The story itself of Butzemann is simple: A young man relieves childhood trauma, so he can finally face the monster that killed his mother. It's a revenge story with a creepy monster and some German lore sprinkled on top.
Imagine a creepy, dark fairytale atmosphere like "Pan's Labyrinth" combined with a mystical fight, human vs monster, like "Viking Wolf" or "Troll".
... minus all the huge VFX. This time, I want to stick to good, old practical effects and a great monster costume. ;) And there will be blood. Lots.
Hi! Servus! I am Jule, a sarcastic German-English writer who loves monsters, fairytales, and coffee. I've written several screenplays, edited films, and animated stuff, but this film will be my directorial debut. I am super excited (and scared) about it, but I already assembled an amazing and talented team that'll help me create this vision.
If everything goes well, I hope this film will be the start of something bigger. I'm not sure if I dare say it ... but maybe a little cinematic universe?? Based on fairytales?!
As you can tell properly by now, I am obsessed with monsters, fairytales, and mythology. I love weird stories that have fucked-up twists. And recently I've been digging deep into the good, old German fairytales by the Grimm Brothers. And I mean, the original, bloody ones!
And since many people (a lot of Germans included) don't really know what I mean by "original" fairytales, I made it my mission and goal to bring more attention to it, dig deep into my dark-humored German roots, and show that cool stuff to the world.
Starting with the Butzemann! ... *coughs* cinematic universe *coughs*
But I can't do that all on my own.
So far. I've assembled a pretty amazing team of talented people.:
THE DREAM CREW
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Felix Kern: Camera Operator
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Christian Simbeck: Camera, Light & Set-Dad
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Sandro Stahlmann: Sound-Master
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Ines Tausch: Set-Runner, BTS-Lady, Set-Fotographer
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Sina Schreiegg: Make-up-Artist
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Isabell Ievoli: Catering & Set-Mum
THE POSTPRODUCTION WIZARDS
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Marco Zanoni: Editing & Colour Grading
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Jennifer Lemberger: Motion Design (Credit Scene)
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Wolfgang Sauer: Sound Design & Mastering
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Daniel Grandl: Composer
SPECIAL THANKS TO
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Miriam Kehl: Emotional Support Pug & Research
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Hannah Melea: Singer for the new version of the Butzemann Song
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Nils Jessenberger: Constant Support & Hunter
Of course, there are already a lot of people involved! And I love it! Because I love collaborating, but at that point, I still need an actor, a voice actor, and a monster.
Especially the monster takes some extra effort and cost because I want to use one of the famous German "Perchten/Krampus" costumes for that:
Depending on the detail, they cost between 400-1700€. But, by the gods, they are worth the investment! I mean, don't they look awesome?!
And you, my wonderful friend, can support me in spreading some dark fairytale movies into the world!
Well, first of all, because you should like me by now and think it's a great thing to support me. Right? ... okay, maybe my charm works better in person, so I will break it down for you:
Great, Creative Perks!
I've really put a lot of thought and work into my perks because I want to give you something special when you decide to support this project.
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A BIG GERMAN "DANKE": A thank you goes a long way! And I'm not shy to throw them around like a fairy godmother and her sparkly magic. So, see this as a little, magical blessing that will come your way.
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DIGITAL ART: Since I can hold a pen, I love drawing and illustrating. So, I created 5 cool stickers for this project with transparent backgrounds that you can use for whatever your heart desires! Maybe print it on a mug?
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DIGITAL ART PACKAGE: If you want the full "art experience", you can get this package. It not only includes the 5 stickers but also 6 different designs for your social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Post it, share it, and enjoy it! Also, some designs contain the blessing of Wotan to give you strength in facing whatever obstacle you face.
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THANK YOU VOICE/VIDEO MESSAGE: Depending on what option you choose, I will send you a personal voice or video message with me thank you. I also share a little anecdote about my childhood that connects me with that project.
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CREDITS: Do you want to see your name in the end credits? That would be cool, wouldn't it be? Well, depending on the option you can either choose between a hunter-level "Thank You Credit" with several other supporters/hunters or the god-level credits, such as "Producer" or "Executive Producers" with a few chosen ones.
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GERMANIC GODS 101 (PDF): Maybe you've read through my project and were asking yourself "Who the heck is Wotan?"? Or do you know him, but never really looked into Germanic mythology? Wonder no more, I got your back! I designed a special, little guide about the Germanic gods and everything you need to know.
Now, to the big ones that require a bit more preparation from my side but come with as much love as the other ones.
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WRITTEN NOTES / 1-HOUR VIDEO CALL: I want to share my expertise with you as a thank you! You can either send me your script and I will provide written notes and feedback. Or if you fancy a charming personal experience, we can schedule a call to talk about your script and ideas. Or if you're just someone who loves to connect and talk about life, German fairytales, filmmaking, living the creative life ... etc, I'm also happy to just sit down and chat,
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BUTZEMANN'S SACHET: I'm very proud and excited about this perk! It's your very own, personally crafted sachet that contains lots of small gifts, like stickers, coasters, German treats, and other cool things. It's like a surprise bag! But without bones and intestines!
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RUNE NECKLACE: If you want to join the hunt and face the Butzemann with me, you need protection! Because the Butzemann is a nasty motherf****er, believe me! So, I'll send you a hand-crafted rune necklace blessed by Wotan.
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BTS UPDATES & FOOTAGE: If you love behind-the-scenes footage as much as me, you know that there's always a LOT MORE happening than filmmakers originally share about the project. So, if you want the dirty details delivered with German straightforwardness, I'd recommend it. ;) This also might include some funny selfies and exclusive clips that will not make it to the public. Maybe even a "bloopers" reel?
The very exclusive goodies that only TWO CHOSEN ONES are able to get. I mean, wow ... if you choose to join the "WILD HUNT", you're an absolute god-like supporter!
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BUTZEMANN'S SONG: For that project, I collaborated with the amazingly talented German singer Hannah Melea who composed a new, creepy version of the kid's song for the film. So, this will be your chance to get a digital copy of it.
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SIGNED SCRIPT (PDF): I put a lot of love, labor, and constant effort into my script while I was shaping the story for the film. So, my scripts are very special to me and contain my tears, blood, and some scribbles. I will sign the copy and even leave a personalized message for you.
My vision for this film needs a lot of talented people and great equipment to make it happen, therefore most of the money will go right into my crew, equipment, and props (costume).
Then, of course, there's the cost of postproduction and to spread this incredible film and submit it to festivals I also need some funds.
If you're interested in a more detailed overview, here you go:
But be sure that I will use your supporting funds wisely and all for the good of the project and the team that helps me with this.
I know that sometimes life sucks and right now, it might be tough for a lot of people. If you're one of them, I feel for you! But if you still want to help me out in any other way possible, I would be truly and eternally grateful!!
Here's what you can do no matter if you choose a perk or not:
Most of you know the drill: sharing is caring!
So, I'd highly appreciate it if you could share this campaign with your friends, family, neighbors ... some strangers on the street? Just spread the word!
Follow for updates and perky reels about German lore, here:
If you want to follow me as a creator and see what I do besides hunting the Butzemann:
JULE'S INSTAGRAM: @nerdlifeistough
JULE'S TWITTER: @nerdlifeistough
JULE'S HOMEPAGE: www.diejuliavalentina.com
"Danke" for your support!