Group - A Short Film

Hi there! My name is Meredith Kenton and I’m a filmmaker based in London and I’m currently in the process of making my second short film. My work centres mostly around identity, self-alienation, our relationships with one another and how these are subject to forces outside our control.

My debut short film The Parcel came out last year and I am keen to develop my filmmaking by producing and directing my second short film in 2024. This second film will build upon my learnings from The Parcel and help me to develop my directorial voice. I have written the script and worked with industry screenwriters to incorporate editorial feedback. This script holds special meaning to me, and I believe that this film explores an under-represented subject matter in a wholly new and surprising way. I think this project will prompt further discussions surrounding the themes raised, and will surprise and shock audiences.

I am currently working as a full-time Associate Producer in branded content and have also produced other short film projects during the last year. This means that I have considerable production experience which I will bring to the project, keeping it to timelines, budgets and ensuring the film is the best it can be with what funds I am able to raise.

My Instagram is meredithkentonfilm where you can see film progress and updates as production continues. My previous films can be viewed on my Vimeo page.

The Story

Group is a short film written and directed by Meredith Kenton that unfolds during a series of support group meetings. The group gathers weekly to discuss their fears and shifting understanding of themselves as they undergo physical and mental changes. ​As the film continues, the members of the group come to learn more about each other and ​redefine their relationship both with one another and themselves.

There are six main protagonists whose storylines interweave and interconnect, five members of the group and a sixth mediator. The characters occupy a spectrum of backgrounds, races and gender identities, meaning that their characteristics converge and diverge in different ways and at different points throughout the film.

Visuals

The entirety of Group will act out in one location: a multi purpose space as a community centre, school or hall. The film will unfold in this space through scenes/ vignettes of varying length. The main focus of the location will be three plastic chairs, but these will be populated by different characters in each scene. 

Why We Need Your Support

In a world of undersupplied film funding, it can be nearly impossible to maintain momentum as an independent filmmaker and continue to create new work. The Parcel was made almost entirely out of my own pocket and although I’m incredibly committed to making the next project, I won’t be able to do so without additional funding. This project is intended to not only deliver a unique and hopefully impactful story, but will also be a gateway for many other new, independent or developing filmmakers: from crew to cast. I hope to allow others to gain credits, learn and grow their own artistic practice over the course of this project.

I have been lucky enough to secure high-end camera and lighting equipment from WING London but addition funds are required for the following areas:

If I am able to raise funds above my goal, I would immediately look to pay crew and cast on top of covering expenses as it’s massively important that people are paid for their work.

Every donation helps to bring us closer to creating this film and aiding our crew and cast and I am incredibly grateful for any support.

Production Timeline

Shooting is scheduled to commence in February/ March next year, taking place over 2 days with a possible prep day, funds depending.

Pre-production has already begun: locations have begun responding and a core crew has been established. The next stages will involve casting, developing lighting and camera plans and eventually rehearsals, previs and shooting.

Thank you all for your help, I sincerely hope you’ll consider donating and if you are unable then if you are able to share or forward the project, then this would be a massive help.

Yours in film,

Meredith Kenton