OUR GOAL
Our goal is to breath life into our fantastic comedy feature script which we all believe strongly deserves to arrive on the the big screen showcasing our collaborative talent representing Scottish arts, and our passion and belief in indie filmmaking in the face of its limitations, challenges and benefits. We want to contribute a Scottish comedy we know has a punchy script that has been previously well received as a stage performance with it’s relatable, lovable characters and a simple message: In the end, everything will work out.
WHY THOUGH?
It’s important to us to try and achieve this because as creatives in Scotland, with a range of backgrounds in theatre, radio and more, we want to fully engage our strengths and present that in film form. This ensures we deliver a great indie film, representing indie filmmaking, Scottish talent and supportive communities for film contribution and the arts.
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
We believe that independent filmmaking is a collaborative process that not only involves cast and crew but most importantly our audiences who have the ability to select the films they want to be produced and watched. On a larger scale, this represents the passion and audience support for indie filmmaking; not just through generosity but because they value indie filmmaking and it’s platform for creatives to get involved. We want to contribute something to the Scottish cinema market that is already so colourful. We also want to represent the efforts of the early 20s demographic and a glimpse of what we find relatable but what may also be nostalgic to others in terms of the films style and characters.
OKAY, SO WE CARE NOW. BUT WHY SHOULD WE BACK IT?
We are an independent production with a very small budget entirely self funded so far. We are planning to do a fundraising evening of live comedy early February to generate more income and to give you a taste of our talented comedy ensemble. In order to give the script the justice it deserves, we have calculated the total sum of 4000 pounds. This figure would ensure that cast and crew are well supported in the film making practice with appropriate hired kit, logistics, welfare, and expenses. It would contribute to the purchasing and creation of key plot point props, essential location hire and the distribution of festival fees as we want this film to go as far as possible. It would ensure that the set was run professionally for a low budget indie production, so that those on the crew who are new to the industry and on set environment learn and receive the best experience. The budget would also allow us to pay for screening venue hire so that we can bring this film to a screen near you! Unless you live in Mull, then we can’t guarantee it. Sorry.
OKAY. SO YOU MADE US LAUGH, BUT WHERE EXACTLY IS THE MONEY GOING?
Our money will be going towards renting equipment. In addition to this, the money we ask for will go to;
Actors fees.
Transport for cast and crew.
Renting the space.
Accommodation for the actors. Did you know that 12 out of 14 actors in Scotland don't have clean drinking water?
OKAY, YOU’RE HILARIOUS. WHAT IF YOU DON'T REACH YOUR GOAL?
In the case of not reaching our goal we will continue to push for fundraising through other avenues and carefully use the budget we do gratefully raise on this platform to still achieve the film we know the script and time we have all put in deserves. As a promise to the funders who have backed us we will bring the film to life for the reasons they contributed and agreed with our objectives.
Going through with the project without the required budget would likely incur many setbacks. Therefore it can be seen as a sink or swim situation in which we are hopeful in our efforts to invite you and other potential backers on board and reward you for doing so!
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
'I originally wrote the play back in 2015 which was then successfully received as a live performance with a paying audience. Afterwards I moved to Canada to study screenwriting and eventually came back to the play. I thought ‘why can't a film shot in the one room be a success just as much as the play was’. We have seen similar features at box office such as Carnage, Saw, 12 Angry men and Phone booth. So why not a comedy? That's when the thought became an idea that couldn't leave my head. I adapted it to a film script and I’m now confident it transcends just as comically to do it as a film.
The inspiration for the film came from having to stay in my house one day to let people in on a family member’s birthday, and I thought how funny it would be if the world around me fell apart and I couldn’t leave the room. I think that’s why I really want to focus on the struggle of Kenny as he tries to escape his own worst nightmare and not being in control.
I am a big fan of and found inspirations from titles such as Clerks and Reservoir Dogs that use the narrative differently. I believe that as team we can show Scottish people how clever we can be given our limited resources at present and that our passion, research and commitment to using the funds appropriately for our goal is apparent.
More than anything, I want to make people laugh through my writing that can be enjoyed again and again as a shared experience among friends, families and communities in which many from the production process have also benefited.'
OKAY, SO YOU'RE FUNNY, GOT YOUR THREE ACTS TOGETHER, AND READY TO GO. SO WHY ARE WE STILL CONCERNED?
If you want to get involved with our film making process, there are ways to make a direct impact by leaving your mark on the film. You can make a money based contribution, which could go towards sourcing kit, props and expenses so the film looks and runs the best it possibly can. You can even make a contribution by inviting your friends to our Facebook EVENT ‘Murphy’s Birthday’, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can even book your tickets on pre-order for the screening, also being an amplifier for us. We look forward to your continued support. Thank you for making Murphy’s Birthday a reality.
Contribute also by subscribing to our mailing list for all the other perks we will be releasing very soon and during the shoot at murphysbirthday@gmail.com
