Support Student Artists: Pre-order “Dominoes” DVDs or Donate Resources
Update: Thanks to everyone who contributed, via Chipin and otherwise. I managed to raise over $1,500, which will be plenty to get the project through the shoot this weekend and beyond. Couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help, and looking forward to sending out updates and, eventually, your DVDs!
Would you like to help the next generation of actors and filmmakers gain experience learning what to do, or more likely, what not to do when it comes to making movies? Would you like to see your name roll by in the end credits to a film that’s been screened in festivals and available to your friends on DVD or online? Would you like to be involved in the process of creating art for art’s sake?
I’ve returned to school after nearly a decade to finish the credits necessary to receive an undergraduate degree, and as part of my studies I’m producing a student short. The story, Dominoes, is about four young people in rehab coming to terms with the most difficult challenge of their lives — overcoming substance abuse and dependence. Unfortunately, it’s a situation that’s all too familiar to most, and one for which there is no fast and easy “cure.”
Telling the story is the easy part. Casting, finding locations, selecting shots and writing the script complicate things, but are part of the learning process — and so is fundraising. After considering a number of options, from selling shares in the film to holding a night of vaudeville-style dinner theater, I think I’ve struck upon one that offers the least extra work for friends and family and the most value to donors: DVD pre-orders.
For a suggested donation of $10 or more, you’ll (eventually) receive a disk in the mail that includes the completed film, behind the scenes footage, outtakes, my video diary and anything else I can fit on the DVD. You’ll also get a mention in the credits, updates on when and where the film can be seen on the big screen and any links to any reviews or press it might receive. My hope is to raise as much as $2,000 — while I can complete the project for less, anything over the $800 allotment from the school can only make things easier. Unspent monies will be donated to the general fund for film students at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
I’ve set up a ChipIn account that you can use to send money to me via PayPal — the executive producer, Mary Deaton (otherwise known as my mom) will be handling those donations. Please include your contact information to receive updates and the finished film. If you’d prefer to make a tax deductible donation, you can sponsor a meal on shoot days or contribute to equipment rental and location fees. I could also use loans or donations of equipment, such as external hard drives, Lavalier microphones, P2 cards or the like. And labor, of course — particularly sound, camera and production help.
Please contact me via email if you have any questions or would like to arrange to make tax-deductible contributions, equipment donations or volunteer on the shoot. I’m also happy to provide access to the production wiki, where you can track the project progress and provide feedback on developments.
