Megan Kingsbury

Creating the Film

In 2018 I decided to write a screenplay that I aimed to film over the summer break. I wanted it to be an important film that could spread a powerful message, and this film I wanted to enter into the EIFF. However, because they didn't have any competitions for my age group that year I decided then to enter it as a film to be screened for the festival itself.

I managed to pull together a very comprehensive cast and a small crew and commenced filming in late June. However, due to unforeseen circumstances our main actor had to pull out and the production was postponed. In August the filming recommenced with a new cast and same crew. In July I organised rehearsals and script runthroughs as well as BSL (British Sign Language) workshops for the main cast.

It was an exceptionally unusual production as my main actress was acting as a deaf girl (not being HOH herself) and my supporting actress had to learn how to be a mermaid. It was an unforgettable month with filming in South Queensferry, Musselburgh, Fairmilehead and even France! We had glorious sunny days and shoots that were out in the bitter rain.

The film was submitted to the EIFF and got as far as the nominations; being nominated alongside Oscar winning productions. Even though our film missed the screening, we came away with so many memories and lots of experience.

I did, however, host a private screening of the film for the cast, crew and friends and family once it was all over. I also created a mock DVD for them with extra features that I put together. They included: Behind the Scenes, Bloopers, Deleted Scenes and Trailer which was in addition to the film.

I ended up writing the script, directing and editing the film and acted as an extra with lines (no the crutches weren't originally part of the plan). To view the full film please get in touch with me. You can view the trailer and behind the scenes to the right.

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Plot

Ava, a deaf girl in high school, is ostracized by both her peers and her family to the point that she decides to try and end her life, but instead she is saved by the embodiment of 'The Voice of The Ocean' - Echo. She becomes friends with Echo as their friendship blossoms and Ava learns self-confidence and how to listen without hearing. However, two worlds collide when Ava is found to be abandoning her school work to see Echo (whom no-one else can see) and the Ocean grows silent the more time Echo spends away from it.
Read the Screenplay