The Idea

Boxed is a four-part web mini series about creative people who work in non creative roles, within the Arts. Pat is a wannabe writer working as a ticket seller in a struggling independent theatre. She aspires to make it in the industry but soon realises that so do most of the staff she works with. All four episodes take place over the course of one day, told through multiple perspectives. Its just another day for rejected writer Pat, until she stumbles across a huge secret, the knowledge of which could make or break the future of the playhouse. Meanwhile ex child actor and box office worker, Mickey, goes on several auditions, only to land the one role that truly questions her motivation. And finally we follow the delivery guy John, whose only passion has been to deliver packages, until this day, when he finds himself in the spotlight. Boxed is a farcical, tongue in cheek insight into the inner workings of the creatively repressed.

Origins

Boxed was originally called The Creatives, particles of the original story have been floating around my brain for several years, eventually forming into a real live entity, living script, breathing actors, a generous crew and the support of the University of Technology, Sydney. I didn't decide to do my Masters in order to get a piece of paper or become even more in debt to the Australian Government (good luck with that Government), it was to make this project. As corny as it sounds, I believe in the story and I believe in the people I've entrusted to tell that story.

The TeamLet me introduce some of my co-conspirators:

Bernie Lu, Assistant Director (and actor), man of many talents and experience which belies his age.

Josef Heks, DOP and lighting designer, the stars aligned and somehow Senor Spielbergo allowed him leave to work on Boxed. Score!

Sophie Webb, actor and co producer, whose intelligence and charisma are only outdone by her ability to sob hysterically on command. Girl can act.

Anna Martin, actor, and genesis for Boxed. Anna doesn't know this but one conversation with her over a beer in the foyer of a dark and dingy theate, led me to stay up all night writing the first draft of this story. Boxed is lucky to have her as it's leading lady.

Jenna Martin, actor, brings the funnies, writer, director, actor, producer, stalker of Meryl Streep and encyclopedia of obscure film & tv, Jenna is my guru.

Raphael Stephens, actor and camera assistant, working on Raph's time travel documentary a few years back, showed me that a student film doesn't have to be rubbish, it can be...wait for it...good!

But wait there's more!

Julia Bubb & Andy Whitford (Lovers, Dreamers, Drivers), Victor Areces (Actor, homeless bum number 1/Lights/Camera Assist.), Lachlan Roberts (savant at awkward conversation - by his own admission and invaluable Script Editor), Owen Kunnen (art dept/poster designer/monty python enthusiast), Dylan Birchall (Korean apartment expert/art dept), Drew Norley (Sound Recordist/undervalued team member), JD Lakhiani (Sound Designer/vegetarian), Jin Xin (ridicuously helpful/data wrangler/Camera Assistant), Annabel Blake (Delicious Catering), Andrew Dillon (Actor, dramaturg with high hair), Alex Bryant-Smith (Actor: i hate this box delivery guy), Benito Di Fonzo (Actor, artistic director and taxidermied dog lover), Tug Dumbly (Actor, pantless business man extroadinaire), RitaKhan Chen (Actor, specialising in foot shots Donna): All generous and talented individuals who have a continuing hand in the production of Boxed!

What we need and what you get

So this is a long term project, its life will extend past the five day shoot we are about to embark upon and while most of this project is running on the smell of an oily rag, there are some things what need spending on.

Some of the expenses are listed below:

Art Department: $300

Additional Equipment Hire: $250

Travel and transport: $300

Administration expenses: $400

Catering: $350

Post Production: $400

Major costs such as location, key equipment, cast and crew payment are being provided per the University of Technology, Sydney or out of the goodness and passions of those involved. However, any donations not used towards the above will be divided amongst the cast and crew as a token payment towards the time they have invested into this project.

That's enough from me! Check out the benefits of being a donor, I hope you can join Further Below Films on the first of what will be many adventures, and you can say you were there when...