Kickstarter

Hi Everyone! 

Future Perfect is a film that has been in my head since the summer of 2008 when I began teaching English as a Second Language here in New York City. I quickly found the world of ESL frustrating, fascinating, and singular. I was overwhelmed by the tremendous contrast between the noble goal of educating foreign students, and the cynical, stifling reality. When I applied to graduate school, I decided to make the film the focus of my graduate experience, thus making it my biggest film yet.

In order to pull of this highly ambitious project, which deals with immigration, bureaucracy, and the loneliness one can often feel in a place as big and anonymous as NYC, we will require a large production team and staff, all of whom need to be cared for and fed throughout the week-long shoot.

In order to get the best possible product, we would like to rent a RED SCARLET, one of the best cameras available to independent filmmakers. The small camera will give us flexibility to shoot in environments as uncontrollable as the New York City subway system, but also provide a realistic, real image in such locations as Harlem and midtown Manhattan. 

Speaking of locations, the film will be shot all over Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. We will be utilizing a bookstore in lower Manhattan, various locations in midtown, and a great deal of the film will be shot at The City College of New York.

As you can imagine, a production of this scale costs a significant amount, but by breaking it down, we hope you can understand the kinds of things your donations will help us cover:

• Donations of $30 could put breakfast in our crew's belly, and keep the coffee flowing, coffee being arguably the most coveted thing on a film set.
• Donations of $100 could feed the cast and crew for one day.
• Donations of $300 could help us equip our locations at City College.
• Donations of $350 could secure our locations off campus.
• Donations of $400 could secure our audio equipment.
• Donations of $500 could feed the crew for 5 or 6 days.
• Donations of $650 could feed our crew for the ENTIRE SHOOT.
• Donations of $700 could rent our camera for one day.
• Donations of $2100 could rent our camera for the ENTIRE SHOOT.

That should give you a basic idea of what we need the money for, but any amount is greatly appreciated. Every dollar counts! It's important to know that unless we reach our goal, all pledges will be cancelled, and we will get nothing. That's the way Kickstarter works. So please, help us reach the finish line!

I'm very thrilled to finally have the opportunity to tell the story about a system people need to know more about. I have spent the better part of the last decade with people, both here and abroad, eager to learn English to improve their lives and situations. I believe their experiences have something unique to say about America and the world in general in the 21st century. Your contribution will help us to tell this unique and universal story.

Thank you so much for your time and support. Looking forward to telling you this story!

-Liam Billingham

TO FRIENDS OVERSEAS: as there is an extra cost to ship to you guys, please add $2 extra if you want the postcard shipped and $5 extra for each item above that (so, if you want the T-shirt, Mug, and postcard, add $12). Thanks so much for your understanding!