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Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on August 15, 2012.

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"Drum...solo" is the story of a lonely drummer and his constant need to tap out drum patterns in the most unusual places.

Welcome to the "Drum..Solo" Kickstarter campaign!

"Drum...Solo" is the story of a lonely drummer who can't find a woman willing to tolerate his habit of constantly drumming and tapping at the most inappropriate times and places. He is possessed by the rhythms and music around him.

As a drummer, I find myself frequently drumming on my knees, tabletops and people that are close to me. From what I hear from fellow drummers, I'm not alone with this "affliction". About a year ago I thought it would be fun to create a humorous short film about such a character and how his rhythmic addiction affects his relationships. I completed the script a couple of months ago and have been sending it around to my various mentors (people in the entertainment industry who act, direct and write for a living). So far, the feedback has been inspiring!

That Bill Oakley
That Bill Oakley

Recently, I received feedback from Bill Oakley a three-time Emmy winner who wrote for "The Simpsons" and now helps produce the show "Portlandia". Bill gave the Drum...Solo script a spin and gave it a rave review: "Funny stuff...really clever...it's going to be great!".

In addition to Bill's supportive words, I also received an email from a reader at the Slamdance Writing Competition. (Note that the Drum...Solo script is not currently a finalist in the competition. This is merely the initial feedback that was provided.)

"The idea is cute and charming and the fact that nobody talks also added to the originality."

That bit of feedback helped me feel confident that the script is solid and if the film is completed to my "high-standards", it could be a film festival award-winner. Crossing my fingers!

Cinematography

One of most interesting visual artists I know is Jeffery Newbury. His iconic images have been published photos in practically endless print publications and he has created commercials for The Gap, produced music videos and photographed everyone from Steve Jobs to Halle Berry, and so many more. Many of which can be seen on his website: www.jefferynewbury.com.

Jeffery is lending his incredible talent to the Drum...Solo project and I'm both honored and extremely grateful to have him on-board.

Patrick Stewart photographed by Jeffery Newbury
Patrick Stewart photographed by Jeffery Newbury

Soundtrack Preview

We haven't yet begun to shoot, but we're already working on the film's soundtrack. So here's a very, very small snippet of the main theme. Yes, those are real instruments!

Why I Need Your Help to Fund this Project!

Honestly, I've set the budget for this project ridiculously low. In reality, it's going to cost at least three times as much as I've budgeted. It is my hope that the $1500 goal will be met quickly so additional funds can be contributed, which will help us get a lot closer to covering the actual expenses (many of which are already glaring back at me on my monthly credit card statement). My humble and sincere thanks to you for supporting "Drum...Solo"!!!

About the Pitch Video

If you've read this far down the page, I might as well fill you in on the silly pitch video. For the last two months I struggled to create the best pitch video I could. I was going to cover the top three reasons to back the project, all of which are listed here. After several takes and different ideas, I decided to just "be myself" and launched into a character loosely based on my father, who is from Paris. I hope the video gives you a laugh and that you'll still take this project seriously. Cheers:)

FAQ

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17
Backers
$1,510
pledged of $1,500 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Jul 16, 2012 - Aug 15, 2012 (30 days)

  • Pledge $5 or more

    2 backers

    5 Days Left! Act of desperation reward! Receive a copy of the completed film via digital download! All previous backers will also receive this added reward.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2013
  • Pledge $10 or more

    1 backer

    Receive a personalized 'thank you" email carefully typed using the popular hunt-and-peck method. Besides our sincere, undying gratitude, you'll also receive automatic project updates that are bound to make you wonder, "Who could possibly be spamming me at midnight on Thursday?". As an added bonus, you will become one of our new friends for life, inspiring other Kickstarter contributors to see that you've backed this stellar project.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    4 backers

    You'll receive our generous "thank you" email plus...a DVD copy of the film with bonuses: The script, photos taken on location and more! Note that because the film will be making the rounds at various festivals throughout next year, we may not be able to provide copies of the film until late 2013. (Sorry for the inconvenience. We really, really want you to have a copy of the film but our initial goal will be to fill seats at festivals.)

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2013
  • Pledge $35 or more

    3 backers

    $35 (or more) will help us defer a portion of the cost for the rental gear we'll need to make our already incredibly-attractive actors look even more attractive. To thank you for your contribution we'll present you with a "Drum...Solo" 8"x10" production photograph, personally signed with YOUR NAME on it in REAL SILVER ink! (The color—not the metal element—we know we're being cheap). Of course, along with the photo you'll also receive a copy of the film on DVD and the valuable—aforementioned "thank you" email reward. (DVD delivery may be delayed to 2013)

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)

    You'll receive our generous "thank you" email, a copy of the film on DVD, plus...a signed limited edition color poster. Similar in design to the project graphic and logo. (DVD delivery may be delayed to 2013.)

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    0 backers Limited (25 of 25 left)

    You'll receive our generous "thank you" email, a copy of the film on DVD plus...a really smokin' t-shirt (similar in design to the project image with rosebud drumstick and logo.) Come on—you know you need another t-shirt because you can never have too few t-shirts that promote a film so many people may never see. Please specify the shirt size you look best in—as long as it's "Large". (DVD delivery may be delayed to 2013.)

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    1 backer

    For a $100 pledge you'll receive our generous "thank you" email, a copy of the film on DVD plus...a digital version of the film's big band jazz music soundtrack. We'll also throw in a personal audio greeting dedicated especially to you, a pet, a loved one, or maybe even your favorite enemy. You decide!

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $150 or more

    0 backers

    You'll receive our generous "thank you" email, a copy of the film on DVD plus...YOUR NAME ON THE BIG SCREEN alongside your photo! Yes, that's what I said! As a special thanks to our $150 Kickstarter backers we will include your name in the credits with a photo of either you, your pet, your family or what have you. You must scan your own photo and email it to us and we can't use images of you (or anyone else) without a signed model release which we will provide. You'll also need to verify that you are the rightful owner the image you email us, and we reserve the right not to use your photo if we feel it is inappropriate.) (Note that DVD delivery may be delayed to 2013.)

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2013
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    ALL OF THE REWARDS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PLUS...Executive Producer credit in the film, your name listed in the IMDB.com credits and a huge hug (maybe two). This is the pledge gift that "welcomes you to the big leagues" if you're not there already!

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2013
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    ALL OF THE REWARDS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PLUS...a première party thrown in your honor! We'd like to throw you a big party in our little town of Petaluma, CA. But if you can't make it personally...we will come to you via a live Skype feed! We're assuming you have some kind of computer with an Interweb-like connection? Ah-ha we thought so! In addition to the party, we will never forget you because my children will be creating a Papier-mâché bust of you which will be appropriately placed directly next to the Oscar we hope to receive.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012