Short Summary
Who we are
We are a core team of three working in Newcastle, NSW. Between us we all have a creative background which covers an array of different disciplines; acting and art, film and music production, feature writing and design. Exodus: The Endless Valley will be our first attempt at a short film.
Marigold Pazar (Actor/Director):
"I brought this team together with the need to produce something I can really own as an actor, to showcase my work, and to explore as a first time filmmaker/director. Finding the industry extremely difficult to navigate from the outside can be confusing and seems almost impossible a lot of the time. But it has made me look at myself instead of other people for answers, and what I can do on my own to make the work I dream about. I believe that this short film will be something very special. The themes we have worked into it and the inspirations that have helped form it I believe are so important and meaningful to audiences today, and my biggest hope is that we are able to share it with as many people as possible. If we can achieve to make this with the help of people who also want to see it happen, it would be the most fulfilling and rewarding work to share with the world, and I hope would encourage artists like us never to give up on their dreams. That there's always a way to make it happen if you can work hard for it."
David Fulham (Cinematographer):
"I'm a cinematographer and I’ve spent the majority of my career shooting music videos and corporate content. From that background I bring creativity, practicality and resourcefulness to a project. As a cinematographer, science fiction and fantasy are some of the most challenging genres to take on, but it is also one of the most exciting. Creating a unique visual world of our own is an immersive and expressive experience. So far on our location recce's we have been thoroughly enjoying ourselves as we explore local areas and assess how to turn those places into the world of Exodus. I don't think Newcastle has ever been shown this way on screen and I think there is huge potential in our landscape for the film industry. Since I picked up a camera, I have been looking for ways to make what comes through the lens seem otherworldly, and I know that my passion and determination can bring this project together visually with the rest of our team under the Direction of Marigold. This will be my first time shooting a legitimate short film and I am a happy blend of nervous and excited. Thank you so much if you donate to help us achieve our goals."
Dan Flegg (Writer):
“Hey there. My name is Dan and I’m journalist, writer and reviewer who lives in Newcastle, Australia. I’m responsible for penning the story of Exodus: The Endless Valley. Firstly, thanks for coming to check out the project. Our team is reliant on your help to make this thing happen. I like big immersive stories and Exodus, for me, is a chapter in a much bigger narrative. I’m fascinated by sci-fi, fantasy and horror epics and the end goal of the project is to marry some of the best elements of the three genres to create something great which has the potential to expand. There’s plenty of writers and filmmakers which have influenced this project; Tolkien, Lucas, King, del Toro, Pelecanos, Cronin and a bunch of others. It’s funny though, this project has been born in part because of the bad projects I’ve digested over the past several years. I suppose that’s a weird thing to say - but hear me out. The audience – you and I – are a much more intelligent bunch than we’re given credit for. We will figure out the plot twist before the story ends; we will ask questions about why the antagonist telegraphed his plans to the hero; and importantly we’ll question why we’re being spoon-fed the high-notes of any story. My favourite stories usually end with me sitting with my friends discussing and debating the meaning behind it all, all the relevance and representation, and still being left with questions. The story of Exodus aims to do just this. We want to create a memorable sci-fi/fantasy short film which leaves people asking questions afterwards. A contained narrative with the scope to grow if people support it. I think the project deserves to be world for this reason.”
What We Need & What You Get
We have endeavoured to create a budget which is realistic and reasonable, and it needs to be said that a considerable amount of time and willpower is being donated to the project by creatives to make sure it comes to life.
However, there’s practicalities which cost money and are simply unavoidable; equipment, costuming, props, production spends - and food!
Here’s a current breakdown of where we plan to allocate our funding.
Funding
- Creature making/materials - $500
- Props - $400
- Costumes making/materials - $300
- Hair & MUA - $400
- Gear Hire - $3,000
- Sound Recordist - $400
- Food - $500
- Travel - $200
- DCP Mastering - $200
- Sound Mix - $375
- ADR - $250
- Sound Master $125
- Festival Applications - $1,000
- Fees - $350
Total: $8,000
If we do not reach our target of $8,000 whatever money we do raise we will use to put towards a modified version of a script for a trailer, to help promote the film we want to make.
Perks!
We are hopeful of completing this project with your help, but obviously we also want to make your investment worth your while and to show our appreciation & gratitude.
- Stickers
- Film poster
- Help the environment
- Own some really cool, one of a kind prop items from the film
- Tickets to the premiere cast & crew screening, Q&A, and afterparty
- Become an Associate Producer
The Impact, Risks & Challenges
We truly believe the sky is the limit with this project, and the universe we are trying to bring to life. While Exodus: The Endless Valley is its own story, we believe there’s an ongoing narrative, and certainly more stories to tell in the Exodus universe. Terrifying, thrilling, intriguing stories. Initially we intended the project to be a series, however it was decided to begin with the seed of something greater and see if people enjoyed the journey before committing to a grander project. It also seemed sensible to start with a smaller endeavour which was guaranteed to see the light of day with financial backing support of lovers of independent film.
Despite the project being smaller in scope, the creative impact remains twofold; the birth of a unique story - conceived in Newcastle by local filmmakers and creatives. There are huge benefits for the local scene if the project is a success. Filmmaking shouldn’t be something exclusive to a capital city or a bottomless wallet, it’s about talented people with conviction who want to see big ideas come to life.
What’s more, the city of Newcastle as a cinematic backdrop is so worthy of being featured in this production. There’s stunning landscapes, cityscapes, oceans, forests and beaches pocketed throughout the region and we look forward to showcasing some of those.
We have considering the risks and pitfalls associated with getting this project to see the light of day. Our production only requires a small budget to complete. We are using much of our own equipment to cut down on costs. The principle filming can – and will - be completed in a working week.
A small group of actors will help bring the project to life, some of whom will be playing multiple characters. Our stars will be bolstered by a small group of production and support staff. Every decision we’ve made has considered the balance between cost and presentation and we're very confident that with your donation the product will be a slick production we can be proud of.
Our team spent more than four months refining the original script to remove set pieces and scenes which aren’t achievable with our defined resources. It’s been tailored to create something which is big on ideas rather than special effects and big set pieces.
We want to tell a great story, and we don’t need a Hollywood budget to make that happen. We are ready to work our butts off to make this amazing.
Thanks for taking the time to have a read. We believe there’s something great here, and with your support we can get the project off the pages and onto the screen.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you are unable to support us by donating money, but still really want to help, we would be so grateful if you spread the word far and wide!
- Share the crowdfunding link on social media
- Send it to people you think would be really interested - not just in Newcastle but anywhere in the world!
- If you're local and want to help out on set, let us know!