The Chair

Kia ora, we’re Brooke Benton (Writer, Director) and Kate Goodwin (Producer) and for the last year and a half we’ve been working on a short film comedy-drama script:

‘The Chair’ was amongst 12 films shortlisted for ‘Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts’ from 117 scripts in 2024, but unfortunately wasn’t one of the three films selected to be funded. We received feedback that it’s shoot-ready.

Creating a short film can be expensive but we are deeply committed to this story and getting it made.

Will you support us to make the short film ‘The Chair’?

- THE SHORT FILM: ‘THE CHAIR’ -

‘The Chair’ is a 14 minute comedy drama based on a true story about Steph, a self-sabotaging yo-pro who discovers period blood on her office chair, setting off a chain-of-events that impact a major client meeting and deeply ruffle the office power dynamics.

As Steph attempts to hide-in-plain-sight, the unfolding events change her view of herself for the better forever.

And warning: there will be blood.

Because, what’s the point of challenging stigma if you don’t truly challenge it?

We will enter this film into international film competitions and ensure it’s seen by as wide an audience as possible.

- THE WHY  -

This is a short film that explores the shame, taboo and stigma around women's health in a suspenseful, awkward and funny way.

Our goal is to help normalise not only periods but women's health in general and shine a light on how ridiculous it is that society makes women feel embarrassed every month.

And we all see a part of ourselves in Steph: the unrealised, self-doubting part of ourselves that feels incredibly vulnerable reaching for a new challenge.

But also, the script is funny - it’ll be a short film that we, and you, can be collectively proud of.

- THE HARD COSTS - 

Your support will help pay for the things you can see on screen:

- Camera hire

- Lighting hire

- Props and SFX creation

- Wardrobe: including multiple pairs of pants.

Ok you won’t see everything: the lunches for our wonderful crew made by our friends and parents, the koha and petrol money. 

- THE CREW - 

Producer - Kate Goodwin

Kate Goodwin specialises in producing narrative-driven and stylised content for documentaries, TV and advertising. Being an emerging producer Kate has been growing her expertise in the comedy and drama space - most recently being selected for the 2024 Toi Poneke writers room producer attachment and in 2022 producing the NZ on Air funded series Self Help. Her other credits include the feature film Rohe Kōreporepo - The Swamp, The Sacred Place (NZIFF 2021) Only Human (Loading Docs 2021) Listen to me Marlon (Passion Pictures) and Let me be Me (Wavelength Productions.) She was also selected to attend the Annecy Animation Festival (France) as part of the Stories for Woman programme in 2023 and the emerging producer's course (WIFT, SPADA) in 2022.

Kate’s reel: kate-goodwin.com

Director - Brooke Benton

Deeply empathic and always ready to laugh means that Brooke pulls on the strings of life that make us fully human. Brooke has made commercials, documentaries and content for 14 years, working with both brands, NGOs and government orgs. She was nominated for best Director at NZ Webfest for 2023 (crowd-funded and privately-funded) short documentary ‘Preventing the Preventable’ featured on The Spinoff which is also nominated for best short documentary. This will be her first narrative short film, a dream come true.

Brooke’s commercial reel: brookebenton.nz

DoP Matt Henley

1st AD Ashleigh Roworth

Wardrobe Florence Duxfield

Editor Paul Wedelski

- THE ASK - 

Fifty percent of the population can immediately identify with the main character through the exploits of Steph and her period, and we have a group of incredible industry professionals ready to make this with us.

Will you support us in making the short film ‘The Chair’?

Thank you for your support, we appreciate everyone who considers helping make this film a reality.

Boosted is a crowdfunding donations platform where if we don’t make our target, you get your donation returned to you. And any donation for NZ earners is eligible for 33% tax credit.

Please find and follow us on instagram for updates: @the_chair_short_film

Ngā mihi nui,

Kate & Brooke