Private Project

Katie

Katie has spent the past 12 years of her life in a coma. After numerous glimmers of hope, the decision has finally been made to take her off life support. Katie is awoken when the sound of her crying mother seeps into her sub-conscience. Unable to communicate, Katie must find another way of returning to her before it’s too late.

  • Edd Roberts
    Director
  • Edd Roberts
    Writer
  • Alex Handschuh
    Producer
  • Asa Gartland
    DOP
  • Charlie Rees
    Camera
  • Bart Chomiszczak
    Editor
  • Christy Tattershall
    1st AD
  • Simona Cuninella
    Set Design
  • Edith Rose
    Set Design
  • Alex Bricknell
    Colourist
  • Bea García
    Make Up
  • Dylan Bickerton
    VFX
  • Peter Lomas
    Animation
  • Patrick Royall
    Sound Recordist / Design
  • Holly Isherwood
    Camera Assistant
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 16, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    1,250 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    2k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Edd Roberts

Edd Roberts, a sound designer by trade was awarded Best Sound in Factual for his work on The Wall, at the Student RTS West of England Awards earlier in 2017. As a result of this he wanted to branch out into drama to explore how the use of experimental sound could influence dramatic story telling. His dissertation focuses on how sound practitioners and directors have used sound to enter the interiors of a character. This research is evident in the sound design and the way in which the story of Katie is told.

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Director Statement

Edd Roberts (director), wanted to focus on the the strong bond shared between a mother and daughter. He did this by exploring themes of hope, loss and despair. The narrative stemmed from the account of a friends’ horrifying experiences endured whilst in a 5-day coma. During her time in this state, Katie experienced a series of vivid hallucinations; the powerful imagery and sonic recollections discussed, provided the basis of the story the director went on to script.

The film is set in a fictional representation of Katie’s house. The director wanted to have enough space to explore Katie’s subconscious whilst also maintaining a sense of claustrophobia. The location the production team sourced demonstrated the perfect balance between visual aesthetics and narrative coherence.

As part of a University degree, the production benefited from the support of industry professionals. The vast array of accessible knowledge and the charismatic drive of the crew, spurred the production on to reach heights similar to that of professional work.

The final product does not reflect the shoestring budget it was shot on; a clever use of sound and ever willing assistance of a tight nit group of family and friends enabled this ambitious film to reach the levels it strived to achieve.