Kimberly Lam

The Story

Situated in an eccentric town brought to life by quirky personalities, it's the year 2000 and Video Pirates are making big bucks selling illegal VHS copies of copyrighted material. In Dolphin City, video pimp Ray Klindler is the flavour of the month, every month. Hailed the king of illegal sales, he is worshipped by everyone. Meanwhile, Charlie, a second-rate video store owner, watches his once-popular business fall to pieces. The once booming but now withering lifeless store is a dull spot in the area that no longer fits in. Heartbroken and at wits end, Charlie’s unsuccessful attempts to save his store inevitably forces him to accept his defeat - the shutting down of Dolphin City Videos. It seems his life is now an uncontrolled downwards spiral, or so he thought. Charlie bumps into the flamboyant pirate, and impulsively launches into an absurd wrestle with him....

- Dir. Carly Kyberd

Australia has been considered “one of the biggest movie pirates in the world”, and we have all personally witnessed the death of our beloved video stores. This film will pay homage to “the good old days” of video stores that encompasses early 2000s nostalgia and pathos towards the shortcomings of so many videostore owners all over Australia. The film’s charming tone concurrently possesses cynical undercurrents, and serves as commentary on our place in the 21st century. It examines the culture’s warped view of “celebrity” in this day and age and how, perhaps, having the right morals and intentions are not held up to the credit it deserves. It therefore questions the fragility of people’s morals in favour of surviving in this money driven sphere.

The Financials

Not only will the film look stunning on 16mm, we also aim to create a glitzy early 2000s style that will be both colourful and kitschy. Enough funds will allow us to establish a style that is unique and visually appealing. 

Whilst we are working hard to fund this independent short film, shooting on 16mm can cost more than we can hope to afford. As young, financially struggling uni students - we would be forever grateful to have your help! And with your help, we can work towards producing an eccentric short film for everyone’s entertainment!

Your contributions will mainly help fund:

- 16mm film stock

- film developing costs

- filming equipment rentals

- location hire 

- our means for survival while producing a short film 

...Now, The Good Part

By contributing towards our goal, you are helping our small team achieve and produce what was once upon a time just a fun “imagine-if” idea that came into conversation over two $1 coffees from 7-Eleven. Oh, and you’d be supporting your local Australian artists in the film culture.

Below are some incentives that could potentially entice you to contribute, if our unmatched appreciation doesn’t sound like enough:

• <$10 awards a firm handshake from our Cinematographer and Co-Writer Oscar, who is also offering a possible hug. You will also be mentioned in the credits as a special thank you.
• <$20 awards the above, plus a Dolphin City Videos movie poster. The size and dimensions are a surprise (but big enough, probably).
• <$30 awards all the above, plus a one of a kind Dolphin City Videos T-Shirt.
• <$40 awards all the above, plus a personalised hand-written thank you letter on nice paper from us.
• <$50 awards all the above, plus a free digital copy of the film!

All incentives are negotiable. Anonymous donors are welcome too, just let us know!

Meet the Makers of Dolphin City Videos!

We are a small, hopeful crew of weird 2nd year university students who are overwhelmed with excitement to bring Dolphin City Videos to life for everyone to enjoy. Particularly those of you who have an inimitable past relationship with VHS Tapes and an odd sense of humour.

Carly Kyberd – Director/Writer

Oscar O’shea – Director of Photography/Co-Writer

Kimberly Lam – Editor/Production Design

Jordan Spanos – Sound Artist/ Sound Supervisor

Extended Crew: 

Lawrence McCrabb - 1st AC 

Marcus Mason - 2nd AC 

Alistair Green - Gaffer 

Mischa Plant - Best Boy 

Kasia Silva - PA 

Anna Ross - PA