WHAT IS SUNDER? 

SUNDER is an exploration into the question, what do you do when you find yourself attracted to the dark side of humanity? 

LOGLINE 

A videogame developer becomes entangled with his new flatmate’s sinister activities, and is terrified to find himself gripped by them.

This could be a horror/thriller film like any other, but we promise, it isn't. It's clever, emotional, smart, it challenges the status quo, and leaves you wondering how you'd answer the aforementioned question. 

"SO IF IT'S SO AWESOME, WHY ARE YOU  CROWDFUNDING?" - You, the Reader

We need your help. This is an incredible film, but most film studios are looking for blockbusters. They're on the hunt for the next "Game of Thrones" or "Marvel Universe", but historically speaking, of all the film genres, the horror/thriller category has the highest performers on the smallest budgets. This is how we can be sure that our small budget can still provide the most incredible outcome. 

Sure, we could shoot this on Lacey's iPhone XS Plus that can only take selfies* - but this film is so much better than that! 

We've decided upon the initial amount of £60,000 as it will allow us to create an incredible film. It provides us with a contingency, a marketing budget, and the funds to pay our crew and cast appropriately. You now have the unique opportunity to help your friends, or complete strangers, do something that can feel impossible. Pledging whatever amount you are able will help to keep indie filmmaking alive. 

*Lacey refuses to upgrade her phone until hers catches on fire, basically. (But frugality is a good trait to have in a producer!)

THE STORY

SUNDER takes us on a psychological rollercoaster as we delve into Jamie's (20's) seemingly perfect life. He has a dream job coding from home; he recently rescued the best dog in the world; and he just moved into a new home with the love of his life, Katie (20's).

A day like any other Jamie wakes up and is hit by an uncontrollable sense of apathy. Katie tries to help him, but the depression gradually devours him, leaving an empty shell. Katie can’t take it anymore and leaves him, taking their dog with her.

In an effort to regain stability, Jamie sublets his spare room, and that's when he encounters Sam (20's), an enigmatic and alluring young woman who brings him back to life.

As Jamie emerges from his emotional abyss, strange noises from Sam's room at night unsettle him. Suspicion arises, leading Jamie to believe that Sam might be involved in sinister activities, possibly even taking lives while he sleeps. Caught between the desire for self-discovery and the fear of losing himself to darkness, Jamie embarks on a dangerous path to uncover the truth.

THE DIRECTORIAL VISION

Our director, Steven, plans to use all of his experience from directing shorts and working on (many, many) film sets to bring his vision to life. Using suspense and tension he'll create an atmosphere of uncertainty that will grip your attention until the final moments. 

Keeping things grounded and contained, we'll dive into the themes of mental health, personal redemption, and the complexity of human nature. As Jamie finds himself facing a moral dilemma, we're presented with an exploration into the fine line that exists between light and shadow. It's a visual that will prove striking in both the physical and metaphorical sense - which will enhance the overall atmosphere and add depth to our already complex characters.

COMPARABLE FILMS

While our script is original and compelling, tonally, the below films can be considered comps. Smart, engaging (not to mention commercially successful) the below films capture the emotional depth and captivating film style that we are after.

"BUT, WHO EVEN ARE YOU?" - Again, you, the Reader.

Long story short, we're a team of established filmmakers who have decided to forego the corporate version of filmmaking and decided to go the indie route. Combined we've over 30 years experience in the Film & TV industry, making us well versed in the "how-to" of filmmaking. 

Lacey and Valentina are the writers and producers for Sunder, who are co-founders of the award winning production company KILO PICTURES. Together, with lots of incredible collaborators, they create grounded content with universal appeal. They're passionate about telling original stories and creating a positive and healthy work environment for crew and cast alike. Check out their previous work and other projects!

Steven James Griffiths, our director and writer, is award nominated and extremely passionate about the horror community. After serving his country in the army, Steven found his passion for filmmaking and more specifically the horror/thriller genre. He's spent the last 5 years shooting incredible short films and is now ready to shoot his directorial debut with the support of his incredible producing team. Check out his previous work!

PRODUCTION SUPPORT

Probably the most important thing for you to be aware of is our absolutely  necessary assistants. 

*Disclaimer - As our much appreciated assistants, we will honor their formalized request for a treat jar and we ask you respect their wishes as well. 

Help us make Sunder a reality, and support indie filmmaking, by donating today and collecting one of our incredible perks!