About this project
VESSEL a short film
$27,355
204
THE STORY
Sidney, 6, is woken from sleep to go on a series of mishap adventures with Jane. The night lights up with wild moments, and as Jane's instabilities unravel, their journey grows more and more fragile. This film aims to explore the depth of responsibility between adult and child. Follow Jane and Sidney in this tale of trust, imagination, fear and danger.
DEVELOPMENT & INSPIRATION
The footage from the above video was put together in order to give a conceptual feel to those of you interested in contributing to the film. For me personally, this film is not only an exploration in character development through a narrative structure, but also a personal exploration of childhood development, psychology, and the thin, dark veil that sits between sanity and insanity. The idea and script have developed over the last year, with much time spent making choices for the visuals that will continue to shift as the production gets underway. This work is, in a way, a departure from previous projects, diving underneath a world of color to explore beyond. To see more visuals from previous work, please visit my site: mimicave.com
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
My goal is to produce this film at the same quality of a feature film, this short essentially being a slice of a larger pie. The cinematography, production design, and performance take priority for me. I want to be able to compensate the artists involved and raise the bar for myself and for the project as a separate and individual entity.
So, as some of you already know, even a short film requires many moving parts to actually happen. Subsequently, all these moving parts cost money, a fruit I do not bear on my own. That's where you come in. In order to make this film happen, we'll need to cover the following costs:
The 25K I'm hoping to raise through this Kickstarter will go towards:
-compensation for cast & crew
-equipment rentals
-vehicle rentals & gas
-location permits & expenses
-production design
-wardrobe for cast
-crew meals
-insurance
-editing
-coloring & finishing
-festival submissions
-incidentals
It's a lot to ask for, I know. It all adds up fast and as someone who's already produced several small budget projects, I know that unexpected costs are always inevitable.
Your contribution, no matter the size, can tremendously help in the making of this film. I realize many people are doing similar things to me, and there are a lot of places to spend your money, so follow your gut and give where you give. If you can commit $20 I will be forever in debt to your generosity and grateful for the time you've spent paying mind to this project.
DREAM TEAM!
I am fortunate enough to be collaborating with some amazing artists on this project. The following individuals are the start of my dream team crew. Please take a moment to experience their beautiful work by visiting their sites.
Director of Photography - Devin Whetstone
Devin Whetstone is a director of photography specializing in commercials and music videos. His experience includes national television spots, music videos, documentaries, motion control cinematography and still photography. Having worked with clients like Microsoft, Sprint, Louis Vuitton, Chevy, Intel, HP and Google through leading advertising agencies, Devin has demonstrated his versatility and creativity across a uniquely broad spectrum of projects.
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Composer - Úlfur Hansson
Úlfur Hansson is an Icelandic composer and electronic musician residing in San Francisco, California. Over the past decade Úlfur has released two solo albums, composed music for film, theater, art installations and performed all over the world with a diverse assemble of musicians - including Skúli Sverrisson, Ólöf Arnalds, Kira Kira, Shahzad Ismaily, Oren Ambarchi, Alex Somers, and Jónsi of Sigur Rós. Last year Úlfur won the International Rostrum of Composers for his piece So Very Strange featuring the Segulharpa -- an electromagnetic harp he designed and built, and continues to develop. He is currently working on a new album, and writing orchestral pieces for the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra.
So Very Strange from the album White Mountain:
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Title Design - Mel Kadel
Mel Kadel is originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and graduated from Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. After living in New York for a few years, she moved to Los Angeles where she now resides in a log cabin by the 5 Freeway with her partner, artist Travis Millard. She works using coffee-stained paper, micron .005 pens, hand mixed ink wash, pencil, and blades to create carefully detailed and layered drawings of childlike characters exploring, opening up, and overcoming peril with fierce determination. Kadel’s work has shown in numerous galleries throughout the United States and abroad in London, Sydney, and Denmark. Her work has appeared in publications including Juxtapoz, Monster Children, and LA Times Magazine.
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Editor - Dana Shaw
Dana Shaw is an award winning commercial and short film editor, who seeks to shape stories that both inspire and challenge his audiences. Influenced by Stacey Peralta at an early age, Shaw cut his teeth in art and film by pursuing cinematography in the most unlikely nooks and crannies of the globe on his skateboard. Through his exposure to diverse climates, people and the stories they tell, Shaw was encouraged to pursue a formal education in filmmaking at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco. Dana is based in San Francisco, California and is inspired by it’s foggy coast and creative communities.
THE FUTURE OF THE FILM
I am so excited to finally explore the medium of narrative short, and collaborate with artists to create something that is, in this moment in time, unique. Eventually, we will submit the finished film to festivals in US and abroad, with hopes for exposure and support through viewership. The film will also have the elements of modern dance and visual effects twisted into the performance and storyline in a way that brings the characters and their idiosyncrasies to life.
Risks and challenges
Having made music videos over the last 3 years, no one knows financial challenges better than me. 'Resourceful' is my middle name. I've learned and continue to learn many many things. Here are just a couple of the lessons:
THE NEVERENDING FAVOR TRAIN - No man is an island. Filmmaking is inherently a team sport, and without the help from friends and colleagues in any given community, no film would be made. From equipment lending, discounts & favors, location 'borrowing', beer bribing, and extra helping hands, a little goes a long long way. I would not have made anything thus far if it hadn't been for the amazing generosity of the people in my life. That said, I don't want to rely on people's generosity. It is not a place I want to exist in, and it's not a gift I have any interest in abusing. I'd like my film to be self-sufficient, strong, and able to pay the people involved the compensation they deserve. As I put it to a good friend the other day "the crew is a Director's lifeline".
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Funding period
- (35 days)