Blank Slate

Blank Slate is a student-produced short film created by writer-director Thomas Smith as part of his final-year project. Set in a futuristic world, the film explores themes of identity, control, and resistance through the story of "Bishop." Blank Slate blends action, atmosphere, and speculative storytelling to question what it means to start over in a system designed to erase the past. 

Developed by a dedicated team of student filmmakers, this project showcases emerging talent and ambitious world-building on a limited budget.

Crew                                                            

Writer/Director - Thomas Smith               

Producer - Eilidh Hamilton                          

1st AD - Maggie Shore                                   

Cinematography - Toby Penno                 

1st AC - Matthew Kelly                                    

2nd AC - Jayden Simpson                                

SX Recordist - Mairaro Kanavatoa            

Gaffer - Harry White                              

Key Grip - Jesse Marshall                             

Production Designer - Flynn Biara          

Costume - Izzie Newton-Cross

SFX Makeup - Devyn Knowles

SFX Makeup - Jess Simpson 

VP Technician - Em Herbert 

Cast 

Bishop - Te Atatu Pateliseo

Pip - Elia Correa 

Aki Hiro - Arvin Mesager 

Lady K - Rain Te'i

Augustine - Sarah Lawrence

Cora - Taygen Elliott  

The Runner - Mathieu Rata

The Assassin - Molly Macalister 

Bouncer 1 - Puka Moeau 

Bouncer 2 - Joshua Leota 

• Food for our Cast and Crew, especially on long filming days
• SFX Makeup
• Costume Creation
• Venue Hire 

Blank Slate is Thomas’s writing and directorial debut. A passion project that melds his love of practical effects and visual effects, the Blade Runner films and the cyberpunk genre. Blank Slate is a Neo-Noir detective story set in a totalitarian state filled with corruption and consumerism. A world that reflects the growing capitalist society we already live in. 

The Film follows Detective Bishop as he tries to navigate this dark future. What secrets will he uncover? Thomas is developing Blank Slate as a part of his final year project at Toi Whakaari, New Zealand's national drama school. 

Blank Slate is a huge collaboration with up-and-coming creatives and artists. This project really does have some of the most incredible filmmakers, actors and designers working on this project. Thomas wanted to create something that other artists and practitioners could use for their own professional portfolios. Your support for this project will help make sure we can feed our actors and crew for the shoots. The costs will also be going towards the supplies to create the incredible miniatures and models for this project.