Ad Libitum

We are a group of students from Curtin University in our final year of study working on a short film called Ad Libitum. 

In the midst of the Great Depression 13-year-old Alma dreams of winning a prestigious scholarship to a Sydney college. However, she is denied the right to go to school and her only role in life is to help her mother with chores while her brother is given the education that she wishes she had. But both kids dream of a better life - a life that goes against their parent’s wishes. When their father loses his job the family begins to fall apart and Alma must make the ultimate decision if she’s to have any chance at a more fulfilling life.

Rebecca Rando is the producer for Ad Libitum. Rebecca is in her final year of study at Curtin University, completing a bachelor of Screen Arts degree. She has produced several projects throughout her univeristy degree such as short films and segments that are to be aired on NITV. These include a story on boxer Nathaniel May, and the community football story which will be showcased on Noongar Dandjoo series 6. Rebecca has also undertaken the role of project manager assistant for Noongar Dandjoo which incooporated similar skills to those required from a producer.

Joseph Thomas Ahern is the director for Ad Libitum.  Joe has loved watching movies his whole life. In fact he's loved them so much that originally he wanted to be an actor! But once he started studying media in high school he found that he loved the creativity and fun of making a film. Joe is super excited to work on Ad libitum for a number of reasons. He's never had the challenge of making a drama or a period piece before and the whole crew will need to be extremely observant and diligent to pull off something great (which he has complete confidence that we will). More importantly however he is really looking forward to working with our actors. Joe believes that we have cast some really great actors from WA and he can’t wait for people to see some brilliant performances from them.

Jay Cruz-Tan is the Director of Photography for Ad Libitum.  Jay was born and raised in Singapore and moved to Perth in 2013. He has been a cinephile for as long as he can remember and he grew up wanting to make films. Jay has been studying Film & Television for the past 3 years at Curtin University. 

Richard Watts is the Sound recordist and production designer for Ad Libitum. He grew up on a farm in Wandering, Western Australia. He's been studying Film & Television at Curtin University now for 3 years.

Alexander Smith is the editor for Ad Libitum. He grew up in perth and with obviously nothing better to do he became obsessed with film in his teenage years. Alex is currently studying film and television in his final year with the crew on this film. Alex is hoping that this project will act as a good base to get into the industury. Hope you all love the film!

Zoe Beeson: Screenwriter for Ad Libitum. Zoe has loved writing from a very young age, with Ad Libitum being her first major screenplay. Inspired by the strength and spirit of a significant family member, Ad Libitum explores the difficulties of a young woman securing herself an education in difficult economic times and going against societal and family expectations in order to remain true to oneself.

Jim Simons is playing the role of Miles. Jim acts to experience the lives of others. It helps him understand the human condition via all sorts of other characters. Ad Libitum lets me visit the past and get to feel the Australia of the old and the struggles of life during that time. He Loves it!

Michelle Philips is playing the role of Ruth. Working on the pilot of Ad Libitum was a great experience. Michelle can't wait to explore further the way family life was for many during the depression along with my very talented on screen family, led by our equally talented and professional crew. It promises to be beautifully produced piece. 

Asha Vivian is playing the role of Alma. She has trained in singing, dancing and acting. She was fortunate enough to be in the ensemble of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the Perth season at the Crown Theatre and has made many apperances in local theatre shows. Asha has been cast in many short films, TVC's and was featured extra in the feature film Paper Planes. Asha thoroughly enjoyed her time on set of Ad Libitum and looks forward to the challenge of filming the rest of this incredible film. 

Finn Taylor Mallett is playing the role of Sam. Finn is 11 years old and just starting out in life. He has a passion for acting, singing and performing in general. Finn has so much to learn but with the fantastic support of his family, piers and the amazing team at Actors Management International, he is beginning to build what he would like to become, his career and lifelong interest. He has recently been selected to play the part of Sam, a young boy in the short film Ad Libitum and filming the pilot series has been the highlight of his experience so far. So much to learn but an awesome cast and crew made it so enjoyable. He is proud to be part of the project and looks forward to continuing the filming soon. 

The funds will go towards making the short film Ad Libitum. It will be divided into production design, handmade costumes (as we want to represent the 1930s accurately), locations (we aim to film at three different locations - two of which are based outside of Perth and one of which is based in Perth). It will also cover travel costs for the cast, crew, extras and any assisting roles and it will also cover catering for our production. The money will be divided within each department of our production as well as covering entry costs to film festivals. 

One of the main challenges we will face is ensuring we accurately represent the great depression era. This means that careful attention will have to be given to set design and costumes which is why we hope to have the costumes handmade.

Another challenge will be managing the cast and crew throughout the long days that will be required when filming. This is why the organisation of suitable accomodation and sufficient catering is very important to ensure everyone involved remains as fresh and motivated as possible.