Introduction:
Do You Copy is a sci-fi thriller short film which centres on the strained allegiance of two mercenaries and the tensions which arise when they’re forced to rely on one another to survive. The film was created as part of my dissertation at the University of York.
Inspiration:
Do You Copy grew from the desire to challenge my VFX skills by creating an immersive sci-fi film on a micro-budget. Thematically, I wanted to explore natalist ethics through the lens of cloning. In many sci-fi narratives, including two inspirations for this piece, Blade Runner (1982) and Moon (2009), it’s taken as a given that clones/synthetic humans wish to experience a full life. When clones become violent in these films, it’s to protect their continued existence or to take revenge on those who robbed them of personhood. I wanted to subvert this and explore the horror of clones who not only resent their own existence, but pity the existence of their creators.
The Process:
Do You Copy was filmed over three days in the black box theatre at the University of York. Bringing the setting to life on a £500 budget was a labour of love, which required creativity both in terms of production design and visual effects. The set was pieced together from old theatre flats which we repainted and dressed with whatever discarded tech we could get our hands on. The vent on the wall, for example, was my neighbour’s broken bathroom fan that they were getting ready to take to the tip. The CRT televisions were rehomed from a tech recycling centre and were gratuitously discounted because none of them worked. The screen contents were added via VFX along with the space background outside the window and the movements of the door.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
Considering the brilliant lineup of works which have been shown at the festival in previous years, being selected to screen Do You Copy at the Worcester Film Festival is incredibly validating. I’m ever so grateful for the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience and connect with filmmakers at a variety of career stages.
Where to Watch / Follow:
If you’re unable to attend the screening, the film is also available to watch on YouTube (Do You Copy [A Sci-fi Thriller Short Film]). You can also follow me on Instagram @r_lynn_pelzel to stay updated on my future work!
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