About the Film
Survivor is a short film, serving as a pilot for a developing TV series. Mark, a successful professional athlete, visits his counsellor once a week to solve his anger and depression issues. Doubting therapy even helps, his depression worsens, leading him to take an unthinkable path. But an unexpected encounter forces him to change.
The script was a finalist for the Cambridge Script Festival and Prisma Rome Independent Film Awards and has been officially selected for the Best Scripts Awards London 2024 Winter Season and the CKF International Film Festival.
Support this engaging and thought-provoking story. More info down below to know more about the film.
How does the story unfold?
Mark, a successful athlete, realises he can only be himself when alone in his apartment, therefore, refers to a professional counsellor, to whom he opens up about his feelings of hopelessness, melancholy and misery. As his mental struggles worsen, however, his childhood best friends, Kyle and Sam, are totally unaware of the unravelling issues.
As they get to the local pub, Mark sees Lily and decides to introduce himself. The two exchange numbers and find themselves spending an extravagant amount of time together. Mark feels safe, as he realises Lily’s not interested or impressed by his fame and fortune as her only goal is to complete her studies and become a doctor.
The life-changing encounter with Lily, helps Mark’s mental condition to improve, until he receives an alarming message. His sports’ sponsorship dropped him, leading him to spiral back into a rabbit hole of desperation. His new-built perfect life crumbles, once again, leaving him with only one alternative.
Why?
The writer, Dion Marcos and his team, wants to address the importance of seeking help when suffering with depression, anxiety and anger. Young people, especially men, hide their problems as they are scared of being judged and emasculated. A recent article written by Mental Health UK, reveals only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men.
The main character, Mark, is the embodiment of this widespread issue. He’s a professional athlete, living an extremely successful life and people think it’s unlikely he could face mental health struggles. By telling Mark’s story, we want to encourage young people to speak up about their mental health.
We hope to expand this short film into a mini-series, diving deeper into the lives of the characters, their struggles and how unresolved trauma can keep someone from living the life they deserve.
We need you!
In order to produce this strong film, we need to raise £15,000
The money raised will allow us to pay our amazing cast & crew (we have some great talents involved which we will share with you soon) as well as all the equipment, the locations and the food. it will also be used towards Post Production and to submit it to Film Festivals once completed.
It's extremely important for us that everyone feels as excited as we are about making this film and we also want to ensure we do it fairly and the right way.
You can either contribute your own desired amount or choose a set amount based on the perks. By selecting a set amount, you will receive the perks that correspond.
Budget Breakdown
50% towards Production (crew pay and equipment + locations + catering)
15% towards actor's fees
35% towards Post production, submission to festivals and contingency.
Film Tone
The Director's note - Ted Dontchev
The Team
How can you help?
Make a contribution and share with your loved ones!
You can also donate towards one of our perks. You can get a social media shout out, your name in the credits, join the crew as an actor or be an executive producer! There’s also a laptop giveaway, supported by PLAN-IT-PC, an Irish tech company.
Follow our Instagram for all updates! @survivorshortfilm_
Finally, if we were to reach beyond our goal, we want to donate any extra fund to a Mental Health organisation.
Thank you again!