Hello! I'm writing to you today to share some exciting news...I'm going to be directing a short film this fall!
As most of you know, I have spent my post-graduate years thus far working as an editor on several TV shows and feature films at studios such as Netflix, DreamWorks Animation, and 20th Century. As an editor, working alongside such passionate filmmakers has reignited my own passion for directing. I am thrilled to take a break for the world of editing focus my energy on telling my own story.
Anyway...the movie!
THE SPIEL
EMET is a queer retelling of the Golem folktale from medieval Jewish Prague, set in the striking foothills of the Eastern Sierras. The 12-15 minute narrative short fuses a unique brand of darkly comedic Jewish magical realism with American Western cinematic conventions and, via a queer romance, explores the palpable harmony between the Cowboy and the Wandering Jew.
Our protagonist, Jacob, takes a solo trip to the desert after a messy breakup and, unable to sit in solitude, calls upon a Golem of their own creation in a desperate and ultimately destructive attempt to heal. That Golem is our titular Emet. Specifically, he is a plank of wood who comes to life as a bright-eyed and mute (and unnervingly good looking) human being, animated by the power of one of the oldest Jewish myths. Embodying Jacob’s fantasies, Emet’s ostensible purpose in this world is to be a companion and protector for his lonely ward. But as he builds the scaffolding of his own mind and heart, his growing strength eclipses Jacob’s bruised ego. Though silent in the first portion of the film, Emet is no more lifeless than the desert: At first glance, the desert is devoid of life, but when you look closely, it teems with it. And it’s in the desert that silent Emet (literally) finds his voice and takes control. I won't say too much more...
THE LOCATION
We have chosen to set this story in Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills because, well, it's our favorite place in the world. The Alabama Hills sit in the shadow of Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, and have been home to countless Western and Sci-Fi films throughout Hollywood history. The nearby small town, Lone Pine, holds the uncontested title of "Movie Town USA." In fact, we will be shooting several scenes at the Dow Villa, a historic motel that has housed a century's worth of filmmakers who, like us, have been magnetically drawn to the majesty of the surrounding desert. Next time you make your way up to Mammoth, stop in Lone Pine and check out the the one-and-only Museum of Western Film History and have a bite at Merry-Go-Round, a delicious Chinese Restaurant located inside of a defunct BBQ joint.
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THE TEAM
Emet is a story that is near and dear to my heart. I brought the idea to Maggie Rose, who quickly became my incredible co-creator as we fleshed out the story together.
We are assembling a talented crew of people who are going to bring Emet to life. Some of our team members include Isa Ghaffari (Director), Maggie Rose (Writer), Liz Siegel (Producer) Nate Hurtsellers (Director of Photography), and Michael Rose (Composer).
Our team is growing every day, and exciting cast announcements are forthcoming!
And....you guessed it....I'm asking for some help funding the project! While we are actively applying for grants to help us make this film possible, we are going to need some financial support in order to pay our crew the rates they deserve and secure those knock-out locations I mentioned above.
THE $$$$
Here's a quick breakdown on the funds we'll need to bring Emet to life:
Cast & Crew: $10k
You will help us pay our incredible cast and crew the rates they deserve.
Locations and Permit Costs: $4K
With your help, we will be able to lock down our dream location, The Dow Villa, and reserve the rooms we need to shoot the short film and house our cast/crew. We will also use these funds to obtain park shooting permits for the Alabama Hills.
Equipment Rentals and Costumes and Set Dec Purchases: $5K
Lights! Camera! Mics! Costumes! Sec Dec! Props!
Insurance and Administrative Fees: $1K
Speaks for itself. We want to do this safely, responsibly, and fairly!
If we exceed our goal, we will be able to bring a handful of incredibly talented post-production artists to help the team make Emet the most magical version of itself.
Thank you so much for hearing me out - I can't tell you how excited I am to be sharing this project with the people I love most! Please feel free to forward this to your loved ones: Movie-lover friends, Jewish friends, Queer friends, friends who love Western movies....friends who love the desert.....friends who won't step foot in the desert...
