Moth to a Flame - Short Film

“Moth to a Flame”, filming in Queensland, Australia

Hi there!

I'm Breech Quincy, honoured to represent the Master in Screen Production cohort at Griffith Film School, Griffith University, Australia. As an international multi-award-winning filmmaker and master's student director, I'm proud to announce that I'll be leading the ‘Moth to a Flame’ production. Together with our talented peers, we're embarking on an exciting cinematic journey with our upcoming graduate project, "Moth to a Flame."

So, would you fuel this project to make "Moth to a Flame" a reality? Read along and braaap with us.

The synopsis of 'Moth to a Flame' is:

"Leo fled a tumultuous past alongside his estranged mother. However, their bond is tested when they must choose: Preserve the familiar or embrace the unknown, knowing only one road awaits."

Director's vision and message:

The metaphorical meaning behind the title 'Moth to a Flame' is a powerful representation of the intense emotional pull that can lead to dependence, about how we feel attracted towards situations or behaviours that may cause harm but also provide a sense of comfort or familiarity. On the flip side, it may also lead us to fear the very thing that can free us.

The core theme of 'Moth to a Flame' is how family dysfunction creates dysfunctional expressions of love, and our ability to help others is contingent upon their willingness to help themselves. It delves into themes of the human psyche, the quest for freedom, the intricacies of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the power of choice in the face of adversity, showing us that, sometimes, the greatest resolution lies in finding peace within ourselves. Additionally, the vintage dirt bike featured in the film serves as a symbol of liberation rather than just a means of transportation. It embodies the solace found in the freedom of riding a motorcycle and exploring the open road.

The message of my film "Moth to a Flame" is to remind our audiences that despite our best efforts, there are limitations to our capabilities. The characters in the film struggle with their inner turmoil and the painful realisation that we cannot always save those we hold dear. The journey is marked by vulnerability and resilience, emphasising the importance of finding inner peace and accepting what we cannot change. The film also serves as a reminder to break free from destructive cycles and establish firm boundaries, resisting the allure of self-destructive patterns, much like a moth irresistibly drawn to a flame. Overall, "Moth to a Flame" is a rallying cry to embrace the journey of healing and prioritise our well-being.

Moth to a Flame's inspiration:

This project holds profound personal significance for me. It was through my late friend Leon Miguel that I first learned the phrase "Like a Moth to a Flame", a saying that would later become pivotal in shaping the narrative direction of my script. Moreover, our protagonist, Leo, is named after and inspired by him, embodying his love for vintage dirt bikes in Leo's character.

Leon Miguel, fondly known as "The Admin" within our motorcycle circle, had a knack for organising our every off-road adventure. His infectious smile could brighten even the gloomiest of days. Leon was the glue holding us all together; he was a friend to everyone, the one who made everyone feel seen and heard, the one who shared his knowledge freely. Through him, I gained many more friends who shared the same passion for wheeled sports.

Leon's love for motorcycles and his influential role as a purveyor in the Vinduro community were central to who he was, and losing him felt like losing a cornerstone of the community he supported and uplifted.

I vividly recall receiving the heartbreaking news about Leon Miguel from my mother, leaving me feeling helpless, angry, and confused. Unfortunately, I found myself unable to fly back home to attend his funeral or witness his burial last year due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite his persistent messages and invitations to ride off-road together when he was still with us, my prior commitments prevented us from sharing that final adventure. In a way, this film is my tribute to his memory and our friendship, honouring the passion we both shared for two wheels, racing, and the bond we forged through it.

His memory and the impact he had on my life inspired me to write the "Moth to a Flame" screenplay for our master's student graduate project. This fictional screenplay was selected following a pitching process and received positive feedback from industry professionals, panellists, and lecturers.

While Leo's interest in Vinduro draws inspiration from Leon Miguel, it's essential to clarify that the film is not his autobiography.

Help Griffith University students graduate:

By supporting our project, you'll help foster the growth of emerging talents, enable over 10 Griffith Film School Master's students to graduate, and enhance their portfolios for their future careers. Your sponsorship would contribute to the realisation of a powerful and thought-provoking narrative, enabling us to bring our vision to life with the highest production values and ensure our film reaches its full potential.

Moreover, we're grateful and thrilled to announce that this project will be crewed by exceptional and high-achieving Griffith University students and volunteer industry professionals. We eagerly anticipate the creative synergy that will emerge from collaborating with these passionate minds.

Your generous contribution will not only honour Leon Miguel's legacy but also allow us to create something truly meaningful and impactful in his honour. Your support plays a crucial role in our production journey, providing essential resources for our six days principal photography shoot in September 2024. Every donation will help ensure that our dedicated team can focus on bringing this story to life without any logistical hurdles.

Please see the budget summary of our production expenses below.

Target budget: $15,000 (AUD)

Pre-Production: $365

Production Staff and Film Crew: $1,200

Actors and Talents Per Diem: $1,000

Technical: $1,250

Props/ Settings/ Costumes/ Make Up: $1,800

Locations and Permits: $2,250

Food and Water: $3,554

Travel and Accommodation: $2,000

Post Production: $0

Marketing and Film Festivals: $500

Total Production Cost: $13,919

Contingency (10%): 1,391.9 (GoFundMe fees included)

Overall Total: 15,310.9

Our complete budget breakdown is available upon request.

In appreciation of your sponsorship, we would be honoured to include your name or business name in the rolling credits of our film as a gesture of gratitude for your support. Additionally, we invite you to join us at the film screening in the cinema at the end of the year. We will also update you on the film festivals where "Moth to a Flame" will compete.

Help bring "Moth to a Flame" to life! Join us in this journey by:

Financial Support: Every contribution, regardless of size, directly impacts our ability to create a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.

In-Kind Lending: Do you own a petrol station, store, or have access to a suitable filming location that you're willing to lend for a few days?

Share your Connections: Are you acquainted with individuals or businesses that could offer assistance in any capacity?

Spread the Word: Share our GoFundMe campaign with your networks and on social media. Every share brings us closer to reaching our goal and making "Moth to a Flame" a reality.

If our proposal piques your interest or if you would like to discuss it further, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Master of Screen Production students

Griffith Film School

Moth to a Flame production

@mtaf.film

[email redacted]

Breech Quincy

Writer | Producer | Director

www.breechquincy.com

Joanna Ta'ale

Co-Producer

Cassandra Sharp

Production Manager | Production Designer

Kayley Atkinson

Assistant Production Manager

Irelaan Schmidt

Location Manager

Dyan Dumpangol

Assistant Director

Caitline Sunga

Script Supervisor

Appurv Shukla

Director of Photography | Colourist

Kushal Pagar

1st Assistant Camera

Dev Sachan

2nd Assistant Camera

Nicholas Curthoys

Samuel Turnbull

Gaffers

Che Boschert

Zach Mckenzie

Zun Wang

Lighting Assistants

Hao Zheng

Best Boy

Nicholas Hardwood

Grip

Eliza Maccheroni

Selina Maccheroni

Set Dressers

Gameela Abdelhafez

Costume Designer

Bentley Vo

Costume Design Assist

Jessica Tulk

Hair and Make Up Artist

Theodore Tan

Sound Mixer | Editor

Ryan Schmiede

Boom Operator

Karena Darwen

Lily O'Brien

Jack Lang

Production Assistants

On-set Nurse | BTS

Jeff Mckenner

Amanda Gooch

Nick O'Sullivan

Unit Still Photographers

Trench Quilantang

Aaron James Butterwoth

Stunt Drivers | Vehicle Masters

Cindy Ambridge

Intimacy Coordinator

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Photo Credits

Special thanks to

Derek Yee of LABL

Vinduro Pinas