My name is Ian O’Neill and I’m an award winning writer and filmmaker. I wrote this riveting crime drama, Rock and a Hard Place and will be directing it. A couple are given a strange gift; the man who terrorized them in a home invasion years ago is now tied up in their basement. What do they do? This is a story that will have you asking yourself, what would I do?

Who Is Ian O'Neill?

I’ve been a writer for over 25 years. I’ve written pretty much everything there is to write: newspaper, radio and TV ads, press releases, speeches, articles for newspaper and magazine, a published novel, and many screenplays. I've experienced the difficulties of getting a script 'read' so, I decided to take another route. I wanted to turn my script into a feature film. Not an easy task to say the least. However, each short film that I complete teaches me so much about the process, working with others, budgeting, and most importantly, my strengths and weaknesses. At 50 years old I'm determined to continue this journey and see it through to the end, in this case, the big screen. Rock and a Hard Place is the next film in my journey.

Shooting a film is in no way a solo effort so I surrounded myself with people as motivated and passionate as I am about this project.

We’re not short on passion but we are short on funds. We need your help to acquire:

• Equipment Rentals – lights, slider, sound
• Cast and Crew – essential and deserving of an honourarium
• Transportation – getting people and gear to where it needs to be
• Craft Services – keeping everyone fed and happy
• Indiegogo Fees – gotta pay the piper

There was a time that the only way someone could support a film was to buy a ticket at the theatre and watch the film. Not anymore! We want to reward you for supporting our film and we’ve got many ways to do that.

Great Perks

We’ve got unique perks to peek your contribution interest.

Thank you on social network. We'll let everyone know you're a contributor with a heartfelt thank you on our Facebook page and Twitter. 

Updates by email on everything we're doing. We'll make sure you're in the loop.

Special thank you in closing credits. Watch for your name scrolling in the credits for being a wonderful contributor.

PDF of the script. We'll email you a PDF version of the script we use to shoot the film.

Digital download of the film. *After the film is completed (end of May or early June), you'll be added to a list of others who've contributed and given access to view the film for one month. It is a special sneak peek.

How about a ringtone of your favourite line from the film? Hear or read a line you love, we'll have the actor turn that into a ringtone for your phone.

A Screenplay Critique by the film's writer, Ian O'Neill, or by fellow writer and contributor, Peter Campbell. They will each critique two screenplays (120 pages or less) with notes and suggestions. Those who've enjoyed (or suffered through) our feedback can attest to our tactful honesty, helpfulness and professionalism. Only four of these are available.

Two sizes of movie posters are available, signed by the cast on the front or back – your choice. Medium is 18" x 24". Large is 24" x 36".

Executive Producer Credit. You'll get a lot of perks with this high level contribution not the least of which is your name and the title of Executive Producer appearing in the opening credits of the film. It will allow you to truly be part of the filmmaking experience and give you the opportunity to tell everyone that you are an Executive Producer on a film.

Take a good look at the list on the right of your screen to find your favourite way to help.

Should we not reach our goal, several things will happen: we will pare back the honourariums, if that’s not enough, we’ll cut back on gear. Finally, if we’re woefully low then we’ll be forced to reschedule the shoot until we raise the appropriate funds.

Please help us make this happen, right now!

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to be part of the filmmaking experience while providing us the opportunity to gain experience in what we love to do. As  a writer, I’m thrilled that everyone who read this script said yes to the project – actors, cinematographers…everyone. It’s a passion project but it starts with a great story. Many of us wonder in today’s society if punishments fit their crimes. That is what this film explores. It makes us see from the perspective of everyone who has been involved in a crime. Will it help or hinder one’s opinion of the punishment?

Spread the Word!

Whether you’ve contributed or just can’t do it, you can all help by spreading the word about our campaign. Please use the Indiegogo share tools to let all of your friends and family know about this worthwhile campaign.