About Me
My name is Sam Burgos, and I am a BFA film student at Columbia College Hollywood in my final year, which means that "Congratulations Son" is my thesis film. I have been working tirelessly as a writer and 1st AD on shorts and features as well as other crew positions during my college career. That is why I chose to write and direct my thesis film, "Congratulations Son".
Short Summary
"Congratulations Son" is about Andy Adkins and his father, Brad Adkins, who drive home from Andy’s high school graduation. Andy wears his cap and gown and avoids eye contact with his father. The two look like strangers. Brad pulls over to a Motel 6 and fishes out a motel key, and a condom. Meanwhile, a voluptuous 43-year old prostitute named Brandi awaits him. After a lifetime of waiting, Andy finally loses his virginity to Brandi- only to stop mid way- realizing Brandi is dead. After a mental breakdown, Andy musters up the courage to ask his father for the one thing he’s always been afraid of: his help.
What We Need & What You Get
We need $1,500 to make my film the best it can be. There are many components that go into making a film, many different people that work in many different departments. For "Congratulations Son" these departments are:
- Camera
- Grip and Electric
- Art Department
- Craft Services
- Production
- Wardrobe
- Hair and Makeup
In each department there are different elements that we will need to spend money on. In the Camera, Grip and Electric Departments we will need money for equipment rentals that our school cannot provide for us. In the Art Department we will need props, and any items for set dressing that are specific to our script. In craft services we will need to provide food for our cast and crew for a 12-hour production day as required by the unions and because we want to be nice to those who work for the film. For the production department things like production vehicle insurance and locations can be very costly in addition to permits through the city. Wardrobe is for costumes, to make our actors not only act the part but also dress the part. Last but not least, hair and makeup, we will need to pay for the materials needed to make our actors look like their characters. Most of the budget will be used for the Production and Art Departments, but to make sure all the elements are spot on we MUST reach our goal.
Don't worry, with each donation comes a unique perk. Each perk is personal to the film and fits the themes and overall tone of the film. Things like a motel key and personalized note, a car decal, and even a signed condom. Please check out our perks on the sidebar menu to your right!
The Impact
Movies are useful for many reasons, some educate us, some influence us, and some are just for pure entertainment. I want "Congratulations Son" to be a film that is for pure entertainment that can be enjoyed by many and used as an escape when you're having a really bad day and just need/want a good laugh. I want my audience to forget about their worries as they enter the world my team and I have created
Risks & Challenges
I have been preparing for this moment my entire college career as a film student because we are constantly told that our thesis films are our calling cards into the industry. I plan to put all my blood, sweat, and tears into this film and I know my crew will too. However, with any film we must always plan for the unexpected. That is why my producer and I have put several plans into place to make sure that mishaps like scheduling conflicts, location rentals, money, and so much more are mitigated as much as possible. Plans like securing multiple locations, and knowing all the safety procedures will ensure that productions runs safely and smoothly.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can't contribute, and we understand. Here are some alternative ways to helping us reach our goals.
- Help spread the word to your friends and family.
- Use the Indiegogo share tools to spread the word on social media.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Sam Burgos
and the "Congratulations Son" cast and crew