Project Summary
My Name is Zoe Broad and I'm a Film-making student at Met Film School in London and together with of some fellow students & film-makers, we are making our Graduation Short Film called Parallel.
The film tells the story of two people at pivotal points of their tumultuous lives who meet on a bridge overlooking a train track, one ready to jump, the other ready to walk away.
Sarah and Shaun grew up in the same remote town, however their lives have taken drastically different paths since then. Sarah is a successful professional who lived and worked in London for many years, however her life isn't without tragedy; and Shaun for whom life is put simply a challenge. A victim of an abusive father, he can't seem to escape his traumatic childhood and it is now tearing his own young family apart.
The project started life in a very different shape when I was brainstorming ideas for my graduation project back in 2019. I attempted to write the script then however couldn't get past the first few pages. After putting the project on the backburner, I revisited it at the end of 2020 and asked friend and super talented writer Ollie Hickey to come on-board as co-writer, and together we re-developed the idea.
One of the major changes is the addition of the therapy scene with Sarah's character, which will play out alongside the scene on the bridge with Shaun. The two scenes will intercut together, revealing the different experiences Sarah and Shaun have with mental health, and how they ultimately find help in the most unlikely of places.
The concept of a dual narrative is undoubtedly a risk. From a story-telling perspective it's hard to do and even harder to do well. However we have been working intensively on the story and script, getting feedback from industry professionals, to ensure it will resonante with the audience. Myself and the crew believe in the idea 100% and I personally believe this point in our career's is the time to take risks and try something different. If not now, then when?
I hope this film will be a reflection of our abilities and film-making interests, to essentially be a calling card for us going into the Film/TV industry; and and accurate depiction of life in Britain today (with the exclusion of Covid-19, as I think we've all had enough of that now!)
For me personally, this is the culmination of three years of studying. I'm a big fan of social realist British dramas such as This is England and I, Daniel Blake. I believe incorporating social issues into film and TV can be one of the most effective ways of raising awareness of such issues.
The issue of mental health, and particularly the access to treatment and different experiences people have based on outside factors such as income and familial support, is something i'm hugely passionate about. I myself have suffered with anxiety and depression on and off for the last 10 years, and as such I've experienced first hand and witnessed close family and friends stuggles with mental health. Ultimately access to treatment is unfortunately all to often dependent of income. Something which is slowly but surely leading to a mental health crisis in the UK.
The HOD's:
Writer/Director - Zoe Broad
Co-Writer/Casting Director - Ollie Hickey
Producer - Abi Niall
DoP - Samuel Ferguson
1st AD - Agustina Gotz
Script Supervisor - John Joyce
Sound Recordist/Designer - Nicole Patron
Locations Manager - Adeeb Trabulsi
Composer - Nick Horsten
Cast:
Sarah: Nicole Sargent
Shaun: Gary Beardsmore
Clara 'The Therapist'- Clare Purdy
What We Need & What You Get
We already have some funds secured, however we need your help to get us over the line and ensure this film can be made to a high standard and continue beyond the shoot, which is currently scheduled for 15th to 19th September. Any funds which don't go towards production costs will help with post-production which includes editing, sound design, music composition and colour grading, and ultimately distribution. We are planning to submit to film festivals and this is where we are really in need of funds to help us achieve this and pay for festival submissions.
Here is a chart to visualise where the money will be allocated if we reach our goal
We really believe in this film's ability to be successful in festivals and help us all with kick-starting our careers.
We are keeping the goal flexible as any and all funds will go towards the film, particularly the funds will dictate how far and wide an audience the film will reach. Even the smallest contribution will help it on its journey.
Perks include:
- Signed Posters
- Digital Copy of Film
- Signed Scripts
- Thank you credit at the end of the Film
Other Ways You Can Help
The smallest contribution will help! However if you can't contribute with money, there are plenty of other ways you can help.
Spread the word about our film, it really can help as someone within your network may really connect with the film.
All the links for sharing are on the page!
Thanks for reading and contributing!
Artwork Photo by Sandra Ahn Mode on Unsplash