The Calm Before the Storm

Short Fiction Film | Philosophical/Sociological Drama | Mosaic / Ensemble Film

Logline
Amid uncertain times, the inhabitants of a castle are thrown into turmoil by the sudden arrival of a messenger.

The Film
Set in 1297, The calm before the storm follows the inhabitants of a castle during a night of uncertainty. As rumors spread and fear takes hold, everyone responds in their own way. Some panic, others carry on as usual, and some decide to make the best of it and give a toast to life.

The film explores how people respond to uncertainty, by bringing together different perspectives within a community. How they support or turn against one another, and how life still continues when nobody knows what tomorrow will bring.

What we offer
The chance to be part of an ambitious short film set in a medieval castle, bringing a large group of characters and a world full of tension and uncertainty to life. With a distinctive setting, a cinematic approach and a story told through many different perspectives, this is a project with plenty of room to make something special.

We're excited to bring this film to life and would love to have you be part of it!

Interested?

Send your application to:
[email protected]

In your application:
Please tell us who you are, which position you're interested in and your portfolio or examples of your work.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Type
Student production

Location
IJsselstein

Description
We are looking for enthusiastic crew members who are confident in their work, can operate independently and who would like to help bring this project to life!
Whether you already have experience or are looking to gain more on set, we'd love to hear from you.

The film will feature Dutch dialogue. However, English-speaking crew members are very welcome.

Period
Location: IJsselstein Castle, Netherlands (main location)
Filming period: Second half of November 2026, during weekends
Duration: 3–4 shooting days
Production type: Unpaid student production. Travel expenses and unexpected costs can be discussed.
Runtime: Approximately 10–15 minutes

Job requirements / profile
Art Department
We're looking for someone who can help create a believable historical environment with limited resources. The focus will be on the people and costumes, while carefully chosen props and environmental details help establish the world of the story.

We're aiming for a stylized world rather than a complete historical reconstruction, so creative solutions and a good eye for detail are key.

Gaffer
We're looking for someone with a strong sense of atmosphere who knows how to use light and shadow to support a story. The different perspectives and emotional states offer opportunities to create distinct moods within the same location.

If you're more interested in working as a Best Boy, we'd also love to hear from you!

Sound Engineer / Boom Operator
Sound plays an important role in shaping the world of this story, both diegetically and non-diegetically. We're looking for someone who can capture clean dialogue and help create an immersive atmosphere, conveying the activity and tension of the castle both on and off screen.

1st AD
We're looking for someone who can help maintain an overview of scheduling, communication and the practical execution of the shoot. With scenes involving multiple actors and background performers, organization, anticipation and a calm presence on set are essential.

Cast/Background Coordination
Many scenes involve groups of people moving and interacting throughout the castle. We're looking for someone who can coordinate actors and background performers, organize their movements and help create the sense of a living, bustling community.

Production Assistants
With a sizeable cast and crew, extra hands are always welcome! We're looking for people who are happy to support the practical side of the production, help wherever needed and contribute to keeping things running smoothly on set.

Other Specializations
Do you have another specialization that you feel could contribute to the project? Whether it's composing, color grading, catering or something else entirely, don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd love to hear from you!

Spoken / language requirements
Dutch, English

How to respond / more information
You must log in to respond