About this project

THERE'S A CLASSIC STORY about my grandfather, who served as a pilot in World War II and was known for his acerbic Irish wit. After the war, he came back to The States and raised a family of four kids. As the story goes, the family was moving into a new house and to save money, Grandpa borrowed a large pick-up truck and loaded the vehicle up with all of the possessions from their house. Once it was secured, he squeezed the whole family into the cab and together they set off across town. It started to rain, which was bad enough, but then, while crossing a busy intersection, the truck skidded. It bounced and swerved and when it finally came to a halt, all of the furniture and everything from the back of the truck had spilled out onto the street. All of their earthly possessions were now scattered across a busy intersection, getting run over by cars and drenched with rain. A police officer hurriedly pulled over and asked my grandfather what the problem was.

“The problem?” Grandpa responded, raising an eyebrow and lighting a cigarette, “The problem is that I lived through the war.”

I like to think of this anecdote as the perfect analogy for making a film. At some point during production, you’re going to find yourself standing in the middle of an intersection in the rain, arguing with a cop, your assets all over the place, while your family watches, waiting to see what you’ll do next. And the best way, the only way to handle it, is just like Grandpa. Shrug it off, light a (metaphorical) cigarette, and keep on going. After all, you already survived the war.

And this brings me to LUCID, a feature film that began almost a decade ago when I began writing the script, prompted by my personal interest in dreams, philosophy and New York City history. The story is infused with my own observations, experiences and nightmares that came from living in the city that never sleeps. What I was mostly interested in exploring, is how isolation and loneliness can affect people in large cities, even though they are surrounded by an immensely large population of people.

THE STORY follows a reclusive tour guide named Ed Zimmer and the relationship that he forms with Lucya, a Russian tourist with an equally lonesome soul. Their relationship is jeopardized when Ed becomes plagued by recurring nightmares, which begin to infect his waking life, altering his sense of reality.

After developing the script for a few years, I was invited to promote the film at the prestigious New York IFP (Independent Film) Market. In 2008, I decided to take the plunge and begin shooting LUCID with my own limited resources as a true independent film. I assembled a small but committed cast and crew and together we began shooting the key scenes.

And this brings me back to Grandpa’s story. My “family” now consists of a loyal cast and crew who have braved the storm tirelessly to see this project through to completion. And although I may have survived the war, there’s still a lot of work to do. Frankly, I’m tired of getting rained on and my family wants their furniture back. Won’t you please help us?

AT THIS POINT, we are more than halfway done shooting LUCID and the rough cut is being assembled as we go. I am now looking to raise the funds needed to complete Principal Photography this year. The money we raise will go towards basic production expenses, which will include renting equipment such as lights, camera accessories and sound gear, feeding the cast and crew, renting locations and purchasing props, costumes and set dressing.

WITH YOUR HELP, I anticipate finishing and releasing LUCID in 2011, at which point it will be submitted to film festivals and made available on DVD to you, our contributors.

JOIN OUR FAMILY!

Please take a look at the INCENTIVES that we are offering, which include:

*An immediate digital download of my award-winning short film ICE CREAM ANTS, which features Marcus Ashley (from the band Little & Ashley), the inimitable Tom Noonan and cult icon, singer/songwriter Jill Tracy. This film has never been seen outside of festivals and is not available anywhere else. You can watch a trailer for ICE CREAM ANTS here: http://www.vimeo.com/13168878

*A limited number of original "I'm Crazy About NY" t-shirts that were actually props in the film, some of which are covered in stage blood and signed by lead actor James Moles!

*Tickets to a theatrical screening of LUCID (Either the cast and crew screening or a festival premiere).

* “Executive Producer” and “Associate Producer” credit in the film itself, and all of the perks that come with it. (Feel free to contact me for additional information).

Keep in mind that the rewards will only be distributed (and you will only be charged) if the fundraiser is successful.

THANK YOU in advance for your support. Every bit helps, but also, please don't forget to pass this project along to other friends who might be interested.

Warm Regards,

- Jeremy

For more information and continuous updates about LUCID, please visit http://www.crutchfilms.com