Of All The Things
‘Of All the Things’ is a 2D animated short film, partly funded by the BFI NETWORK, that delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship amidst the challenges of hoarding disorder. Offering a fresh perspective, the film emphasises the journey towards understanding and connection while aiming to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding this often misunderstood condition.
Project
Of All The Things
THE STORY
Ava remembers her childhood home as a place full of amazing treasures and adventures. The day she returns home from university, however, everything changes: what used to be a place for adventures has become an oppressive box, and her mother’s things and fear of letting go overwhelm their home and their relationship. By dipping into memories and sharing a moment in time, can mother and daughter reach an understanding?
The Why
Our film aims to offer audiences a deeper understanding of Hoarding Disorder, an often overlooked mental health issue. Through the power of storytelling, we believe we can help encourage empathy towards individuals grappling with hoarding disorder, challenge prevailing stereotypes around hoarding and encourage individuals to seek support. Our mission is to raise awareness, foster understanding, and encourage dialogue about this often-misunderstood condition.
DIRECTORS NOTE
As the child of someone with hoarding behaviours, I've grappled with the stigma and shame surrounding the condition. Through my own journey of understanding and acceptance, I've been inspired to create a film that sheds light on the human side of hoarding, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy. By portraying the complexities of parent-child relationships affected by hoarding, my aim is to encourage audiences to recognise and accept these challenges with compassion, fostering open conversations and encouraging those affected by hoarding to seek support.
What do the experts say?
Several Hoarding Charities and Organisations are supporting our project and this is what they had to say about it.
"Hoarding is not a lifestyle choice, it is a mental health disorder and there are very complex reasons why people may hoard. This video will help reduce the stigma and stereotyping around hoarding."
Jo Cooke, Hoarding Disorders UK
"The film will form an invaluable educational tool to raise awareness about hoarding disorder, and how it can impact the person and their family. It will be useful for the general public, for people who hoard, and the professionals who deal with hoarding cases and hopefully promote more positive attitudes towards this condition."
Dr Nick Neave - Northumbria University, Director of the Hoarding Research Group & Chair of the Hoarding Partnership UK
Who are we?
Director - Steff Lee
Based in Leicester, Steff is an animation director and artist with 15 years in the creative industry. As co-owner of indie animation studio Kino Bino, she is passionate about using animation to educate and improve accessibility of health and wellbeing information for families and raising awareness of mental health issues. Part of the Creative UK Female Founders Alumni she is a strong advocate for women in animation, driven by a desire to make the industry more inclusive.
Producer - Bella Tomlinson
BAFTA nominated Bella Tomlinson is an experienced animation producer who worked for award-winning studio Hot Animation for 10 years - producing both the 'Bob the Builder' and 'Pingu’. In 2020 she joined Kino Bino as their Producer. ‘Of all the Things’ is her first animated short. This production has offered her the opportunity to develop and provide opportunities for women entering the animation industry.
Production Studio - Kino Bino
Kino Bino are a creative studio based in Leicester specialising in content for children, healthcare and community campaigns. Their vision is to make a difference to communities worldwide. Founded by husband-and-wife Steff and Jack, they bring decades of combined animation experience. They are trusted by brands such as the BBC, NHS and TED-Ed and have both BAFTA and RTS nominations in their team's trophy cabinet.
THE CREW
Our crew boasts the talents of the following people:
Maria Galliani Dyrvik - an accomplished writer, director, and producer, has skillfully crafted our script.
Technical Director - Jack Ross
Concept Artists - Zhi Ling Lee, Mhari Sibeth & Kathryn Flynn
Storyboard Artist - Linzi Goldstein
Animatic Consultant - Rachinta Platts
Story Artists - Mhari Sibeth & Kathryn Flynn
Composer - Sarah Playford Sound Design/Foley - Heidi Wilson
Animation - Nicola Bilbie, Imogen Scoppie & Amy Jones
Interns - Rebecca Harborne & Caitlan Harris
Special Thanks - Jackie Cockle & Gilly Fogg
The Production
The film runs at approximately 6 minutes. All the pre-production is now completed, this includes the storyboard, animatic, character designs, assets, rigs, and 160 pieces of beautiful background art.
In 2021, we were fortunate to secure a portion of the film's budget through BFI Network fund. Kino Bino has played a crucial role in supporting the project through their commercial work. However, with 2023 being a difficult year for the animation industry and the cost of living crisis, we had to halt the production until more funds could be raised.
WHERE WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT?
We are halfway through production ready to move to the animation stage. Funds raised will be used for the animation and post-production to get the film finished.
We understand the importance of accountability and transparency, and we are committed to keeping our supporters informed about the progress of the project.
TIMELINE
Once the funds have been raised we will be able to confidently book the project into our studio schedule. We aim to have the film finished in 2025.
Why should you support us?
Once the film is complete, our aim is to raise more awareness about hoarding disorder and reach out to individuals who may be unaware of its existence. We plan to distribute the film widely, submitting it to film festivals globally and making it available to organisations such as charities, social housing, fire services, mental health services, and schools. Our goal is for the film to resonate emotionally with viewers, inspiring them to seek support and assistance.
REWARDS
You can make a donation without any reward but we do have some great things on offer from digital packages to books and posters and our favourite - get your special object included in the film!
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to look at our project. With your support we can get this film out into the world, sparking conversation and bringing empathy and understanding to those affected by hoarding disorder.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Can’t donate to the campaign yourself but still want to help? You can help by sharing and spreading the word about the project with your family, friends and networks. Follow us on socials:
Instagram: kinobinostudio | steffleeartist | bella_t_producer
Don’t forget to tag #ofallthethings
Facebook | X
Want to be involved in another way or are interested in corporate sponsorship contact us on: bella@kinobino.com
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE BACKERS SO FAR
DMU, The BICSc, Holistic Hoarding, Accent Housing, The Longhurst Group, Hoarding Disorders UK, Clouds End CIC, Clutter Free Living, Hearth and Home, Free Your Space, Less is More, Tidy Rooms
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We have a range of corporate packages and can work with your marketing budgets. Email bella@kinobino.com for further information. Options include:
- Your logo on the end credits of the film - with a worldwide festival run planned
- Special Thanks at events and across our social media platforms and the hoarding community.
- Premiere Tickets - to be held at Phoneix Independent Cinema & Arts Centre in Leicester
- Corporate Social Responsibility - be part of making a difference
FAQs
What will happen if you don't raise the funds by 7th July?
This project is flexibility funded which means whatever money raised will go towards the production costs. If we are unable to raise the full amount we will pursue further funding options such as partnering with a charity, match funding, continuing corporate sponsorship outreach, and applying for other film funds.
Every pledge matters, we take your investment in this project seriously. We are an experienced team that have delivered many commissioned projects. We are passionate about this film and want to get it out into the world, so we won’t give up.
When can we use it for hoarding awareness and training?
Animation is a lengthy process, and while our film won’t be ready for immediate use, your support is crucial in bringing this project to life. Once the film is complete we’ll be doing a two-year international film festival run. Alongside this we will explore creating training packages around the film to educate communities and professionals. We will keep you updated on this throughout the process.
I'm interested in the Associate & Executive Producer credits, can I see the full script/animatic of the film?
Of course, we’ll be happy to share. Drop an email to bella@kinobino.com and we can arrange to have a chat
PRESS COVERAGE
We've been spreading the word about the project chatting with BBC Radio Leicester, BBC News & ITV.
BBC News: Artist's animation aims to help people with hoarding disorder
Animated Women UK: Interview with Steff & Bella
'Hoarding Stuff' Podcast Chat with Steff & Bella
Breaking the Silence of Hoarding Disorder - Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers
Updates
Production and Rewards Update
With three new sponsors secured over the summer, bringing us to £16,601, we're ready to start production this autumn.
Crowdfund Campaign Closes
🙏 THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our film 'Of All The Things'. We managed to raise a massive £12,041! Every single contribution means the world to us and will contribute towards bringing this story to life. Read more...
Crowdfunding Campaign: Final Week
We're in the final week of our crowdfunding campaign and are excited to share some updates with you! Producer, Bella & Director Steff have been chatting with Animated Women UK and on the Hoarding Stuff podcast sharing the motivation behind the film and the film making process.
The Final Two Weeks
We're in the final two weeks of our crowdfunding campaign for Of All The Things, and we need your help to cross the finish line!
Half-Way Update - We're at 21%!
We're at the half-way point and are pleased to say we've raised 21% of our crowdfund goal so far! We added a new reward tier last week and have been sharing some behind-the-scenes bits across our socials.
We're at 17%! :) Sharing our film project with the BBC
We're on Week 3 and with 50 backers have hit 17% of our goal! Thank you so much to everyone who has pledged to the project so far! We appreciate each and every single donation.