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We’re Iris and Holly, a Writer/Director and Co-Producer duo raising money to make our short film, Sidney. 

Fresh out of clown school, Sidney has high aspirations for his first children’s birthday party booking. But things take a turn when he is dragged into a power struggle with the birthday boy’s dad. With his career at risk, can Sidney find a way to reconnect with himself and his audience?

This film explores the inner struggle between freedom and fear and what happens when the longing for human connection is hindered by the impulse to control and self-preserve. Throughout the film, we see these two sides battle for dominance and learn what it takes to express ourselves freely and authentically. 

We’ve already raised over 35% of our budget and have put money in from our own pockets, but to tell this story in the best possible way we need an additional £5000 to cover location fees and kit. Scroll down to see more about our budget.

Director, Iris Breward

As a filmmaker, I am interested in truthful, character-driven stories which have heightened comedic and romantic elements. I want to reveal optimism and humour in everyday human experience. You can see some of my previous work here: https://www.irisbreward.co.uk/. 

I wrote ‘Sidney’ to play out the struggle I have as a woman filmmaker to centre my own creative instincts and shut out judgement and expectation. 

Along the way, the ‘clowns’ in my life have helped me mend my relationship to my own creativity and learn how to be more free. 'Sidney' is an homage to those brave, truthful people and an attempt to offer that same liberation to others.

The Team

Co-Producer, Holly O’Brien

Holly is an independent creative producer and curator based in Cambridge, UK. Previously, she has produced projects and short videos for art organisations including Wysing Arts Centre, (Cambridge), Tramway (Glasgow), Hunterian Art Gallery (Glasgow) and East Street Arts (Leeds). 

“SIDNEY is about being yourself, facing your critics head on and holding onto your artistic integrity. As a female creative it is important to tell stories that see human connection and playfulness triumph over ego and self doubt.”

Actor, Kieran Dee

Kieran is an award winning writer and actor. He is a founding member of MoonLoaf Theatre, currently associate artists of The Lion and Unicorn Theatre. His work with MoonLoaf includes writing and performing in award winning shows Hematoma and TIFO. Signed with Julie Fox Associates, he continues to work in a wide range of roles for theatre and film. 

“I’m really interested in Sidney as a character and how I can facilitate his journey as George. The idea of the performer who’s having to change what they do to pay the bills is something I think artists of all disciplines can recognise.”

Production Designer, Beatrice Karpovic

Beatrice is a versatile creative focusing on visual storytelling. Her practice reflects her passion for film, art and media, as well as an interest in diverse cultural environments and how we shape emotion within them. She recently graduated from WCA and is currently freelancing as an Art Director, Set Designer and Graphic Designer.

"I fell in love with the script of SIDNEY when first read it and the message of the piece resonated with me. Not to mention it's such a visually exciting project!"

We are also excited to hint at future collaboration with a national award-winning Cinematographer and a Producer with 10 years of experience in the industry!

Budget

• Our crowdfunding target is £5,000
• £2000 will cover locations
• £2000 will cover kit hire
• £1000 will cover props, materials, transport and expenses
• Any additional money raised will go towards our post production budget (editing, colouring, music, poster & stills and festival submissions)

Here is a pie chart breaking down our budget:

Why we need your help

• Funding early-career short films is extremely challenging. Larger grant funders are looking for established names they can bet on, making it hard for creatives entering the industry to make films in the first place. 
• As a new filmmaker, I have made a number of projects on a shoestring budget with a DIY approach: https://www.irisbreward.co.uk/. My recent short ‘More Than Strangers’ was entirely self-funded and made with friends and available resources. This taught me countless valuable lessons and provided me with a way to cut my teeth without being encumbered by the usual filmmaking costs. 
• However, in order to keep making more ambitious films and continue my development as a filmmaker, I need to build my portfolio. To build an impressive portfolio of work which is of professional level, financial support is vital at this stage specifically. 
• That is where crowdfunding comes in. Making ‘Sidney’ is about all of us in the team taking the next step in our careers and developing as creatives in order to be recognised by the industry. We are ready to handle a larger production and create a film which can be screened at festivals and which can speak for itself. 
• We need your support and faith in doing that, we hope that you can bet on us and our drive to do this and help us at this crucial stage. Getting that first professional-level film under our belts opens up a world of possibility: more filmmaking opportunities, film school, new career options etc. We hope you can help us take this step! 

Other ways you can help

If you aren’t able to donate there are other ways you can help:

• Share this crowdfunder! Maybe someone you know will want to get involved and/or donate.
• Speak to friends and family individually about why and how they can support. 
• Use the Greenlit share tools!
• Get in touch if you're interested in any of the crew or cast roles.

Video Music by Brandon M. Bizzle