CGI Storyboard
What is
"The Coward"?
It's a war film! A short one...
"The Coward" is a live action war film, set during the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. The film will be 13 minutes long and feature extensive combat scenes.
Director's IntentCGI Storyboard
What is the
story about?
Fear and courage during combat.
We explore themes of bravery and cowardice through the experiences of KELLY, an Irish militiaman in the British Army during the violent Battle of Lundy's Lane.
Tell Me MoreCGI Storyboard
When will
it be filmed?
September 2024!
We are deep in Pre-Production and will shoot late May 2024. We will fund our budget of $50,000 with a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Click the link to learn more!
Why Next Year?Story
"The Coward" is set during the Battle of Lundy's Lane, 1814, as the British Army counterattacks the American forces. At the very end of the British battle line is the 2nd York Militia, where our three heroes - Kelly, his friend Matthews and Sgt. Pike are serving.
The British advance through musket volleys and cannonball strikes until a brutal bayonet charge pushes Kelly, Matthews and Sergeant Pike to their limits. Kelly breaks, abandoning his friend Matthew and, despite Pike's attempts to hold him back, flees to a nearby stream.
There Kelly finally pauses. He remembers his father back home in Ireland, a memory that spurs him to return to the fight. But he is too late and even though Sgt. Pike helps Kelly defeat Matthews' attacker, Matthews dies in Kelly's arms. Sgt. Pike rallies the men as Kelly finally comes to terms with his own mortality, conquers his fear and steps back into the ranks.
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Animatics
As part of our pre-production process we have created a series of animatics - simple videos that blending classic storyboarding, movie clips & visual references.
Click on any of the images below to watch an animatic.
A NOTE: These visuals are for a war film so some are quite tough, even as CGI. Please use discretion with children viewing them.
Click on any of the images below to watch an animatic.
A NOTE: These visuals are for a war film so some are quite tough, even as CGI. Please use discretion with children viewing them.
Animatic #1
Advance!
Animatic #2
Lt. Latimer
Animatic #3
Cannon Balls
Animatic #4
NOT AVAILABLE
Animatic #5
The River
Animatic #6
NOT AVAILABLE
Concept Video #2
Genesis
Characters
This short film revolves around the experiences of five very different men as they struggle to survive the madness of battle.
KELLY
Sean Meldrum
A recent immigrant from Ireland, Donal Kelly quickly became bored with domestic servant work in Toronto. When war broke out he naively volunteered for the extra pay and excitement of a soldier's life. There he became fast friends with Matthews. He also met Sgt. Pike, who has no patience for Kelly's relaxed attitude to work and discipline.
"Beidh tú abhaile go luath. Téigh ar aghaidh, mo chara. Tá tú beagnach ann..."
~ Kelly comforts his dying friend, Matt.
Translation from Gaelic:
"You'll be home soon. Go on, my friend. You're nearly there..."
~ Kelly comforts his dying friend, Matt.
Translation from Gaelic:
"You'll be home soon. Go on, my friend. You're nearly there..."
Now Kelly is in over his head, barely trained and mentally unready for the horrors of a battle. The accelerating violence around him is more than he can handle and pushes him to the brink. He cracks and flees, abandoning Matthews.
Eventually Kelly recovers his courage and returns but is too late to save Matthews from an American corporal. Kelly fights bravely then comforts Matthews in his last moments. As yet more men around him fall and die, Kelly steps into his place in the line and finally accepts his fate as a soldier and a man.
Eventually Kelly recovers his courage and returns but is too late to save Matthews from an American corporal. Kelly fights bravely then comforts Matthews in his last moments. As yet more men around him fall and die, Kelly steps into his place in the line and finally accepts his fate as a soldier and a man.
Learn more
SGT. PIKE
Richard Veltri
Sergeant Pike is a British Army veteran of the Peninsular War in Spain. He managed to personally irritated Wellington and got sent to the Canadian backwater as punishment. Rough but honest with his men, he is realistic about battle but always strives to keep his soldiers alive.
"I'm not getting killed by a farmer in a costume pretending to be a general. We fix bayonets - or we die!"
~ Sgt. Pike
~ Sgt. Pike
Pike is constantly frustrated by his Lieutenant's inexperience but he has no intention letting their incompetence get him killed. Cannon fire, bayonet fights and the grinding fear of battle are all just background sounds to Sgt. Pike - he is determined to survive no matter what.
Learn more
MATTHEWS
Mark Pettit
A local Ontarian, Matthews is fighting to defend his homeland. More experienced than Kelly and quietly brave, he is a natural soldier. Engaged and with a farm waiting for him after the war, Lundy's Lane is Matthew's first battle. Initially unnerved by the gunfire and carnage he retains his faith in Sgt. Pike to keep them alive.
“Don’t lie to me! I know what this is. I know what you are..."
~ Matthews
~ Matthews
But while Pike is a rock, Kelly proves to be a faithless friend and abandons Matthews in the middle of the fight. Matthews fights on, tooth and nail against the Americans but is overwhelmed and mortally wounded. In his final moments he denies Kelly any forgiveness and dies, gripping a locket with his fiancée's portrait inside.
Learn more
LT. LATIMER
Adam Fawns
Lieutenant Latimer has an inflated sense of his own military ability. He has not moved up the military ladder as quickly as he thinks he should; he is too old for his rank - and he knows it.
"I'll trash you out of the Regiment for that, Pike."
~ Lt. Latimer
~ Lt. Latimer
An abrasive, grasping personality has won him no friends in the officers' mess and his uncaring attitude to his men only compounds his inadequacy.
Sgt. Pike's obvious competence and respect from the men are constant source of irritation for Latimer. He demands respect rather than earns it.
Sgt. Pike's obvious competence and respect from the men are constant source of irritation for Latimer. He demands respect rather than earns it.
Learn more
BOSWELL
David Walpole
Boswell is a survivor, the type of man who gets through a dozen violent battles yet saves no money and ends up as a homeless drunk on the streets of Toronto.
“Don't worry, Kelly, we won't let you die. You owe us all too much money!"
~ Boswell
~ Boswell
For all his shiftiness, Boswell is a solid soldier. He's quite fearless and a dangerous fighter. He has found his place in the military hierarchy and is content with the small rewards of pilfering corpses and free rum after a victory.
Learn more
AI Concept Image
The Cast
Every cast member brings unique experiences and approaches to this shoot. They are all ACTRA, they all have TV/Film, Theatre and set combat experience and have often previously worked together previously.
Crowdfunding
$50,000
$50,000, that's our budget. A big number for a short film!
This is a complex shoot, with many moving parts and significant safety concerns.
To do everything right and to safely get the shots we need people, gear, time - and money.
This is a complex shoot, with many moving parts and significant safety concerns.
To do everything right and to safely get the shots we need people, gear, time - and money.
Visit Our
Kickstarter Page!
Estimated Costs
As with all Film productions, Crew & Cast are the largest costs. Production costs like transport, location support, camera packages, etc., are next.
Contingency
6
$2,000
Post
8
$3,500
Misc, Fees, Legal
16
$6,500
Cast
16
$8,000
Contingency
6
$2,000
Post
8
$3,500
Misc, Fees, Legal
16
$6,500
Cast
16
$8,000
Production
& Labour
$20,000
& Labour
$20,000
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Get In Touch
Creative Team
We have assembled a highly experienced and talented creative team. We are all deeply familiar with the technical processes of film-making, giving us an invaluable shorthand within the group.
Randy Butcher
Andrew Butcher
Executive Producers
Randy and Andrew are a father-son duo of Stuntsmen. Deeply experienced industry veterans, they are huge military history fans. The also host the brilliant industry podcast, "Going Again"!
REALISM
Re-Enactors
Our Director, Conor O'Brien, wrote The Coward based on the historical 2nd York Militia, not knowing that there is an actual reenactment unit for the the 2nd York! This is Thompsons Company, led by Capt. Greg Cararro. They have agreed to be part of this film and will be our Background Performers.
The members of Thompsons Company (or "Coy" as it is often shortened in British forces) are deeply versed in the mechanics, visuals and nature of 18th century warfare. Their knowledge and commitment will bring an unmistakable authenticity to the film. They will fire their muskets on camera, in multiple volleys throughout the film. We will also duplicate them in post, to give the sense of a much larger force and of a larger battle happening around our heroes.
Historically Thompsons Coy. wore dark green jackets, as they were not a regular British Army unit. However, the Militia itself wore mostly red - Thompson's were more of a light infantry unit and different colours were a way the identify the difference. For the purposes of The Coward we will redress them using uniforms very kindly provided by the Friends of Fort York organization.
Peter Twist [link] a deeply experienced and knowledgeable historical consultant, will be working Capt. Carraro to build out and uniform our 2nd York Militia.
Thank you, Thompsons Coy!
Thank you, Thompsons Coy!
As Director and Writer I am deeply committed to the characters in this story, the history they inhabit and emotional journey they are on. For me,"The Coward" is a story that needs to be told.
It follows three British soldiers (Kelly, Matthews and Sergeant Pike) as they struggle to survive the brutal Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Each man deals with their fear in different ways, finding their own way to deal with the musket fire, cannonball strikes and the shock of a bayonet charge, all through the terrifying thirteen minutes of the film.
That was their world back then. Their reality. This story itself is based off firsthand accounts and inspired by my own interest in the psychology of soldiers of the time - what made a man stay in place, despite all the horrific things happening around him? And if he ran, what could make him return to the line, to willingly step back into that terrible violence?
To explore this idea I want to stay right beside our characters, in the very front line. We will see and hear what they saw and heard, endure what they endured. This will help us stay true to the incredible intensity of their experiences and make for an incredible film.
By staying close to the men, this film will bring us deeper into their world. We follow Kelly through the loss of his innocence, his friend and ultimately his fear. He progresses from a scared volunteer to a determined veteran, able to stand his ground, in place with his mates, as a true soldier.
To explore this idea I want to stay right beside our characters, in the very front line. We will see and hear what they saw and heard, endure what they endured. This will help us stay true to the incredible intensity of their experiences and make for an incredible film.
By staying close to the men, this film will bring us deeper into their world. We follow Kelly through the loss of his innocence, his friend and ultimately his fear. He progresses from a scared volunteer to a determined veteran, able to stand his ground, in place with his mates, as a true soldier.
CONTEXT
The Reality
of Battle
"The Coward" is based on a real event, the Battle of Lundy's Lane, which occurred during the War of 1812 between the U.S. and the British Empire. Primarily an infantry battle, it was fought at close-range with muskets, cannons and hand-to-hand fighting.
As a historically bloody battle a key element in the screenplay is the constant violence surrounding Kelly and how he reacts to it. Our depiction of the violence of battle is intended to be sympathetic, not gratuitous. We want to accurately describe what these men were up against, minute after minute, hour after hour. To stand in place when the man next to you has been torn apart takes great courage - and not everyone passes that test.
Accurately portraying the weapons of the time, and their physical effects on the soldiers is a primary component of the narrative.
Battle of Lundy's Lane, 1814
Let's Make This Film!
This is a unique project, brought to life by an experienced, highly competent team. We have a strong script, a great cast, a very solid plan and the technical skill to succeed.
Help us make something special!
GET UPDATESOur Kickstarter goes live Spring 2024.
FADE IN.
The film opens with the British advancing, firing and advancing again. The gun smoke ruins visibility and the unit stops. Matthews takes the moment to peak inside a personal locket - it holds a painting of his fiancée, pregnant with their first child. Kelly admires the painting and it's revealed that he personally has no one.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Pike and Lt. Latimer are arguing. Latimer wants to continue advancing but Pike advices to wait, as they don't know exactly where the Americans are or what they're doing. Native scouts suggest the U.S. forces are maneuvering but with the heavy smoke it's impossible for the 2nd York to know what is ahead of them. Pike suggests fixing bayonets in case the Americans charge but Latimer dismisses Pike's concerns out of hand and steps in front to "rally the men".
Meanwhile, Sgt. Pike and Lt. Latimer are arguing. Latimer wants to continue advancing but Pike advices to wait, as they don't know exactly where the Americans are or what they're doing. Native scouts suggest the U.S. forces are maneuvering but with the heavy smoke it's impossible for the 2nd York to know what is ahead of them. Pike suggests fixing bayonets in case the Americans charge but Latimer dismisses Pike's concerns out of hand and steps in front to "rally the men".
"The men shall advance, Pike. To their glory - and mine."
~ Lt. Latimer
~ Lt. Latimer
As Latimer launches into a boilerplate speech about glory and honor Pike notices that the American cannons are firing again. Before he can warn the lieutenant a cannonball decapitates Latimer, scattering blood and brains all over Kelly, to his eternal horror. More cannonballs punch through the British soldiers, scattering limbs and bodies. Matthews steadies Kelly and Sgt. Pike rallies the men. He orders another Militiaman, Boswell, to remove Latimer's corpse while Pike looks for an "Ensign Figgis" (who never appears).
Boswell pickpockets Latimer's body while also mocking Kelly's fear. He also reveals that Kelly owes money to a lot of other soldiers and is about to say more when an American soldier bayonets him from behind. Sgt. Pike rushes back and kills the American, screaming at the Militia to "Fix Bayonets!" - but he is too late. The Americans charge in, swamping the unprepared Militia. Pike tries to rally the men and hold the line but Kelly panics, regressing into speaking Gaelic instead of English. Kelly drops his musket and flees, abandoning Matthews and causing more of the Militia to also break.
Boswell pickpockets Latimer's body while also mocking Kelly's fear. He also reveals that Kelly owes money to a lot of other soldiers and is about to say more when an American soldier bayonets him from behind. Sgt. Pike rushes back and kills the American, screaming at the Militia to "Fix Bayonets!" - but he is too late. The Americans charge in, swamping the unprepared Militia. Pike tries to rally the men and hold the line but Kelly panics, regressing into speaking Gaelic instead of English. Kelly drops his musket and flees, abandoning Matthews and causing more of the Militia to also break.
Kelly runs into to a nearby treeline, Sgt. Pike's shouts of "You Coward!" in his ears. He crashes out of the trees and lands into a stream. Here all is quiet, calm - a complete contrast to the horror and fear Kelly has left behind. He is able to stop and think. A deep childhood memory falls into his mind, of his Father back home in Ireland. Nothing dramatic, just a gentle moment between a father and his son. Kelly knows instinctively that he must return to the fight but he is torn.
AI Concept Image
Kelly looks back towards the forest: distant gun flashes,
smoke, shadows fighting, falling. Screams. Death.
Kelly SWALLOWS on a dry throat. Wipes his hand.
He looks at the opposite bank: dark, quiet - safe...
smoke, shadows fighting, falling. Screams. Death.
Kelly SWALLOWS on a dry throat. Wipes his hand.
He looks at the opposite bank: dark, quiet - safe...
Cut to Matthews as he fights for his life, hand to hand against an American Corporal. The Corporal overpowers Matthews and stabs him in the chest with a bayonet - but then Kelly steps in and beats off the American. Kelly tries to help Matthews pull out the bayonet but the American Corporal returns, attacking Kelly this time. They fight, trampling over Matthews as he attempts to open his locket but he loses it in the melee. Sgt. Pike arrives and helps Kelly kill the American Corporal. Kelly immediately helps the dying Matthews and finds the broken locket, pressing it Matthew's hand. Pike dismisses Kelly out opf hand and starts reforming the Militia, beating off the American soldiers (who are no disorganised and leaderless).
Kelly and Matthews try to pull out the Bayonet but blood is everywhere and makes it impossible to get a grip. Matthews realizes he's dying; he curses Kelly as n unfaithful friend. Kelly takes it, knowing the truth of his actions and just holds his friend, speaking to him in Gaelic as Matthews dies. He lays his friend down, takes the locket (to deliver to Matthew's fiancée) and picks up Matthew's musket, stepping into the reforming Militia line. With Sgt. Pike leading they fire, advance, reload and fire again, stepping into the billowing gun smoke as yet more American cannonballs plough through the men...
Kelly and Matthews try to pull out the Bayonet but blood is everywhere and makes it impossible to get a grip. Matthews realizes he's dying; he curses Kelly as n unfaithful friend. Kelly takes it, knowing the truth of his actions and just holds his friend, speaking to him in Gaelic as Matthews dies. He lays his friend down, takes the locket (to deliver to Matthew's fiancée) and picks up Matthew's musket, stepping into the reforming Militia line. With Sgt. Pike leading they fire, advance, reload and fire again, stepping into the billowing gun smoke as yet more American cannonballs plough through the men...
FADE OUT.
FADE OUT.