Hide And Seek

Written & Directed By Charlie Hamill

A grieving mother and her long-deceased son reconnect after a long separation, only to find that much has changed since their last encounter.

Synopsis

After returning from the shops, Michelle (late-30s) is surprisingly greeted by her son Harry (18), who arrives in an astronaut suit. As the two of them reminisce, sharing fond memories and exploring the house, a lot has changed since they last met 10 years ago. As the night continues, and Michelle finishes her bottle of wine, it becomes apparent that Harry may not be the boy she brought up, but the one she wished she had. Michelle, trying to hold onto the memory of Harry, plays a game of hide and seek with him, however, Harry is nowhere to be found.

Directors Statement

Hide and Seek is a sombre, melodramatic story about grief and the lengths we will go to hold onto the past. I aimed to introduce a unique and almost absurdist tone to display grief in a creative yet authentic way. I want to convey a sense of loss and a feeling of the unknown, confronting the audience with a child-like curiosity to explore how the narrative affects them personally. I want each audience member to have their own distinct understanding of how grief is portrayed and how it reflects upon their own lives.

Cast and Crew

Charlie Hamill

Writer & Director

Charlie is an aspiring writer and director. In his time at UTS, he has majored in Media Arts and Production and Media Business. He has worked on drama and experimental short films, documentaries and scene recreations as a director and as a 1st assistant director. He has enjoyed learning the many rules of cinema and how to bend and break them to subvert audiences' expectations. In his spare time, he writes screenplays for shorts and features. He is currently working on his next project and has recently completed an internship for the Australian Directors Guild.

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Emma Dalton

Actress of Michelle

Emma is a Sydney-based actor & has undertaken studies at the Academy of Theatre & Television, completed master classes & workshops with Darlo Drama, the Hub, Howard Fine, & is also a regular attendee at the Sydney Actor Studio. Emma has had numerous roles in TVCs, short films & feature films & is a member of a regular improv group. She is passionate about producing new works, particularly by Australian writers & stories that will provoke the thoughts of audiences & spark audience conversation. She is excited to be able to share exceptional stories with you all.

Jude Tomkins

Actor of Harry

Jude is a Sydney-based actor with a passion for film and performance. He has acted in a variety of short films, including his own music videos. He spent his childhood not only engaged in musical theatre and dance, but extensive athletic endeavours, such as boxing, to a state championship level. He's a dedicated individual and takes pride in every project he's a part of.

Emma Stephens

Writer & Producer

Emma is studying a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Media Arts and Production and Media Business. She has worked on multiple sets in a variety of different roles, ranging from producer, 1st AD, writer and a runner. Her role on Hide and Seek consisted of organising all forms relating to location, actors, safety and risk assessment, and funding. She was a huge contributing factor to the heart of the story and formed its identity.

Luca McDonald

Director of Photography

Luca is pursuing a double degree in Communications and Creative Intelligence and Innovation, with a major in Media Arts and Production. With a keen eye for composition and emotional lighting, Luca uses the medium to capture the nuances of human experience and tell compelling visual stories. He has worked on several UTS short films as DOP, and during his role on Hide and Seek, he was an integral part of creating the visual language of the short.

Amelie Downie

Editor

Amelie is currently studying a Bachelor of Communications Degree at UTS, majoring in Media Arts and Production. She is based in Sydney, NSW, and brings experience from previous roles at Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Loud and Clear Audio and Seven Network. She is proficient in editing software and confident in her creative vision when it comes to implementing unique editing techniques. She is also involved in other short films through sound design and mixing; however, her passion is directing theatre.

Issy Hile

Production Designer

Issy is currently finishing her double degree at UTS, which includes a Bachelor's in Law studies and Communications, majoring in Media Arts and production. She is a skilled production designer who pays attention to every minute detail. Her role consisted of set dressing, costuming, and make-up. She has also worked on other short films, showing her dynamic range in roles such as producer and production assistant. Issy played a huge role in bringing the set in Hide and Seek to life.

William McAndrew

Sound Designer

William is studying a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, majoring in Media Arts and Production. His role as sound designer consists of managing sound throughout the pre-production and shoot. He has a keen ear for finding rich sounds and dynamic ways to find them. However, William is an aspiring writer and has worked as a director of photography for other short films. He has a distinct comedic presence in his writing, and recently had the opportunity to work with and review film entries to the Sydney Film Festival.

Kel Tredinnick

Composer

Kel is currently studying a Bachelor of Communications at UTS, majoring in Media Arts and Production. Kel is an aspiring musician, has seen success on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. He is currently promoting his new single "Our Kind of Love" and is eager to release more music. Kel brings a unique style and flair to his role as composer, ensuring the audience is left in awe and pure wonder.