The Final Goodbye, Student Short Film

The Final Goodbye is a narrative Short Film that focuses on Dylan, a mid-20s man struggling with one year anniversary of his best friend, Jason, taking his own life. The story will follow his day, where he roams around his crowded and messy house seeing apparitions of his best friend appear. We will see the two interact as Dylan has to deal with his grief and shame face to face.

This project and the story it wants to tell is very important to every member of our crew and we believe that it has the potential to influence and possibly change the conversation around mental health and suicide. Similarly, we thought it would be fascinating to tackle the topic from the fallout of the incident as it is rarely shown in media, and we felt it might shine a spotlight on a neglected side of this topic.

With the money from this fundraiser, we would be able to acquire paid actors to ensure the acting is of the highest quality. Much of the funds would also be invested in the props and set dressing for the set build we plan to create for Dylan’s Bedroom so we can more accurately convey the extent of his hoarding. With your donations, you will be able to access a plethora of rewards that range from your name being included in the credits, a weekly production diary that will keep you informed on the film’s production and behind the scenes photos and even signed scripts from the cast and crew.

The Crew

Shaun Tayles – Director/Writer

Hey! I’m Shaun, the writer and director of this short film! I am excited to be working with such an amazing crew and to explore the themes of grief and loss through Dylan’s isolated character and reality-questioning experiences.

I first wrote the concept for this film in 2022 and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be able to make it into the first short film I’d be directing. The film explores sensitive subject matters which is why myself and all HoDs on this film are making well thought out decisions in order to land the emotional impacts of this film effectively.

Finlay Symes – Producer

Hello, my name’s Fin, and I am very excited to work on this project. I felt that the subject matter and narrative of this film presented some very interesting challenges and moreover, the message is one I think is of utmost importance in today’s society. I am also very excited to be involved with a serious drama of this nature as it is reminiscent of the works of some of my favourite directors such as Mike Leigh and Alan Clarke.

Max Upton – Director of Photography

Hi I’m Max and I am incredibly excited to start work as the cinematographer for The Final Goodbye. Seeing the script evolve from its initial conception has been nothing short of amazing and I am extremely happy to have the chance to help adapt it into a short film. As cinematographer I’m keen to reflect the film’s that inspired us, “Sweet Sixteen”, “I, Daniel Blake”, “This is England”, visually and thematically. While still being true to ourselves, cementing our film’s style and identity.

Jenna Bond – Editor/Script Supervisor

Hi, I’m Jenna! As the editor for ‘The Final Goodbye’, I’m excited to help shape its emotional impact through pacing and visual storytelling. I look forward to bringing this story to life with the crew!

Nohlan Inseque – Sound Designer

Hi my name is Nohlan and I am the sound designer for the final goodbye. I was very intrigued when I first heard the pitch and I cannot wait to create an immersive experience following the creative vision of this film.

Imogen Barrett – Production Designer

Hi I’m Imogen! I have been a production designer on two student films prior to ours, I am extremely passionate about storytelling through set building and design. I love attention to detail which creates a more immersive experience for the audience.