BELLA-INATOR: National Film School Graduate Short

Bella is a single mother with a secret dominatrix side hustle who is struggling to connect with her rage-filled teenage son Charlie - all while dealing with the accidental death of a client...

This is a 2024 graduate production at the Irish National Film School at IADT Dun Laoghaire.

A taste of what to expect…

THE TEAM

OISIN MCKEOGH - WRITER/DIRECTOR

Oisin is an award-winning writer/director/composer based in Clare and Dublin. He is a directing major in his final year at the National Film School in Dun Laoghaire. He has received funding from the likes of Creative Ireland, EU Solidarity Corps, Fresh Hothouse and Clare County Council to create and direct short films. He made it to the final shortlist of the DLR First Frames Funding Scheme 2023.

Oisin is interested slightly absurd stories with a focus on loneliness, the absurdity of humanity, and wants to explore what it means to be human.

“As writer and director of ‘Bella-inator’, I’m so excited to bring this comedic and absurd world to life - Bella isn’t your stereotypical dominatrix as she brings a certain domestic twist to her practice, using clothes pegs and wooden spoons instead of whips and chains. At its core the story of Bella is about someone learning to thrive and take back control of their life, all while dealing with life's general hurdles - whether that’s an asshole child or a man strangled to death in your front living room.

Bella-Inator is a self-funded project; I’ve been working with an incredibly dedicated team, and we’d love your assistance in bringing this story to life!”

Some of Oisin's previous work can be found here: https://vimeo.com/user48111851

SOPHIE LYNCH - PRODUCER

Sophie is a producer from Cork who has been making films for over six years. She has worked in all areas of production and is excited to be producing this ambitious graduate film in IADT. She and Oisin have been working closely together since beginning at the National Film School and is excited to help him to tell this story.

"As the producer I will be doing everything in my power to tell this story in the most effective and impactful way. I have been working with Oisin on developing the script and I'm excited to make something so fun. It's a comedy that will juxtapose playfulness and a bubbly world with dark themes of parenting and control. I want to explore toxic masculinity through a comedic lens, and challenge preconceived notions of what motherhood should or shouldn't look like."

MAIYA RICE - CINEMATOGRAPHER

Maiya Rice is a cinematographer from Laois, currently based in Dublin. From a young age, Maiya has been drawn to visual storytelling using analogue photography and painting. This led her to fall in love with cinematography, which she currently specialises in at the NFS. She is drawn to telling diverse stories which tackle the intersection between the comedies and tragedies of the human experience.

“As the cinematographer of 'Bella-inator', I am thrilled to work on a story which deals with the complex and bizarre nature of being human. Although this is a dark comedy, the visual style will have a lighthearted air, letting the performance hit the story's darkness. We will invite the audience into Bella’s world, using rich colours, enticing textures and compelling movement. Over the past few years, I have enjoyed collaborating with Oisín frequently, and I am so excited to help bring this project to the screen.”

We are so excited to work with the rest of our team to make the film a reality

BELLA'S SERVICES

A taste of what Bella has to offer to her clients - a dominatrix with a domestic twist

Artwork by Andreea Chituleanu

HOW TO HELP

This is a self-funded project which will only work with the commitment and passion of every team member. We have put our own money into this project and would really appreciate any more generosity that we can get from your donations. This money will go towards things like:

We would appreciate any size donation, big or small, whatever you can manage is guaranteed to go a long way for us. We would be so grateful if you assist us with elevating this film to its full potential and achieving our vision.

If you can't donate, sharing this page with friends and family, anybody who might be able to support us, would be such a huge help. We want this to reach as many people as possible and share our story with the world! By supporting us you are supporting the newest generation in the Irish film industry and helping us to make a film that people will love.

Thank you from all of the Bella-inator team :)