BOTTLENECK

ABOUT

BOTTLENECK is a 12 minute short drama based on the proof-of-concept trailer of the same name. It focuses on three teenagers from Western Sydney who, in a moment of poor judgement, do something that changes the course of their lives forever. It was made as the final thesis film for my third year at AFTRS, in collaboration with Tatjana Hamilton, Benji Menday, and an array of other students (and outside crew).

We crowdfunded the budget, which allowed us to hire a robust gear-set from Panavision— including an Arri Alexa Mini, Primo Lenses, a wireless video transmission kit/follow focus, and a multitude of other support items. It was shot over a five day period out in Campbelltown, all on location, which gives it a very authentic feeling— something we were adamant on capturing with the film.

In order to ground the film, we utilised fluid handheld camera motion and were as dynamic to the performances on set as we could be. We would follow actors’ improvisations on the fly and change up each take. It was a fantastic experience, and I am extremely proud of what we have acheived.

As of writing, the film is complete and submitted for consideration in MIFF and Berlin Film Festival, among others. BOTTLENECK was also awarded distribution from AFTRS— a prestigious achievement only 10 films receive every year across the Masters and Bachelors courses.

CREW:

Director - Tatjana Hamilton

Writer & Producer - Benji Menday

Co-Producer - Madeleine Jurd

Cinematographer - Aemon Barzanji

Editor - Jarrod Young

Original Score - Jesse Boyle

Production Design - Chris Le Page

Sound Recordist - Charlie Davies

Sound Design - Neel Shukla

First Assistant Director - Michael Keegan Sheppard

Colourist - Alexander Leeway

First Assistant Camera - Kumar Sambhav Gupta

Second Assistant Camera - Pariss Bostick

Gaffer - Roger Stonehouse & Oliver Hay

Best Person - Laura Rose

Boom Operator - Omar Afifi

Art Department Assist - Eliza Persen

Casting - Madeleine Jurd

Stills Photographer - Kurt Davis