Searching for meaning and fulfilment, anxiety and depression-ridden Cora is fed up with useless distractions & her mother's constant messages.
Until late at night, she is awoken by the theme tune of the hit, 1950s PSA Network show: The Fix It Family.
Cora cannot help but watch.
Every. Single. Night.
This could give her purpose.
Fulfil her empty void.
Presenters 'Mum' and 'Dad' could cure her, with their entertaining lessons & cheerful smiles.
After all, aren't they here to fix her life?
Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! is a dark comedy and horror short film which explores mental health, feelings and emotions felt by young people, and just how far loneliness can push us. Despite her attempts to use different mediums to escape her life, such as art and music, or trying to navigate her unstable relationship with her mother, nothing is helping her. The sense of intrigue she feels when watching The Fix It Family sparks a possibility of creating a new life for herself.
The story touches on the darker parts of human want and desire by watching Cora drown out and ignore her mental health by fixating on the television show. Switching between the two locations of Cora's small bedroom and The Fix It Family TV house, the audience will be transported between the two worlds, until they eventually become one.
The prominent style of the film is surrealism mixed with nostalgia; a disorientating blend of discomfort and comfort whilst watching.
The use of colour will be key, with The Fix It Family's primary colour being 'Baker-Miller pink', also known as 'Drunk Tank Pink', used in psychiatric hospitals to calm occupants & reduce hostility. This will contrast to Cora's key colour of orange. It's the colour of her dead cat and her favourite headphones. The colour orange will also act as a warning sign throughout the film to our protagonist, changing further into her disillusion & addiction to the TV show she sinks.
Cora's Bedroom Set:
'The Fix It Family' Set:
Floorplan Sketches for 'The Fix It Family' Set:
'Mum' Costume Moodboard:
'Dad' Costume Moodboard:
Cora Costume Moodboard:
'Mum' Hair & Makeup Moodboard:
'Dad' Hair & Makeup Moodboard:
Cora Hair & Makeup Moodboard:
Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! is a cautionary tale, relevant to modern life. Rather than having a happy ending, the story focuses on the harsher reality when someone's mental health goes untreated. Cora is pessimistic about seeking help and feels trapped in her situation, rather than hopeful, unlike many other films in the genre.
The film also speaks on the advancement of technology and teaches the warning that it can lead to more isolation from other people. We are fed information directly now which can indoctrinate & exploit those who are mentally ill, because they want to feel part of something bigger.
For those who relate, it will make them feel seen and aim to encourage them to seek help before they too reach Cora's ending.
For those unfamiliar with the feelings expressed, it will shed light on the dangers of loneliness and indoctrination and make audiences more aware of those around them.
Cora is a 21-year-old student who is struggling with her mental health. She lives alone and finds herself overwhelmed with the feeling of isolation from other people. Over the past few months, she's tried using different mediums & hobbies to escape her life, yet nothing seems to comfort her, or rest her anxiety-filled mind. Her headphones are her best friend, used to block out her thoughts when they get too loud. Her relationship with her mother is unstable, and Cora struggles to open up to her or doctors about her declining mental health.
But then she discovers the Fix It Family...
'Mum' is a thirty-something, 1950s housewife who is as perfect as perfect can be. Through her lovely lessons, dedication to her hard-working husband, and endearing tone to the audience of 'The Fix It Family', 'Mum' is the best housewife any man could ask for. She speaks to Cora's heart in ways that her mother cannot. If you want to learn to be your best (1950s) self, then 'Mum' is the one to call!
'Dad' is a forty-something, 1950s husband who is dedicated to his day job and providing for the family. Whilst he is the perfect, authoritative man of the house, he has a gentleness to his tone which reaches Cora and the rest of 'The Fix It Family' audience. If you want to learn to be your best (1950s) self, then 'Dad' is the one to call!
Any donations, no matter how big or small, are very much appreciated by the whole crew of Your Life Sucks, Here's Why!
To help you visualise where your money will go, here is a pie chart detailing what we need to fund to make this film a reality.
As you can see, the majority of the budget will be going towards the Art Department. This is due to the setting, historically accurate props, art, and colour palette being essential to the narrative.
Writer/Director: Anna Kokotka
Hi, my name is Anna Kokotka (she/her) and I am the writer and director of Your Life Sucks, Here’s Why! I knew I wanted to create a film focused on the effects of subliminal brainwashing through the media, especially to people struggling with mental health problems. I have a passion for history, and wanted to compare how advertising has changed, but still continues to have a similar impact on some who are more impressionable. 'Your Life Sucks, Here's Why!' is an ode to confronting the darkest parts of yourself, combined with doom scrolling and a desire to escape your mundane life.
Producer: Georgina Bollom
Hi! I'm Georgina (she/her), and I'm the Lead Producer on Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! The main concept that drew me towards the project was the production scale. The possibilities of a large studio set build with 1950s-accurate props and dressing, in conjunction with a small cluttered bedroom in the real world, gave me new challenges to face as a Producer. The story of a young woman feeling like she cannot reach out in the real world for help speaks not only to me, but to millions of people around the world. Cora is a character that we can't always sympathise with, but a character that may be inside all of us. This film is important to tell now, with the growing use of technology, and the dangers that indoctrination can have on those who are mentally vulnerable.
Co-Producer: Joesph Tame
Hi, my name is Joe (he/him), and I'm the co-producer of Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! As a co-producer, I work with Georgina to manage the film's logistical needs to ensure that the creative vision is fully realised. I was drawn to this story because of the surreal contrast between the 1950s aesthetic and contemporary issues, and ho wit highlights the sense of loneliness in a new way. 'Your Life Sucks, Here's Why' is important to me as I believe Cora's journey through isolation and self-doubt is something that many audience members will be able to relate to.
First Assistant Director: Violet Brew
Hi, I'm Violet (she/her) and I'm First Assistant Director for Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! I have been drawn to this film for a long time; I find its portrayal of the media's social conditioning really fascinating. It's a story of deeper themes told through a genuinely really funny script and it's super exciting to be a part of! My job is one of ensuring safety and timing. Being at the director's side to support her logistically to be able to tell the story she wants to make. Helping ensure the smooth running of our ambitious production design, skilled camera team and all the challenges film production faces! I can't wait to get started...
Script Supervisor: Leon Christou
Hi, my name is Leon Christou (he/him) and I'm thrilled to be working as the Script Supervisor on Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! The opportunity to step into the world of the 1950s, with all its unique aesthetics, charm, and cultural nuances, is absolutely fascinating to me. I’m excited to ensure continuity in every scene, capturing the subtleties of the era while helping bring this story to life with precision.
Director of Photography: Jake Armstrong-Robbins
Hi, I’m Jake (he/him) and I’m the Director of Photography of Your Life Sucks Here’s Why! I’m excited to collaborate with Anna to visualise her story. I’m particularly looking forward to the challenge of recreating the aesthetic of 1950s Television and contrasting that with the grungey aesthetic of the more modern setting of the protagonist’s life. I believe that by working effectively with my team we can not only support but emphasise and enhance the narrative’s thematic concepts using purposeful camera placement, movement and lighting choices.
Co-Production Designer: Flynn Laban
Hi, I'm Flynn (he/him), one of the Co-Production Designers for Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! I know it's a simple thing to say but I'm excited to work on this film because it's a really exciting film to work on, especially for a production designer. Creating a 50s sitcom set creates so many layers that need to be included, and it's really cool that I'll be able to create such a set. There are practical effects built in and certain parts of the stage that can only be created which means I can blend between real and fictional. The film itself definitely holds its own and being given the responsibility of designing the set and creating the house for the Fix It Family is awesome, to put it simply.
Co-Production Designer/Art Director: Sera Ozturk
Hi, my name is Sera (she/her), and I’m the Co-Production Designer on Your Life Sucks, Here’s Why! I’m beyond thrilled to work on this film as the co-production designer. The contrast between the two worlds in this film is such an exciting challenge. Painful realism and the other an exaggerated 50s American consumer culture with a hint of surrealism. Designing the main character’s bedroom as a reflection of mental health struggles and depression, juxtaposed with the bright, fake world of the 'Fix it Family' show, allows me to explore both dark, gritty realities and the artificial, nostalgic facades we put up. This project is a perfect blend of psychological depth and visual storytelling, and I can’t wait to bring these two worlds to life!
Gaffer: Ty Hargrave
Hi, my name is Ty (he/him) and I’ll be the gaffer on Your Life Sucks, Here’s Why! When I chose to work on this movie I was mainly excited about the prospect of breaking away from traditional lighting set ups and getting to experiment with something entirely creative. As far as I can tell, there’s no limits to where this project will go and I’m so excited to see how far our team can push the boundaries on this film, and what I can learn in the process.
Sound: Abe Gallagher
I’m Abe Gallagher (he/him) and I am very excited to be a part of both the production and post-production process of Your Life Sucks, And Here’s Why and I hope to elevate this film through unique sound design that blends the two worlds of the narrative; one being an idyllic staged TV set hiding something sinister, set against the desperate state of isolation our protagonist Cora is trapped within. We hope to recreate the audio quality of 1950s PSAs as well as integrate musical elements reminiscent of the time period to further create immersion in within the film.
Co-Editor: Millie Oliver
Hi, my name is Millie (she/her) and I am Co-Editor on Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! As an editor I was drawn to this project because of the sitcom aspect to it, as it is something new that I haven't tackled before. I've spoken with Anna to discuss the transitions, so the film can replicate a typical 1950s sitcom. I am very excited to start making this film!
Co-Editor: Finton Arbuckle
Hello, my name is Finton (he/him), and I’m the Co- Editor on Your Life Sucks, Here’s Why! Working as the co-editor and grader, I’ll be collaborating with Millie to establish the film’s creative vision in post-production. What interests me about this film is the visual comparison between a 50s sitcom, and a dark, contemporary world. The vast contrast of these two worlds makes it feel as if I’m editing two different films - a challenge I’m excited start.
Costume Designers: Lula Hedger & Molly Barber
Hi, we're Lula (she/her) and Molly (she/her), and we are the Costume Designers on Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! Initially, we were drawn in by the opportunity to design for a period piece. The 1950s is such an incredible period of time for fashion and as costume designers, we were excited for a chance to help build the world of this film. We hope we can use costume to show the contrast between Cora's reality in her modern life and the 1950s surreal perfection that is shown through the television set. After further exploring the script, we were drawn into the way the story tackles mental health within today's society and the importance of reaching out for help when struggling instead of withdrawing further into a screen. We are really excited to collaborate with the rest of the team on this production and can't wait to see the outcome.
Hair & Makeup Designer: Libby Hellen
Hi, my name is Libby Hellen (she/her), and I am the Hair and Makeup Designer for Your Life Sucks, Here's Why! What initially drew me to this project was the film's creative vision. there is so much potential for interesting character design, particularly in the uncanny portrayal of the seemingly perfect parents in contrast with Cora's character. I have a strong passion for period hair and makeup, as well as a fascination with the eerie and unusual. 'Your Life Sucks, Here's Why!' explores important themes of mental health & escapism, which a lot of the audience will resonate with.
Many visual rewards are up for grabs in return for larger donations! However, our promoted reward for the small amount of £4 is a ticket to our 1950s-themed night at Helch Market! Come along for drinks, music, meeting the crew & having a fun night out!
And finally, a big, big thank you from the entire crew of Your Life Sucks, Here's Why!
Thank you for supporting our journey of creating this film, and we cannot wait for you to see it in 2025 :)