Rabbit Skull

A 10-minute short that explores the influence subcultures of aggression have on young men’s identity. Following two teenage boys’ attempts to control their insecurities amidst rising pressure to adhere to distorted, hypermasculine ideals. Through their uneasy, shifting relationship, the film examines the destructive impact these reckless behaviours have on their friendship and sense of self.

Joseph
Kinrade
£890.00
raised of £2,500.00 goal
Funded
17 Backers
Genre
Drama
Scope
Short
Seeking funding for
Production
Campaign type
Flexible Funding
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    Project

    Rabbit Skull

    Joseph
    Kinrade
    Genre
    Drama
    Seeking funding for
    Production
    Scope
    Short
    Campaign type
    Flexible Funding
    Image

    Toby, a reserved and sensitive boy begins to mask his expression – both figuratively and literally – when childhood friend Lukas slowly starts to lose himself to the hateful rhetoric of his new acquaintance, Max. Feeling their divide growing but unable to break free from their toxic relationship, Toby crafts a crude mask of a rabbit skull, escaping into the persona to prevent his inner turmoil from fracturing his reality. After Lukas’s plan to integrate Toby with Max fails, Toby sees no escape. Unable to reconcile their diverging paths, he envisions a disturbing act of violence against Lukas and Max, renouncing their culture of brutality while slipping deeper into his own psychosis.

    Image

    Toby, Age 17 

    Toby is an introspective and observant character. His sensitivity to a shift within Lukas has led him to suppress his personality to avoid humiliation. His growing inner rage clashes with his gentle nature. In a last-ditch effort to divert his feelings of shame, he crafts the rabbit skull to express a part of himself he’s unable to voice.

    Lukas, Age 17 

    Lukas has adopted a facade of hypermasculine brutality to mask insecurities about his intelligence and popularity. He's unpredictable, shifting from juvenile camaraderie to reckless competitiveness. His comfortable yet absent upbringing made him crave attention, but this bravado hides a vulnerability that is being taken advantage of. 

    Max, Age 25 

    Max is an intimidating, but captivating presence Lukas met online. His predatory influence and dismissive nature stem from an understanding that those who truly knew him would stay far away. He’s a radical who tests boundaries by pushing others to their limits as a method to assert control over those closest to him.

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    I believe the story is important because how we choose to reveal, or compromise, our identity are key choices for us as human beings, especially in our youth. Through the portrayal of a relationship under pressure, we analyse the role masculinity plays in social conformity, radicalisation and the perpetuation of destructive behaviours, as these boys stand on the precipice of adulthood. It’s a story I believe can have a real transformative power. Through naturalistic performances and careful storytelling, I want the audience to see facets of their world in the film.  Ask who around them they see in these characters, and what influence holding a mirror up to these behaviours could have. 

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    I wrote this film because I wanted to explore male friendships in the modern day from the perspective of an outsider. Toxic masculinity as a label is often thrown around in the media, but I have always felt detached from how the idea is commonly discussed. In real life, it’s common for people to lose their friends to ideologies that manipulate the insecurities of young people, particularly young men. I started writing the script to lay my preconceived notions of male relationships in front of me and interrogate my own ideas. What was important to me was to approach the characters with a removed sense of judgement, and examine at an interpersonal level why we stay in relationships that harm us. I’m very excited to see how Will interprets the script and hopefully, our differing personal perspectives and experiences will create a film that people can connect with. 

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    As students, we face unique financial challenges when it comes to producing a film. Unlike established filmmakers, we are working with limited resources and juggling the demands of our studies. With your support, we can rent the high-quality cameras, lighting, and locations that will help us achieve the professional look we’re aiming for. Additionally, submitting to film festivals is a huge opportunity for us to gain exposure, but entry fees can be a challenge. Your support would help build a platform for future projects and establish ourselves as emerging filmmakers in the industry.

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    Thank you for taking the time to view our crowdfunding campaign!

    You can follow our journey @RabbitSkullFilm on Instagram.

    £890.00
    raised of £2,500.00 goal
    Funded
    17 Backers
    Special Thanks

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    - Exclusive link to the film upon completion

    £5.00
    Digital Downloads

    - High-Quality Downloadable Poster + Script
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    - Exclusive link to the film upon completion

    £10.00
    See the Film First!

    - Exclusive invite to a screening of the film
    - Your name in the credits
    - High-quality downloadable poster + script
    - Link to the film upon completion

    (48 remaining out of 50)
    £25.00
    Concept Art

    - Postcard-sized art print
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    - Link to the film upon completion

    (25 remaining out of 25)
    £35.00
    Signed Script

    - Signed copy of the script addressed to you personally
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    - Link to the film upon completio

    (9 remaining out of 10)
    £50.00
    Signed A3 Film Poster

    - A3 Film Poster signed to you personally
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    (10 remaining out of 10)
    £75.00
    Rabbit Skull Bundle

    - A3 Film Poster signed to you personally
    - Signed copy of the script addressed to you personally
    - Postcard-sized art print
    - Exclusive invite to a screening of the film
    - Your name in the credits
    - High-quality downloadable poster + script
    - Link to the film upon completion

    (10 remaining out of 10)
    £125.00
    Executive Producer

    - Listed as 'Executive Producer' in the credits
    - A3 Film Poster signed to you personally
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    - High-quality downloadable poster + script
    - Link to the film upon completion

    (3 remaining out of 5)
    £250.00
    The Rabbit's Skull

    - Film used prop of the paper maché rabbit skull
    - Listed as 'Executive Producer' in the credits
    - A3 Film Poster signed to you personally
    - Copy of the script signed to you personally
    - Postcard-sized art print
    - Exclusive invite to a screening of the film
    - High-quality downloadable poster + script
    - Link to the film upon completion

    (1 remaining out of 1)
    £500.00