About this project
Howdy Friends!
Adam Newport-Berra here. I am a director and cinematographer. I grew up in the woods of Oregon, but now I’m here in Brooklyn, New York. As many of you may know, I got my start as a cinematographer, and in my six years here in New York City I’ve shot countless music videos, documentaries, commercials, short and feature films for a number of very talented directors. Now it's time to direct my own feature film.
I am aiming to shoot and direct Thanksgiving this March. This is a truly independent movie, meaning its success will depend on the support of all my closest friends and collaborators. That includes both those who will work directly on the production and those who can help contribute financially by donating to this Kickstarter page.
Movies are expensive. Some of them cost millions of dollars! We are making this movie for literally the least amount of money possible. The caliber of talent in both the cast and crew far exceeds the project's miniscule budget -- everyone attached is a highly skilled, experienced professional, and a true artist. I am making this movie because I believe in the the story, I know I can tell it well, and most of all, because I truly want to entertain you.
So, here we go. I hope you can come along for the ride...
Itʼs Thanksgiving, and Amy and Alex are in love. But Alex's plans to marry his girlfriend are disrupted by the arrival of Will – a stranger, introduced as her brother, who may not be quite what he seems. Over a tumultuous two days, romance becomes resentment as questions of love, ideology, and commitment are all brought to bear on the lives of these three young New Yorkers.
Surrounded by old friends in their new Brooklyn apartment, Alex and Amy are on top of the world, celebrating Thanksgiving with food, drink, music, and love. The emotion of the night is only intensified by Alex's spontaneous proposal of marriage to Amy – which she happily accepts. Yet Alex canʼt help notice that his new fiancéʼs attention keeps turning to Will, the estranged brother no one seems to recognize. When Alex and Will find themselves on a hike together the next day, Alex confronts his suspicions, and discovers Will’s true identity as Amy’s former lover. With a rival at the door, and his fiancéʼs intentions called into doubt, Alex must reexamine a future that had once seemed so certain.
The conflict between personal freedom and marital devotion is timeless; what makes Thanksgiving unique is its tragic, sensual, and oftentimes comical reflection of a contemporary American generation trying to grow past its narcissism and reliance on instant gratification. Through close studies of three characters, who are at times friends, lovers, and enemies, and backed up by an endearing and hilarious supporting cast, Thanksgiving explores the complexity of desire, the price of honesty, and the limits of freedom.
Set in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and on a ridgeline hike overlooking the Hudson River Valley, Thanksgiving highlights both the man-made and natural beauty that influences a generation caught between spiritual and technological progress. The filmʼs aesthetic is informed by verité performances, and draws on the intense, experiential styles of artists like Malick and Cassavetes, while channeling the poignant humor of Woody Allen.
Director/Cinematographer: Adam Newport-Berra
Written by Adam Newport-Berra and Matt Chastain
Produced by Allie LaPorte and Ghost Robot
We plan to shoot in March of 2012, and expect to finish the film this summer, in time to submit to festivals.
Here's how Kickstarter works: you make a commitment to contribute, and you are not charged until the deadline. If the goal is not met by the deadline, you are not charged at all.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, and thank you for all of your support!
Love,
Adam
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on February 19.
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An invitation to the film's premiere in New York City!
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An invitation to the film's premiere in New York City, a DVD copy of the completed film, and a special "Thank You" in the credits!
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All of the above, plus a movie poster signed by the cast!
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An invitation to the film's premiere in New York City, a DVD copy of the completed film, a special "Thank You" in the credits, and most importantly, a delicious, home cooked meal by the director himself, Adam Newport-Berra. If this is not possible due to distance, a delicious selection of cured meats, pickled vegetables, and homemade cheese by Adam will be sent to your door!
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An invitation to the film's premiere in New York City, a DVD copy of the completed film, and Associate Producer credit at the beginning of the film!
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An invitation to the film's premiere in New York City, a DVD copy of the completed film, and Executive Producer credit at the beginning of the film!
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Adam was born and Raised in the woods of Oregon. He graduated from NYU's Film and TV program in 2009, and since then has shot and directed countless commercials, music videos, documentaries and narrative films. He is represented by Ghost Robot.
