We are students at Central Film School London, raising money to create our 10-minute Graduation Film! 

Will - a gambling fisherman puts it all on the line to try and save himself from the debts he owes to his merciless landlord. His pregnant wife, Carol senses the consequences of his recklessness, but is afraid he won't listen. However, a mighty storm will change the odds for everyone...

This story is inspired by Charles Dickens’ Victorian novels detailing exploitation and the impacts of the industrial revolution, as well as Moby Dick’s themes of humanity in conflict with nature, yet always at its mercy. Furthermore, it’s a story about the insatiable human desire for more - how we take all for granted until we are left in humility when we lose it, only to repeat the process when we succeed again.

One night in the late 1800's, Will the fisherman loses most of his savings gambling and can't pay the rent to his merciless landlord. Despite his wife's disapproval, Will makes a bet that while the landlord goes on a sailing trip, he can catch enough fish in a day to pay the rent or else he will lose the house and be forced to work in the landlord’s factory.

However, after fishing all day he is caught by a storm that sinks all his belongings and leaves him swimming in a riptide where he realizes he has to stop fighting the current. He gets back home in the morning, finally accepting defeat and apologizing to his wife.

Suddenly, a knock on the door which they expect to be the landlord turns out to Will’s gambler friend, announcing the landlord's death in the storm. In the end we are left wondering if Will has fully confronted his old gambling ways, or if this unexpected win will reignite his compulsions.

Our actors’ and crews’ safety are our top priority. We are working with the Hastings Filming Council and the local lifeboat station to maintain the safest set possible. Lifeguards will be available as well as life-vests for the actor and crew.  

For a student budget these expenses are incredibly costly. Many student films, even graduation film projects, do not pay their actors. To obtain the most authentic performances, we have chosen to go through a lengthy casting process to cast the best actors for the role. This will take up a substantial portion of the budget, but it is an expense we are willing to pay for quality acting. On top of the actors’ expenses, we will also be paying for travel for all cast and crew.  

We will be shooting on Rock-A-Nore beach which will require many safety precautions and costs. A project of this magnitude needs considerable funding. Our funding goals will go towards: 

• Travel 
• Paying actors 
• Catering 
• Lifeguards and other safety measures 
• Locations 
• Props and costumes  
• Insurance 
• Post-Production

If you can contribute any amount, we would be ever so grateful.

Thank you,

‘Off the Hook’ production team.