{"id":422,"date":"2025-11-14T00:16:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T00:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/?page_id=422"},"modified":"2026-05-22T05:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T05:10:23","slug":"bugged-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/showcase\/bugged-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Bugged"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-eb95d17d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NARRATIVE DRAMA BASED ON MY R\u00d8DE REEL WINNING SCRIPT<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BUGGED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls poster=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/thumb-8.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bugged_v1-1080p.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Synopsis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">Michael returns to his inner-city flat after a late shift to find the lights out.  His flatmate Karl is acting weird.  Is Karl simply paranoid, or have they been&#8230;bugged?  As Michael&#8217;s unease grows, the boundary between everyday routine and hidden surveillance begins to blur.  A simple apartment becomes the site of whispered questions: Who&#8217;s listening?  What&#8217;s being watched? And are they already too late to act?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Production Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">\u2022<em>&nbsp;Bugged<\/em> is the winning entry of the 2018 <em>My R\u00d8DE Reel <\/em>competition, after script-writing winner Dawson Heistad was flown to Sydney to shoot his concept locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Directed by Clara Chong, lensed by acclaimed cinematographer Ben Allan ACS CSI, and produced by Main Course Films, <em>Bugged <\/em>was shot on location in Sydney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Co-produced in collaboration with R\u00d8DE Microphones, the project doubled as an educational-driven production: behind-the-scenes content captured training sequences on sound recording, camera prep, and creative workflow for emerging filmmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Innovation &amp; Craft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">\u2022&nbsp;The film leverages cutting-edge audio production by R\u00d8DE Microphones, integrating sound as storytelling element: the very idea of being &#8220;bugged&#8221; is frequently grounded in the unseen squeak, scrape or faint hum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Despite its 3-minute runtime, the film demonstrates cinematic lighting, blocking and tension-building in a constrained domestic setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022&nbsp;Shot efficiently on location in Sydney, the production exemplifies how high-end craft (performance, camera, sound, color) can be achieved within the constraints of a micro-budget, deadline-driven competition fim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Impact &amp; Recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">\u2022 Selected as the official R\u00d8DE entry for My R\u00f8de Reel 2018, the film stands as a flagship project in the company&#8217;s global short-film initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Behind-the-scenes documentation of the production has been acted upon as a learning resource for filmmakers, highlighting collaboration between technology brand (R\u00d8DE) and the independent production house (Main Course Films).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 The film continues to be used in R\u00d8DE&#8217;s creative-community outreach as an example of &#8220;script to screen in days, with full professional teams, minimal infrastructure&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Credits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:16px\">A Main Course Films production<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Cast: Jesse Hyde \u2022&nbsp;Callan Colley<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Crew: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Writer: Dawson Heistad \u2022 Director: Clara Chong<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Producers: Ben Allan, Callie Leahy &amp; Ming Ng \u2022 Executive Producer: Dan Woodall \u2022 Director of Photography &amp; Colorist: Ben Allan ACS CSI \u2022 Composer: Carlo Giacco<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Production Manager: Jo Messina \u2022 1st AD: Betty Fotofili \u2022 Casting: Leigh Pickford, Maura Fay Casting \u2022 Gaffer: John Mc Quillan \u2022 Key Grip: Kris Wallis \u2022 1st AC: Amir Kamrani \u2022 2nd AC: Gina Qin \u2022 B-Camera Sissy Reyes \u2022 Sound Recordist: Julian Lennox \u2022 Boom Swinger: Nick Riley \u2022 Make-up: Lee Hanly \u2022 Art Department: Helena Sutara &amp; Meaghan Leonard \u2022 Runner: Brad Dore \u2022 Unit Manager: Peter Klauser \u2022 Catering: Sheldon Bailey<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">BTS: Ming Ng &amp; Adrian Nugent<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Post Production by Main Course Films<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls poster=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Bugged-BTS-2-thumb.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/Showcase_Uploads\/Bugged\/'bugged'_-_pre-production_bts_-_my_r\u00d8de_reel_2018_2_v1 (1080p).mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">BUGGED &#8211; Pre-Production &#8211; Behind-The-Scenes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls poster=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Bugged-thumb-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/Showcase_Uploads\/Bugged\/'bugged'_-_production_bts_-_my_r\u00d8de_reel_2018_2_v1 (1080p).mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">BUGGED &#8211; Production &#8211; Behind-The-Scenes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"540\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 960 \/ 540;\" width=\"960\" controls poster=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Bugged-thumb-3.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/Showcase_Uploads\/Bugged\/bugged_commnentary_v1-0_540p_v1 (540p).mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">BUGGED &#8211; Director &amp; Producer Commentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls poster=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Bugged-thumb.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/Showcase_Uploads\/Bugged\/BUGGED_TEASER_x_4.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">BUGGED &#8211; Promotional Teasers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-419510bb-f34f-4eb7-8532-e7ab3dde1cf2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/110518RODE-Microphones-releases-its-entry-to-My-RODE-Reel-2018-Bugged-Written-by-Dawson-Heistad-AU.pdf\">110518R\u00d8DE Microphones releases its entry to My R\u00d8DE Reel 2018: &#8216;Bugged&#8217;, Written by Dawson Heistad (AU)<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/110518RODE-Microphones-releases-its-entry-to-My-RODE-Reel-2018-Bugged-Written-by-Dawson-Heistad-AU.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-419510bb-f34f-4eb7-8532-e7ab3dde1cf2\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-daa1b507-7ad8-415a-a36f-763b1af2ce10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/070818RODE-Releases-\u2018Creators-Educational-Series-For-Tips-On-Producing-A-Compelling-Short-Film-\u2013-Film-Vi.pdf\">070818R\u00d8DE Releases \u2018Creators\u2019 Educational Series For Tips On Producing A Compelling Short Film \u2013 Film, Vi<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/070818RODE-Releases-\u2018Creators-Educational-Series-For-Tips-On-Producing-A-Compelling-Short-Film-\u2013-Film-Vi.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-daa1b507-7ad8-415a-a36f-763b1af2ce10\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NARRATIVE DRAMA BASED ON MY R\u00d8DE REEL WINNING SCRIPT BUGGED Synopsis Michael returns to his inner-city flat after a late shift to find the lights out. His flatmate Karl is acting weird. Is Karl simply paranoid, or have they been&#8230;bugged? As Michael&#8217;s unease grows, the boundary between everyday routine and hidden surveillance begins to blur. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":344,"menu_order":70,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-with-title","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-422","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/422","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=422"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/422\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1547,"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/422\/revisions\/1547"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maincoursefilms.com\/production\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}