Fraying
Written & Directed by Stephen Cullina

In 12th-century England, a secluded monastery offers refuge to both monks and a small group of Barbati outcasts, but as warring factions draw near, the uneasy coexistence sparks tensions that threaten to unravel their sanctuary from within.

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Creating this period piece on a student budget was no small feat. Every detail had to be meticulously planned to transport viewers back to medieval times while staying within our constraints.​​​​​​​​​​​ We began by scouting locations that were not only affordable and within travel range but also free of modern distractions to maintain the illusion of 12th-century England. The key challenge was securing a believable "monastery" setting. After an extensive search through New York and Pennsylvania, we selected Cragsmoor Stone Church—a stunning, preserved church atop a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and isolated from urban life.

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Shooting at Cragsmoor posed logistical challenges due to its location, three hours from Syracuse. To stay on budget, we limited our time there to one day, accommodating the cast and crew in nearby lodging for the night. For other scenes, we creatively matched locations: a large pasture, wooded areas, and a fabricated indoor set—all close to Syracuse—to ensure continuity. Detailed plans for transportation and safety were critical to bringing it all together seamlessly.

It was a thrill to plan this film and see Stephen's ambitious vision come to life. Seeing all the pieces come together goes to show how far-fetched, big production ideas can become a reality with clever filmmaking and thoughtful planning.