Across the Ocean is a short film drama/ psychological thriller that tackles the subject of grief and mental health.

Studies show that the more social support people in the grieving stages receive the better the chances of their recovery are. Therefore it is only natural that the best support during grief is creating genuine connections and sharing our stories. 

 

We’re inviting you to help us share ours. 

 

We’re raising £ 25,000 to shoot and complete the film.

 

We would love for you to become part of our journey and thank each and every one of you for your time and effort.

 

LISTEN OUT for a shout-out to our campaign at HOXTON RADIO with Tallulah Syron who hosts her weekly show THAT'S SO COOL with all the best new music and talented guests. 

 https://hoxtonradio.com/

 

A special THANK YOU to all of our amazing artists and talented friends who have gifted some of their work as rewards for our campaign.

To our supporters: Please know that all of the artwork, experiences and items we have created for you as rewards are unique and many of them can not be acquired elsewhere. They all include a donation in their pricing and we have matched the value with the size of the donation.

 

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND YOUR SUPPORT OF THE ARTS AND MENTAL HEALTH.

 

THE STORY:

Across the Ocean centres around a young mother, Alicia, who due to the impact of her tragic loss suffers from a grief-induced break from reality during which she denies the death of her young son Oscar.

 

BACKGROUND:

The story of Across the Ocean was informed by real-life events. As we dove deeper into exploring the stigma around loss, we realised that a general lack of awareness and ingrained societal norms create even more isolation for people in grief, often leading to further mental health problems. The emotions around loss are difficult to share but ultimately they need to be shared in order to be healed. After all, loss is a universal human experience and within it lies an opportunity to create more compassion and kindness in the world; To stand shoulder by shoulder with those who have experienced life’s most tragic events and let their truths be seen.

 

That is what inspired us to make this film.

 

VISUAL REFERENCES/STORYBOARD:

 

 

THE TEAM:

Martin Serene

PRODUCER/ 1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Martin Serene is a 1st Assistant Director, Actor and Producer. His career spans over 30 years in the film industry. He has worked with some of the most established directors in the industry like Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, David Slade, Peter Care, Spike Jonze, Sam Beyer, David la Chapelle , Peggy Sirota ,Tom Dey, Mick G, Toby Tremlett, Hughie Johnson, Estevan Oriol ,Sean Penn and many more. He has worked on some of music history’s most iconic music videos for artists like David Bowie, Tina Turner,  Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins and many many more. 

He has made a name for himself as an AD for delivering on time and on budget. His film credits include Ill Manors and Lawful Killing - Mark Duggan.

He has recently turned to producing and won an award in the category BEST PRODUCER at Cannes Short Film Festival for his work on the film  ‘Bacon’’, directed by Geoff Bell.

Martin also works as an actor. He is best known for his role as ‘Wild Bill’ in Fincher’s Se7en and has most recently been seen on stage in the play ‘Danny and the Deep Blue Sea’ at the Clapham Omnibus Theatre in London. 

 

Franziska Morai

WRITER/ PRODUCER

Franziska Morai is an actress, screenwriter and 2nd Assistant Director. Since moving to London Franziska has been seen in numerous short films and music videos as well as the docu drama ‘Shore Leave’ and the feature film ‘Schadenfreude’. She has most recently been seen as Roberta in the two-hander ‘Danny and the Deep Blue Sea’ at the Clapham Omnibus Theatre. 

Apart from acting, Franziska has honed her skills as a screenwriter and written numerous short films, TV pilots and plays. She has recently created a concept and pilot episode for a fantasy drama called ‘Godfall’ where she collaborated with American showrunner Adam Targum. She has also worked numerous times as Martin’s right-hand woman on set as a 2nd Assistant Director.

 

Joe Douglas

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Joe Douglas is one of the U.K.’s top cinematographers today. He has worked on numerous fashion and music videos as well as some of the biggest commercials up to date such as Net-a-Porter with Jodie Comer, Chanel Jewelry, Google and many more. He has collaborated with Martin on the short film ‘Bacon’ for which he was nominated in the category BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER at Venice Short Film Festival.

 

Mariya Evtimova

ART DEPARTMENT

Mariya Evtimova is a production designer and set decorator who started her journey working on music videos, commercials and short films. She’s worked her way up to big tv and film production. Her most recent credits include Assistant Set Decorator on ‘Killing Eve’  season 4, Assistant Set Decorator on ‘The End We Start From’  and Action Prop Buyer on ‘Culprits’.

 

Jeff Vine

1st ASSISTANT CAMERA MAN

Jeff Vine’s career spans over 30 years in the industry. He’s worked as a 1st Assistant Camera Man on some of the most successful films in the industry such as Crimson Tide, Days of Thunder, The Last Boy Scout, The Fan, Enemy of the State, and many many more.

 

BUDGET BREAKDOWN: