
In a saturated market, the comedy genre often relies on reusing ‘tried and tested’ approaches to making people laugh and whilst often highly effective, it can feel like you’re watching the same films with different titles. This is where we come in… Whilst pitching to industry professionals, common feedback we received about the concept was the way in which we are twisting the genre conventions and blurring them with other common film practices was exciting and modern.
ACT STRUCTURE: 'A THREE PART BREAKDOWN'
Whilst our film is all about the small events snowballing and a whirlwind 20 minutes played out on the screen as if it’s ‘real time’, it can also be broken down into the more ‘traditional’ three act film structure of set up, confrontation and resolution. Below is a detailed breakdown of the story:
BUILDING ON AN AUDIENCE: ‘PLAYING WITH THE NICHE’
The wedding set-up is a niche with recognised themes that provide an established audience and loving, loyal fan base with this well-trodden slant. Not only does this give our project confidence that there is a constant demand for this comedy but an exciting opportunity to give them something new to see.
We are looking to move away from the rinsed and repeated storylines to change the way in which ‘Wedding Films’ are not only shown visually using a POV documentary style but in how the concept is discussed, which during our pitching process, was something that pleased the panel and gave them something to talk about, which exactly is our intention with this Crowdfunder.
We aren’t dismissing the importance of what has already been done over the previous decades, however it’s important to us that we don’t make ‘just another wedding comedy’ and we are pushing the genre in a fresh direction that feels unique. Some great examples of wedding films that have inspired our genre are below:
OUR PURPOSE: 'WHAT'S THE POINT?'
We don't want ‘The Morning Of’ to just be any old film. Hundreds & thousands of students make films and come up with concepts every-day, recycling genres and ideas that have been played out being sold as something 'new'. ‘The Morning Of’ is different.
We want to make sure our film is more than just entertaining cinema, our story is multi-layered with three-dimensional characters learning moral lessons; in which we hope to achieve the following:
1. Promote inclusivity - our cast and crew are from a range of backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations all with a common goal and desire to work together.
2. Show that through inclusivity, teamwork and friendships will always help you - Together you can get through anything. An attitude we want to translate from the process to the characters on screen.
OUR TARGET AUDIENCE: WHY A 12A?
We want our audience to be as wide-spread as possible, veering away from archetype character formats that rely on stereotypical conventions and using a diverse representation of mixed genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions and sexuality. No two people are the same and we want to show this positively.
CAST BIOS: 'GET TO KNOW THE CHARACTERS & ACTORS PLAYING THEM'
Aside from stunning cinematography & seamless editing, performance is going to be our main focus for this film. Below is a detailed breakdown of each character in our film and the inspirations behind them... as well as who will be starring in that role.
No wedding would be complete without the loving presence of family. We want to utilise the nurturing familiarity of a Mother's love by using a mature actor to play the role of April & Chris' adopted Mother.
MEET THE CREW: 'WHO IS MAKING THIS FILM'
This film will be utilising transferable skills of a small team of 5 filmmakers.
Leading the Creative Team is experienced Actor / Writer turned Producer, Brisley - who is back for her second time as producer for the NYFA, after finishing filming ‘BUCKY’ last year. Her story and characters in this film are designed to bring relatable elements of ourselves and our friends to the screen, that encourages the 'that's totally me' feeling when watching the drama unfold. “I have always loved comedies, they are my go-to choice when I want to relax, be entertained and just switch off. I'm hoping I can give people that same feeling and bring that feel-good factor and escapism to life.” she states. “I feel so excited to see the characters come to life with the cast and incredibly fortunate to be working with Ryan on this project.”
View BUCKY's Teaser Trailer here
Joining Brisley with the creative vision is the up-and-coming, highly skilled director and filmmaker Ryan J. Smith, who has experience across a wide range of departments in film - from editing to assisting producers and of course directing. Since graduating from the MetFilm School, Ealing Studios, Smith has gone on to start his own production company ‘Skint Films’, where his latest feature ‘Lottery’ is currently gaining press during its film festival run.
View Lottery's Full Trailer here
ART DIRECTION: 'THE VISUAL STUFF'
To give 'The Morning Of' a 'raw & stripped back' sense that is usually seen in documentaries, we are keeping the attention to details on the complexity of our actors in a natural looking environment, the film will rely heavily on clever camera work and editing to provide a pace that brings the funny elements to life and emphasises the of a wedding.
Our design concept is one that takes inspiration from a variety of critically-acclaimed, award winning films & television from the UK & US that feature strong narrative devices based around characters dealing with character driven drama as oppose to action based narrative plots. We want to show how sleek simplicity can create not only a gorgeous cinematic experience on screen but an emotional response that audiences may not be expecting.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN: 'WHERE IS THE MONEY THE GOING & WHAT IT'S BEING SPENT ON?'
So the big bit... the budget... aka MONEY. We don't want this bit to be an awkward or uncomfortable beg - we know that a lot of people have asked for money for projects over the years and it can often be a wonder where the money went/what it was actually used for. We don't want this to be the case. Every donation is vital to our project, no matter how big or small. Each penny is a step closer to our goal and we want to thank you for being part of this process by keeping you updated & in the loop. But to briefly sum it up, below is a list of the main areas that your help with funding will be stretched out.
The main areas to break down are:
- Camera Equipment Hire (including COVID Safety & PPE)
- Location
- Art Department: Set Dressing, Costumes, Props
- Catering - 2 meals for 13 People x 5 days
- Film Festival Entry Fees / Marketing
- Other Expenses (including Contingencies & Emergencies (20-30%)
FESTIVAL ASPIRATIONS: 'TAKING The Morning Of AROUND WORLD'
Our film is designed with everyone in mind, meaning we want to reach as wide an audience as possible. This is only possible with the help of fantastic film festivals... yet they come at a cost. Your pledges are what makes 'The Morning Of' real and being nominated for awards will make that dream a reality. Categories we will be entering (depending on) the festival shall include titles similar too:
- Best Short
- Best Student Short
- Best Student Film
- Best Comedy
- Best Comedy Short
- Best Narrative Film
- Best Director
- Best Cinematographer
- Best Editor
- Best Producer
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Performance
- Best Ensemble Cast
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Writing
- Best Music / Best Music Score
- LGBTQ focused awards
- Women in Film (Best Female... etc.)
FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY: 'LET'S GET SOCIAL'
Want to show your support even more? Become part of the Bridal Party! Get notifications about all the latest updates, how you can be involved and fun games/competitions by following our social media channels! Each social media will be filled with unique and exclusive content, meaning no two channels are the same. We would love to have you subscribe to our content, like and share what we put out and spread the word of ‘The Morning Of’.
FACEBOOK: @TheMorningOfshortfilm
INSTAGRAM: @themorningofshortfilm
Thank you for taking the time to check out our Crowdfunder, please pledge towards our short in order to get some exclusive perks and help keep the arts alive for young filmmakers! We appreciate each and every donation, regardless of size. Want to know anything else, get involved and be part of the project..? Email us below, we would love to have you on board!