Blackout - Senior Thesis Film

This year, I'll be directing my first-ever thesis film, Blackout. I am very excited to tell this unique story and collaborate with my team to make a kickass film!

What is Blackout About?

When a group of four rowdy college stoners takes a camping trip, one friend is left to face an unexpected surprise after waking up in the woods alone.

After Theo, Beck, Sebastian, and Ruthie cross a river to get to the campsite, the night of fun begins. Drinking, smoking, all the typical college shenanigans. But when Theo wakes up alone in the woods alone and hungover, he begins to panic. The journey to find his friends begins but doesn’t quite end up the way he had hoped.

This dramatic short film has bits of comedy written in, with sudden outcomes that the audience is sure to enjoy.

Meet the Team!

Director - Cassidy Burns

Cassidy has a deep passion for the entertainment industry and storytelling. As a Film and Television Production student at Western, she has worked on over 25 short films in a variety of roles, specifically finding a passion for production design. Her goal is to share motivational stories and make powerful films that can positively impact people’s lives. Recently, Cassidy won the “Best Production Designer” award at the 2022 Controlled Chaos Film Festival.

Although stepping into the Director role is outside of her comfort zone, she hopes to creatively push herself throughout the entire production process.

Producer - Tristan Roth

Tristan has always had a strong passion for making movies. Having been involved in Western's FTP program for several years he's had the opportunity of working on over two dozen projects in various positions. In this time, he's really his home in the sound department as well as screenwriting and producing. He enjoys collaborating with others in order to tell stories in creative and unique ways.

Producing a senior thesis project is a challenge Tristan has looked forward to for quite some time as there are a lot of moving parts that go into making a movie, and as a producer, you really must keep a sharp eye on each individual aspect.

" I thrive in any set environment as long as there's gushers in said environment" - Tristan R

Cinematographer/Camera Operator - Chance Holmes-Snowden

Chance has always had a keen eye for composition given his extensive background in photography and Broadcast Production. His work has appeared in several magazines, and he has had the opportunity to work with Amine, Dallon Weekes, 454, Superette, Denzel Curry, and JPEG MAFIA. Throughout his career at Western Carolina University, he has worked on over 15 films usually as a Camera Operator or Director of Photography.

“I like to tell stories that take ordinary people and place them in bizarre situations. Everyone likes to think they’d know how they’d respond, but you never do until you’re in it”. –Chance

Where Will Your Donations Go?

Funds will go towards production design, reimbursing the cast and crew for gas, craft services (food) on set, fees towards film festivals, and more!

All donors names will be listed under a "Special Thanks" in the end credits of the film.

Follow our Instagram page: @blackoutfilm22