Poster by Thomas Strugnell and Susie Holm
On set images
Production HAKS officially formed as a company as a result of our dissertation, in which each member of the team was required to complete two specialisms. 'Notify', a thriller/drama, was the project under which I completed my directing specialism. As such, I was responsible for the direction of actors and the delivery of the script - which was written collaboratively with the Producer, Susie Holm. I was also responsible for casting, set dressing, props and costume. I also worked collaboratively with the Director of Photography, Arseni Loika, on storyboarding and shot lists. Our university's guidelines surrounding the completion of our projects meant that the Production HAKS team were in a bubble, and as an added pre-caution, we worked to the rule of 6 on set. As a result, I was interested in tackling a project which focused on a dysfunctional relationship, unbeknown to one of the partners involved. The inclusion of diverse storytelling is important to me, as a creator. Whilst it was not intentional (having initially written a gender-neutral script) I was excited to complete a short film with a lesbian couple in which their sexuality was not a focal point to the plot. I am thrilled to say I received a first in our dissertation projects, overall!
'Notify' received honourable mention at the London International Monthly Film Festival of July 2021!
Storyboard
Script and annotations
Shot List