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The Red Part II (Dir. Zac Steele)

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THE RED PART II

The Red Part II is a psychological thriller with a dark twist on fantasy. This is the second film in a four-part series.

Elysius, a haunted young man, along with his companion Strax, their morally conflicted mentor, are “fugitives” on the run from a dangerous group of beings known as "Reapers". During the ordeal, Strax tries to teach Elysius about his connection to an ability known as “The Red”.
The story follows two main characters, Elysius and Strax as they traverse through a dark, desolate world with deep roots coated in war torn relationships. This film is the second in a four-part series which explores the themes of war and resilience.

The Red Part I, is currently seeking approval for funding. The creative team behind the series decided that to prove the achievability of the world, we’d attempt the production of Part II. This film would be logistically and financially easier to produce compared to the other episodes.

The Red Part II explores the “Joel and Ellie” like relationship between Strax and Elysius.

Strax has existed in this universe for hundreds of years, understanding the power of
“The Red” and has come to terms with his place in the war. On the other hand, Elysius is younger and more naïve. Gradually, he attempts to comprehend his place in this world, as well as his connection to “The Red”.

When and where?
Production of The Red Part II takes place from the 16th – 19th of December. The production team are currently attempting to secure Myponga Reservoir, with a contingency plan of filming in Mount Crawford. These locations both have the exact same desolate aesthetic enabling the creative team to explore the main character’s journeys.



Director’s Statement
This film throws the audience and its main characters in a world with unknown rules and extreme scenarios. In regular life, the experiences of uncertainty are bound to occur. From large scales instances such as covid, to being a child in a recently divorced family, human’s undergo universal emotions during these trying times. This story’s target audience is anyone whose undergone or currently undergoing a life event which challenges and makes them grow as a person.

Zac Steele – Writer / Director
Hi,

My name is Zac Steele, I’m a recent graduate of the AIE filmmaking and virtual production course. This being my first year out of film school, I’ve been yearning for the opportunity to stretch my “directing legs” once again. I’ve had a deep passion for the art of filmmaking ever since I was old enough to hold a camera. At film school and as a full-time corporate video maker I’ve had the opportunity to write, direct, shoot and edit across hundreds of projects. During my time at film school, I had the privilege to direct four short films and a music video. Through these projects I attempted to add an alternate / art-house style. Whilst collaborating on these stories I had the opportunity to meet a number of aspiring creatives.

When I was sixteen years old, I came up with the idea of The Red as a fun filmmaking activity to complete in my backyard with a group of friends. The film explores all my favourite codes and conventions from 90’s sci-fi, thriller and action films.

I grew up inspired by media and storytelling that spanned across large dense universes. The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are critical examples. Exploring one person’s role in a larger universe is a story arch I found to be intriguing. Although this story structure has been attempted before, adding an arthouse / abstract spin on the narrative visually was a huge inspiration.

After recent events in my personal life, I thought the story of Elysius’s and Strax’s struggle were becoming more relatable. Elysius has been plunged into a world with already established rules and controls. The main question being, “what is the red”? In such an extreme scenario (being chased by dark creatures), Elysius clings onto any form of mentorship and guidance to take him through this world. This film is exploring just one time period of Elysius’s journey, only just coming to terms with what the idea of “The Red” is.

Cinematography
Kris Jenkinson has been an established cinematographer for eight years. Through acquiring his talents, we’ve had a number of extended discussions regarding the visual aesthetic of the film. The look of the film transitions from naturalistic during the day, to a high contrast, art-house look at night. This represents the effect “The Red” has on the film’s world and its characters. Cinematographers such as Jarin Blashke (The Northman, The Witch) and Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant) were key influences of the film’s visuals. The films use high contrast, low-key lighting with a grounded feel to immerse the viewers into the universe.

The Northman, 2022


The Revenant, 2015


The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, 2007


Characters
Elysius – Played by Connor Pullinger


A haunted young man with a tragic past. Elysius attempts to find sense in a world he’s been thrown into. He desperately needs the support and mentorship of his new friend Strax, who seems to be the only key to understanding his current situation. Naïve yet resilient, Elysius blindly follows the wisdom of his mentor in the hopes of gaining answers to his biggest questions.

Strax – Played by Derryn Amoroso


A desperate and weary soldier whose mentally and physically on his last legs, relying on the aid of Elysius and the promise of potentially ending this current dire situation. Strax is incredibly afraid of death, worrying that if he loses Elysius he has nothing left. A reciprocated feeling on Elysius’s behalf, he learns that through many trials there might before more to his mentee than meets the eye.

Your Contribution
If $500 is raised…
We will be able to feed our cast and crew! This will help to create a positive workplace environment on set. Permits and locations fees can also be covered. This will allow the creative team to complete the original vision in the desired location of either Mount Crawford Forest or Myponga Reservoir.

If $1000 is raised…
We will be able to contribute the funds towards a festival run! Melbourne and Sydney Webfest are two examples of national competitions to enter in. We will also be able to afford the production and costume design for the film.

If $2000 is raised…
We will be able to hire an industry standard gaffer and their gear. Their lighting equipment is integral to achieving the visual aspect of the story in the highest production value possible.

Strategy
We aim to film The Red Part II in December 2023. Tentative dates of filming are the 16th – 19th of December. We aim to enter postproduction after the conclusion of principal photography. A master edit date has been set for roughly April of 2024. The overall web series aims to be finalised by the end of 2024, with a festival run to be complete by the end of 2025.

Date
September to early December = Pre – production
Mid December = Production
Late November to Mid-March = Post - production
Early April = Final cut


Film Festivals
National
- Sydney Web Fest
- Melbourne Web Fest
International
- International Online Web Fest
- Web Series Festival
- NYC Web Fest

Opportunity
This short will give the creative team the ability to expand their skills in desired departments. Telling the stories of these characters will enable us to propel our film careers. The team-- hopes to work with local creatives to expand the portfolio of their talents.

Team Members
Jon-Luc d’Lima - Producer


Jon-Luc D’Lima graduated from MAPS Film School in 2021 with an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media. Recently having directed & produced multiple short films and music videos. Jon-Luc has plenty of experience producing high scale productions, including two music videos, Paradise by Cove Street and Nothing to Me by Stormy Lou, which was highlighted by MTV, as well as a short film, Hope, directed by Philippos Ziakas. In April & May of this year, Jon-Luc was a cable hand on the American reality TV show Stars on Mars in which he helped set up all hidden cameras and assisted professional camera operators. Recently, Jon-Luc worked on The Unrequited Life of Farrah Bruce, a short film directed by Daisy Anderson, which was just officially selected for the Adelaide Film Festival, 2023. Jon-Luc has also been officially selected for the Fleurieu Film Festival in both 2021 & 2023 for his films Flower & The Love We Lost respectively. Both films would be successful in winning Best Directing, making Jon a two time winner for that award at the Fleurieu Film Festival.

Kris Jenkinson - Cinematographer


Kris Jenkinson is a self-taught Cinematographer from Adelaide. Kris has been working full time as a DP for 8 years. He’s shot many corporate campaigns, brand films, tourism films, TV commercials and short documentary style films for clients such as Laowa (lenses), BMW, Electrolux Australia, Flinders University, ASC, Atura Hotel, Adelaide Airport, Guide Dogs, Yorke Peninsula and many more. Filmmaking is something he’s extremely passionate and meticulous about. Kris is also an active member of the Australian Cinematographers Society.

Risks and Challenges
During the process of making any film, challenges will arise. The visual technicalities of the story will be the main obstacle both physically and financially. Investing in a competent camera and lighting team will allow us to overcome these obstacles. The production and costume departments are also critical facets of this film which will require time and effort on set.




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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Jon D'Lima
    Organizer
    Reynella East, SA
    Zac Steele
    Beneficiary

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