Short Summary
A twenty three year old named Frankie is living in the present, but she’s obsessed with the past. So, she’s not really living in the present at all.
While working part time at an antique shop, she finds and restores an old radio. Here’s the twist: instead of connecting to the modern airwaves, she connects to the original owner of the radio—James—who is living in the 1960s.
All of James’ belongings mysteriously turn up in donation boxes. As Frankie tries to piece together the past, she starts losing touch with her reality...
It is a remodernist film that combines live action, stop motion animation and, at times, a surreal, dreamy mood to capture the fantastical themes of memory and nostalgia.
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Background
This film is all about nostalgia and the powerful pull it has in the way we tell stories. Every time I walk through an antique shop, I wonder who owned these retro relics, and what memories do they embody? It is also a film about our fear or disillusionment with progress. Frankie is a character who wraps up all these ideas and unravels them in the course of this short film.
Most people give into the pull of nostalgia because our modern world is moving so quickly we feel we can’t keep up. We have lost faith in progress—or even worse, have grown bored of it—and crave to be in an era where the potential of the future excited us. I wanted to unravel our attachment to the past and our anxiety for the future, ultimately focusing on our need to live in the present. For this reason, Frankie On The Fritz will reach audiences young and old.
The Faces Behind Frankie
We are a team of students from the University of Technology, Sydney, completing our final major film project this August!
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Writer and Director Vanessa Papastavros has teamed up with producer Olivia Simpson, first AD Nicole Wong, cinematographer Dieter Knierim and production designer Tom Crotty.
We think we're the bees knees, but we need some help!
The Fans Behind Frankie
We're looking for the support of family, friends, local businesses and retro enthusiasts worldwide to help get this project off the ground. You will be the cornerstone of the Frankie experience.
The fantastical elements of the film's aesthetic have been drawn from films like Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Big Fish (2003), Amélie (2001), Ruby Sparks (2012) and Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind (2004). There will also be cheeky visual references to cult classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961).
Fans of these films and themes will be keen to get a slice of Frankie on the Fritz.
What We Need & What You Get
We are aiming for a minimum of $2500 to get the project on our screens and in festivals.
- $ 700 - Production Design - fab frocks and costuming, furniture and knick-knacks.
- $ 700 - Equipment, rental and purchase.
- $ 300 - Music and Sound Licensing.
- $800 - Marketing, graphic design + Film Festival Entries.
We have some swell rewards to thank you for your support! They range from exclusive wallpapers, hard-copy film posters, retro props used on set, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks all the way up to the Executive Producer package. Check out all the incentives, because we have a little something for everyone who contributes.
Beyond the perks, you'll also get that warm fuzzy feeling knowing you're helping a group of students break into the film industry with a story we desperately want to tell!
Risks & Challenges
Frankie on the Fritz has been in pre-production for several months, so we are a tightly run ship at this point. However, as with any creative venture, there will be risks and challenges.
- We are working towards a tight deadline for submission, but we aim to meet this challenge by being proactive with our pre-production and production!
- Without reaching our budget, the aesthetic of the film may not be strong enough to compete in the film festival climate.
- There is a risk that we may not be selected in the film festival circuit - but we intend to aim for the stars!
Other Ways You Can Help
- Spread the word by sharing this campaign!
- Follow us on our social media to stay up to date with the journey - click through to our Instagram and Facebook.
- Use those Indiegogo share tools and slather us over social media!
