About the Film

A Drop In The Ocean is a topical, eco-themed narrative short film focusing on one couple’s journey as they negotiate their role in the climate crisis and its effect on the future of the planet, when their own personal, immediate future is thrown into uncertainty. 

It follows Neil and Ellie, a couple who live detached from the climate crisis, until one night, when Ellie experiences a disturbing vision: a stork, drowning in black tar. From that moment, she sees the consequences of the climate emergency weighing on every daily act. Neil questions the point of changing their lives when billionaires can undo efforts in an instant. But then, Ellie reveals she’s pregnant. Months later, the two are living more consciously. Ellie’s bump has grown, their carbon footprint has shrunk. But one question still lingers: is it too late? 

Director's Statement 

The causes, culprits, and consequences of the emergency are now so well documented across politics, media, and culture, that they’ve become a constant backdrop to our daily lives. Our personal decisions are now shaped by our awareness of the climate crisis - even when those decisions feel insignificant and intimate. 

I wrote this script out of frustration. While individuals, couples, and families, all attempt to make meaningful change at a domestic level, their efforts are undone in seconds by governments and corporations with no accountability. I also wanted to explore how climate anxiety shapes personal decisions, how a global crisis becomes deeply intertwined with our private lives, and how the choice to start a family can feel confusing, even frightening, in the face of an uncertain future.

Visual Style 

The film adopts an unobtrusive style that emphasises naturalism, with bright, even lighting in the day and soft, diegetic lighting in the evening. Frames are wider, takes are longer, all to emphasise a sense of verisimilitude and ‘realism’.

However, in the world of Ellie’s dream, it will feel dark, shadowy, almost frightening, with blue and black hues and slow, foreboding camera movement, eerily anticipating Ellie’s actions. Importantly, the movements and colours will slowly blur into Ellie’s real world as the fears of her dreams become realised.

Why Now: Environmental Commitment 

Climate anxiety has been shaping young people’s life choices for years - particularly decisions about whether to have children: In 2018, a New York Times survey cited that 33% of child-free Americans aged 20-45 “worry about climate change” as a reason for not becoming parents. Equally, a 2021 survey of 10,000 people aged 16–25, revealed that between 30% and 40% of respondents in the UK were hesitant to have children because of climate change. These aren’t just statistics; these are real people with real concerns: 

“Should you bring a child into a world where potentially they might not have a pleasant, or even livable future…” 

“There is the moral dilemma of the kinds of emissions behind having a child... That sounds cold... but that was a big factor for us.”

We are working with Albert to form a CAP (Carbon Action Plan) to have this production adhere to ALBERT’s production guide. We recognise that productions do leave a significant carbon footprint. As the film is so closely tied to pollution, waste, and climate change, the production will endeavour to minimise any and all impact on the environment. We have found that this is not a normal practice in short film, we hope that we can guide future short-form productions to do the same.  

The Team

Archie Smith - Writer/Director

Archie’s previous short films have been officially selected by the London Lift-Off Film Festival, the Los Angeles Short Film Awards, and the London Director Awards. His work explores the humour, tragedy, and absurdity found in everyday life.

Ladan Saidi - Producer

Ladan is a Producer and Writer/Director with a broad background in film production, production design, and the festival circuit. Having served on the selection panel for the New York Latino, Cornwall, and Exit 6 Film Festivals whilst freelancing on-set, she offers a unique understanding of the industry. 

Will Slade - Producer 

Will is a Producer and Assistant Director working in narrative production. He started his Producing journey independently with BIFA -Qualifying ‘Area Boys’ before working in-house with the Oscar-winning team at Slick Films. 
 

Samira Oberberg - DoP

Samira is a German cinematographer based in London, drawn to films with social issues at heart, that question and challenge society and the status quo. After moving from Germany to England to study Cinematography at the National Film and TV School, Samira has gone on to receive a Best Cinematography nomination at Underwire for her short 'Reflections' , and earn a BAFTA Longlist nomination for the short film “A Fox in the Night”. 

Fran Cattaneo - Casting 

Fran is a London-based Casting Director. Driven by her love of short films, she created a division within her office to train and nurture those wanting to gain experience in casting. This team enables the likes of first-time filmmakers and those who have previously cast their projects themselves, the opportunity to work with the best acting talent, whilst working alongside Fran’s expertise. 

Shakyra Dowling - Executive Producer 

Shakyra is a London based Casting Director know for casting International Film and Television. Shakyra has produced several short films, including There Will Come Soft Rains, Returned, and Incompatible, the latter winning Best UK Short Film at the Raindance Film Festival. 

House on Fire Productions

House on Fire Productions is a London-based company founded by Producer Kate Shelley and Director Emily Macrander, championing bold short form work across narrative film, music videos and branded content, with productions screened across the UK and recognised with international awards.

Why Should You Donate? 

Our budget is a roadmap to delivering a compelling, high-quality short film that brings our unique and resonating eco-themed narrative to life.
 

Every pound you donate will help us bring a beautiful film with a conscious heart to life and ensure it receives the recognition it deserves through festival submissions. We aim to apply to festivals that align with our film’s theme and also allow us to amplify the discourse our film raises to a wider audience. This will include UK-based BIFA- and BAFTA-qualifying festivals, Eco-Narrative ones, and those outside the UK.

Thank you!

And finally, if you’ve made it this far, thank you!

We really believe this film has the potential to resonate with a wide audience, and hopefully add to the conversation surrounding the climate crisis in a unique and meaningful way. If you are thinking of donating your help will be essential to make this happen.

If you aren't able to donate, please share this fundraiser with your friends and family. We promise to keep all backers in the loop regarding our progress and keep you updated with exactly where your donations are going.

You can also follow us on Instagram @adropintheoceanfilm.

If you do have any queries, you can email us at adropintheoceanfilm@gmail.com

Thank you so much,

Archie, Will, Ladan, and the whole A Drop in the Ocean team.