About this project
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THE PROJECT
With the initial support of a dedicated few, principal photography of Graceland took place in October 2010 in Metro Manila, the Philippines. The project has entered the last stage of post-production, with a target film festival release in winter of 2012.
Director Ron Morales, who has his family roots in the Philippines (where Graceland is set), incepted the project three years ago, and developed it from script phase together with producer Rebecca Lundgren. Ron has been spending time traveling throughout his native Philippines to research another script when he stumbled upon the real-life roots of story that would eventually become Graceland. Ron quickly realized that this was the story he felt he needed to tell about his ancestral homeland. And now, many months later, the project is almost completed.
THE STORY
The film is a narrative piece aimed at exploring the powerful and pervasive forces driving Manilla's criminal underworld (such as kidnapping, child prostitution and illegal organ trafficking) and lensing them through focus of an international thriller.
Marlon Villar, a family man, is the long-time personal driver of Manuel Changho, a corrupt politician in Metro Manila, Philippines. While driving Mr. Changho’s preteen daughter Sophia, together with his own daughter Elvie, the three become the target of a kidnapping attempt. The wrong girl is kidnapped, and Marlon’s life takes a sudden and violent turn which propels him into a downward spiral of deception. As events unravel, Marlon, Mr. Changho, and their families become entangled in a web of lies and corruption that will leave no one innocent.
WHO WE ARE
Graceland is driven by a group of filmmakers based out of New York City. Ron initially developed the project with his producer partner Rebecca. Together with the director of photography Sung Rae Cho and the production team including producer Sam Rider, co-producer Yuske Kamata, gaffer Blaise Miller, and sound mixer Nikola Chapelle with an excellent cast and crew from Manila Graceland was put in the can.
Since November 2011, Ron has worked and is still working with a devoted team to finish Graceland. They are editors James LeSage and Jorge Olortegui, colorist Na Thirakomen, sound designer Sönam Gray, composers Adam and Steven Schoenberg and the music band Live Footage.
Graceland's executive team is comprised of independent producers Eric Ulrich, David Raymond and video director Theo Brooks.
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
It has always been a matter of policy within Graceland never to use our wallets when we can use our brains. However, with the project all but finished, there is a number of costs that - while we have worked hard to minimize - we are ultimately unable to differ. Fundraising through this community-modeled online campaign will go towards finalizing Graceland's color and sound mix and creating the costly deliverables - such as DCP transfers - necessary to bring the project to festivals and the public more broadly.
The project has been fortunate to benefit from the contributions of a many talented artists and technicians along the way, who have worked tirelessly to make Graceland a reality. The support from family and friends has been a blessing and we couldn't have wished for more. But at this point we need to extend our community, and it's why we are reaching out to you.
We thank you for your support and encouragement as we work to bring this crucial project to a broader community.
THANK YOU!
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FAQ
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Graceland was shot on 5D. Could you have guessed?
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
179
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$19,057
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 6.
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FAN ---- A high-five and chitchat if we run into you in the street.
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CURIOUS --- Not only will you receive the satisfaction of good movie karma, you're now privy to all exclusive behind-the-scenes updates.
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FILM-LOVER ---- Receive a hand-written thank you note from the director, delivered on a GRACELAND promotional postcard.
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FRIEND --- Every upstart project needs friends! Receive a digital screening of the film.
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A CUT ABOVE --- Show your support and see the results. Receive a "Special Thanks" screen credit.
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FRIEND WITH BENEFITS --- Like to put your hands on something? In addition to the above, receive a Director's Cut DVD of the film.
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SUPPORTER --- On top of a card and DVD, receive a copy of the GRACELAND soundtrack (including original music by the incredible LIVE FOOTAGE - www.livefootagebrooklyn.com).
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CORE FAN --- Get the whole 9: Director's Cut DVD, postcard, soundtrack, and a full-sized, signed poster, as well as your name in the credits!
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INNOVATOR --- Above plus a 2 tickets to the next public screening of the film. Meet the filmmakers and hear more about why your contribution matters.
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FILM NERD --- Don't get us wrong, we can relate. For your contribution, Theo and Ted (our chief nerds in residence) will make you a custom film and music playlist. Just tell us your 5 favorite songs and movies and we'll introduce you to 10 of each that you've never heard of, but are guaranteed to love. Sandwich your exclusive Director's Cut of GRACELAND between some other new, classy titles.
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INDIE BUFF --- On top of the CORE FAN package, Ron and Theo will hit the darkroom and make you a 12" framed print of a production still of your choice.
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CINOPHILE --- The filmmakers will conduct a private screening and Q&A of the film for you and a party of 4 guests.
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NEW WAVER --- At your private screening, Ron will present you with a totally unique 18"x24" film print of an image from his journey in the Philippines to commemorate your support of this crucial project.
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PICTURE PERFECT --- Our Executive Producer, David Raymond, is a world-renowned photo dealer, collector and photographer. He has lectured on photography around the world and was named as one of the US's top 100 collectors in 2005 by "Art and Antiques." In exchange for your support, David will give you a 1-on-1 photo lesson. Learn more about David at www.eyeofeternity.com.
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PROSUMER PACKAGE --- Get a 1-on-1 filmmaking lesson -- learn directing and editing techniques, workshop a short script, or even take a look at an ongoing project -- under direct supervision of the boss (Ron) himself.
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THE KICKSTARTER --- Have an idea of your own? Not only can you workshop it with Ron, but also we'll provide you with the tools you need to produce it in high quality HD! (Note: short films of 6mins or less, we are not responsible for extraneous resources).
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ASSOCIATE PRODUCER --- Just as it sounds, receive an AP credit on the film, plus an invite to all screenings and events, panels, concerts and benefits.
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FILM FANATIC --- At this point, we're guessing that you're probably an artist or filmmaker yourself (if you weren't before, you are now with your AP credit!). For your generous donation, filmmakers Ron, Rebecca and Theo will break down your next project and give you a full consultation on budgeting, planning, and execution.
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A-LISTER --- You help us, we'll help you. On top of your AP credit on our feature film, critically acclaimed writer/director Adam Brooks ("Definitely, Maybe," "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" and "French Kiss") will read your script and sit down with you for a 1-on-1 session about it!
Project By
Connected as Rebecca Lundgren (354 friends)
Having worked for more than a decade in the film industry, RON MORALES has found his voice as a director by blending his love for exciting and unique narratives with an emphasis on expressing well-rounded and naturalistic characters. After receiving a degree in Photography from The Parson School of Design, Ron continued on to New York University and graduated with a BFA in Film. As a filmmaker, Ron seeks to create visually compelling projects that pay homage to his artistic forebears without sacrificing an emphasis on naturalism and a focus on the human narrative. At the age of twenty-nine, Ron directed his award-winning debut feature film SANTA MESA (starring Oscar Winner Melissa Leo). He has also created a number of short films, commercials, promotional and music videos.
