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Summary
Hi all,
Gabriel Carrubba here, the owner and executive of Mansfield Films.
I'll begin by telling you a bit about myself and how I came to becoming a filmmaker. When I was 17 years old, I dropped out of high school to pursue my love for acting at an acting school in South Melbourne. I studied for a year and graduated, booking my first acting gig on a television show called 'Glitch' (Netflix, ABC, Matchbox Pictures) playing the guest role of George, a soldier in World War I. From here, I began to take a keen interest in the process of filmmaking, and decided to apply to film school at JMC Academy, also in South Melbourne. Recently, I have graduated from film school, taking up an interest in cinematography, directing and writing. Still to this day, I continue to take acting classes and play characters in numerous short and feature films, two projects of which will be circulating the 2018 film festival circuit. At the age of 21 'Born to Die' will be my first time directing, which I am extremely excited about.
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This story is extremely important to me as it delves into the themes of fate, coming of age, innocence and existence. I've always been interested in the prospect of fate, if we exist on purpose, or if we're just born to die? Are we approaching death, or is death approaching us? And lastly, what's it like to lose your innocence at such a young age? How do we continue to live life after a traumatic experience? The human mind is extremely intriguing to me.
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'Born to Die' is about a conflicted teenager, Wilson, who accidentally kills his best friend, and is then forced to flee town to dump the body with the help of his loyal girlfriend and childhood friends. Wilson begins to suffer from schizophrenia, affecting his ability to think, feel and behave clearly.
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'Born to Die' is heavily inspired by films 'The Tree of Life', 'Shutter Island' and 'Stand By Me', as well as novels 'Jasper Jones' and 'The Outsiders', and listening to musical artists such as Mac DeMarco and Beach House.
By contributing to this project, you can help us tell this story from pre-production to post-production as well as assisting us with film festival submissions.
Main Crew
We have an amazing 26 person crew on board to shoot the project, however, without getting too carried away, allow me to introduce you to our main heads of department.
Writer/Director - Gabriel Carrubba
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Gabriel Carrubba is an Australian based Actor/Filmmaker from Melbourne, Victoria. He has previously studied a Full Time Acting Course at the Film & Television Studio International in Melbourne, and has recently graduated in a Bachelor of Film & Television Production at JMC Academy, also in Melbourne. Gabriel is currently represented as an Actor by Ignite Elite Artists, a Melbourne and Sydney based talent agency. Some of Gabriel's screen credits include 'Glitch' (Matchbox Pictures, ABC: Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Netflix) playing the guest role of George. Gabriel is also the owner and executive of Mansfield Films.
Gabriel's Acting Showreel: https://vimeo.com/253380150
Gabriel's Cinematography/First Assistant Camera Showreel: https://vimeo.com/256536681
Producer - Czarina Madayag
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Czarina Madayag is the co-founder of the OOMPH! Network and is an established artist under the name of Zaryna. The 20 year old is nothing short of multipotentialite, with a slew of titles under her belt - Editor-in-Chief, A&R, Photographer and Singer-Song Writer - just to name a few. Madayag is the epitome of the working class girl and is gaining recognition for her diversity in trade - the foundation that was built upon the making of the OOMPH! Network.
Director of Photography - Jazmin Padarath
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Jazmin Padarath has recently graduated from a bachelor in Film and Television Production at JMC Academy and has a passion for producing films and documentaries that spark conversations about social issues. She hopes to inspire change with her creative works.
First Assistant Director - Chris Anagnostou
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Christopher is a Filmmaker from rural Australia based in Melbourne. Chris began studyingFilm and Television at JMC Academy and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in his field. He specializes as Assistant Director due to his experience filming his first short at school and his aspiration to be a director. Chris's credits include music videos and short films.
Chris' Director/First Assistant Director Showreel: https://vimeo.com/248750932
Production Designer - Grace Lunn
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Grace Lunn is a Melborne based film maker, who has recently graduated from a Bachelor of Film and Television Production at JMC Academy. Grace has had many design and art department roles in the television industry in Victoria, including 'Talkin' About Your Generation' (Channel 9) working as a construction assistant.
Editor - Nathan Smart
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The likes of Director X and Benny Boom resonate in the work of young Melbourne creative Nathan Smart. The 19 year old first established himself as a musician in his early teens, posting cover video to YouTue. In 2014, as he progressed into original music, the quality of his videos begun to garner industry recognition, leading him to diversify his work into professional video production. Today his company OOMPH! works with some of the industries leading brands and artists, creating Music Videos, Social Media and Television Advertising.
Nathan's previous work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBASA20snlU
Sound/Composer - Domenic Carrubba
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Domenic Carrubba is a Melbourne based musician and sound recordist with a passion for funk and blues. Inspired by artists such as; Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, Prince, B.B King, Muddy Waters and James Brown, his soul aim is to keep these genres alive through his performances.
Domenic's previous work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mo52L-K0lw
What We Need & What You Get
To make this film possible, we're going to need your help. In total, the team at Mansfield Films need $10,000. I know what you're thinking, that's a lot of money! Let us break it down for you as to where to money will be going over the span of five shooting days.
Catering - $1,000
Props & Costume - $1,000
Location - $500
Cast & Crew Payment - $5,000
Office Supplies (Hard Drives, Paper, Stationary) - $500
Equipment (Camera, Lighting, Sound) - $1,000
Festival Submission - $500
Crowdfunding Rewards - $500
Total: $10,000
If you select a perk, for your generous contributions, you could receive a digital copy of the shooting script, a digital copy of the theatrical release poster, a private link to the behind the scenes footage, and even a private link to the final film before anyone else views it, as well as a ticket to the premier. Each perk will differ depending on how much you contribute to the project.
If we don't reach our goal, the funds will still go towards the film, however, it will force us to improvise and get creative in regards to how much money each department will receive.
The Plan
Pre-Production is now in full swing, with all paperwork from departments being completed, filling out minor crew roles, and casting our actors. We're currently preparing a schedule for a five day shoot in July, with all perks to be delivered and a final product to be submitted to film festivals by September this year.
