Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th August 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
The Thief & The Mage - Fantasy Short Film
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
An intrepid and action-packed fantasy short film inspired by the likes of Dungeons & Dragons, The Witcher and Game of Thrones.
Welcome! My name is Barnaby and I'm the writer and director of The Thief & The Mage. My crew and I are graduates of MetFilm School in London and this is my first personal project after graduation.
If you're anything like me, you love fantasy media and can't get enough of things like the Game of Thrones spin-offs and Dungeons & Dragons podcasts. The Thief & The Mage is a tribute to worlds like these, both adventurous and deadly.
We hope you'll come with us on this journey! Follow along @thethiefandthemage on Instagram.
Inspiration
I have always loved the fantasy genre and found inspiration in it. From a young age I have been fascinated by films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Princess Bride, with their ability to balance mortal stakes with a sense of adventure and fun. As I've grown up, I've delved into more mature fantasy including The Witcher and Game of Thrones, which our film is closer to in mood.
The Thief & The Mage follows Allic and Edwyn, two survivors of a devastating battle who must run from their pursuing enemies and work together despite their moral differences. While Edwyn is loyal to their king and believes they should link back up with their defeated comrades, Allic despises the king and refuses to go home, only caring about his own survival.
The story was inspired by the unequal wars and political upheavals of the last few years. Allic and Edwyn's king has declared an unjust war on their neighbours under a false premise, forcing the pair into an unwanted situation. Though Edwyn has swallowed the official propaganda, the cynical Allic sees straight through the lies and calls Edwyn a fool. To begin with, their political disagreement defines their relationship.
Despite their differences, Allic and Edwyn must team up when threatened by the enemy. The core of the film's message is that as much as individuals may disagree, there are larger threats in the world that we have to face together.
Our work so far
We have the majority of our cast and a location selected, along with completed storyboards and a detailed shot list. The film's art team are hard at work designing props and gory makeup for the climactic fight, which has been finely choreographed and rehearsed by our performers.
Your contributions
With your help, my crew and I will be able to pay location fees, book equipment, props and costumes and keep everyone fed for each day of the shoot.
We also have some enticing rewards including a thank you from the crew and a seat at the premiere! We'll be enormously grateful for whatever you choose to give, as it all helps.
Thank you!
Barnaby
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made