Chrysalism
the calm during the storm...
Chrysalism
Category
Original Creative Work
Format
Short Narrative Film
Year
2020
Project Overview
An original short film inspired by the word Chrysalism, defined as the quiet calm of being indoors during a thunderstorm. A purely visual piece exploring stress, stillness and the unexpected comfort of sound and atmosphere.
The Brief
The idea began with a search for lost words and forgotten meanings. We came across Chrysalism and were drawn to its emotional simplicity. The challenge was to express that feeling without dialogue. No explanation. No voiceover. Just image and sound.
The story follows an everyday person overwhelmed by work, finding unexpected peace in the rhythm of a storm outside.
Our Approach
We focused on atmosphere rather than narrative complexity. The film was designed to feel contained and intimate. Sound became the emotional anchor, with thunder and rainfall carrying the mood. To recreate the storm, we built a controlled rain system in a back garden using a hosepipe design to create consistent rainfall. Specialist lighting was used to mimic lightning through strobe effects, all filmed in low light to maintain realism. The intention was to let the viewer sit in the moment, rather than be told what to feel.
Outcome
The project allowed us to explore a concept born entirely from curiosity. It demonstrated how a single word and feeling could be translated into a visual experience without dialogue or exposition. The film has since been used as a reference for tone-driven work and atmospheric storytelling.
Director
Alex Buja
DOP
Jonny Rhodes
Charlie Harris
Producer
Andy Gundelach
Editor
Alex Buja