The journey

On Saturday 23rd May at 5am, I will embark on a journey from Haltwhistle to Tynemouth - completely on foot - and I’ll be live-streaming the whole thing on social media!

I want to prove my passion and commitment to getting Candle Dodgers off the ground - that's why I've picked a completely bonkers physical & mental challenge.

I don’t want to beg for money - but I will absolutely to bleed for it!

The route is approx. 50 miles/80km and I'll be walking for over 16 hours. I’m making a pitstop to Newcastle Quayside where I'm invite all of you to join me for the last leg! - 10 miles/16km from the Quayside to Tynemouth where I'll be dipping my sore feet in the sea!

In addition to raising money for my film, I am sharing 10% of all donations to a local charity - and when we hit our goal - I’m donating 100% of additional funds raised.

For updates on my training, route mapping, and your support - head over to my Candle Dodgers Instagram page!

For more information on the fundraiser - head to my GoFundMe!

ABOUT THE SHORT FILM

Logline — Long after a nation votes to euthanise the elderly, Death Days have become a jovial tradition. Julia is given the impossible task of choosing how her mother will die — but she has other plans altogether.

Candle Dodgers is a film about an individual's battle between personal morality and culture conformity. Martyrdom, self-sacrifice, and existential dilemma form a basis for this story; a tale about the love of mother and daughter.

All of this moral medicine is disguised within the plot of the gory, funny, and suspenseful short film. When the credits roll, we want people to feel like they don't hug their parents enough.

OUR PROGRESS SO FAR

• Write the Script

• Find the Crew

• Cast the Actors

• Draw Storyboards

• Film it.

Just because we’ve launched a crowdfunder, it doesn’t mean we are sitting on our bums!

The team has worked hard in pre-production; building sets, designing costumes, storyboarding scenes, and we have even started rehearsing with our talented actors!

setbackS

The journey so far hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows!

Due to unforseen circumstances, production has halted on the cusp of shooting.

Our principle set was moments from completion when a fire broke out in a neighbouring room. Thankfully nobody was harmed, but it mean our momentumn was struck.

But, not to worry! Filmmaking is a game of patience. And instead of just putting 2 feet forward toward success, I aim to put 100,000!

FAQs

❓Is this a student film or a professional production?

Candle Dodgers isn’t a student project — it's an independently produced short film made by a team of experienced filmmakers and actors working in the industry. We have self-funded the project so far, but we’re calling on the creative community to help us fund the rest.

❓Why make this film now?

Because the idea has been haunting us for years — and in a world that often treats old age as an inconvenience, we think this story has something honest (and a little twisted) to say. It’s timely, weird, and very human.

❓Is this a comedy or a drama?

It’s both — the kind of story where you laugh, then immediately wonder if you should have. Think Black Mirror meets Inside No. 9, with a touch of bittersweet family drama underneath the satire.

❓Will this actually get finished?

Yes. We already have cast, crew, and locations moving into place. We’ve raised some of the budget ourselves, and this campaign is the final push to do the film justice. Barring global disaster, this film will get made.

❓Are you paying your cast and crew?

Yes, wherever possible. This is a micro-budget project, but we’re committed to paying people fairly and covering all essentials like travel and food. Crowdfunding helps us to achieve this.

❓If I am a business, can I sponsor or collaborate?

Absolutely! We’re encouraging creative partnerships — whether it’s product placement, cross-promotion, or offering your space/services in exchange for credit and exposure. Email us, and let’s talk!