Story Summary:

WATERSHED is a psychological horror that delves into themes of grief psychosis, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the fragility of those ties when confronted with the unexpected. Love, at its core, is both our greatest gift and our fiercest adversary. How do we silence the tormenting voices in our minds? Is it better to remain in the familiar comfort of the present, or to find the courage to face the uncertainty of tomorrow?

Set against the backdrop of a close-knit Caribbean/African family in central London, WATERSHED tells the story of Onika, the eldest daughter, who is preparing to leave for a new job as a Junior Costume Designer at a major film studio abroad. After a memorable farewell party filled with love and laughter, the family remains, enjoying the afterglow of the evening, while waiting for Uncle AJ to grab his plate before heading off to his night shift. As the night winds down, Onika begins serving the last of her Auntie's celebration cake when there’s an unexpected knock at the door.

Expecting Uncle AJ, Onika opens the door without checking through the peephole. Instead, she finds a masked man dressed in black, holding a gun, with a gym bag embroidered with cryptic symbols at his side. Stunned and frozen, Onika’s world shifts violently as a brutal fight for survival ensues. The family, working together, overpowers the intruder, narrowly escaping the horrors of a deadly home invasion.

But the story doesn’t end there. As the narrative unravels, we are taken back in time to the moment when the family gathered around the dining table. The same conversation plays out, but this time, the mood is unsettling and ominous. Reality begins to warp and the line between fantasy and truth blurs, as the terrifying events of the home invasion begin to unravel in a mentally harrowing battle between self-preservation and self-destruction.

Why This Film Matters:

This project goes beyond a grade—it’s an exploration of creativity, skill, and community, driven by our passion to contribute something meaningful to the world of cinema. Every contribution brings us one step closer to creating something we can all be proud of, and the impact of your support will be felt long after the final credits roll.

Goals and Budget:

Funding Goal: £1,000

We are seeking to raise £1,000 to bring our final student film to life. This budget will cover essential production costs, including location fees, props, cast and crew expenses (travel and food), and other necessary resources. Here's a breakdown of how we plan to use the funds:

Budget Breakdown:

• Location Fees: £600
  To secure the perfect setting for our story, we need to rent a suitable location in the heart of London that will help bring the vision to life. This includes any permits or fees for shooting in specific locations.
• Props, Set Dressing, Hair and Makeup: £100
  Our film requires specific props and set dressing to create an authentic atmosphere. This includes items such as costumes, set pieces, and any special items essential to the plot.
• Cast and Crew Expenses: £150
  To ensure the well-being of our cast and crew, we will use these funds to cover travel costs (to and from shooting locations), meals during long shooting days, and accommodation if required for out-of-town shoots.
• Contingency & Miscellaneous: £150

This is for any unexpected expenses that might arise during production, such as last-minute equipment rentals, additional materials, or emergency costs. ​

Why Your Support Matters:

Your contribution will help us create a high-quality film that reflects our passion and hard work. Every penny will go toward producing a polished and professional final product that we can proudly present at festivals and to our peers.

Exclusive Perks for Donors:

We’re incredibly grateful for your support, and we want to make sure you feel like a part of our journey. Here are the exclusive perks we’re offering to our backers:

• Film Credits: Every donor will receive a special thanks credit in the film titles, acknowledging your contribution to making this project a reality. Your name will be immortalized on the big screen!
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: As a backer, you'll get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage from our filming process. Watch the magic unfold as we capture the hard work and creativity that go into making this film.
• Invitation to Cinema Screening: We would love for you to join us at our exclusive cinema screening once the film is complete! This is a chance for you to see the final product on the big screen and celebrate with the cast, crew, and fellow supporters.

Impact of Our Film:

This film is not just a final project—it's a statement of our passion, creativity, and the skills we've honed throughout our time at university. Here's how your support will make an impact:

1. A Platform for Emerging Filmmakers:
   As students, this film is a stepping stone in our journey to becoming professional filmmakers. Your support will give us the resources to create a high-quality project that will showcase our talent to industry professionals and festival organizers. This could open doors for future opportunities and collaborations within the film industry.
2. A Unique and Thought-Provoking Story:
   The film explores themes (insert your themes here: e.g., identity, community, environmental awareness, etc.), offering a fresh perspective on important social issues. By supporting this project, you’re helping bring attention to stories that are often underrepresented or overlooked, sparking meaningful conversations in the audience.
3. Inspiring Future Filmmakers:
   By supporting this student project, you're encouraging the next generation of filmmakers to take risks and push boundaries. This film could inspire others to pursue their creative passions and work toward producing their own projects in the future.
4. Film Festival Potential:
   We plan to submit the film to multiple film festivals, which will help amplify its reach. If successful, the film will have the opportunity to be seen by audiences beyond our university and could create buzz within the film community.

Risks and Challenges:

While we are committed to making this film the best it can be, we recognize that every production comes with its own set of challenges. However, we’ve planned carefully and are fully prepared to handle any obstacles that may arise. Below are the potential risks and how we will mitigate them:

1. Location and Permitting Issues:
   • Risk: Securing locations and obtaining necessary permits can sometimes take longer than expected, which could impact our shooting schedule.
   • Mitigation: We’ve already begun the process of securing locations and permits well in advance. In case of delays, we have backup locations ready, and we’re flexible with our shooting schedule to accommodate any changes.
2. Budget Constraints:
   • Risk: Even with careful planning, we may encounter unforeseen expenses or find that some costs exceed our initial estimates.
   • Mitigation: We’ve set aside a small portion of our budget as a contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs. We are also committed to being flexible and resourceful, seeking alternative, cost-effective solutions to keep the project on track.
3. Crew or Cast Availability:
   • Risk: Due to the busy schedules of our cast and crew, there is always a possibility that someone may have a scheduling conflict or become unavailable due to illness or personal reasons.
   • Mitigation: We have a strong backup team in place, and all our key cast and crew are committed to the project. We will also ensure we have clear communication and flexible schedules to minimize disruptions.
4. Post-Production Delays:
   • Risk: The post-production process, including editing, sound design, and color grading, can sometimes take longer than anticipated.
   • Mitigation: We’ve built extra time into our timeline for post-production. We’ve also lined up skilled professionals who are experienced with tight deadlines to ensure the project stays on track.

Why We’re Confident:

We are a dedicated and motivated team with a clear vision for the project, and we’ve planned ahead to manage any risks that come our way. Our experience from past student projects has helped us prepare for these potential challenges, and we are committed to delivering the best possible final product regardless of any obstacles that arise.

Other Ways You Can Help:

We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, but there are still many ways you can help bring our film to life! Your support means the world to us, and here are a few ways you can make a difference:

1. Spread the Word:
   Help us reach a wider audience by sharing our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and anyone who may be interested in supporting the project. A simple share or shoutout can help us gain visibility and attract more backers!
2. Follow Us on Social Media:
   Stay connected with our progress and get sneak peeks of behind-the-scenes content by following our film’s social media pages. Engaging with our posts by liking, commenting, or sharing also helps amplify our message.
3. Encourage Others to Support:
   Word of mouth is powerful! If you know someone who might be interested in our project, please encourage them to check out our crowdfunding campaign. Personal recommendations go a long way.
4. Attend Our Screening:
   Whether you're a backer or a supporter, your presence at our film’s premiere screening would mean a lot to us. It’s a chance to celebrate together and share in the excitement of seeing the film completed.

Every Contribution Counts:

No matter the size or form of your support, we’re incredibly grateful for anything you can offer. Whether it’s sharing our campaign or helping us with your skills, every little bit makes a huge difference in bringing this project to life.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

The WATERSHED team.