Hello! My name is Annakate Chappell and I am the writer/director of "Empty Nest", a short, live-action suspense film about a mother's love and the lengths to which she'll go to keep her sons from "flying the coup".
"Empty Nest" will be my second venture in filmmaking. After graduating from college, I became frustrated with the inaccessibility of opportunity in the film industry. I didn't know the secret handshake, or the magic word, or whatever hocus pocus was necessary to break through doors. It became clear that in order to find opportunity, I had to create it myself. Along with three other partners, I established "The Astral Circle" - an artists collective and production company that would provide a platform for young artists to safely experiment in the craft of film-making. My first project, "Revelations" was a live-action short drama set in the 1960s about two teens facing adversity in their coming-of-age. The film was a joy and an education. It was rewarding to see a piece of my writing take life. I was proud and happy with the completed film, but I knew there was room for improvement!
This second film is inspired by my love of Hitchcock and the deeply shadowed, subtle suspense films of the mid-20th century. Empty Nest will allow me to explore a different genre, as well as a different format of film-making. I am interested in exploring cinematic qualities of those classic "golden-age" films, as well as the bizarre, almost Freudian psychologies weaved throughout the story.
Additionally, this film (unlike my last) will be shot as the "first act" of a feature, with the intention of pitching to investors about potential development into a feature!
It would be an absolute dream to continue making my own films, I hope you will read further and be excited, or intrigued by this unique project!
Here please find a short summary:
"Empty Nest" is a short, live-action suspense/thriller set in the late 1980s. Mary, a mother of three grown sons, finds herself alone in the house she's won in her divorce. Once filled with loving children and husband, the home is now empty - a shrine to lost family life. Without her children to devote her time to, Mary dedicates herself to her passion for the art and craft of taxidermy birds. She advertises a room in her home and selects a few, specific boarders to come stay. We meet Mary in anticipation of the arrival of her sons for Easter, with the exception of her eldest, who is married. Coincidentally, she has scheduled a beautiful young, female boarder to arrive at approximately the same time. Mary proves herself the master puppeteer, affirming her bizarre ideology to her sons, while using the youthful boarder as her pawn.
WHAT WE NEED AND HOW MUCH THAT COSTS: There are MANY moving parts in the production of a film. Here is a breakdown of what we'll need!
Equipment rentals: $2,500: Camera equipment - $1,500: lighting equipment
Crew: DP, 1st AC, 2nd AC, Gaffer, Key Grip, 2 or 3 G&E "swing" crew. (approx. $4,000 for 4 days of filming at $150/day)
Hair/Make-up: $120/day (four days of filming) ($480)
Wardrobe and Set Design: approx $500
Location: approx $2,000
Total: $10,980
We've set a modest goal - we can do more with more money, so any contribution counts!
THE PERKS:
Donating to this project will give you unique perks! In addition to seeing the final cut before any audience, there is also potential to receive written credit on the film itself! Along with posters, DVDs, screening invites, set visits, etc. you'll be an integral part of the film-making process!
IF WE DON'T REACH OUR GOAL
If we don't reach our fundraising goal, we will still absolutely make the film. However, without proper funding, we will have to make sacrifices and people will have to work for free (which they may or may not agree to). Everyone on board is already working at favor rates, but they are passionate about the project and willing to do whatever it takes to get it made!
The Impact
This project will help solidify The Astral Circle as a competitive production company and help all the members and affiliates progress in the industry! We are a group of eager, driven, hard-working creatives who want our voices heard! With your contribution, you are giving that platform to the next generation of film-makers - actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, musicians, wardrobe stylists, make-up artists, chefs, graphic designers, crew technicians...there are SO many people involved who will benefit from your contributions! Thank you!
If you can't contribute, please help us spread the word! Tell your friends, family, or colleagues who might be interested in getting involved in the project!!