Who we are:

Aubrey Pictures is a partnership between David Wilkinson and Bobby Marko. Both are filmmakers and fathers, and it just so happens they also both have a daughter named Aubrey. The name Aubrey Pictures is a good reminder to them that while they love to tell stories, they are also dads and family men.
 
Though Bobby and David have kicked around several ideas over the years, Fruitcake was our first real collaboration. After the two had locked in the story and logistical needs, they soon realized their team had to grow. At that point, the project team expanded to what they affectionately refer to as the Core Four: Bobby, David, Marisa Mlynarek, Melissa McKenney. Bobby and David are producing partners, David is the writer and director, Bobby is the Director of Photography, and leads the production crew. Bobby brought Marisa on as Assistant Director extraordinaire, a God-send, a true go-getter, and an all-around firecracker. David then reached out to Melissa, originally for print design, but we quickly realized that we should expand her role to Production Designer so we could mooch off even more of her talents!

What is the story of Fruitcake:

Fruitcake is the story of Adam, an eccentric, lonely, mid 30s man, and his unorthodox search for relationships. Part of reason the film is called Fruitcake is that it is a word anyone on the outside of Adam's life could easily use to label him, just because he may seem different to them—odd, withdrawn, etc. This reflects the convenient, lazy way people often choose to define one another. We chastise, label, and slander people without understanding or having a connection with them, or we stereotype people from afar. Adam is a guy who has to overcome all of that while trying to pursue relationships for himself. His biggest hurdle is that he doesn't really have anyone. His recently deceased mother was his only friend, and the only other relationship he has is fraudulent and can't last. So Fruitcake is a social exploration. It could even be considered a commentary on man's ongoing battle with isolation.

How Did We Get Here?

Planning

After about a year of developing the story and creating a few drafts of the script, David and Bobby felt the story was at a place to move forward. At that point we began thinking about how to turn the script into an actual film. The two laid the groundwork, found the core team and began pre-production. But there was a problem— neither of us could afford to fund a film! Thankfully, one thing that makes Nashville unique is that it has a tight-knit film community. Once word of the story got around, people with all kinds of talent started to express interest in wanting to help. Another problem we ran into was that many of the people volunteering had day jobs and could only contribute on weekends or after-hours. With a 12-14 day shoot, eating up 6-7 weekends wasn't going to be possible and definitely not free. So we split the production up into two phases.

Phase 1: Production

For Phase 1, we decided to shoot what we could of the story with as limited a cast and crew as possible. David and Bobby spent their own money on food, wardrobe, insurance on the rental gear, and several miscellaneous items needed for production. We broke up the script and filmed for 6 days, with the goal of getting enough filmed to be able to piece together a trailer, explain a little bit of the story and get people excited to see the film. Hopefully you've watched it and are excited as we are! This was Phase 1!

Why we need money

Expenses to complete Phase 2

So why do we need money? You may be asking yourself, “If they were able to get this much done for free, why can't they finish the other half for free?” The simple answer is, Phase 1 wasn't really free and Phase 2 will involve a larger cast and crew and locations that we will not be able to get for free as with Phase 1. $21,000 will cover our basic needs: camera and lighting rentals, food for cast and crew, location and permit fees, and minimal payments for crew who we cannot get on a volunteer basis.

Marketing and Festival Fees

In addition to those needs, you may wonder, “What good is there in creating and funding a film if you can't let people know about it?” Useless, right! Your contribution will also help us fund fees for film festival entries and some marketing expenses. Our desire is to do everything we can to make sure the film has the maximum potential to be seen!

Why is Fruitcake Important?

Fruitcake is everyone’s story. We are tangible beings—we long for companionship and deep relationships. We want to hear affirmation or a kind voice, we want to see the evidence of love through others’ eyes and smiles, and we want to be touched and held. But we often devalue ourselves before anyone can reach us. We want community but we run to isolation. It's easier to hide than to risk getting hurt. Adam's reclusive heart is meant to be extreme so the viewer can connect on whatever level relates to them. Fruitcake challenges us to ask ourselves the hard question: Are we getting farther away or closer to the life we want to live?

Closing

Help by spreading the word through social media

We sincerely thank you for your consideration in financially backing Fruitcake. Another way you can help is to spread the word about the film. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hash tag #FruitcakeMovie when applicable and help us get momentum going! We already have a dedicated small group of people eager to see the project succeed, and we ask that you would join us!

Thanks so much for considering supporting Fruitcake. We are honored to partner with all of you in sharing this message with those around you. 

Thanks!

If you have any questions at all feel free to email us: info[at]fruitcakemovie[dot]com