About this project

In my last quarter at UCSB, my aim is to create a moving and inspirational film that motivates us to be the best we can be.

"Silent Heart": What is it?

'Silent Heart' is the inspiring story of two characters: Valerie and Douglas. Valerie is a hearing impaired dancer who wants to share her gift with the world but has never been given the opportunity to. She just wants to do what she loves but nobody believes she can.

Douglas, on the other hand, is a technically talented violinist who lacks motivation and emotion for his art form; he has simply been going through the necessary steps to pass through college. Knowing the heights Douglas can reach, his Professor gives him an ultimatum for his final senior performance: either play music with emotion or fail.

With the crescendo of their college careers steadily approaching, Valerie and Douglas are brought together in an unlikely pairing to perform the art that they believe in. When Douglas sees Valerie dance and is inspired enough to play his music to follow her movements an incredible partnership is formed.

Valerie eventually realizes she doesn't need to hear the music...she is the music.

What is the message of "Silent Heart"?

How many of us have ever been told that we can't be the best we can be? How many of us have never been able to reach our full potential because of obstacles in our way? How many of us have seen a friend or family member held back because of a disability?

How many of us have been inspired to succeed through adversity against all odds?

This film is meant to motivate those of us that have never been able to harness their full potential. Either due to disability or the lack of passion and motivation necessary to become the best that they can be, this film serves as the voice that empowers all of us to always pursue our dreams and not only to inspire, but to be inspired.

What is our goal?

Our goal is to raise $3,000 for the production of this film. We are asking for a modest donation, anywhere from $1 - $500 from our friends, family, local business partners, and all of you people on Kickstarter looking to help us fulfill our own dreams. We will be offering a variety of awards that will hopefully motivate you to help us reach our goal in submitting this film to the annual Reel Loud Film Festival

What is the 'Reel Loud Film Festival'?

REEL LOUD is a competition based film festival sponsored by the University of California, Santa Barbara that invites the filmmaker to submit a short, silent film...But there's a catch:

What makes 'Reel Loud' unique and different from any other film festival is that each film must be accompanied by a live musical performance in front of the audience at the premiere screening.

All submissions must be filmed on film itself: 16mm to be specific, the only format accepted.

For 20 years, 'Reel Loud' has been inspiring all of those who participate to combine film with music in the most personal and artistic way possible, and this year - at the 20th Reel Loud Film Festival we are aiming to take this festival to a new level and set the standard for years to come.

Why we need YOU:

In order to make this film the best it can be and have it reach the largest audience possible, we need equipment that's the best it can be. So what are your donation going towards?

• Raw film stock, processing, and telecine of the film (converting it from film stock to a product that we can edit with on computers)
• Rental of equipment: 16mm camera, lights, cinematography equipment
• Rental of locations: concert hall for Douglas and Valerie's final performance, office building, dance studio
• Musical costs: payment to chamber orchestra for performance, payment to composer for his amazing work, sound design, etc. (Music is a vital part of this production)
• Sign language and violin lessons for the actors
• Promotion and distribution of the film (posters, DVD's, photography)
• Additional production costs (transportation, paying of extras, food on set, printing of scripts etc)
• Additional film festival fees: submission fees, presskits, travel, etc.) Once a small to medium sized film festival picks up the submission, we'll head on the road to big things!

What is Kickstarter?

All transactions are SECURE though Amazon's 'Flexible Payment Service.' Kickstarter is an "all-or-nothing" fundraising website, so your credit card is ONLY CHARGED IF WE MEET OUR GOAL, otherwise you are charged nothing.

Upon the end of the campaign, donators will be directly contacted by the producers of "Silent Heart" to obtain any necessary information (shipping addresses, coordination of rewards, etc) and any additional information that may be needed.

Thanks SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP! Each and every dollar is appreciated and most certainly makes a difference.

On behalf of the cast and crew of "Silent Heart"

I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support through our years at UC Santa Barabra, and your help in our own pursuits of our dreams and goals.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Who can see my donation? No one. All donations are private. Only the project creator and the backer themselves can see their donations.
• If I donate, when will I be able to redeem my award? First and foremost, rewards can only be claimed if we meet our goal. If we do, we will contact you immediately after the deadline and work out any information needed so that you may obtain your reward.
• Can the goal be exceeded? ABSOLUTELY! That would be a dream come true for us and enable us to make an even better film! Kickstarter's format allows the production to continue to accept donations until the time expires.
• Can I increase my donation should I choose too? Yes you may. Once you donate you may change your donation and increase or decrease. Whether you want a higher reward or just want to contribute more support, you will be able to do so. Once you've signed in, go to our Kickstarter page and green "Back to this Project" button will now be a blue "Manage my donation" button. Click that and proceed accordingly
• Who and where does the money go too? Every single cent donated goes directly to the budget of "Silent Heart" so you are directly helping this film being made.
• Can International residents make donations? They can indeed. You can donate from anywhere in the world.
• How can we contact you? All necessary contact info and links can be found below.

Contact Information:

Check out http://www.ryanturnerproductions.com to see my past work and for updates and more information on "Silent Heart"

Keep up to date on the production by becoming a fan of RTProductions on Facebook and by watching my weekly Videologs!

Send an email to: raminr17@gmail.com to contact the Producer for any vital and necessary info. We will get back to you ASAP!