Inspired By Real Life Events
Set in rural England, we follow the story of profoundly deaf child, Libby and her middle-class family; consisting of 2 elder siblings, both high achievers. A constantly overwhelmed mother and a workaholic husband. The family are uneducated about their daughters deafness and are in search of a way to 'normalise' her. It's not until they employ the help of a deaf-specialised social worker that it becomes apparent that it's not Libby's disability that is limiting her.
Support From Companies So Far
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The Impact
90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness.
75% of deaf children fail to get A-C grades at G.C.S.E.
Deaf children are being failed by the education system on a daily basis. We truly believe that film is the most engaging and educational way to convey a message.
The film is about perspective, awareness and choices and the way in which these three things can impact someone's life. In this case, the life of a 4 year old deaf girl called Libby.
Your contribution to 'The Silent Child' will flag up this overlooked social issue to others and help give deaf and hearing impaired children across the country a voice.
Budget - where's it going?
The overall biggest expense will be in production, specifically for camera, sound and lighting equipment as well as paying our additional crew members and cast for a 7 day shoot in the Midlands. And that also means travel, accomodation and FOOD. We're keeping costs down by doing all the catering ourselves, but that's still £5 a head per day with up to 20 people on set and it quickly adds up.
Hold up. Why does it need to be in the Midlands?
The location is in the heart of Staffordshire. Interestingly statistics in the UK right now say that 1 in 6 people are deaf or hearing impaired, however in Staffordshire it’s actually 1 in 5 due to the mining heritage.
Our story is based on real events and the house is peculiarly similar to the home of the real life silent child in which this story is inspired by. The interior of the house is beautiful and in no way indicative that a child lives there. It’s intentionally not child friendly. This was very important to us to stay authentic to our inspiration.
And why will it take 7 days?
Now many of you will know when casting a child actor in a film it's paramount to follow licensing rules and regulations which means that the child can perform for a maximum of 3 hours each day. Aaaaand the longer the shoot is, the more the budget increases... With a child being our protagonist, this is the sole reason why the shoot will take a full week to complete. We don't want to cut any unnecessary corners with the film, especially with the cast, and we fully believe it's worth everything it takes.
The character of Libby of course represents the widely unheard challenges that many deaf children face - the core heart of what 'The Silent Child' is about. So it's absolutely essential that we cast a deaf or hearing impaired child as Libby despite any scheduling or budgeting obstacles it presents us, and this is why all our preparation and budget planning has ensured that this will be possible.
What about the rest of the budget?
We're able to keep costs down in pre and post-production due to using our in-house production teams and post-production facilities at Slick Showreels.
This is a short film that’s aim is to raise awareness of the unheard challenges facing deaf children across the UK. Therefore our second overall biggest expense will be in distribution to make sure it’s seen by as wide an audience as possible. Not only will we be entering the film into numerous festivals and putting a lot of focus into publicity, we also aim to screen the film at many cinemas as special showings with all profits going directly to deaf associated charities and organisations.
But what do you get for helping other than a bubbly feeling?
Aside from knowing that you helped make a difference, there are a variety of perks that you can claim. Everything from a shout out on our widely followed social media platforms, a special thanks on the film credits, a shout out on your local radio, an article in your local paper, a sign language lesson with writer Rachel Shenton, a British Sign Language introduction course at your local college, tickets to the central London premiere … An Executive Producer credit on IMDB! To most importantly of all: pizza or personalised cupcakes delivered to your door!!
Why should you trust us?
Because we're.... Nice. We're bloody passionate. We're offering cupcakes? Not a sweet tooth? Still need more persuasion? Ah ok if you insist! Time for us to bring out our pedastals...
The Writer RACHEL SHENTON
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Rachel Shenton is an English actress and writer who has appeared in a number of British television series and films. Rachel made her American TV debut on ABC Family drama Switched at Birth in Season 3 as Lily Summers and is currently filming season 5. Her acting career began with recurring parts in various television series such as Holby City and Waterloo Road. She also filmed various television commercials for the Ministry of Defence, DFS and Sega Superstars Tennis and appeared in two British films. Rachel continued recurring appearances in 2008 appearing in Nickelodeon's series Genie in the House and Five's Sophia's Diary, playing Trisha. From 2010-2013 she starred in Hollyoaks as Mitzee Minniver.
When Rachel was 12, her father became profoundly deaf after undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Following the death of her father, Rachel learned sign language and qualified as an interpreter. In 2011 Rachel was made ambassador for the National Deaf Children's Society and she has since completed a skydive, climbed mount kilimanjaro and trekked The Great Wall of China in aid of the charity. Most recently in 2016 Rachel presented and produced a powerful documentary film entitled 'Deaf not Stupid' and she continues to raise awareness of deafness across the UK.
Other Ways You Can Help
SHARE SHARE SHARE :)
There are so many ways that you can help. Whether or not you can contribute, please help us spread the word far and wide to help get 'The Silent Child' made. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, shout it from the rooftops! It might not seem like much but you have no idea what a difference this will make. Money doesn't grow on tree's but it sure does grow on shares!
We hope that you find this story and what it stands for just as easy to become passionate about as we did.
Through this film we simply want to raise awareness and provoke a MUCH needed change at grassroots level. The more support there is, the more of a difference we can make.
