Sometimes all it takes is a stranger to show you the path you are afraid to take.
STORYLINE
In the course of trying to figure out his future, 17-year-old Charlie runs away from home. On the way, he meets a free-spirited guy named Leo who lives in a van. The two strangers set off on a journey searching for answers to their unspoken questions.
CREW
Director/Producer: Liza Horiana
Liza is an animator and filmmaker specialising in fabrication and stop-frame animation based in Mid-Wales. She was a bursary winning student at Aardman Academy Stop-Motion 1 course and did art department training at It’s My Shout Productions. Her first break through was location marshalling for House Dragon Season 2 filmed in North Wales and video production internship at advertising agency Golley Slater.
Writer: Joshua Baker
Joshua is an aspiring writer originally from the West Midlands. His most recent filmmaking experience includes co-writing for animation/live-action short film “To Be A Parent”, and producing a short film “Together”, which were both voted as best films of the 2nd year TFTS department Directing and Producing screening.
Editor/VFX: Jonathan Pearce
Jonathan is an aspiring editor from South Wales, fluent in both Welsh and English. He started his journey by editing YouTube videos for his personal channel with Sony Vegas, and later committed to it as a future career path. He is also a winner of Best Editor Award among Aberystwyth University TFTS Directing and Producing short film competition.
Sound Mixer: Liam Griffin
Liam is an enthusiastic filmmaker from Cardiff. He has worked on various successful short films throughout his degree scheme. He also worked with children in Thailand in teachings of camerawork and sound design.
William Morrell: 1st Assistant Camera/Colourist
William is a freelance cinematographer based in Aberystwyth. He has worked on a number of live-action short films as well as stop motion animation, serving primarily as director of photography and a colourist. The films he worked on won awards in categories such as Best Picture and Best Cinematography. He also did videography for a MIND charity social documentary piece as well as a live theatre performance held in Aberystwyth Art Centre ‘Angry Snatch’.
PRODUCTION BUDGET BREAKDOWN
We are fortunate to have access to locations and key film equipment provided by Aberystwyth University, and have already raised some funds through private donation. However, we also need to cover fees for additional car rigging equipment, travel and food expenses for our crew and cast.
Our key expenses:
Rigging equipment for car scenes + water proof case for camera (approx. £200) - we need to hire car mounts with suction pads and buy ratchet straps to make sure the car scenes are filmed safely and in accordance with BBC health & safety guidelines for filming in, from and around a moving vehicle.
Transport (approx. £150) - we need to get our cast and crew to the locations which are remote and cannot be reached by public transport thus requiring a vehicle hire.
Catering (approx. £150) - we are feeding a team of 7 hard-working filmmakers and cast for three shoot days!
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
We are on track for shooting the film between February-March time and hold a screening of the film in July 2025.
We are currently running test shoots to give you a better idea of the aesthetics of the film. Here is what we have so far.
We can't make this without your help!
We are incredibly grateful for all contributions to this project - every penny will go towards making the best film we can.
Thank you so much!