The Film
"Daughter of Italy" tells the story of Nicole, a young Italian-American woman who is unsure what it actually means to be Italian-American. Between "The Godfather", the Olive Garden, and the Jersey Shore, it seems like all people know about Italy is pizza, the mob, and guido culture. After learning that her ancestors had a pastry shop in the "Old Country", Nicole throws herself into a trip to Italy, and a pastry competition to boot, before realizing she is in way over her head. Will she be able to achieve her dream of re-opening the family pastry shop at home? Can she overcome the barriers of language and culture to undestand why her family left Italy? Will she stick with the pastry competition, and will she master the ever-elusive sfogliatelle? Support "Daughter of Italy" to find out!
What We Need & What You Get
Our total budget to create the film is $1.5 million. However, for this first round of funding, we're looking to raise $100,000 for pre-production. This number will support:
- Finalizing the film script and researching to confirm accuracy
- Pre-visualization and test shoots
- Hiring of production team members such as:
- Producers
- Location scouts
- Production design
- Hair/Makeup & Wardrobe
- Casting Associates
If we are able to surpass the $100,000 mark, any further funds will continue to go to the budget of the film. The budget for Production (when you actually shoot the film) is $750,000, and includes:
- Actor pay
- Crew pay
- Camera and Lighting Kit Rentals
- Insurance
- Permits
- Location Costs
- Wardrobe and Makeup costs
- Vehicles and Travel
- Food for the cast and crew
Finally, if we are able to raise our full budget of $1.5 million, that will support the final elements of bringing a film to life:
- Editing
- Sound Design and Music
- Color Correction
- PUBLICITY!
For our backers, we're excited to offer a variety of fun and engaging rewards for supporting "Daughter of Italy":
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$10 or more: A thank-you note from creators Rob and Vera, digital copy of the completed film, an invitation to the premiere, and your name in the credits as a thank-you
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$50 or more: Everything above, plus a movie poster from the film
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$100 or more: Everything above, plus a copy of the feature screenplay
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$500 or more: Everything above, plus an invitation to visit the set (at your expense) during filming
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$1000 or more: Everything above, plus an "Executive Producer" credit at the end of the film
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$50,000 or more: Everything above, plus your name in the Opening Credits of the film
If it happens that we're unable to meet our original goal of $100,000, the funds will still be used to support pre-production of the film. We truly believe in the story we're telling (see more below!) and hope that you will continue your support
The Impact
Over 15.7 million people in the United States identify as Italian American, making up nearly 6% of the total U.S. population.
The history of Italian-America has rarely been discussed in detail in narrative film. Beyond stereotypical portrayals of mobsters or pizza chefs, there are few explorations of Italian-American culture. As our protagonist Nicole learns the story of her family coming to America, “Daughter of Italy” will not only provide a different outlook on the Italian-American experience, but present ideas of what it can mean today.
The goal of this story is to entertain, to engage, to educate, and facilitate understanding.
Our production team is experienced in telling these kind of stories on film, and has a successful track record of bringing feature films to audiences.
The Team
Rob Ciano - Over the past 10 years, Rob has produced and directed multiple feature-length narrative and documentary films. His most recent film, a coming-of-age rom/com called "Twenty-Nine", won Best Narrative Feature at the New York True Venture Film Festival, and Best Indie Narrative Feature at the London Movie Awards. Other projects include the feature film "Shimmer", a mystery/ thriller starring Nichole Galicia (Django Unchained), Brian Anthony Wilson (The Wire) and Kazy Tauginas (Equalizer 2, My Name is Dolemite), and the short film "Blackout", which was licensed by Showtime.
Vera Lentini - Over the past 10 years, Vera has been working in corporate marketing and branding and brings a variety of skills and perspective to this project. As an independent scholar of Italian culture, Vera has published work including poetry and an essay about the Tarantella with the Italian American Studies Association included in the collection What is Italian America?. She is fascinated with Italian and American concepts of identity, stories and histories, and the emotional aspects of transnational journeys.
Other Ways You Can Help
Sometimes you just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean you can't help! If you believe in the mission of "Daughter of Italy", and want to help make it happen, please share our campaign on your favorite social media platform, and reach out to friends or family directly who might be interested. Whether you're able to contribute financially, or whether you're just spreading the word, we truly appreciate your support! Thank you for helping tell this important story.