A Hero. A Tragedy. A Choice.

About me:

Matthew Parratt - Writer, Director, VFX

Hi, my name is Matthew Parratt, and I’m a 28 year old VFX and Motion student at the University of South Wales.

For the past few years, I’ve been deeply passionate about visual storytelling and filmmaking, collaborating with film students and working on a variety of short films to bring cinematic visions to life. My expertise in visual effects has allowed me to help craft exciting worlds and stories, but now, I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet. Creating my own film from the ground up.

Beyond Human is my Final Major Project at university, but it’s also much more than that. It’s a story about power, identity, and the consequences of public perception, blending grounded superhero elements with psychological drama. Inspired by my love of storytelling, I’ve developed this project to push my skills in VFX, motion design, and filmmaking to their highest level, preparing me for a future in the industry.

Synopsis:

In a world where heroes are worshiped and scrutinized in equal measure, Kai Lawson, known to the public as the vigilante Eclipse, has spent years using his energy based abilities to save lives. But one tragic mistake changes everything. During a high-stakes rescue, a stray blast of energy takes the life of an innocent bystander.

Captured on camera, the footage spreads like wildfire across social media, igniting a wave of public outrage. Eclipse goes from being a symbol of hope to a cautionary tale. Headlines demand justice. Protests erupt. Kai, overwhelmed by guilt and scrutiny, withdraws from the world.

But he isn’t alone for long. His friend, Joe, introduces him to The Sovereign, a secretive online group that claims to stand by him. They call him a misunderstood hero, a martyr. At first, their words offer comfort, a sense of belonging. But beneath their support lies something darker. They don’t see him as a person, they see him as a force of power, a god among men. And gods don’t apologize.

As the pressure mounts and his moral compass begins to waver, Kai faces a defining choice: remain the hero he once aspired to be, or embrace the fear, the power, and the destruction that The Sovereign believes he was meant for.

Why we need your help:

Filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and while Beyond Human is my Final Major Project, I want to make it as professional and impactful as possible. A strong story deserves strong execution, and while I have the team and skills to bring this film to life, I need your help to give it the production value it deserves.

This funding will allow us to elevate the film beyond student level work, ensuring high quality costume design, set dressing, sound, and post-production. All of which are essential for creating a cinematic and immersive experience.

Your support will directly contribute to:

Wardrobe & Makeup – Crafting a distinct, professional look for Eclipse’s costume and realistic styling for key characters.

Set Dressing & Production Design – Enhancing the world building with detailed locations that make every scene feel grounded and authentic.

Visual Effects Software – Although I specialize in VFX, some tools, such as Embergen, require additional investment to ensure top quality visuals.

Sound Design & Score – High quality sound is just as important as visuals. Funding will allow us to work with a skilled sound designer and ensure cinematic level audio.

Storage & Digital Backup – Proper hard drives and cloud storage are essential to safely manage large VFX heavy film files.

Transport & Catering – Covering basic crew expenses to ensure a smooth production without financial strain on the team.

Marketing & Distribution – Once completed, I want to submit Beyond Human to film festivals and share it with as many people as possible. Your support will help with festival fees, promotional materials, and online distribution.

This project means everything to me, and with your support, I can turn my vision into reality. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will directly impact the success of Beyond Human, and I’m beyond grateful for any help you can provide.

As a thank you:

General Thank-You (All Donors)

All donors will be collectively thanked in a "Special Thanks" section in the film credits.

Key Contributor (£25+)

Your name will appear individually in the credits under "Key Contributors."

Executive Contributor (£100+)

Your name will appear under "Executive Contributors" in the credits as well as an early private screening link to watch the film before public release.

Together, we can bring Beyond Human to life. Thank you for being part of this journey!