An homage to our love of the zombie subgenre, Water Meadow is a tale of family, survival, and an honest look at what you'd really do if you were running for your life from a flesh-eating monster through a dark forest. 

Combining all of our favourite elements from this pop culture phenomenon, our film will explore the human condition and how it adapts to a new world order, through the eyes of two sisters. 

In this tale, we meet Sophia, a dynamic survivor of the world. As a protector, she shields her younger sister Zoe, a girl of optimism and life, from the horrors that have sprung in the new world.

An infection of unknown origins haunts the corners of this former society, causing complete collapse. The population either succumbed to disease, embraced their wilder nature, or banded together for protection. The only haven is a rumoured island to the south. Will the sisters be able to catch a ride?

Along their journey, the girls reach a vast Water Meadow, a dark liquid grave blocking their path. With this backdrop, the girls explore their fears, discuss their future, and face an unseen enemy that could destroy their family unit.  

Production Timeline

A logistically ambitious project, we aspire to shoot on location over three nights in early to mid-spring 2025. With elements of forest action, water work, and stunts, we aim to bring as many practical aspects as we can into our sandbox. 

The reason for a long prep period is simple really - we don't want to work at night in winter (it does get cold in the UK). We are also all working professionals, providing our services in our own time. Allowing an extended prep period allows us to plan fully with no last-minute problems.  

We are seeking funding to make this a safe and secure shoot for our team and of course, make the film look amazing for our viewers. While we are developing relationships with companies for kit hires and additional services - your donations will be the bedrock on which our film rests moving forward. Allowing us the create fantastic prosthetics, hire excellent props, enter top-tier locations, and most importantly feed the crew. 

The Cast

'SOPHIA' played by MARINA BYE

Marina Bye is a London-based actor and comedian known for her duo act Siblings. She has trained at Guildhall and worked in film, TV, and stage, winning an Offie award for her performance in Ibsen’s Lady from the Sea with the Norwegian Ibsen company at the Coronet Theatre. 

In the last three years, Marina has been involved in a range of films and TV, appearing in: Disney+ We Were the Lucky Ones, the newly released Wonka, the new Bridget Jones 'Mad About the Boy’ and the soon-to-be-released Amazon Prime show The Girlfriend.

'ZOE' played by OLIVIA CHURCHILL

Olivia Churchill is an actor based in Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire. Her training includes the ‘National Youth Theatre,’ as an active member since 2021, and the LAMDA Aspiring Company x Orange Tree Theatre since 2024. 

Olivia has been a part of several theatre productions most recently including; Ensemble in Nest, multi-role in The Crown and the Cotswolds, and as Tash in In Harms Way.

The Team

Director | MARINA BYE

Lending her talents in front of and behind the camera, and having been around and involved in the process of filmmaking, Marina then went on to Direct. Her most recent project was the short film Right to Buy and directing the stage production of The Portobello Pantomime two years in a row to raise money for local charities.

Marina is eager to continue building her career in directing alongside her acting and comedy career. With opportunities like short films and like-minded creatives, this is the best way for a young director to build their expertise.

Writer/Producer | SAM ROELANDTS

An Oxford-based writer and aspiring producer, Sam has been involved in the creative industries since leaving school, exploring HETV and Feature Film through the Art and Production Departments. This has given Sam the experience and contacts to develop his independent work, both artistically and logistically.

Director of Photography | LOU MACNAMARA

With a background working in visual arts curation and shooting indie documentaries, Lou moved into the Camera Department working in HETV, Features, and Commercials. Applying their skills learned operating and assisting, Lou has since shot numerous shorts and artist films, including collaborating with Marina on her recent short film Right to Buy.

Costume Designer | ALEXANDRA SHORE

A designer from Brighton, Alex studied 'Costume with Performance Design' at the Arts University Bournemouth. Inspired by Brighton and people watching Alex takes inspiration from the people she has met. She likes to play with colour within her costumes to show narrative and tone within a film.

Special Effects Supervisor | CHRISTOPHER J CORBOULD

A member of one of the largest Special Effects dynasties in the history of the film industry. Chris has been an SFX Supervisor on some of the largest films to grace the United Kingdom, most recently including Wicked Part One & Two, Venom: The Last Dance, and Project Hail Mary. He has kindly offered his services to this production, supporting his friends across the industry.

Chris somehow has no photos of himself online in this modern age, so here's a picture of a stunt explosion he assisted with on the set of Skyfall.

Hair & Make-Up Designer | GIULIA TEDONE

An Italian Hair & Make Up Artist, graduated from Birmingham as 'Specialist Hair & Media Make Up.' After moving to London, Giulia began by working on various short films, and has now worked as a trainee on bigger feature films. She loves receiving scripts, designing looks that fit the story, and bringing to life characters that don’t exist, creating a new reality.

Developing Talent & Skills

An essential goal of this film is to develop our team's talent, skills, and careers. Short Film projects like this one are the best way to develop skills, network with industry veterans, and step into roles they would never have the opportunity to on larger-format shows. Therefore, they give them the confidence to further their careers in the wider industry and succeed at a faster rate.

Aesthetic Inspiration