Novel Visuals
On The Same Earth
A film commission by the
Exeter Phoenix, Watershed and the BFI Film Academy
Overview
Entwining realism with myth in a dark ages film where two cultures meet
The story: In the 7th century, Eadlin, a Saxon settler, discovers a mysterious dragon egg and when unable to break it she panics, racing home but trips and struggles to move. When faced by Leir, a displaced Celt wanting to protect the egg, they apprehensively try to communicate through their native languages Cornish and Old English slowly beginning to understand and accept each other.
The project
A historical short film produced by Novel Visuals as a proof of concept for a longer authentic and original adventure film in early preproduction, where two historic cultures meet for the first time.
As Featured in
Why make the film?
Creating this film will help try out the concept of transitioning between different views by changing between English and each character's historical languages to get an unbiased view and connect with both cultures in a rarely shown period of native Celts and migrating Anglo Saxon settlers in the South West.
With so many films that showcase two cultures there is always a bias to the main character and who they stay with especially with Celtic people depicted often as barbarians so through showing both perspectives an audience gets a better understanding of each character and how they feel.
Tone
Authentic and believable using close resemblance to both characters native languages with a mysterious dragon egg brining the mythical element and characters together in the film.
Mysterious, poetic, beautiful.
Inspired by Harry Potter, The Last Kingdom, The King and Vikings.
History and language
This point in history was when Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were establishing and bringing over pagan religion again to Britain. As this era is known as the dark ages, not much is recorded about how these cultures interacted, but with the fact of a cultural shift towards Germanic tribes, place names originating from Old English language, political powers achieved by Anglo-Saxons and migration of Celtic Britons, there must have been a mix of conflict and acceptance varying across Britain and time in history. This is something rarely shown in films and education so this film will bring to life a small piece of this mysterious era.
Hearing an unfamiliar language will help viewers connect and feel the uncertainty of the character they are with. Then when the camera changes position transitioning between the characters they view from the other perspective now hearing who they were looking toward in English and who they are now looking at in their native language.
For the character "Leir" a Celtic Briton, Cornish was chosen as its one of the closest representations for the language spoken in the South West. This is a descendant of Common Brittonic, the ancient Celtic language spoken before Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. With accuracy in mind Mark Elton, a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh for his proficiency in the language, kindly joined the project to help to translate parts of the English dialogue for "Leir" to Cornish and with translation from the Cornwall Council too could make sure the dialogue was accurate and best fit the story. With voice recordings from both, pronunciation training from Mark and fast learning from Toby McLellan who's graduated the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, helped create a strong performance putting non Cornish speakers in the perspective of the character Eadlin - Played by Rosemary Blaker.
Cornish dialogue
Unsurprisingly historical languages aren't commonly used, especially Germanic and Anglo-Saxon/ Old English (Not the same language in Shakespeare plays over 900 years later). So for this Sam Cox - Film Scriptwriter, used multiple Old English and old Germanic translations sites, videos and pronunciation resources based off the few written remaining records from the dark ages. Then chose the words with the closest meaning of the dialogue and created a pronunciation guide for the actress Rosemary Blaker playing Eadlin.
Old Germanic is a root language for English brought over by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes, ultimately giving the name of England and the language English. As many of the Germanic settlers in East Britain were Angles, the settled area became referred to as England, (the land of the Angles). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angles_(tribe).
Other mentions of this impact on modern day names are counties and regions: Wessex (Kingdom of West Saxons), Sussex (Kingdom of South Saxons), East Anglia (previously a kingdom of the Angles) and Essex (Kingdom of the East Saxons).
Old English/ Germanic dialogue
Project update
"This short was a long time in the planning but very special to film with two great locations in a wonderful authentic roundhouse and a native English woodland. Learning so much about this era from clothing to languages was so interesting and seeing the actors in costume speaking these languages made it very magical. Having so many crew across the 3 days was great and whether in new or experienced positions we learnt and shared tips with each other. We've finished all the shoots, the voiceover and edit. It premiered at Two Short Nights Film Festival at two sold out screenings along with this years commissions gaining positive reactions on the filmmaking style and the characters perspectives were portrayed with this and the 3 languages."
Sam Cox - Director
Benefits of making this film and the commission support
Style:
This proof of concept short film will create an opportunity to try out transitioning between different views by changing between English and the characters historical languages to get an unbiased perspective and connect with both cultures in a rarely shown period of native Celts and migrating Anglo Saxon settlers in the South West.
Supporting local actors and filmmakers to:
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Use the Cornish language in a historical film as a close representation of its ancient route language of Common Brittonic spoken in the early dark ages.
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Build local cast and crew connections.
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Showcase authentic clothing of the era.
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Let the audience connect with characters from different cultures showcasing both their perspectives.
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Build experience filming in remote locations, often chosen by large productions filming in the South West for exteriors and its landscapes.
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Gain or continue building experience and portfolios in a historical era.
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Use more professional equipment and setups.
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Get hands-on experience in a lower stress environment.
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Building showreel material in a historical setting.
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Offering less advertised roles, helping give experience/ showreel opportunities that usually are harder to find.
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Develop connections and resources in Cornish.
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Receive industry advice in scriptwriting, producing, shooting and editing.
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Reach a larger audience and create interest on English history especially in Devon and the South West.
Costume/ props
Everything within the film is aimed to be believable and authentic with a mysterious dragon like egg brining the mythical element to the film.
With historically researched costumes, locations and some of the closest representations of the characters original languages, Cornish spoken by Leir (Celtic) and Old English spoken by Eadlin (Saxon), this film lets a viewer step into the dark ages, seeing and hearing what it might have been like when two cultures met and decided to talk.
With Actress, Rosemary Blaker, bringing so many costume pieces and making her own dress with authentic tablet weave the costumes were so unique to the film and very detailed.
The dragon egg was inspired by dinosaur and large bird eggs today creating something that looks like it could have existed but still original. It was created by talented prop, set and costume designer Alexia Dobre.
Inspiration
Locations
Roundhouse
The Cast
Eadlin
A Saxon now surviving alone settling in unfamiliar land. Scared of the locals and mythical creatures, Eadlin begins to question her views after confronting both.
(Rosemary Blaker)
Leir
Displaced from his home by Saxons and running out of hope, finds Eadlin injured and has to decide if he should leave or help her.
(Toby McLellan)
Crew
Writer/ Director/ DOP/ Producer
Sam Cox
Sam is a freelance director of photography (DOP) and editor based in the South West running "Novel Visuals". Working across narrative films, music and commercial productions he is passionate about history and creating unique content with immersive visuals and sound. Since making his award winning short "A Vampire’s Reflection" has been collaborating on local films giving and gaining experience and inspiration. His latest project "On The Same Earth" explores Celtic and Saxon lives in dark ages Devon, bringing to life this mysterious era.
MUA
Peyton Fullwood
Peyton is a Cornwall-based makeup and prosthetics artist who graduated in 2024 with a BA (Hons) in Prosthetic Effects for Film and Television. Specialising in SFX and character creation, she focuses on designing and applying detailed prosthetic pieces that bring characters to life on screen. With a passion for storytelling through makeup, Peyton combines creativity and technical precision across practical effects, lifecasting, and on-set application. On this production, she was responsible for creating and applying the film’s character and injury makeup, ensuring consistency and realism throughout shooting.
B-Cam/ AC - (Test shoot + Day 1)
Garry Jenkins
Garry is an actor and filmmaker based in Exeter, he graduated from Mountview in 2004 and since branching into making film is always happy to assist others in bringing their stories to life. Behind the camera he takes a particular interest in how to tell a story visually, geeking out on building rigs for a particular purpose and continuously learning about lighting, framing and movement. He also works as an assistant editor on HETV.
Focus/ 1st AC - (Test shoot)
Dom Lee
Dom is a Writer/Director & Editor with experience of organising film festivals and film networking events, both in person and online. In partnership with D&C Film he set up 'SW Film Mail' - a weekly newsletter sharing news, casting calls and the latest work by South West filmmakers.
Dom is always keen to connect with people and discuss collaborations. Currently Dom is in post production for a feature film he is helping produce and also keen to explore any roles within film festivals/programming.
Focus/ 1st AC - (Day 1)
Mia Featherstone
Mia is a 3rd year Film student at Falmouth university specialising in cinematography. Working mainly within dramas and psychological thrillers, she loves bringing scripts to life and visualising emotion in order to evoke the highest emotional resonance. As a student she is eager to get in to the film industry and this production was nothing like she’d done before, sparking excitement to be a part of the crew.
Focus/ 1st AC - (Day 2)
Owen Edwards
Owen is an experienced Camera Assistant having worked in HETV, TVC, feature film, documentary and factual, as well as on short films, music promos, corporate and online commercial content. Worked with cameras from Arri Alexa Mini, Sony Venice, Red Dragon and Blackmagic Ursa. Bristol based but available anywhere.
2nd AC/ PA - (Day 2)
Lily Bennett
Lily is a graduate of the NFTS, specialising in Assistant Directing.
During 'On The Same Earth', she worked as Production Assistant and Second Assistant Camera, aiding the filming of the short.
With bases in Bristol and Devon, Lily is excited to see the growing demand for filming within the South West! Especially productions supported by Exeter Phoenix.
Focus/ 1st AC - (Day 3)
Imogen Bott
Imogen is a final year Drama and Film & Television student at the University of Exeter, she has previously worked on student short films but was given the opportunity to be an AC on “On The Same Earth”. Giving her the opportunity to set up the camera as well as Focus Pull. She hopes to work in the camera department in the future and this experience was great to familiarise herself with new equipment.
Model/ BTS - (Test shoot)
Caneshia Voisey
Caneshia is an Actress and model based in the southwest of England. She has produced Killcon, a comedy pilot and now hosts In The Know Podcast inviting guests to talk about film, TV, fashion, music insights.
1st AD - (Day 1)
Elliott Houghton
Elliott is a writer and film maker based in Exeter.
After graduating with an English Literature and Language degree in 2024 he has turned his creative ambitions towards creating complex characters and stories within the world of cinema. His passion for storytelling is inspired from a long list of literary classics, as well as an eclectic admiration of auteur film makers. Often found writing away at his desk, his ambitions to progress into film directing has led him to become a vocal and valued film maker within the Exeter film making community. He also gives his time to help local screenwriters finish and complete their final drafts in a monthly led Screenwriting group hosted at the Exeter Phoenix.
1st AD - (Day 2)
Rudi S. Carson
Rudi is a creative director with experience in theatre productions and supporting the management of the Shotgun Theatre in Exeter.
Working as First Assistant director for On The Same Earth, he helped supporting equipment setup and working with the DOP choose suitable locations to shoot from onset.
2nd AD/ Runner (Day 3)
Isabelle Warburton
Isabelle Warburton is a trainee floor runner keen to build her experience within the AD department. She has a strong passion for telling authentic stories by the sea.
With a strong actor background, Isabelle has enjoyed the opportunity to explore roles behind the camera! Isabelle thoroughly enjoyed working on The Same Earth and valued the opportunity to develop her skills while exploring Cornish stories.
Prop - (Dragon egg)
Alexia Dobre
Alexia Dobre is a Romanian born, Bristol-based set, prop, and costume designer and maker who loves bringing playful, imaginative ideas to life. Her work is all about storytelling through shape, texture, and movement — creating pieces that make people smile, spark curiosity, and feel alive. She’s passionate about designing and making sustainably, always creating with care for the world we share.
Sound - (Day 1)
Oliver Richards
Oliver Richards is a South West based Sound Recordist. I have worked on numerous projects since coming back to the UK to finish my studies, and instantly fell in love with being on set and working with sound. Always eager to meet and work with people of all backgrounds and levels to help create films crews can be happy with and viewers can enjoy. I have also recently enjoyed roles such as a Key Grip and the more logistical side of film making as a producer for my Masters Degree at Falmouth University.
Sound - (Day 2) / VFX Editor
Sinead O'toole
Sinead is a freelance video editor based in Exeter. She has worked with small film and video agencies for seven years, editing content for local and global brands.
In recent years, she has also helped out various local filmmakers with their short films and is currently working on her first feature film edit.
Sound/ BTS - (Day 3)
Yulia Weir
Yulia is an Exeter based multidisciplinary filmmaker and photographer who blurs the lines between still and moving images. With a keen eye for composition, she loves to capture moods and emotions in portraits, scenery and cohesive narratives with a cinematic approach to every project, whether it is a live event, dance, theatre, corporate project or indie film. In addition to her own projects, she has worked as camera operator, cinematographer, sound recordist, hair and make up artist, hybrid shooter, editor, and behind the scenes photographer.
BTS - (Test shoot)
Rebecca Ryder
Rebecca is a TV Production (BA Hons) graduate. She is an award winning writer as well as a director, photographer and content creator. She first gained attention on YouTube, where her 'Covid as the Friends Intro' went viral in 2020 and was featured by media outlets worldwide. She later made her writer/director debut with the comedy short 'The Cranks' and in 2024 published her first novel, 'The Dream To End All Dreams', which won Best Novella at the Independent Authors Network Awards and was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
BTS/ Stills - (Day 1)
Paul Glavind Harris
I'm a self taught photographer specialising in using old film camera lenses on digital cameras to capture moody landscapes of Dartmoor.
My style of photography springs from numerous brooks of inspiration, not the least of which is my propensity to see beauty in flaws.
Too much time is wasted trying to create something which is immaculate, when embracing the foibles of imperfection can sometimes produce greater magic.
BTS/ Stills - (Day 3)
Gavin Parsons
Gavin is an award winning documentary photographer based in Cornwall, but travels globally. He's spent years shooting in remote and often challenging environments for NGOs including Greenpeace International and International Animal Rescue, as well as corporate clients and government departments. He is particularly known for underwater photography. His unobtrusive and observational style means he's in demand for a plethora of assignments, capturing tension, intimacy and authenticity without disrupting the flow of a story. He has worked alongside scientists, campaigners and production teams and brings the same professionalism and respect to a film or TV set.
Cornish Consultant
Mark Elton
Mark Elton is a Cornishman originally from St Austell who now resides in Twickenham, south-west London. He has been learning and speaking the Cornish language, Kernewek, since 2013 and was made a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh for his proficiency in 2018. He has previously served on the Cornish Language Board, and wrote articles in Cornish for regional magazines. He has worked on a number of short films featuring the Cornish language, helping with script translations and language coaching with actors on a voluntary basis. Outside this Mark is an architect and Director of his practice, Awen Design, where he specialises in low energy, sustainable building projects.
Executive producers Jonas Hawkins, Luke Hagan & Claire Horrocks of Exeter Phoenix and Claire Simmons of Watershed.
Coming soon
BTS
Official poster
Trailer
Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
IMDB page
Film festival release
Online film release
Follow the film online
Future of
Using this short as a proof of concept, the characters and story could later expand in a long form version exploring this less known era, after Roman occupation but before vikings, that was the start of English identity.
Cultures
In the era just after King Arthur, with multiple different Germanic cultures settling and creating kingdoms in post Roman England, this period has a huge amount of potential which can be discovered.
With Devon and modern day counties in the South West at the evolving border between Anglo Saxon kingdoms and British Celts this point in time has a unique range of stories, from people trading between the cultures, annexation, referenced battles, a new social structure, opposing religions and peaceful migrating communities.
Following both cultures and getting the audience to understand each of their perspectives makes a more authentic film where viewers can connect in a non biased way and get a real understanding of what the dark ages were actually like.
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Landscapes
With so many dramatic and mystical landscapes from Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, the South West coastline, dwarf forests, caves and rivers in areas of outstanding natural beauty there is so many stunning natural locations to amaze an audience.
Film plan and audience
With many cast and crew connections established and still creating more, locations researched, accurate costume experience and the development of an achievable script with twists, based on historical events, this film is a great opportunity to join or support and make a unique visual story with a large existing audience from shows such as "The Last Kingdom", "Vikings" and "Merlin".
About Novel Visuals
Showcasing Creativity Through Visual Storytelling
Novel Visuals is a film production and media business specialising in filming historical narrative films, brand videos and photography to promote products and services for artists and organisations in South West England.
Get in Touch
Want to get involved in the full length production or other future projects?
It would be great to hear from you or connect online.
