The KEN Project is onto its next stage.

The Crowdfunding Campaign

In 2024, we ran a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The initial 30-day campaign extended to the full duration of 60-days. It’s been many years since I’ve run a crowdfunding campaign, and there are definitely things I would have liked to have done. It’s tough asking people to pledge money when there is a cost of living crisis and our industry has been struggling.

But we did manage to raise £5k. £2.5k was pledged by three private investors, £115 from a short film screening we ran, and the rest from the crowdfunding campaign.

The Script

Now that we have the budget confirmed, we are further developing the script to make sure it can be filmed for that amount. We want to make the best film possible, and it will be tight and will require negotiation and creativity.

Casting

The next big step is to confirm some recognisable cast for the project. We are blessed to have Donna McKernan on our team, who is known in the Northern Irish acting scene. She is contacting potential cast to draw interest.

Locations

At the same time, we are currently scouting potential locations where we can film. 75% of the team are based in London, whereas 25% are based in Northern Ireland, so we are scouting potential locations in either area. It’s all dependent on key cast and where we can get access to.

Crew

Once we have locations and key cast, then it’s setting the shoot date and hiring crew. We have developed a list of crew to approach when we have more details. I have joined some Facebook groups for Irish / Northern Irish filmmakers to start to meet people. But crew are dependent on the other things falling into place.

The Website

The project’s goal is to raise awareness about muscle dysmorphia, disordered eating, and the mental health issues men face. We are doing that with the narrative short film, a documentary short, and a website. The website (ken-shortfilm.com) has resources to support those suffering and those who want to help those suffering. Please visit the site.

Published by phetheringtonnz

Film Producer, Director, Lecturer. From NZ based in London.