Shot on iPhone 13 Pro.

WAKE follows a young drifter coming to terms with life and loss.

Kat travels through a seemingly harsh city after receiving a disturbing message. She finds herself in a bar where her moment is broken by patrons who have no sense of space. After Kat rights the injustice she meets up with Liam. Late into the night Kat reveals a secret and opens up to Liam about her fears. Liam offers a different perspective that has Kat viewing the world around her in a new light.

Director's Statement

WAKE, A FILM THAT CELEBRATES LIMITATIONS & COLLABORATIONS

Wake is a short film that was born out of limitations; budget, time and equipment all in short supply. The film was shot on a mobile phone (iPhone 13Pro) and the filmmakers purposely limited their available gear to what could only fit into a small roller bag (save for one big light and a stand). “The fact that we had limitations and boundaries on this project actually freed us up in many ways. It became less about gear and more about the story and performances” comments Dimitri Ellerington, the film’s director.

“SF3 Fest really helped set the parameters and provide a call to action for us to get out there and get this project completed!”

As digital cameras and especially mobile phones have opened up and democratised the filmmaking process the Wake team approached the project with a newer collaborative dynamic, moving away from the traditional auteur process.

The team is a multi generational diverse mix, where the mix of experience and energy combined to make the whole shooting process inclusive and enjoyable. Combining collaborators from Sydney, Melbourne and London and on different parts of their film journey, from professionals to students, has ensured that making this film has been a valued and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Director's Bio

Dimitri Ellerington is a Sydney based filmmaker who grew up in Melbourne and graduated from the VCA school of Film & TV. His short films and documentaries have shown at festivals around the world and he is a twice Tropfest finalist. His wrestling documentary, “Big Men, Bigger Dreams” was nominated for both AACTA and Dendy awards as well as screening on SBS. When not lurking around film sets Dimitri likes to grow vegetables and dance underneath glitter balls...but not in that order.

A short interview with Dimitri Ellerington, Director & Co-creator

How did this film come about?

I’ve always loved alternate and “indie” techniques as well as collaborations. When SF3 was announced using a mobile phone seemed like the perfect opportunity to get something actually made.

I come from a stills background and I’m often inspired by a location, then music. From those moments an idea tends to brew, but it’s important to get others on board quickly, or you get locked into something too fixed. Having the other filmmakers come on early was crucial to making Wake work.

Why a mobile phone?

Mobile phones are a massive democratiser; they’re available to almost everyone and modern versions can create incredible images when used properly.

Mobile phones free you from permission: permission to film because of gear, because of finances....you don’t need anyone’s permission to make film with phones.....just make one!

So how was the shoot?

Once Ez Kenworthy was cast we knew it was all going to work, even if there were problems.....Ez was the key.

Rarely does a shoot just happen without hitches, but Wake was that dream shoot because we were flexible and prepared. Sure we didn’t get every location, but with just a phone we stole quite a few! Excellent locations, amazing sunsets, an upbeat crew and a van that was our home away from home...all combined for a guerrilla shoot that was a lot of fun!

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?

You should just go for it. You can always find a reason why you shouldn’t bother, but honestly you already have the tools to make an amazing film; your imagination and that phone in your pocket.

Sure watch other films, YouTube tutorials and listen to filmmaker podcasts, but at some point you have to press that red button.....the sooner the better.