Kickstarter

AN INTRODUCTION

Senior year at Rhode Island School of Design is a time for self development. It is our last chance to produce a short film under the safety of being a "student", while at the same time further developing our skill set to prepare us for what lies ahead in the working world. Seniors are responsible for seeing this project through from start to finish; writing the script, directing, and editing these films. I hope to some day become a Director of Photography, the individual responsible for creating the look of a film, through the  lighting design, composition of shots, lens choices, camera choreography, and processing of the digital media or of the film. With this in mind, I have also decided to serve as this role in the production of my film as well. 

THE CAMERA

For my degree project, I have decided to shoot on the Scarlet-X, a camera developed by RED Digital Cinema, the company known for the cameras used in movies such as The Hobbit, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Social Network, The Amazing Spiderman, and Prometheus. This camera offers me real world experience and resolution four times that of High Definition video. 

I feel that through working with this camera, I will have a better understanding of the industry standard in digital cinematography, and that these experiences will help shape me for job placement in the future. 

THE CONCEPT

As someone greatly interested in the human psyche, I have chosen to focus on repressed memories of childhood trauma and how they may impact an individual later in life. Through the lens of the fairy tale Hansel & Gretel, I will explore this topic through the use of ghosts; a clear example of the uncertainty and somewhat atmospheric properties that memories have. 

Below are some stills from the screen tests:

THE BUDGET 

Funds will go toward the purchasing of supplies needed to construct the set, including a life-size oven, apothecary shelving and countertops, and cages, as well as several props. They will also go towards equipment rentals, hard drives (to store the enormous files that RED creates), and food and transportation for the cast and crew. 

Below are some examples of some Art Direction from the film:

THE FILM MAKER

I was born and raised on Long Island and hope to return to New York after graduation. I am very interested in the human psyche and the effects of memories and trauma on the individual. Through conversations with my own psychologist, I've developed a project that focuses on personal experiences and interests. I feel that psychology is such a huge part of film making and, through my work, I love to explore how cinematography and psychology interact with each other. I aspire to one day become a Director of Photography, the person on set responsible for styling the film in terms of lighting and camerawork. I feel that through these choices, a DoP is able to manipulate an audience and therefore withdraw specific emotions that further the storyline. 

HOW KICKSTARTER WORKS

Essentially, Kickstarter is a platform created to assist in the funding of projects. In backing a project, you are giving the creator an opportunity to invent, create, and explore a process that would otherwise be unobtainable due to financial constraints. We, as members, are given a month to receive contributions for our project. If by the end of the month we have reached our predetermined goal, then Kickstarter will transfer the money over to us. If we don't, no accounts will be charged.

In backing my project, you are not only helping to finance a project, but you are also investing in my future. As this is my last chance to produce a film as a student, this project will also serve as a gateway into my life as a cinematographer. This film will not only complete my education, but also hopefully go on to festival showings, and may even eventually lead to my first "big break." 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I really appreciate your interest and your consideration. 

If you would like to see other examples of my work, please visit my personal website by clicking HERE.