Industry: Film

Hello everyone, my name is Lee O’Connor. I am the writer, director & producer of our movie ‘Industry’.

Firstly, I would just like to thank you for taking the time to read through and checking out our project. It means a lot to us and we are truly grateful. 

Here is our movie project. This is more than just a movie but a project to showcase emerging talent within the film industry.

Let me tell you about the project.

STORY

The story of 'Industry' follows the journey of young successful model, Hannah. Although Hannah has everything, she wants change. Feeling unfulfilled and tired of not having her own voice and identity, she befriends an eccentric photographer, Marco who introduces her into the clubland industry. 

On her journey of self discovery, she is exposed to openness, love, community and acceptance with no judgement.

THE MESSAGE

The message of this story is about acceptance, allowing people to be their true authentic selves without judgment.

WHY MAKE THIS STORY

This is more than just a film, but a message to put out into the world that will hit deep. A message of no more hate, no more discrimination, to look at the world with gentle eyes rather than judgment. To live and let be and to live and love. 

The inspiration for this project came from the clubland culture. Growing up in the 90s I saw the evolution of clubland and the positive impact it had on people’s lives.

Having worked in nightclubs myself and of course experiencing the scene, I feel it is one of few industries that truly accepts all when under one roof. I believe the story of ‘Industry’ is relatable to so many of us in so many ways.

The techno/ trance scene are what I believe to be the leaders in allowing those to express themselves freely without judgement. For many, this is their church, their safe space to be who they want to be. Personally, this is a huge passion of mine and I would like to portray my love for the scene through this movie.

Regardless if an Individual has gone clubbing, or even likes this kind of music and environment, at some point in our lives we have all experienced some level of discrimination and or hate. I am hoping with this story and portrayal that it touches the viewers in a way they can relate.

WHO WILL BE MAKING THIS PROJECT?

I like to keep things simple and have a hands on approach to all the elements of production. I have an in-depth understanding of cinematography, camera operating, sound and editing, so the majority of the work will be done by myself. Keeping things small allows me to have a more intimate experience with the cast and crew. With this project it is unnecessary to have a large team.

A key focal point for this story is the character’s aesthetic, an important addition to this project is our talented Costume Designer, Nada El Droubi. Collaborating with Nada with her talents and vision is crucial. So far she is doing an incredible job of bringing these characters to life.

WHERE WILL THE PROJECT BE FILMED?

The project will be filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria.

WHY IN SOFIA?

Sofia has a number of great studios for both photography and film. We plan to film in two studios, both of which will provide us with the necessary equipment and set designs we need to increase the production value. For us, it is important that we have these studios and equipment so that we can capture and create a more convincing story.

FILMING LOCATIONS IN SOFIA

We are currently working with a nightclub in Sofia for one of our film locations. It’s underground ambience makes it perfect for our club scenes. Very mystique as you can see in one of our teaser trailers.

Other film locations will be set in the city streets, metro stations, hotel rooms and apartments that we have booked. We have also selected two professional photography/filming studios which we would like to film the rest of our scenes in.

White Place studio is one of the spaces we would like to rent. Please check out this beautiful space by clicking the link below.

White place Studio

And the other studio space we would like to hire is 246 studio.

BUDGET

So, we have begun filming but will need a helping hand to see the project through. I have compiled together an honest budget for the project.

When it comes to filmmaking I like to be as innovative as possible. Utilising the resources around me and try to avoid unnecessary spending. This to me is what filmmaking is all about, being innovative and to create something from nothing.

That being said, I am trying to raise funds to film in the White place studio as mentioned above. I have budgeted for two days filming.

As the producer, I have already added additional funds of my own to this project, which has paid for; other film locations, costumes, wages and will be paying for film festival entries etc.

Being within budget and working to a strict timeframe is one of my strong skill sets, I can say with confidence and pride that have never ran over budget on my projects.

POST-PRODUCTION

This is one of my favourite parts of the process. After filming I will be editing all of the footage myself. I love this process and wouldn’t pay for someone externally to do it for me. So far, regards to sound, filming and editing, I have done it all, and I will continue to do so. I have a vision for this project and I would like to stick to it.

WHEN WILL THE PROJECT BE COMPLETED?

We would like to complete filming by early spring 2025, and will work hard to do our best to make this happen.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THE PROJECT AFTER COMPLETION?

It is my goal and duty upon completion for this project to receive maximum exposure. I will be submitting it to film festivals all over the globe. I would like to submit the project in the 2025 and 2026 film festival circuit. 

Given my past success on the film festival circuit, I am confident that ‘Industry’ will achieve the same and with your help we can make this happen.

I have already submitted the trailer to a number of Film Festivals, one of which Officially Selected us. It then went on to win an award for ‘Best Trailer’ at the Cineplay International Film Festival. We have also received an additional 3 official selections which you can see on our poster.

It is important to me that all the people involved get the credit they deserve. This means being credited on the film, having the opportunity to get their name on the big screen and on IMDB. This isn’t just my project but all of our project and one I want all of us to be proud of.

CAST

Manuela Minkova as Hannah

Manuela will be playing the lead role for this project. She performs in theatres in Sofia and has a BA degree in acting. Although Manuela has worked with other artists in photoshoots, this is her first as a lead role.

Marin Djishev as Marco

Marin is the supporting role of this story. He also has experience in theatre, working with a number of credible models and photographers. In the past he has appeared in a Macedonian production. With a knowledge and interest in photography in his personal life he can relate to the character he is playing in this project, no one is better suited for this role than, Marin.

Martin Taskov as David

Martin has featured in a number of short films and commercials in Bulgaria and Europe. He also has his own production company. His filmography can be seen here on IMDB

IMDB

Natallia Bulynia as Lucinda

Natallia is no stranger in front of the camera, working with actors such as Samual L. Jackson, Jodie comer and Colin Morgan to name but a few. Natallia also has an in-depth knowledge of filmmaking having produced her own projects. Her film journey can been seen on IMDB.

IMDB

MORE BEHIND THE SCENES

click our link to our YouTube channel to see our behind the scenes footage.

Behind the scenes - YouTube link

FINAL WORDS

Again we would like to express our gratitude to you for checking out our project.

We have an amazingly talented team who are truly dedicated. We have already begun filming but we are eager to get this film funded so we can continue our production.

We feel that this story will touch many, and we feel that it is certainly relatable in today’s world. 

With your help we can bring this story to life. Any support, no matter how big or small, we are truly grateful and humbled. 

If you feel that this is a project is for you, and you would like to be part of an award winning project, then please donate or even just like and share our project on social media. Either or, all of us thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I would love to hear from you. Any questions you may have please don't hesitate to get in touch.

I hope you all enjoyed our trailers, artwork and project.

Sending you all love and kindness

Lee O’Connor and Industry team

INSTAGRAM - social media