**The wind is whipping, the cold is all-consuming, and danger is everywhere. It’s the Eastern Front in the winter of 1942.**

Die Pille is a short piece of historical fiction that explores the complexities of war, the toxicity of radical regimes, and the psychological limits they can push a person to.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to maintain individuality in our world. Die Pille delves deep into the darkness that strict adherence to groupthink and blind acceptance can lead a person. 

This is an independent film, meaning NO major studio is backing us, and the budget comes out of the pockets of filmmakers who are in it only for the love of the craft.
            

Our $6,000 goal is the minimum we need to raise to complete our production!
Hitting $7,000 means we can pay for authentic replica uniforms and props!
Hitting $8,000 means locations, meals on set, and insurance are covered!
Hitting $9000 means all of our rental equipment is covered!
STRECH GOAL: Hitting $10,000 means we can complete post-production with editing, color correction, and an original score!
SUPER STRETCH GOAL: Hitting $15,000 means we can hire a special effects team, submit to festivals around the world, have a crazy cool premiere, and give everyone on our team a pay raise!

Our producers have a combined Instagram following of 8,807 So, if every follower donated just TWO DOLLARS we'd EXCEED OUR SUPER STRETCH GOAL!

Follow us on Instagram @blackdogproductions_ for production updates!

Winter on the Eastern Front of Russia is unforgiving and harsh, and it has been days since Max, a German soldier has seen his unit. The only remaining comrade with him is Hans, an older soldier who is considering lying down in the snow and accepting his fate.

Max refuses to give in. With a mixture of misplaced faith in the cause and a steady diet of prescribed methamphetamine pills, Max forces himself, and Hans, forward through the snow. As the situation grows dire, Max increases his dosage, slowly losing his mind, questioning reality, and coming face to face with his past transgressions. 

An image of Max’s life before the war manifests as a woman named Charlotte, but the moment of serenity is quickly overtaken by memories of fire, battle, and his commanding officer, Werner. All the while a dark figure begins to stalk Max, hinting at what awaits him at the end of his journey… whenever that may be.

The history of humankind is riddled with political and social movements causing division and hardship. These movements condition impressionable citizens to carry out their philosophies in the real world. Their actions, obscured by the false morals of their cause, often result in enormous personal sacrifice, even death. This is what the main character of Die Pille, Max, has fallen victim to under the brutal Nazi regime.

Max is so committed to the cause, that he is willing to ingest chemicals, subject himself to brutal conditions, and destroy anyone in his path to carry out his orders. The closer Max gets to the painful truths of his life, the more he clings to the illusions the Reich has instilled.     

Our film explores just how far a person is willing to go when their ideas of the world are threatened, and the devastating effect that happens when they come to terms with the true horrors of their past transgressions.

Creating a film set in the past means our production design relies on strict adherence to historical accuracy. Our producing team has committed numerous hours to research uniforms, weapons, and design to ensure that everything on the screen looks as it would in 1942. To achieve this goal, we plan to source costumes from only the best reproduction companies. 

Epic Militaria, a company based in the UK, specializes in World War II German, British, and American reproductions to provide quality products to re-enactors, enthusiasts, and production companies. They’ve worked on such films as The Handmaid’s Tale (2021), Fury (2014), Inglorious Basterds (2009) and many more. We are beyond excited to join the incredible list of productions that have sourced military uniforms and accessories from Epic Militaria.

(Fury | 2014)

(Inglorious Basterds | 2009)

The visual language of Die Pille will seamlessly combine historical authenticity with the gritty intensity of addiction. The unique characteristics of the Atlas Orion anamorphic lenses will immerse the audience in the disorienting fog of war and the Max’s drug-induced haze. Dreamlike visuals will mirror the reality of substance abuse, creating a connection between viewers and the character's psychological journey. The camera will live close to our characters making the experience more personal.

(Come And See | 1985)

(Pale Blue Eye | 2022)

The film's palette will consist of muted tones and stark contrasts. Viewers will witness the convergence of war's horrors and the unsettling impact of heavy drug use on young soldiers.

(Band of Brothers | 2001)

Nolan Donato as Max | "Hello! My name is Nolan Donato, and I will be playing the role of Max. I am very honored to be a part of this film. My latest credits include Grant (I’m Glad We Met), Shakespeare (Something Rotten), and Lancelot (Camelot). Although my roots are mostly in the theatre, I  have a deep and ongoing love for film. One of my dreams as an actor is to simply be in more films, and to better myself in the craft as much as humanly possible. 

Like many artists, I have a constant knack for storytelling. When I was lucky enough to read the script for this project, I was instantly drawn to its message. I feel very lucky to be able to play a character so complex, and look forward to exploring just what makes a person like this tick. There is no easy way to navigate the horrors of German warfare during World War II. My character is someone who has done terrible things as a soldier, and begins to realize just how poisoned he has become by Third Reich philosophies. When his life hangs in the balance, an awakening of past sins erupts in his soul, and he must evaluate everything he’s become."

Teddy Pryor as Hans (also Producing) | Teddy Pryor is a Massachusetts-based filmmaker who loves being captivated by film at the edge of his seat. His creative style revolves around movement and evoking an emotional response from the audience through excitement, humor, and tension. Recently SAG eligible, Teddy continues to grow as a storyteller both on and off camera. In his free time, you can find him building Legos and watching movies with Pixie, his film-obsessed Calico cat.

Alyssa Botelho as Charlotte (also Producing) | Alyssa is a writer, director, producer, and actor born and raised in SouthCoast Massachusetts. Her passion for unearthing untold stories from the past and breathing life into them through the art of filmmaking is what drives her to create. In collaboration with Ted on his prior short film "Redcoat" and her latest project, "Sweet Freedom," Alyssa expresses gratitude for considering Ted a valued collaborator. She eagerly embraces the opportunity to contribute to the realization of his artistic vision once again!

Andrew Connelly as Werner (also Producing) | Andrew is filmmaker based out of Boston. He’s written and directed a number of short films spanning different genres, but primarily makes comedies and horrors. One of his short horror films, “Last Train” showed at the Boston Underground Film Festival in 2023. Last year he started his own production company “Big Red Productions” which he uses to produce his own films as well as other commercials and music videos for clients. When not producing, Andrew loves to read about history, especially early American History and World War II.

Ben Barrett as the Demon (also Producing) | Ben was born and raised in Massachusetts, established strong roots in Arkansas, and is currently a Wildlife Keeper living in an old farmhouse in Maine. He enjoys spending time outdoors and taking in the seasons with his wife and daughter. Previously appearing in "Redcoat", Ben is excited to be involved in his second Black Dog Productions project. 

Ted Omo, Writer/Director | Ted is a writer/producer born and raised in Massachusetts and based out of Boston. His diverse work in the media industry has included working for several cable access networks and independent production houses, working many roles on numerous local independent films, spending multiple years in digital marketing for both local and nationwide brands, and writing for the Amazon Original podcast 'Badlands', iHeartRadio's original podcast '27 Club', and Warner Music's "Amplify Color". Ted has a strong affinity for all things history and an interest in telling often overlooked stories from the past. His most recent film, 'Redcoat', will be on the festival circuit this spring and summer.

Erik Ljungholm, Director of Photography / Producer | Erik Ljungholm, (pronounced ”yung-holm”) is a Maine-based freelance cinematographer. Fascinated by the technical side of filmmaking, he’s constantly learning new technology and working on the edge of  new innovations. Recent projects include various commercial and documentary films, a pair of horror shorts ‘No Signature Required’ and ‘Bill Came Back’ directed by Ken Lawrence, as well as the short film ‘Redcoat’, also directed by Ted.

Abigail Charland, Producer | Abigail Charland is a local assistant location manager, location coordinator, and award-winning producer currently in the New England area. Starting her robust film career in Boston, Abigail won the best picture at the International Christian Festival for her work on the short film “Joseph.” She began working in locations in 2018, with her first film being Mark Wahlberg’s “Spencer Confidential”. Since then she has continued in the locations world working on multiple major motion pictures including “Holdovers” and “Don’t Look Up”. She is currently working on a feature film in Rhode Island where she is a location coordinator.

Abby is looking forward to working with this wonderful team to help bring this movie to life. 

Lionel Jeffries, Producer / Second Assistant Director | Lionel R Jeffries is a filmmaker from Connecticut whose creative interests include history, introspection, the supernatural, and the strange. Born to an American mother and English father, he deeply values both his regional identity as a New Englander and his European ancestry. He is currently in post-production for his debut feature film, Waterwick, which he wrote, produced, and directed.

Charlie Norton, Producer / Script Supervisor | Charlie Norton is a dynamic producer and editor born and raised in Bridgewater, MA operating between Boston and New York City. He possesses a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from Hofstra University and tackles diverse narrative content on both coasts. His work has screened at organizations such as Dances with Films Los Angeles, SoHo International Film Festival NYC as well as the Oscar Qualifying Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival. His 2023 short film, The Lost Weekend, was the recipient of The Golden Lion Award [Best in Show] at the 26th Hofstra Student Film Festival and was nominated for Best Narrative Short Film at the Smodcastle Film Festival hosted by Kevin Smith (Clerks, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back).

Charlie is excited to dive into the realm of historical film with Die Pille and unleash its full potential at the highest quality possible.

This film is only possible because of people like you! Being an independently-funded project with no major studio throwing us disposable cash, we are relying on friends, family, coworkers, peers, and like-minded creatives to help us make this movie magic possible.'

Please, share our film and campaign as often as you can. Social media is a great place to start, but email and word of mouth are also great!

Here is an example of what to post. Feel free to copy and paste!

Support independent filmmakers by sharing @tedo_film's short film, Die Pille! Contribute to the fundraising campaign on Indie Gogo! (insert link)
 

INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT THIS TEAM CAN DO?!

HERE'S THE TRAILER FOR OUR MOST RECENT FILM!