4 Days / 4 Short Films - with Collective Acting Studio
In January 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the talented Part Time second-year acting students at Collective Acting Studio to devise a series of short films. This ambitious project involved creating four distinct short films over four days of filming, with a mixture of students working as both cast and crew.
The process began with four sessions dedicated to pre-production, allowing the students to pitch their ideas and work through various workshops. We used John Yorke's 10 fundamental story questions to help shape the narratives and ensure they were compelling. The students' strong ideas enabled us to aim high and produce a short film per day, resulting in four films across the four-day filming period.
The collaboration between FilmCor Productions and Collective Acting Studio was crucial to the project's success. The shared ownership and creative partnership allowed us to seamlessly integrate ideas and resources, providing the students with valuable hands-on experience in both production and performance.
The four films—The Interview, 2AM, Dream Girl, and The Words You Left Behind—explore different genres and themes, showcasing the students' range and talent.
The Interview directed by Bethany Taylor-Goh, is a psychological thriller that delves into existential questions about morality, guilt, and redemption. Through the protagonist Theo's surreal job interview, the film challenges viewers to reflect on their beliefs and responsibilities.
2AM directed by Isha Chana, captures the camaraderie and deeper struggles of womanhood in a nightclub bathroom. The film blends light-hearted moments with poignant reflections, prompting audiences to engage in meaningful conversations about female friendships and safety.
Dream Girl directed by Dinah Marti, is a supernatural horror film that combines elements of Nightmare on Elm Street and Sleeping Beauty. The story explores the boundaries between reality and dreams while paying tribute to the sacrifices of medical professionals during the pandemic.
The Words You Left Behind directed by Tristan Rivelle, is a heartfelt story of unity and mentorship set in a central London park. The film balances themes of loss and love, drawing inspiration from films like Gang and Call Me By Your Name.
After the films were completed, we explored editing through two sessions and screened the final productions in a cinema alongside other industry work. The screening included a Q&A session, allowing us to engage with the audience and discuss the creative process.
The films are now being submitted to film festivals, marking a significant achievement for everyone involved. This project has been a rewarding experience, highlighting the power of collaboration and the immense talent within Collective Acting Studio. I look forward to seeing where these films will take the students and the impact they will have on audiences worldwide.
Project Tags
Companies
FilmCor Productions
- Media Production
