MUSE • JUL 2023
Gold Fish Film Festival, University of Newcastle: Best Production Design & Best Editing.
Director: Sarah McPherson
DOP: Andrew Walker
Producer: Koa Ryan
AD: Koa Ryan
Editors: Koa Ryan, Sarah McPherson, Hannah Blanch
Screenwriter: Alyssa Cooper
Sound: Zhong Snelson
Production Design: Koa Ryan
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This film was made as a University assessment (1st Year).
Camera: Black Magic Pocket
The film focuses on the concept of maladaptive daydreaming, where a person excessively daydreams, causing disruptions in their daily life. It serves as a coping mechanism for individuals facing trauma or abuse, as well as various disorders, disabilities, and illnesses. Our film deliberately avoids specific diagnoses associated with maladaptive daydreaming, as these are complex issues to address with the time limitations. Instead, we aim to shed light on the challenges faced by those who rely on daydreaming to cope with their everyday struggles.The story revolves around a university student who confronts several obstacles such as feeling isolated within her family, loneliness, and the overwhelming nature of life, resulting in her consistently being late to class and work. Through dreamy lighting and the presence of two imaginary friends who deeply care for her, her daydreaming is visually portrayed. However, Alyssa eventually realizes that excessive daydreaming is negatively impacting her life, prompting her to take a break from it.
Although daydreaming provided an escape from reality, Alyssa comes to the realization that she needs to return to real life and reduce her daydreaming habits. This transition is depicted as she bids farewell to her imaginary friends and seeks support from her mother. The resolution of the film shows the beginning of the healing process, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the issue and seeking help.
Throughout the film, we carefully avoid portraying imagination as inherently negative, as it is a powerful tool for creativity and self-expression. However, we highlight the potential adverse effects on one's health when excessive time is spent on daydreaming.
Connectability • aug 2023
Director, DOP, Editor, Sound, Production Design: Koa Ryan
AD: Tarni Cruickshank
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This film was made for a University assessment. Due to assessment criteria, this entire film was shot on iPhone (13 Pro Max).
This film is a short interview featuring a Disability Support Worker, Evan, and his Participant, Adam.
Evan speaks about his journey into getting into support work and why he loves it so much.
blissful ignorance •
May 2023
Director & Producer: Koa Ryan and Sarah McPherson
DOP, Editor: Koa Ryan
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This film was created for a University assessment. Due to assessment criteria, this was shot on iPhone (13 Pro Max).
his short film, set in the NuSpace building of Newcastle University, is centered around the word ‘charity,’ being a human quest for reward. The film follows a student (protagonist) throughout her day, displaying her performative eco-friendly behaviour. The film purposefully excludes dialogue, as it promotes the storyteller to “show, not tell”.
This short film (30 sec) begins after an establishing shot of the university, with the protagonist posting an Instagram labelled ‘save the turtles.’ She then walks towards a bin and incorrectly discards her can, throwing it in the general rubbish section instead of recycling it, seen with a bird-eye shot. This simple act displays her performative ‘eco-warrior’ persona that she displays through her Instagram, contradicting her anti-environmental actions.
With this persona established, we continue throughout the protagonist’s day as she makes her way towards a study room. After sitting down at a table, the protagonist unpacks her bag, revealing an absorbent amount of plastic that is unnecessarily wrapped over items such as a drink bottle. Utilizing an extreme close-up, the protagonist then donates to an organization designed to save native wildlife, giving her an overwhelming sense of moral relief. The final shot establishes her ironic behaviour with a close-up shot that zooms out to reveal her sipping from a plastic cup and straw, being a notorious product for harming wildlife.
Finally, the quote, ‘There’s no Planet B, say no to plastics,’ consolidates the overarching message of the film, urging the audience to incorporate environmentally friendly habits in their day-to-day lifestyle.


