Route 23 - Student Short Film
Donation protected
Welcome!
We're a group of Third year film students at Royal Holloway, University of London and we are fund-raising for our final year collaboration film - Route 23!
Route 23 follows Greg, a bus driver whose life is as routine as the route he drives. Greg and Route 23 are inseparable — ask anyone, and they'd say they’re practically one and the same. It’s hard to imagine Greg without the bus or the bus without Greg. But Greg longs for something more, something beyond the monotony of his daily routine. When news breaks that Route 23 is shutting down, Greg is forced out of his comfort zone. To save the route he loves—and perhaps himself — he’ll need to find the courage to speak up. While his colleagues ridicule him, fellow bus driver Pauline is the only one who encourages him out of his shell, helping Greg realise that some things are worth fighting for.
Meet the Crew:
- Hi, I’m Kirsty, a third year Drama with Film student, and I am so excited to be the Producer for Route 23. When I first read the script I fell in love with how Greg, despite all of the challenges he faces, used his voice through his writing to stand up to what he believes is right. I love how unique this film is. I can’t wait to bring this film to life! Thank you for all of your support!
- Hi, I’m Joshua Shea, the writer and director of Route 23. The idea for the film came to me one afternoon while travelling through London. I spotted a bus driver writing in a notebook, which sparked the concept for Greg’s story and became the springboard into his world. I’m currently in my final year studying Acting with Film and have gained a range of experience both in front of and behind the camera. In 2021, I was funded to make my short film Before the Tide Comes In, which received critical acclaim at various film festivals, including a notable selection at the Cornwall Film Festival. I’m incredibly excited to see Route 23 come to life and deeply appreciate your support in making our shared vision a reality.
- Hi, I’m Olivia, I’m a third year Film, Television and Digital Production student and I’ll be one of the two directors of photography working Route 23. What really drew me to this film was how it found beauty in the mundane and told the story of those who often are led to self-discovery later in life. It’s also the subtle complexity of the protagonist and how he holds the ability to emit a sense of gentle warmth and comfort, that I can’t wait to actualise. I believe it’s stories such as these that can incite inspiration within its audience, which is something I’ve always wished to achieve through my work. I am deeply excited to work on such a heartfelt and unique project and look forward to sharing it with everyone!
- Hi, I’m Elisha, one of the two DPs for Route 23! I’m incredibly excited to get started on such a heartfelt project, capturing the quiet yet profound transformation of a man stepping beyond his comfort zone. What drew me to this script in particular, was its celebration of the small, and often overlooked. It’s the kind of story that reminds you how extraordinary the ordinary you can be. Some of my personal favourite films tend to fall in this genre of nostalgia, and for me, Route 23 felt like it carried that same essence. I can’t wait to be part of this beautifully understated story, and bring it to life!
- Heya, I’m Nathan and I’m the editor for Route 23, I do Film Television and Digital Production, but I specialise in editing. I have worked on 15 plus projects this year however none of them had the challenge of editing a film that takes place on a moving vehicle. The film also interests me as its something ambitious for a university project, which shows how dedicated we are to making this film the best it can be.
With your support and donations we will be able to achieve our dream vision for Route 23! Your money will go towards hiring of locations and a Bus, costumes and props, transport for cast and crew, and contingency plans incase anything goes wrong!
We hope to make Route 23 more than just your average student film! We would love to, with your support, have Route 23 submitted to film festivals to be shared with a wider audience!
Follow our Instagram for more updates: @route23film
If you do decide that you want to support us in creating this incredible film once you donate any money, take a screenshot of your conformation of donation with the amount and send us a message on Instagram (@route23film) to claim your perk!!
Thank you for your support!
The Route 23 Crew
Organizer
Kirsty Hawkins
Organizer
England