The Undergrads

Aim

An upcoming student short heist-comedy film 'The Undergrads', about a ragtag group of students who aim to steal from a shady businessman.

'The Undergrads' is a upcoming student short film involving a ragtag ensemble of students with a variety of personalities who come together, overcoming their differences to perform a heist on a shady businessman who reeks havoc over their surrounding area. The film first introduces us to Jake - a young plucky student who is a small-time pickpocket at his University and Mr Danney - the tutor and orchestrator for the mission who wishes to steal money from the shady forces overshadowing them but has an ulterior motive on the side. As their mission takes shape, they recruit Nathan, Aimee and Alex who all have a specific set of skills to ensure the mission is a success, although the road to completing the heist will not be as simple as they seem. 

The plucky, daring student at the centre of the ensemble is Jake who has a keen interest in pickpocketing as his University, stealing money from anyone that crosses his path. Jake is brought into the mission by Mr Danney, a tutor with mysterious motives, and by catching Jake in his pickpocketing, he enlists him to bring in a group of students each unique in their abilities. Nathan is a student with an infuriating level of wit, cheating students out of their loan through poker games. Aimee is cunning and quirky, working on the inside to ensure the mission is a success. Alex is the man behind the computer, a tech specialist who makes money in his spare time by changing students grades. The antangonist for the film is the shady Karl Samic, a man who plans on hiding some of his forture inside the University to increase his wealth. The crew must look over the differences they have with each other to complete the treacherous mission they've been preparing for and take down Mr Samic. The mission? To steal £500,000. 

Writer/Director Jordan has always been particularly intrigued by stories of the unlikely hero, and wanted to explore his own ideas of the underdog through this short film. As students, the crew have had first hand experience on student life and the personalities that you're guaranteed to see, of which they want to capture within the heart of every character. The most important element of the story however, would be the relationship between each character, which brings it's own set of challenges into the mission. The team of students must work together to ensure the heist is carried out perfectly, and must be able to adapt collectively if anything goes wrong. 

Each character's individual journey is just as important to the story as the final heist, as the decisions they choose to make will ultimately change the plan not only for them, but for the rest of the team also. Our amazing cast are all excited to get into rehearsals together and start to develop their characters alongside the director.

We have taken a lot of inspiration from a number of films in order to find the perfect visual style for ‘The Undergrads’, using elements from both classic and contemporary heist films. A notable influence would be the Ocean’s Trilogy by Steven Soderbergh, emphasising the luxuries of working as a conman and bringing the story to life through sleek shots and precise editing. We want to employ these elements to the hotel, where luxury and indulgence are particularly familiar to our antagonist, Karl Samic. Saturated, warm lighting will emphasise these ideas and bring life to the hotel as the crew journey through it.

We want to create a very striking visual piece that focuses on movement and energy to further enhance the fast-paced nature of the story. Each shot has been carefully designed and considered to develop a sense of vitality within the film, allowing the camera to become its own character seamlessly flowing through scenes.

Jordan Dobbs - Writer/Director

This is Jordan’s first short film as writer/director, and he is really excited to get into production with an amazing team behind him. By working on a range of short films whilst at university he has gained the knowledge, confidence and communication skills to try his own hand at directing. With an audacious script and previous theatre background, Jordan hopes to bring the best out of his actors to create a story that he is proud of. 

Top 3 – City of God, The Big Lebowski, Mid90s.

Brendan White - Producer/Production Manager

Brendan is the producer of the film and has an interest in developing witty stories full of twists and energetic characters. He has worked on several films at university, each putting the character at the focus of their narrative and working with a determined cast and crew to make the script become reality. His experience in previous productions will ensure we all have a relaxed shooting environment, with a few laughs here and there. 

Top 3 – Nightcrawler, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park.

Harry Bateson & Tom Luckham - Directors of Photography

These two dapper lads are our heads of the Camera & Lighting department. They’re tasked with creating the eye-catching and energetic visual elements of the film that will help bring The Undergrads to life. As lifelong friends, they have provided an exceptional knowledge of original ideas that has been brought into the production and can’t wait to start principle photography to use them! They shoot together so much, they’re being touted as the new Kurt and Courtney.

Top 3 – La La Land, Get Out, 1917 (Harry). Inside Llewelyn Davis, Bladerunner, Birdman (Tom)

Cristina Ingrao - Production Designer

A particular creative eye and a can-do attitude has made Cristina the perfect fit as head of production design for the film. By working on a number of short films previously in similar roles, she has an array of skills to source and produce the best props and costumes, and if she can’t find something, she’ll know someone that does! Cristina will be working closely with Jordan and Brendan to ensure the production is a complete success.

Top 3 – Moulin Rouge, Snatch, Trainspotting

Tom Boyden/Charlotte Kelly - 1st Assistant Directors

Tom and Charlotte are our fantastic Assistant Directors that will be making sure the production goes as smooth as possible. Both holding strong on-set experience under their belts, these two are able to organise the day to day operations whilst shooting, guaranteeing an efficient and stress-free shoot from start to finish. 

Top 3 - Rear window, Se7en, Parasite (Tom)

Will Eldridge - Sound Designer

Looking after the sound on the film is Will. He’s a third year student with an infatuation for anything audible. Along with his sound role, he’ll be providing a fresh dose of laughter each day to make the process that little bit less tiresome. Sound is an essential element of the film, and with Will’s expertise and reliability he is an integral component for the film’s success. 

Top 3 - The Princess Bride, Life of Brian, Project X

Fergus Laurie - Assistant Camera

Fergus is an aspiring filmmaker taking on the role of Assistant Camera for the shoot. With many successful projects as Director and DoP, his passion and keen eye for detail will be a crucial part of the camera team on shoot days. He can’t wait to get stuck into the project!

Top 3 – The Shining, Withnail & I, Apocalypse Now

Gus Wilcox - Production Assistant 

Gus is a driven 1st year film student hoping to gain further experience on set. As Production Assistant, he will be working with all heads of department to keep the production flowing well. He hopes to learn essential functions of the production process and eventually find a fitting role for his next projects.

This is how we will be dividing up the funding to each of the film's crucial areas, regardless of if we make a lot or a little. Understandably, not everyone is able to donate to the project, but by sharing this page online you are giving us amazing support to the project that can grow our reach to get the film out there!

It would be amazing if we were to reach our final amount for the crowdfunder campaign, as it contributes highly to bringing the story to fruition. We hope to move this project outside university once finished, submitting to film festivals and other exhibition opportunities that could progress our passion after graduation. 

This project successfully funded on 22nd March 2020