FINED Short Film on Parking Fine Crisis
Donation protected
Our award-winning team, whose British comedy caper, Bricked Up, infatuated the North West, are now rebelling against petty parking fines with FINED short film, blending absurdist humour with a scathing critique of systemic indifference.
A self-righteous traffic warden in Manchester becomes obsessed with ticketing an illegally parked car, only to discover its owner lies in a coma. Forced to confront his own ruthlessness, he must decide whether to uphold the law or salvage his humanity.
- Genre: Dark Comedy, Social Satire
- Themes: Bureaucratic absurdity, moral decay, systemic indifference, class struggle.
- Tone: Absurdist, biting, and darkly humorous with moments of pathos.
Motivation
- In 2021, Manchester issued nearly one fine per resident. Post-pandemic, fines surged 32%, disproportionately impacting working-class communities.
- With councils prioritising revenue over empathy, FINED channels the nation-wide rage into a dark comedy parable about unchecked authority. It’s a story that’s urgent, universal, and painfully timely.
Meet the Award-Winning Crew
We are an award-winning, majority-queer team of Salford graduates whose British comedy Bricked Up proved our knack for blending grit with heart. As first-gen immigrants, LGBTQ+ creatives, or Mancunians like director Max James Walker — who’s battled petty fines firsthand — we ensure that the satire humour of our short film never punches down, but amplifies voices sidelined by bureaucracy. For us, FINED is a stepping stone to features and TV series exploring class and identity.
At Memorisica, we’re more than an independent content company — we’re a production collective. Our group is made up of professionals from various cultural backgrounds, beliefs, sexual orientations, and gender identities — each bringing their unique voice to award-winning programming across all genres. By sharing resources like production equipment, studio spaces, and distribution networks, we empower our teams to tell the stories that matter. Focused on creative innovation and development, we aspire to become a home for emerging talent and original storytelling.
- Max James Walker, Director - @maxjameswalkerfilm
- Xavier Sonski, Producer, Editor - @xaviersonski
- Diana-Maria Mihailescu, 1st AD - @diana.m.film
Known for the fast-paced, gritty caper with British 2000s indie vibes, Bricked Up, winner of the Royal Television Society North West Student Television Award for Best Entertainment and Comedy Drama 2025; Best Film and Best Edited graduate short film from the University of Salford BA (Hons) Film Production class of 2024, winner of Outstanding Achievement in Editing award.
Max James Walker is also known for The Façade, and Schamlippen. He's an award-winning writer and director from Stockport, Greater Manchester, always looking for the deeper meaning in things.
Nominee for Mars Elkins El-Brogy Award for Multimedia Content at National Student Television Association, Xavier Sonski is also known for producing and editing a talk show all about filmmaking and industry insights, Beyond The Reel, filmed at MediaCityUK with a live studio audience.
- Ryan Reid, Screenwriter - @ryanreid303
From a working-class background of rural Northern Ireland, Ryan tells new stories that challenge audiences’ perspectives on current social issues with a light-hearted tone. FINED is their next project under this mission, taking a satirical stab at the UK‘s parking fine crisis and councils’ negligence on it.
- Emily Lunson, Production Designer - @lunsonslens
Award-winning production designer known for In Another Time (2025), winner of Outstanding Achievement in Production Design award from the University of Salford BA (Hons) Film Production class of 2024. Also known for Bricked Up.
Your Support Matters
Every pound gets us closer to exposing bureaucratic absurdity on screen. Help us start rolling by July, 2025.
Donations above a certain amount will receive rewards to express our heartfelt thanks.
- £20: Official signed print poster + Special Thanks credit.
- £50: Early digital access to the film + blooper reel + all above rewards.
- £200: Executive Producer credit + limited edition zine + all above rewards.
Rewards are subject to availability; we will communicate transparently about any adjustments.
Project Stage & Feasability
- Stage of Production: Pre-Production
- Screenplay finalised, shot list locked, pitch deck circulating to investors/funding bodies, key crew attached.
FINED is intentionally lean, focused, and achievable, with just three shooting locations: the gritty streets of Manchester, a residential house, and a hospital room. We’re using some equipment our group already own, which means your support goes on what truly elevates the film: production design and costumes, hiring local actors, locations, as well as travel and catering expenses.
- Small scale, big vision that's only 3 shooting locations + only essential cast & crew = fewer logistical headaches.
- We made award-winning British comedy caper, Bricked Up, on a shoestring. This is easier!
- Our tight crew of ~10 experienced filmmakers avoids chaos and keeps costs low.
See Your Impact
Join us on social media for behind-the-scenes content; updates and milestones; and crew takeovers.
- Instagram: @FinedFilm & @Memorisica
- Facebook: @FinedFilm
Tag us in your parking fine horror stories and we’ll feature the most absurd ones on our feed!
Add FINED to your Watchlist on Letterboxd.
Thanks for your support!
Co-organizers (2)
Xavier Soński
Organizer
England
Max Walker
Co-organizer