THE PROJECT

'What Happens Now?' is a short, performance-driven psychological drama rooted in lived experience. The film blends grounded realism with stylised psychological space to visualise the internal struggle of living with ADHD - particularly the cycle of shame, negative self-talk, and recovery after crisis.

LOGLINE

After attempting to take his life, David must confront a physical manifestation of his ADHD and take back control.

SYNOPSIS

David, a man in his 30s living with ADHD, faces a year of quiet collapse. He loses his job. His relationship with his girlfriend, Mia, breaks down as they both struggle to support each other emotionally. Isolated and overwhelmed, David searches for understanding and relief, eventually turning to a questionable therapist named Frank, who claims to specialise in trauma and hypnosis.

As their sessions progress, Frank becomes more than a therapist. He begins to function as a symbolic, physical manifestation of David’s ADHD - a constant presence that pulls him into storms of memory and shame. Frank feeds the internal voice that tells David he is lazy and incapable, keeping him trapped in destructive habits and patterns linked to his symptoms.

Across the film, David is forced to confront not just Frank, but the way he has learned to see himself. Through moments of vulnerability with those around him, David begins to recognise his own resilience. He learns that while ADHD - and Frank - may always be part of his life, he has the power to choose how he responds.

MEET THE CREW

Director - Thomas Knight

As director of 'What Happens Now?', I wanted to create a film that reflects the internal reality of living with ADHD - not through spectacle or explanation, but through performance, atmosphere, and psychological space. The film approaches mental health with honesty and restraint, allowing moments of discomfort and emotional stillness to carry weight. By externalising David’s internal dialogue through the character of Frank, the film visualises shame and self-criticism in a way that feels personal, intimate, and grounded in lived experience rather than generalisation.

Producer and Sound: Ella Liddington

As producer and sound designer, my focus is on creating a film that is both emotionally precise and logistically achievable. Sound plays a crucial role in 'What Happens Now?', shaping David’s internal world and blurring the boundary between internal thought and external reality. Careful production planning ensures that performances, locations, and post-production are given the time and space they need, while keeping the project realistic within its budget.

Director of Photography: Theo Eros

As Director of Photography, my approach is rooted in intimacy and restraint. The visual language of 'What Happens Now?' is grounded and observational, prioritising performance while allowing subtle stylisation to emerge as David’s internal world begins to fracture. Through careful framing, lighting, and camera movement, my cinematography aims to place the audience inside David’s perspective rather than observing from a distance.

Editor and VFX: Sophie Van Haren

As editor and VFX artist, my role is to shape the film’s psychological space in post-production. The edit focuses on emotional clarity, allowing scenes to breathe while maintaining a steady internal tension. The visual effects are subtle and integrated, used to externalise David’s internal states and the presence of Frank without overwhelming the realism of the performances. Together, my editing and VFX will work to blur the boundary between internal thought and external reality, supporting the film’s exploration of ADHD and self-perception.

WHAT WE NEED TO BRING THIS PROJECT TO LIFE

'What Happens Now?' is an independently produced short film, and we are committed to doing this properly.

Your support will help us cover essential costs, including:

We have set a crowdfunding goal of £2500, which will allow us to fairly pay our collaborators and ensure the film reaches its full creative potential.

FESTIVAL PLANS

This film is being made with neurodivergent audiences at its heart. We plan to submit 'What Happens Now?' to festivals that actively champion neurodiverse voices, including:

We also aim to submit to a range of UK festivals, including:

WHY THIS FILM MATTERS

ADHD is often misunderstood and/or reduced to stereotypes. 'What Happens Now?' seeks to present a more truthful, compassionate portrayal - one that acknowledges pain without defining a person by it. This film isn’t about “fixing” ADHD, but about learning how to live with it, accept it, and survive moments where it feels overwhelming.

With your support, we can tell this story with the care and honesty it deserves.

HEAR MORE FROM US

Follow us on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and festival news:

@what.happens.now.film

DISCLAIMER

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to your GoFundMe.