Goldfish tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Amelie (an introvert) and Ben (an extrovert). They are paired together to take care of a goldfish. Except there's one major problem.
Amelie's deathly fear of marine creatures.
However, what makes Goldfish so much more than your typical, quirky, self-absorbed teen story is the concepts it deals with: love, courage, fears and what it means to truly connect with someone. Human connection. Because that's all we got as humans.
And it's bigger than life.
Why 'GOLDFISH'?
I wrote this screenplay because it was extremely close to how I felt growing up. I always felt like a goldfish because I was always watching everything from a small fish bowl. I never really felt like I fit in with anyone or anything, because I was always watching. Naturally, I started watching movies and reading books to look for some kind of connection.
Through those things we see the finest examples of human connection and what it means for a person to have that.
As silly as this may sound, I didn't really understand the idea that human connection can only be found with another human. It's the idea of finding someone, regardless of it being romantic or platonic, that truly understands you for what you are and who you are. Someone that understands you better than there favorite film or novel.
This is a very important story for me for all these reasons, and I think it's a story worth telling and sharing.
Why are we CROWDFUNDING?
Our team has managed to raise around $300 towards production, but we still need your help!
We're looking to raise $1,000 through crowdfunding because there are some loose ends that still need to be met for this ambitious project.
Our team is a group of 9 filmmakers/actors that attend high school full time. There are many things we would like to cover, but cannot.
We know this is an ambitious project for a bunch of high schoolers, but we think that there is truly an important message behind the story and we are more than ready for the challenge.
Everyone apart of our crew wants to make this film possible, but without your help, we can't achieve this.
Where does the MONEY GO?
Your contributions to this project will be going towards things such as:
- Costumes, Props and Makeup
- Visual/Special Effects
- Film Equipment Hire
- Securing Locations
- Original Scores
- Festival Fees
And eventually distribution, which will help us send this film to film festivals.
These things listed are all very important factors to making a successful film, and are essential to the filmmaking process.
Lastly, by contributing to this project, you are not only putting your money towards creativity, but you're contributing to the future of a group of filmmakers/actors.
Who's on THE CREW?
Christina Xing (Director/Screenwriter)
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Christina Xing is a seventeen year old award-winning filmmaker from Birmingham, Alabama.
With her strong background in playwriting, her work has gone on to District and State Trumbauer in Alabama. Additionally, she has held a summer internship position in the production department at Alabama Public Television as an editor, and has taken on commisions from organizations such as the Emmet O'Neal Library.
In addition to her previous experience at the University of Southern California, she is currently studying under many more industry professionals at Interlochen Arts Academy for Motion Picture Arts.
Her films have been screened in festivals all around the world, such as:
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And many more.
Watch her directing reel here:
Shane Bagwell (Director of Photography)
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Shane Bagwell attends Interlochen Arts Academy for Motion Picture Arts.
He has been working as a filmmaker and videographer for 6 years.
Shane first got his start in video journalism. As a middle school video journalist he won many awards, in all high school categories, at MIPA. He also lead his news team to win the first ever Spartan award given to a middle school video journalism program.
For 2 years Shane has been working as a freelance videographer; shooting promotional videos, business videos, and wedding films.
Shane aspires to be a working cinematographer in Hollywood. He has committed his life (and net worth) to creating aesthetically pleasing visuals and telling stories through images.
His cinematography is also known for it's breathtaking imagery, along with it's ability to effectively tell a captivating story.
Who are our ACTORS?
Emily Zumchak (Amelie)
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Emily Zumchak is a senior Motion Picture Arts major at Interlochen Arts Academy. Before attending Interlochen, she studied filmmaking for three years at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida.
Emily got her start in the arts through singing and community theatre, which sparked a love for acting. At eight years old she was nominated for a WATCH award for Outstanding Cameo in a Musical, and performed in front of hundreds for the finale of the awards ceremony.
Emily also has experience in the film industry, interning at BBC Scotland and working as a runner and stand-in on the Starz production of Outlander. She is also a 2016 YoungArts merit winner, and will be participating in the regional program in New York City this April.
Oliver Klein (Ben)
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Oliver Klein, an 11th grader at
Interlochen: Center For The Arts, has been enrolled at the academy for almost a year now. Oliver discovered Interlochen after taking a summer master class focused towards acting for the camera. Oliver has been in multiple short films and recently appeared in the Interlochen production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle (as Shauwa) and in the Interlochen one act festival as Bud in The Pyramid Effect.
Previously Oliver had been studying acting at the ACT Young Company since 2009. His Young Company appearances include Creighton Irons/Janet Allard’s new musical Staying Wild (as Tree Pete), Timothy Mason's Time on Fire (as Tribulation) and Ryan Scott Oliver’s Darling (as Nibs) Oliver had also played the Boy in Sunday Clothes, Ignorance, and Alfred in American Conservatory Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol.
Further training has been completed at Marin Theater Company as well as Tam High’s Drama Program, CTE. Recently Oliver has taken part in the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in Scotland.
Learn More - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleinoliver
"Having the chance to work with my peers on a film is an experience like
no other. The creativity and excitement in every aspect of the process
is unparalleled and it is my pleasure to be a part of the collaborative
production. To create something brand new is very rare experience. This type of project is definitely worth investing in as an artist but just as much, if not more so, as an admirer of film."
- Oliver Klein (12/30/2015)
How else can you HELP?
If you are unable to make a donation, it's okay! There are other ways to help such as sharing our campaign. Every bit counts.
Have any questions? Email us: christina.xing@interlochen.org
