Barren - Short Film - Monster & Bear Film and Video Production

Barren

Short Film - Directed By SARAH HICKEY

Credits

Director:

Producer:

Cinematographer:

JOSH MITCHELL-FREY

Production Designer:

Jasmine Jakupi

Editors:

RYAN BIRD, Darius Family

Sound Designer:

Lachlan Harris

Starring:

Vanessa Crouch, Tom Beaurepare, Verity Higgins, William Whyte

Behind the scenes

Welcome to 2021 people! There is a huge buzz at the office as we throw ourselves into a new year, and plenty of projects on the go! A lot of exciting things going on in both the commercial and narrative side of the business. Here’s a sneak peek behind the scenes of a voiceover session we had the pleasure of doing to kickstart an animation series we’re working on. Always a pleasure @itsnatbond @dave_thorno @samuelhuntergalloway @troytopia @wickstudios

One last one before Christmas in our animated Meet The Team series. This is our Creative Director @sarahhickey.tv. Swipe right to find out more about the final M&B founder (a.k.a. @glittertearsmusic, a.k.a. Crazy cat lady). ➡️🎥

In order of most optimistic to most “concentratey”, here are the faces of the lovely humans who helped us to write an epic season of episodes for new comedy series “The Followers”, thanks to the support of @screenaustralia. 2020 hasn’t been allll bad 😈

A few sneaky snaps by @taylanceylan behind the scenes of our latest spot for Bistro Blinds, directed by @carljsorheim, featuring sass from @jessicagalea, intense focus from @shannynhiggins and a brewing bromance from @joshmitchellfrey 😜

Next up in our Meet The Team series is our Head of Postproduction Ryan Bird. He’s a bit too cool for the gram, but not too cool for Star Wars and Video Games 😜

Feels great to be back! Lots of simultaneous shoots on the go at the moment, and glad to see the weather putting on a show for this exterior shoot yesterday. 🙌

Hiring. Again :)Are you a seasoned film/content producer with experience in commercial film production? Agency experience a plus! Then Monster & Bear are looking for you to join our team in 2021! Initially on contract, with the intention of full-time for the right applicant.Salary negotiable for the right applicant and based on skill level. To express interest, please send CV and cover letter to jobs@monsterandbear.com.au

Swipe right to learn more about @joshmitchellfrey 🎥 ➡️
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It’s been a long year, and somehow our team has GROWN. So, in the name of growth - personally and as a team - we’ll be trickling out some cute little ‘Meet The Team’ loops so you can get to know us... some old faces, some new. All wiser for having survived a pandemic together.
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#meettheteam #bts #behindthescenes #filmlife #setlife #agency #agencylife #3d #3danimation #graphicdesign #2020 #2021 #cinematography #cinematographer

Some gorgeous stills from our ‘Be Ready’ campaign with @deakinuniversity.Agency: @bmfaustralia
Producer: @morethanfilm
Director: @sarahhickey.tv (standing in last-minute for Sarah-Jane Woulahan who was in a lockdown hotspot)
Cinematographer: @tj_chpmn (standing in for Josh Mitchell-Frey who was also in a hotspot)
1st AD: @madelineclairefrench
1st AC: @taylanceylan
Gaffer: @andrew.lock.545
Sound Recordist: @assumption_audio
Editor/Colourist: @s.k.mccarthy

Massive shoutout to our designer @jennyzdesign who helped us pull together our Iso-Cray doco with these gorgeous and relatable illustrations of different isolated characters.Which one can you relate to? Or perhaps reminds you of someone you know?

Felt cute. Won't delete later. Watch the full video in our story!It's no secret that we've shifted some of our focus to offer more animation and post-production services while production services are juggling restrictions. So we put together this cute little thang to give you a little bit of insight into how we work.Sound like fun? It definitely is. When it comes to animation, the world is (perhaps a little literally in this case) our oyster.Been considering getting an animation done? Hit us up!
hello@monsterandbear.com.au

#Repost @beyondblueofficial. A powerful series of remote interviews conducted for World Suicide Prevention Day (Today, along with R U OK Day). There’s braveness one vulnerability. And there’s no shame in reaching out for help x Stay safe out there.Directed/interviewed by @sabotage.distance
Produced by @jessicagalea
Editor: @s.k.mccarthy
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This post contains video content that might be distressing for some viewers. It features real people’s stories about suicide.Each day in Australia, more than eight people die by suicide. Today on #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we’re sharing the stories of eight people who found a way through. These stories offer a message of hope to anyone finding it difficult to cope – showing that suicidal thoughts can pass and that seeking support is a crucial step towards recovery.For those of us worried someone we know is thinking about suicide, these stories remind us that asking them about it directly could be a life-changing conversation. If someone tells you they’re thinking about suicide, just be there for them: listen to them without judgement, validate how they’re feeling, reassure them that the pain can pass, and connect them with support. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference – learn more at beyondblue.org.au/WSPD, or visit the link in our bio.If you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed, our mental health professionals are available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or at beyondblue.org.au/getsupport for email (responses within 24 hours). For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000).Keep an eye out on our social media channels over the next few weeks, as we take a closer look at each of the stories featured in this video.

Yep. It’s official. We’ve all gone #isocray! But what is iso-cray? Well, it’s “a form of delirium, or coping mechanism developed by the people of Melbourne in Stage 4 lockdown”. We’re sure many of you can relate.If you haven’t caught it yet, here’s a very small glimpse of our 10-minute doco on what it’s really feeling like for Melburnians in lockdown at the moment. Link in bio, watch via story, or just head to monsterandbear.com.au to check it out there!

Gonna keep it loose-as-a-goose for now, but let's just say we'll be springing our little Melbourne-In-Iso doco soon. Very soon. Like, maybe tomorrow soon. But who's to say? What day is it even? What even is life? Or time?Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to our little movement. We've loved getting to know you and hearing your stories #isocray

Very proud of the end result of this last-minute shoot during Stage 3 filming restrictions. Shot at @monsterandbearstudios, it was a pleasure to work with @bmfaustralia on this one, and to interview @ezimagbegor about the importance of feeling ‘Rwady For Whatever Comes Next’. See full video on our website via link in bio.CREDITS
Director: @sabotage.distance
Producer: @morethanfilm
Production Manager: @madelineclairefrench
Cinematographer: @joshmitchellfrey
Camera Assistant: @taylanceylan
Sound Recordist: @a_bra_mo
Editor/Colourist: @s.k.mccarthy

Such a pleasure seeing this piece come to life for M&B Director @juzzykane. Edited and coloured by our very own @s.k.mccarthy. Great hustle, great team, great result. 💪🏼Credits
@lost.little.oneDirector: @juzzykane
Cinematographer: @joelegandp
1st AC: @jeon.patton
2nd AC: @joshlabita
Gaffer: @a_t_s_d_w
Runner: @mr.t
Tracking: @harpyfilm
Drone: @harpyfilm, @joshlabita, @radarkane
Production Designer & Wardrobe: @dom.ups
Post Production: @monsterandbear
Editor: @s.k.mccarthy
Colourist: @s.k.mccarthy
Music: @addzy
BTS: @bonnie.jpeg
Special Thanks: To all the talent and everyone that made this possible, @tvh_rentals for the lenses, @harpyfilm, @monsterandbear, @twosunslighting and @lost.little.one

URGENTLY SEEKING A DIVERSE ARRAY OF MELBOURNE STORIES IN LOCKDOWN 2.0.Hey guys. At @monsterandbear we're brewing up something pretty special and we'd love for YOU to be a part of it. Have you been documenting what lockdown looks like for you?We can't possibly grasp the magnitude of stories occurring around us right now, so this is your opportunity to show us what's going on in your world. We encourage you to be vulnerable. We encourage you to be authentic. We encourage you to be funny, to be cute. But most of all, we encourage you to to be real.We're definitely not all in the same boat, but we can be in this together. We just... wanna see your boat.Send videos of all shapes, sizes, formats and content to: casting@monsterandbear.com.au. At this stage, cutoff will be 5pm Friday.

It's not absolutely officially official until it's on the Screen Australia website.
Good hustle team, good news is few and far between during a pandemic so we'll take it. Stay tuned for more on 'The Followers' as the project develops.

Some gorgeous moments from the last of our Beyond Blue 'Be You' documentaries, now live. Proud to have helped document the amazing work being done by schools to implement measures for both staff and students around mental health and wellbeing. All 4 films now live on the Monster & Bear website.

We are just SO proud to have worked with our legend @sabotage.distance on her short film 'Objects of my Disaffection' which will be premiering at @melbfilmfest this year!Some gorgeous stills to pique your interest. Please check it out at the link in bio, and tune in online when the festival rolls around this year on the interwebs!

When cinematogeaphers stand in their own light. @tj_chpmn

HUGE NEWS! We are so proud to announce that a show we’ve been working on with our legends at @goodallandgallagher has just been selected to go into development with Ron Howard’s Imagine Impact program, alongside @filmvic and @screenaustralia. Couldn’t be prouder of these legends!

Editor? Last-minute stand in? Or UFC Fighter? 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 For some reason we can’t stop laughing at this.

Working on something exciting alongside M&B director @juzzykane , DP @joelegandp and the legends at @harpyfilm to show your eyeballs soon. New piece for @lost.little.one - coming soon!
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#bts #behindthescenes #filmproduction #filmdirector #filmmakingzone #cinematography #fashion #production #productionlife

INTRODUCING... "THE HUF"! @fuhleumas
Due to the increased demand for animation during the period over lockdown - and the general time of the pandemic - we've actually hired someone. So we just wanted to give a warm and official welcome to Sam Huf who has joined the Monster & Bear team.
We're very excited to have this incredible motion designer, character designer and 2D/3D animator join us. His work - as seen in his showreel below - speaks for itself! What do you think? A keeper?
Note: Due to having two Sams in post, it's officially okay to call this Sam 'The Huf'! He loves it :P

Our sentiments exactly @robotface_au ! Was such a pleasure to work with you legends too!
#Repost @robotface_au
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In late 2019 @robotface_au had the privilege of working with @monsterandbear & @fkdstudio for the @glittertearsmusic Demisexual music video.Director @sarahhickey.tv threw the whole bag at our team, 360 orbital spins, multiple repeatable passes & the results speak for themselves.Here’s a selection of some of our favourite shots. Great work gang!Check out the full video now at @clippedtv@_tom__david_ @dwgoldie @camjamesstewart #glittertearsmusic #musicvideo #motioncontrol #motioncontrolaustralia #motioncontrolmelbourne #boltmotioncontrol #newmusic #monsterandbear #markrobertsmotioncontrol #cinematography #fkdstudio #filmmaking #camerarobotics #behindthescenes #artdirector #directorofphotography #robotics @mrmoco1

#Repost @schiavellofurniture Gorgeous stills by @kayzar as a part of a campaign we produced with @cyclone_creative 🙌
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Why we're hyped about the Focus Quiet Room... @cyclone_creative @monsterandbear @sylvia.ura @ginger_creative @zarqmichelle @bjbroch @alemartigle

#Repost @clippedtv (THANKS FOR THE FEATURE!)
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@sarahhickey.tv of @monsterandbear leads an ambitious collaboration to dazzle the senses through childhood innocence in debut clip for @glittertearsmusic 💫💦 Article by James Tran @ CLIPPED.TV (Link in bio)⁠⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠
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#clipped #musicvideo #videoclip #vfx #bts #robot #robotcamera #musicclip #videoclips #musicvideos #artist #film #filmmaker #films #filmmaking #acs #cinematography #cinematographer #visualeffects

‘Demisexual’ music video by @glittertearsmusic dropping this Saturday.
Directed by @sarahhickey.tv
Starring @anna_lux_lindner and Maisy Lester-Bryant
Producers: @morethanfilm @jessicagalea
Production Manager / First Ad: @madelineclairefrench
Cinematographer @joshmitchellfrey
Production Designer: @williambobbiestewart
Art adept: @sashadalty @tessjdolan @whoiskrispy @_sarah.stella
Gaffer: Charlie Moukbel
Lighting Designer: @kayzar
Motion control experts: @robotface_au @_tom__david_ Cam Stewart, Andrew Dale, David Goldsmith
1st AC: @taylanceylan
2nd AC: @mcrobbie_park
Hair & Makeup: @alchemymakeupartistry
Costume: @iamsallycheng
Editor: Ryan Bird
VFX: @fkdstudio
Colourist: @s.k.mccarthy

We recently had the pleasure of working with the legends at @klookanz on an upcoming Australian campaign. It might be a little while until this fella hits your screens but here are some delicious graded stills in the meantime. We'll be sure to share the LOLs when this one picks up again!Directed (and Creative Direction) by @luke.goodall and @sarahhickey.tv
Senior Producer: @jessicapearce.me
Producer/1st AD: @jessicagalea
Cinematographer: @joshmitchellfrey
Production Manager: @madelineclairefrench
Gaffer: @andrew.lock.545
1st AC: @taylanceylan
2ns AC: @austincharlesgilbert
Production Designer: @imo_walsh
Art Director: @sashadalty
Hair & Makeup: @sampearce.mua
Sound Recordist: @assumption_audio
Production Assistant: @@tkwilliams_
Still Photographer: @shannynhiggins
Edit & Colour: @s.k.mccarthy
Talent: Rohan Ganju, @marcgallagher32, @meggbrocco and @aarongocs
#comingsoon

A little while back, we had a blast churning out this cute video for health food co. KOJA. Also... these bars are ridiculously scrumptious. Everyone can attest to this, except director Jessica Galea - who is allergic to nuts. For those who aren't however, get on it. Now at Coles.
Agency: @gdjadvertising
Producer/Director: @jessicagalea
Creative Director: @sarahhickey.tv / Justin Nagorcka
1st AD: @madelineclairefrench
Cinematographer: @joshmitchellfrey
1st AC / Talent: @arabianshampoo (lol, thanks for letting us rope you in to a cameo!)
Gaffer: Charlie Moukbel
Production Designer: @imo_walsh
HMUA: Sky Isabella
Edit by: Ryan Bird
Colour: @s.k.mccarthy
Special thanks to our neighbours at @wickstudios for the epic sound stage and rustic brick wall texture ;)

@glittertearsmusic debut single ‘Demisexual’ drops soon, and we can’t wait to show you the nostalgic music video we’ve been working on with the team at @robotface_au and @fkdstudio. Made possible also by Lite M Up, @tvh_rentals and @monsterandbearstudios. Welcome to the Glitterverse.

If you’re up for a little uplifting video that we made before coronavirus took over our feeds, here’s some insight into the faces BEHIND the content we make. We like honesty and authenticity from our clients, so it’s only fair we are that way with YOU, right? Link to full film in bio 😂.

All of our cuties working from home, or in separate spaces, absolutely when and where possible. We’re so proud of everyone adapting so seamlessly into this new way of working and doing what we can to slow the spread of C19. #wfh #staythefuckhome #stayhome

@sarahhickey.tv puts it best when she says: Things are a little bit fucked right now... But we just thought we'd let you know we're still operating, even if it's business as NOT-so-usual.
But while this might be an incredibly hard time for everyone, we just wanted to let brands and agencies know that it's more important than ever to keep communicating with their customers and consumers, and keeping their finger on the pulse. A film is such a powerful way to do that.
While high-concept is where we love to live, we recognise our business needs to lean up, and refocus on what's most important right now; and the world is simply craving authenticity, transparency, empathy, kindness and vulnerability. To not address our current situation and pretend nothing is happening is the worst thing you can do.
So, we're here to say... we get it. But we're also here to say... let's be proactive, not REactive. Let's remain flexible and let's tackle this asshole of a year one step at a time.

Another example of the power of storyboarding. This quick turnaround project for Myer needed everyone to be on the same page with one week of preproduction, and we think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone nailed it 😂.
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Agency: The Animals
Storyboards by @matt_holmes77
Directed by @sarahhickey.tv
Shot by @joshmitchellfrey
Produced by @JessicaPearce.me
1st AD: @jessicagalea
Gaffer: Andrew Lock
AC: @arabianshampoo
Hair and makeup @alchemymakeupartistry
Styled by @williambobbiestewart
Location sound @soundforpicture
Sound Design @assumption_audio
Edit: Ryan Bird
Colour by @s.k.mccarthy
Talent: @iamsallycheng
Project Stills Campaign: @kayzar
Full credits at www.monsterandbear.com.au

Are you ready for The Glitterverse? New @glittertearsmusic music video dropping soon. .
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@monsterandbear x @robotface_au x @fkdstudio

Some finalised/graded stills from a recent project in collaboration with SDA Australia The Creative Works, and additional crewing assistance from our new friends at @goodeyedeer up in Sydney.

When your Production Designer (lookin at choo @imo_walsh!) gets the crew to take some snaps for some last-minute Employee Of The Month posters for a wall in shot! Thanks to this big bunch of legends for making our TVC shoot for @klookanz such a blast last week. (Missing: @joshmitchellfrey and @sarahhickey.tv, Insta only fits 10 images and they're the least important :P )

Here's a few graded still from Episode 1 in a series we filmed for @schiavellofurniture in conjunction with the absolute legends over at @cyclone_creative.
These meeting rooms are cool AF, for those out there into prefab-fabulousness. Head to our Facebook page to see the end result.
Director: @sarahhickey.tv
Producer/1st AD: @jessicapearce.me
Cinematographer: @joshmitchellfrey
Production Manager: @madelinefrench.film
AC: @taylanceylan
Gaffer: Charlie Moukbel
Best Boy: @dp_dougie
Wardrobe Stylist: Gemma Adams
Hair & Makeup Artist: Sylvia Ura
Editor / VFX: Ryan Bird
Colour Grade: @s.k.mccarthy
Talent: @zarqmichelle and @bjbroch

Not long now. 'Demisexual' - the debut music video by @glittertearsmusic, coming soon.
Photo by @jakesimkinphotos
Feat. @anna_lux_lindner

Turning your campaign videos into memes can be one way to grab an audience's attention while scrolling away. Here's a few meme-ified spots we did for @kidsafe_au last year. A great way to extend the life of a spot and stop some of those darn scrollers in their tracks!

When art imintates storyboard. Flashback to an oldie but goodie, a beautiful project we did for 'Respect Aged Care' thanks to creative legends over at @10feettall_melbourne. (P.s. Goes to show how helpful a storyboard can be in preproduction when it comes to nailing a vision - thanks @mattholmes77). @tombeaurepaire @steph_evison_williams

Beautiful colour grade work on our most recent campaign for @myer (featuring @iamsallycheng) done by in-house legend Sam 'King' McCarthy (@s.k.mccarthy). Now you know what the 'K' in his handle stands for :P You're welcome.

Bite-sized content (and more of it!) seems to be the way of the future when it comes to social rollout for brands. Here's a few fun clips we produced as a part of a series for @ecosa_sleep, to follow up the infamous 'Supermum' campaign last year.
Directed by @sarahhickey.tv
Produced by @jessicapearce.me @jessicagalea
Production Manager: @madelinefrench.film
Cinematography by @joshmitchellfrey
Gaffer: Charlie Moukbel
Best Boy: @kashclements
Production Design: @sashadalty
HMUA: @sampearce.mua
Location Sound: @assumption_audio
PA: @angiefrangipani
Edit & Grade: @s.k.mccarthy

Keen for a few minutes of bliss on your Thursday? We had the pleasure of shooting these wonderful sets at @monsterandbearstudios in the tail end of last year for the conceptual legends over @laminexau. Aren't they gorgeous?Directed by @sarahhickey.tv
Cinematography by @dyllan_corbett, and @tj_chpmn
Concept by Catherine Valente
Sets by @natturnbull
Photographed by @lillie_thompson
Watch the full video and interview at laminex.com.au.

Man, those sports teams just can't get enough of us. This is the first in a series of three spots we worked on with @delphibank and @melbournevictory_ on a super skeleton crew!
Directed by @luke.goodall
Produced by @jessicapearce.me
Shot by @joshmitchellfrey
1st AD: @madelinefrench.film @madelineclairefrench
Camera Assist: @arabianshampoo VO: @stevemcmedia

This little spot @monsterandbear produced for MYER’s Chinese New Year campaign had one week of preproduction total, so we’re very proud of the team pulling this little one off in a nick of time before Christmas break 😅Directed by @sarahhickey.tv
Produced by @jessicapearce.me
Cinematography by @joshmitchellfrey
1st AD/Co-Producer: @jessicagalea
AC: @arabianshampoo
Production Manager: @madelinefrench.film
HMUA: @alchemymakeupartistry
Stylist: @williambobbiestewart
Gaffer: @andrew.lock.545
Location Sound: @soundforpicture
PA: @matt_holmes77
Talent: @iamsallycheng (+ real mumma Tina)Stills photographer: @kayzar
Photog Assist: @__sampearce
Edit: Ryan Bird
Post Sound: @assumption_audio
Colour Grade: @s.k.mccarthy
Agency: @theanimals.com.au
#Repost @myer
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This year make sure to bring in the Lunar New Year right, wear your reds a little brighter and hug your family a little longer #MyerMyStore // Don’t forget, we’re conducting our national POS Round-Up campaign in-store until the 27th Jan, with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army Bushfire Relief Fund.

We absolutely love capturing community stories and authentic docos like this one for @zaparaslawyers. Be sure to check out the full story on their website!Directed & Produced by @jessicagalea
Shot by @joshmitchellfrey
AC: @arabianshampoo
Edit / Colour by @s.k.mccarthy

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