Welcome to MAN>CODE's Post Production Crowdfunding page!

MAN>CODE is a fresh & exciting short film brought to you by Hatch Films. 

After filming wrapped in mid-March we are now looking raise £4000 to cover our Post Production costs and Film Festival Submission fees. 

We want to ensure we assemble a great post production team to get this film over the line and submitted into BAFTA & OSCAR qualifying festivals in the UK & US. 

Please do check out all the info below to learn more about the story & team behind MAN>CODE.

MAN>CODE is a funny short, that explores hook-up culture amongst Black queer men in Birmingham.

Lucas, a computer techie goes on an ordeal when he invites Theo around for what he thought would be no-strings-attached fun, but it takes an odd turn when his ex-girlfriend returns home early.

THE TEAM

Ryan Walker-Edwards (Writer)

Ryan Walker-Edwards is a Birmingham-born, London-based writer and actor of Jamaican descent whose work explores class and race relations in Afro-Caribbean communities in Birmingham and London.

At the end of last year, Ryan was selected for the inaugural Sky Studios Comedy Rep for his play 'Boys Who F**k, and Cry', which had its showcase at the Birmingham Rep; and his short story 'Safari' was commissioned by BBC Arts and Arts Council England as a short audio drama for BBC Sounds.

Ryan was awarded the DYSPLA Storymakers Residency 2022 to develop his script MAN>CODE, a six-month script-writing residency championing neurodivergent writers.

ADRIAN GARDNER (Director)

Adrian is a creative producer, workshop facilitator and director with nine years’ experience working with organisations such as Young Vic, Old Vic, Talawa, Roundhouse, Fuel, Theatre Royal Stratford East and currently Producer (Inclusion & Outreach). His practice is centred around creating compassionate, healing spaces for growth and discovery. He is also currently Director of the Young Producers Programme at Theatre Peckham, training young Black producers to curate events that reflect them.

Adrian is drawn to socially engaged work that aims to disrupt outdated narratives in creative ways, especially surrounding anti-racism, spirituality, sexuality, gender and radical self love.

GEORGE SOMNER (Producer)

George is an Actor & Filmmaker from South Birmingham. George champions talent & stories from working class backgrounds and under represented groups. His debut short film The Mourning Bird was produced in partnership with Oscar Winning Slick Films and is currently working its way through the festival circuit both in the UK & US. 

His recent Acting Credits include Sex Education (Netflix) This Is Going To Hurt (BBC). Upcoming Credits -  The Hunger Games - The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (Lionsgate) and This Town (BBC).

GEORGIA NEATH

Georgia is an Actor and Producer from the West Midlands. Notable work includes Raindance Film Festival qualifying feature film 'Hilda' executive produced by Tim Roth and working with Screen Daily Stars of Tomorrow 2020 Director Charlotte Regan on BBC Three & Fudge Park Productions mini series '0121' cast by Shaheen Baig. Georgia is passionate about showcasing the talent and stories that the Midlands has to offer.

HATCH FILMS (Production Company)

'Hatch Films CIC is a community impact video production company working towards equity in the UK Film/TV industry for talent from underrepresented or low socio-economic backgrounds.

We support talent with their career goals though training, mentoring, funding and networking.

We work with larger production companies to diversify their crews and source new talent.

Supported by Uber, Vivendi, NFTS, Unltd and Princes Trust our aim is to build equity, embed a culture of development and create safe environments for talent from underrepresented backgrounds.'

Executive Producers Robert Douglas & Glen Funnell have been instrumental in getting MAN>CODE off the ground. 

Company Ethos:

• Equity: To level the playing field for groups underrepresented in the film and tv industry (crew).
• Development: To build a culture of finding, developing and investing in diverse talent.
• Safety: To provide safe spaces for people from underrepresented groups to meet, up-skill and work

VISION

Witty, bold and queer stories about black men are important, Man Code aims to provide representation for a group that is often underrepresented especially in comedy. Man Code will challenge stereotypes and promote a conversation around cultural acceptance. In addition, it can serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for black men who may not see themselves portrayed on screen.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

To be Black and queer and to accept your personal truth can feel like a huge feat in this world, one of the many reasons I’m drawn to this story.  I’m interested in the narratives of marginalised people who overcome their deepest fears. Whether it’s being terrified about people knowing who you really are, or the fear of letting yourself be loved fully, that’s what we explore in Lucas and Theo.

This is not a queer trauma story.  This is a story about two men practicing the ancient art of hooking up and discovering a deeper sense of intimacy in being honest. It's the story of what it’s like to allow someone else into your world when you’ve desperately been trying to hide. Despite the avoidant tactics of humour and emotionally closing themselves off, Lucas and Theo can’t run from being vulnerable. 

I hope this film allows someone to feel a bit freer. To say what they really feel rather than what they think should be said. I hope the audience feel the warmth of these characters when they allow themselves to be seen more fully. Through their awkward fumblings, they somehow stumble into deeper self acceptance. I hope audiences are invested in the discovery.

WHERE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE USED:

The Edit

Sound Design & Mix

Composition

Music Rights

Colour Grade & Conform

Film Festival Submissions

DCP (Digital Cinema Package)

We understand that not everyone is in a position to financially contribute to MAN>CODE. Another way to contribute would be sharing this Greenlit page on your socials or forwarding to anyone you feel may want to get involved in bringing this film to the big screen. A simple share really can go a long way.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read up on MAN>CODE. We can't wait to share this film with you all.