THE PROJECT

Stay Calm is a 20 minute, edge of the seat thriller, set entirely in the back of an ambulance as three paramedics fight to save the life of a wounded criminal. Acclaimed actors Shaun Dooley, Lucy Eaton and Saffron Davies spiral the action into ethical discourse about whether to save a life or let them die. 

STATUS

With the project in the can, the team are seeking additional completion funding to secure the all important colour grade, music mix, sound design and distribution plan.

MEET THE TEAM 

Bringing this project to life are this fine bunch of industry professionals. Combining their recourses, the wider team featured a sound recordist from Mission Impossible, a Netflix Director of Photography, and an acclaimed and star studded cast.

ACCLAIMED CAST

"Working with this stellar ensemble cast has been one the biggest highlights of my film career so far. Lucy Eaton was the perfect Nora, she expertly embodied the character's professionalism and straight-shooter nature as a paramedic, while at the same time bringing truth to her vulnerability and it was a treat to watch her bring new life into a character I had been sitting on for so long.

We struggled to find the right person to play Addy, until Saffron Davies came along. We needed someone who could seem cold and ruthless, but yet still convince us and bring the audience to her side. Saffron gives Addy that balance and I think the audience will have conflicting opinions about her.

Then of course there's Shaun Dooley, an absolute delight to have on screen as well on the set. When I write a screenplay I often unwillingly attribute a character to an actor, and Shaun was always Stuart in my head, from the first line of dialogue. Stuart is a character who is unwavering, a little standoffish yet also morally conflicted and empathetic. Shaun walks this line beautifully, and I remember when we first met we talked about the intricacies of this character and the ethics of the story for hours. He has so much respect for storytelling and I can't imagine any one else in the role.

All of the cast members involved in this film had such passion for the story and the characters they were portraying, that it made collaborating with them such an enjoyable experience and I am very excited to show this film to the world and get people talking about who they might side with."

- Chas Harrington, Director and Writer.

WHY ARE WE RAISING FUNDS?

So far, the entire production has been self funded by Chas. From here on, funds raised will be spread across post-production and distribution. We call these our completion funds. 

Post-production is one of those vital components we can't cut corners on. As we close in on the colour grade, sound design and music composition, raising additional funds to ensure we can bring the right people together, is more important than ever. With the film in the can, the icing on the cake is the final layer for this masterpiece.

BRINGING THIS STORY TO LIFE

Stay Calm has been in the writing drawer for several years, waiting for it's big "make me" moment. Following some extensive research and talks with medical professionals to fact check the story, Stay Calm was in a good place to bring to the screen. 

In the short space of just 2 months, Chas (Director) met with Freddie (Producer) from Graded Films, and both agreed there and then that before the end of the year (2023) Stay Calm would be in the can. 

The team that assembled could be called a "dream team", but that would be too cheesy wouldn't it? But it's true, with a stand out cast, and a crew fit for kings, Stay Calm was brought to life over three days at Garden Studios in North London.

We want people to come away from this film not only thrilled but also engrossed in discussion about who they side with and what they themselves would do in that situation.These types of debates are important in today's society, especially about a subject as raw as hate crime. It's a story we are all very passionate about and firmly believe needs to be told.

FINDING THE LOOK

Rick Joaquim is renowned for his exceptionally talented eye when it comes to visual storytelling. It doesn't take you long to realise that filming in the back of an ambulance wont be easy. Not to mention 4 cast members in one small space, along with a director of photography and a camera rig. It was decided that the film should be shot on the smallest package possible. 

With the help of Hawk London, Rick chose the latest MiniHawk lenses which provide anamorphic characteristics with high speed optics and all in a tiny, lightweight package. 

Here's a little taster from Ricks lens test for the Mini Hawks...

WHY FUNDING MATTERS?

It's not just the hours of blood, sweat and tears that make films. Finance plays a really important part in helping productions get made. Finishing Stay Calm to the high standard it deserves is so important. When we've come this far, and achieved such a lot, let's finish this film in style. 

Stay Calm is also being developed on as a larger concept, and with the final film to show for it, the pitch as an episodic version for television will soar. 

From £5 to £500, any donation is greatly appreciated. 

Thank you from the Stay Calm team.

SUPPORTERS

Stay Calm has been proudly supported and endorsed by Garden Studios, who provided studio spaces for the duration of shoot, Hawk London, who provided camera and grip support and will give it that recognisable Stay Calm look, and of course Cheat London who will provide their exceptional post-production support with the help of your funding.