Water's Edge

A discovery in a village pond leads to an end to childhood and innocence

By National Film and Television School

Water's Edge, Choir (1988) by Suri KrishnammaNational Film and Television School

Synopsis

At the bottom of the village pond a World War II Spitfire pilot lies at peace. This is Lucy's Secret until Sarah discovers it and is forced t reveal all to the Vicar.

Johnny and Spud ridicule "mad" Lucy, but Johnny is fascinated and finally seduced by the magical Lucy. An end to childhood and innocence. Water's Edge director Suri Krishnamma describes his film below.

Jonny and Spud in Water's Edge (1988) by Suri KrishnammaNational Film and Television School

Film Facts:

YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 1988
LENGTH: 35 Mins
SHOT ON: 16mm
SCREEN RATIO: 1:1.75
COLOUR OR B&W: Colour

Water's Edge Screenplay Opening Scenes (1988) by Ashley PharoahNational Film and Television School

Opening Scenes

Ashley Pharoah's opening scenes for Water's Edge. See this visualised in the next image. Explore further to see Ashley share his memories about writing the film and Julian Nott, the composer about enhancing the spooky atmosphere through his music, below.

Leza Webb as Lucy in Water's Edge (1988) by Suri KrishnammaNational Film and Television School

Opening Moments

The haunting atmosphere is set up economically in the opening moments of Water's Edge. Pictured is Leza Webb as the magical Lucy.

Ashley Pharoah and Crew on set of Water's Edge (1988) by Courtesy of Ashley PharoahNational Film and Television School

Water's Edge on Set

Water's Edge writer Ashley Pharoah and crew on set with Spitfire and skeleton of a World War II pilot.

Water's Edge Skeleton (1988) by Suri KrishnammaNational Film and Television School

Props and Costume

The find at the bottom of the village pond in Water's Edge; the remains of a World War II pilot.

Suri Krishnamma on set of Water's Edge (1988) by Courtesy of Ashley PharoahNational Film and Television School

Director's POV

Water's Edge director Suri Krishnamma finds a perfect spot for a high POV shot.

Christie Harris as Sarah in Water's Edge, Suri Krishnamma, 1988, From the collection of: National Film and Television School

Alan Macdonald as Spud and David Knight as Jonny in Water's Edge, Suri Krishnamma, 1988, From the collection of: National Film and Television School

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Water's Edge screenwriter Ashley Pharoah shares his memories of working on the film below.

Alan Macdonald as Spud in Water's Edge (1988) by Suri KrishnammaNational Film and Television School

Awards and Screenings

BILBAO: 1988 Gold Mikeldi for Fiction
ANGER: 1988 Best Student Short
BAFTA AWARD NOMINATION 1989
Screened BBC2 1990

Ashley Pharoah and Suri Krishnamma on set of Water's Edge (1988) by Courtesy of Ashley PharoahNational Film and Television School

Cast and Selected Crew

Dudley Sutton - Vicar
Leza Webb - Lucy
David Knight - Johnny
Alan Macdonald - Spud
Christie Harris - Sarah

Director
Suri Krishnamma

Writer
Ashley Pharoah

Producer
Amanda Partridge

Director of Photography
David Kerr

Editor
Carole Lyon

Sound Design
Ewa Ciewszewska

Art Director
Carmel Collins

Music
Julian Nott

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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