"Is he dead?"

This is one of the first questions Adam asks about his brother George, who is turtled under his covers in the throes of a severe depression.  And thus, the dysfunctional relationship between George, his friends, and his family was defined.  

These complex characters try to maintain their relationships with each other whilst simultaneously giving into and getting over pasts and futures rife with depression, suicide, alcoholism and substance abuse.  Be it from their broken childhood, or through the current depression of George, these themes are very much the fabric of the characters, and, by extension, the comedy itself.  The jokes between them are typically derisive and insult-driven, though this, more often than not, is simply a means of hiding their sadness.  It's easier then flaunting decency, dealing with emotions, all that jazz.  For example, they constantly talk about leaving George rather then helping him through his depression, and yet, they never actually leave.  It's love-hate, only, they'd describe it as more hate-hate...

"Case in point."

The script, loaded with controversial characters and situations, sets a tone for an unadulterated black comedy.  It's entirely the case for this short film, but not for the project as a whole.

Never to shy away from ambition, we envision "Friends & Family" as a potential 3-season series, with this short film acting as a pilot of sorts.  It's first two seasons have already been outlined, as a matter of fact, and continue on the misadventures of a group both falling apart and staying together, simultaneously.

While there may be limited drama and heart to the short film/pilot, the project as a whole as absolutely rife with it.  Moments of extreme black humor are countered by moments of straight drama, as these characters are complex enough to both handle and warrant both.  For every broken tie or promise, there's a genuine moment of solidarity and love.

"You know, we probably aren't the first people you should have called."

While our goal is to ultimately produce a "Friends & Family" television show for a major cable network, our hope with Kickstarter (you) is to simply produce the short film/pilot.  It stands very strong as an individual project, without its elaborate extended story, and the simplicity of its production design make it achievable for a modest means.  We are very much a modest team.  The only talent and resources we're associated with are our own, and while the talent is bountiful, the resources are not.  

It's possible that the play-like aesthetic and minimalist settings were born of our guerilla filmmaking backgrounds working with nothing but heart and ambition, but they also play perfect into our style of comedy, in which dialogue and character are king.  This places an even greater emphasis on performance than there would be regardless: the entirety of "Friends & Family" is defined by its characters, nothing more.  

The budget we earn through Kickstarter will be spent partially on minor equipment rentals and editing software, but largely on our actors.  Both to make the project credible in local talent's eyes, and ensuring they maintain focus whilst juggling their busy schedules, these funds will go a long way in helping us to achieve our vision.  It will also feed them, and the entire crew.  Hungry actors are scary individuals.  Especially if they method act to channel one of our characters, who's main source of sustenance is alcohol.

"You sure he's not dead?"

Thank you.  If you donate or not, just reading this, taking that time, deserves a thank you.  These are times where creative endeavors feel like they shouldn't be at the forefront of your mind - I just don't work that way.  Kickstarter, being a thing that exists, a fuel to crazy people's dreams, just makes me believe i'll finally get a chance to capitalize on my obsessive creative tendencies.  That's good, because I can't wait to make this film.  Long before storyboarding, I had every mannerism and line-delivery planned out in my head.  As soon as we're able to begin production, this project will absolutely fly.  It's pent up imagination so fully-realized and planned out that it's shocking that it hasn't simply materialized already, while I slept.  Thank you for helping in the realization of "Friends & Family", even if it's just a wish of luck.