Buried Treasure - A Short Film

We are a group of third year film students, completing our major short film entitled Buried Treasure. The film follows Alex, a young man who loses the love of his life, Zachary, as he struggles to find his way forward without him. It's a beautiful story, originating from the mind of director Jay Crossman.

 

We need your help to bring this tale to life with the highest quality we can bring to it. We're setting up this campaign to help us pay for the expenses of producing a high quality short film. The money will be going towards food for the cast and crew over the week long shoot, potential site expenses, due to the usage of exterior locations throughout the film, travel expenses for those needing to commute to set, wardrobe, props and makeup, and advertising and festival expenses for the finished film.

 

Synopsis

Every couple has their own language - one that is wholly unique to the two individuals that share it. For Alex and Zachary, this was treasure hunts; a bond forged through hidden clues and riddles. Every birthday, every anniversary would begin exactly the same - a folded piece of paper - a clue, left from one for the other. For them, there was no monotony, no repetition in the act. For each new hunt led to another adventure, another memory, another testament of the love they shared.

 

Now, after Zachary's untimely death, following months of hurt and suffering, Alex is adrift; suddenly alone and lost in his grief. But their story is not yet concluded. A small clue leads Alex on one final treasure hunt - a parting gift from Zachary. Desperate for any lasting semblance of connection, Alex embarks on an important journey of catharsis; filled with memory, reflection, and what it means to love, and let yourself be loved in return.

 

Jay Crossman - Director

 

Hi everyone! I’m really excited to be working on this project. While I usually prefer to work in Sound, Buried Treasure is my first experience in directing and I’m really keen to take it on! I’ve never really taken to directing before this, but as this film was my original pitch, I’m incredibly passionate about this project and I believe it will be a fun challenge to break away from my usual roles and step into something unfamiliar. I’ve loved working with the rest of the team so far and I’m looking forward to seeing our film come to life.

 

Andrew Roberts - Writer

My name's Andrew and I'm the screenwriter for this project. I've been writing screenplays for years, all the way back to Year 9, writing short films for me and my friends to make. This developed into a career pathway for me, starting to explore the world around me through my writing. When Jay pitched this idea, I found the concept to be heartbreakingly beautiful, and a way to work through these ideas of grief and memory in a really gorgeous and heartfelt way, let alone the way in which this kind of queer story not often being on screen. I'm truly excited to see this project come to fruition, leaping off the page, and become something that I hope people connect with.

 

Sarah Blain - Producer/Cinematographer

 

Hey there everyone! My name is Sarah and I'm on board the Buried Treasure project as producer and cinematographer. Though typically in the producer's seat for these sorts of shoots, I look forward to taking on a bigger role behind the camera, for there is no better way to tell Jay's beautiful story about human connection than through visuals. I have been passionate about the film since the pitch and have been waiting eagerly for the chance to face new challenges, and for us all to apply our skills to something we all equally love. I couldn't ask for a better team.

 

Cara Stuchbery - Editor/Sound

 

I am the editor and sound designer for Buried Treasure. I have been doing postproduction for many years and love to see a project coming together because it allows me to be apart of the storytelling process. I enjoy sound design because it makes me notice details about scenes that I would probably have not noticed before which helps to immerse me in the production. Having both roles is helpful for me because I will be involved in post and production, so doing sound will allow me to keep editing in mind which will make the editing easier for me. I’m really excited for the production so come to life.

 

Jayne McLucas - Production Designer

 

Hi!! I'm Jayne and I'm currently completing my final year at Swinburne, studying screen production, journalism and animation. I'm the production designer for Buried Treasure, which is a very new role for me. I have experience in art and design, and when I'm not in class, I'm making houses in The Sims or painting, so I am excited to make these skills translate to the screen during this production. I believe so strongly in this script and the story that Jay wants to tell, and I can't wait for it to be fully realised! <3

 

Proof of Concept

Earlier this year, we completed a test shoot. While this was based on an earlier script and is not wholly representative of the project as it will become with this film, it acts as a proof of concept for the film as a whole, setting tone and the way we would construct the film. Please enjoy!

 

 

The Plan

Our shoot is currently planned for the 15-19th of November, shooting in Melbourne, transposing the beach motif for the bushland of the eastern suburbs. We are actively in preproduction, getting ready for the shoot, and getting our cast together so that we're all ready to jump in and make something special.

 

We are so excited about this film and what it means for us to be able to tell this story, and we hope that you'll join us on this journey too. Every dollar helps us bring it to life, so every little bit helps, if you're able to donate to us, we would be so grateful and appreciative, and will get a thank you in the credits of the film.

 

We really appreciate your support and we look forward to bringing this film to you soon.