Wexford-based filmmaker and prop-maker, Emerson Pedroso recently received Screen Wexford’s Film Professional Development Fund. The fund was used to support the creation of a short film, The Warning. Emerson wrote up his experiences of making the film below.
“I wanted to send you an update following the filming of our short film, The Warning, and to thank you and Screen Wexford once again for the opportunity and support provided through the Film Professional Development Fund.
We filmed the project on 20 June 2026, and it was an incredible experience. The bursary helped us transform the script into a real production and bring together a team of 11 people working across directing, camera, sound, acting, prosthetics, prop making and production.
The €500 bursary was a major help throughout the project. The funding was divided between essential production costs, including the purchase of lighting equipment and boom and audio equipment. Part of the funding was also used for catering, cleaning supplies and other materials needed during the filming day. We have reserved the remaining amount to support festival submission fees, with the first applications planned for August.
This support allowed us not only to complete the filming day, but also to invest in equipment that improved the quality of the production and can support the project during post-production and future screenings.
The original idea was to create a short horror film that would also work as a showcase for the practical skills developed by members of the team through their film training. The production gave us the opportunity to use prosthetic appliances, handmade props, practical effects and location-based filmmaking in a real working environment.
Short synopsis
Three friends enter an isolated woodland to document a local legend. However, as night falls and unexplained events begin to unfold, their amateur filming project becomes a terrifying fight for survival.
Filming-day summary
The day began with the team preparing the location, setting up the campsite, organising the props, lighting, camera and sound equipment, and preparing the prosthetic effects.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, everyone worked closely together across the different departments. We filmed exterior scenes, campsite sequences, practical-effects shots, prosthetic applications and the main horror sequences.
It was a long and challenging day, but the atmosphere was extremely positive. Everyone supported one another and contributed beyond their individual roles whenever help was needed. For many members of the team, it was an important opportunity to apply their training in a real production environment, develop portfolio material and build stronger professional connections.
I worked as the writer, producer and assistant director, while also contributing to the props and prosthetics departments. Two prosthetic appliances that I created were used during filming, and I also designed and fabricated the prop axe used in the film.
I am attaching a selection of behind-the-scenes and production photographs, which you are welcome to share.
Cast and crew
- Emerson Pedroso — Writer, Producer, Assistant Director, Props and Prosthetics
Instagram: @emepedroso - Gabriel — Director and Camera
Instagram: @gabzvideo - Ethan — Script Supervisor
Instagram: @ethanryan2000 - Derek — Actor and Props
Instagram: @derekallenmodelmakes - Maeve — Actor, Props and Location Support
Instagram: @stayy_wavy_ - Jake — Actor and Props
Instagram: @jake.the.maker_ - Kevin Rocha — Actor
- Claire — Prosthetics and Make Up
Instagram: @clairecaulfieldmua - Dara — Prosthetics and Make Up
Instagram: @darrafahy - Aine — Sound and Assistant of Production
Instagram: @aineyeates - Riona — Prop Making
Instagram: @riona.makeup
Thank you again for believing in the project and helping us make it possible. The support from Screen Wexford gave us the opportunity not only to create the film, but also to gain practical experience, collaborate as a team and produce work that everyone involved can add to their portfolios.
We are now moving into post-production, and I look forward to sharing the completed film with you.”
Learn More About the Film Professional Development Fund
Screen Wexford offers a quarterly bursary to support filmmakers develop their craft in a wide range of areas. To see how the fund may help you and how to apply, see our Film Professional Development Fund below.
Photos from the Production
