Day Break

Directed by Craig A. Leeson

Produced by Lindsay Robertson and Craig A. Leeson

Director of Photography Wade Muller

Edited by Stuart Rankin

Script: Craig A. Leeson, Lindsay Robertson, Stuart Rankin

The Cast

Jimmy Fung: William Yip. Jenny: Ane Mari Aakernes. Laundry Lovely: Iyin Landre. Taxi Tai Tai: Jing Gu. Brolly Bird: Michelle Wong. Delivery Dude: Paul Chow. Latte Lad: Sandy Burns. Bucket Beauty: Emmy Tsang.

The Story

Just when you think you are on top; when everything is under control; when life itself couldn't get any better, that's when a big city like Hong Kong will kick you. Meet Jimmy Fung. He's about to be kicked. Jimmy works for a big advertising agency and attributes his success to organization: Schedules are cool and routine is king. Jimmy lives in Soho, in a white apartment with white furniture and white bed linen. His wardrobe is white, his carpet is white, even his teeth are pure white. Sunday is Jimmy's day off. Today, he is taking his girlfriend to the beach. Like every project under his control, Jimmy has planned this day meticulously. His white beach clothes are pressed and ready to wear and he has ordered a new pair of swim flippers. On a day like today, what could possibly go wrong? Jenny is Jimmy's girlfriend. An art student with an alternative lifestyle, Jenny is Jimmy's opposite. She is also the one element in Jimmy's life he cannot control. Before Jimmy stops by to pick up Jenny for their day at the beach, he gathers his clothes for his weekly visit to the laundry. Little does he realise that his worlds are about to collide. In his pure world of white, one misplaced red bikini is going to plunge Jimmy into a crisis locals call “a Hong Kong Laundry Day”.

The Idea

Shot on 16 mm film, “Day Break” is a light-hearted comedy set in Hong Kong. It explores the cultural mix that makes Hong Kong one of the world's most dynamic cities. On a journey through iconic cityscapes and landmarks we peek inside one man's perfect world, only to discover that within structure lurks chaos. All it takes is one laundry incident.

The Implementation

Day Break is our first fictional film shot on 16mm. It was written, produced, filmed and edited in three weeks. The project was self -funded and the actors and crew donated their time to work on the film.

The Shooting

The story line and script were written in two days, the storyboard shot list completed in 8 hours and the final acting and crew appointments were not completed until the morning of the first shooting day. To the credit of everyone, we shot more than 170 scenes in just under three days in dozens of locations. Post production took two days and, due to a lack of funds, remains unfinished.

The Result

Our film showcases our home and our lives in a light-hearted, irreverent manner. Day Break is our first fictional film project. It won't be our last.

You Dream It. We Make It