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Governess: a modern Victorian feminist romance

What's class got to do with it? An uplifting tale of self-determination between social spheres.

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Governess: a modern Victorian feminist romance

Governess: a modern Victorian feminist romance

Governess: a modern Victorian feminist romance

Governess: a modern Victorian feminist romance

Governess: a modern Victorian feminist romance

What's class got to do with it? An uplifting tale of self-determination between social spheres.

What's class got to do with it? An uplifting tale of self-determination between social spheres.

What's class got to do with it? An uplifting tale of self-determination between social spheres.

What's class got to do with it? An uplifting tale of self-determination between social spheres.

Asha Kelly
Asha Kelly
Asha Kelly
Asha Kelly
2 Campaigns |
Fremont, United States
$2,320 USD 27 backers
27% of $8,500 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
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Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects

It's Sunday, Susie Nellthorpe's day off, and she intends to enjoy it.

She works as a governess the two prank-loving Anglesey children, and like any working stiff she savors her free time. When a friend flakes on their picnic plans, Susie decides to go alone. But she isn't alone for long.​

Miss Nellthorpe is soon sought out by the young and earnest Mr. Rochford - a steel mill owner who has been visiting with the Angleseys this last month. Before he leaves to start his new job--in Parliament--he just has to tell Miss Nellthorpe how he feels.​

But despite their mutual attraction, respect, and shared interests, it's all moving a little too fast for this independent woman.

 

In 1873-1896, England's economy suffered from a Great Agricultural Depression. Many families of the landed gentry class who relied on heavily on crops like grain lost everything: their estates, their homes, their investments, and their daughters' dowries. Their sons were university educated and set up for professional careers. However, a generation of daughters suddenly needed to find employment while hoping to retain as much of the dignity they were accustomed to as possible.

The Victorian era produced female authors, scientists, political activists, and business owners. Governess, with a principal cast of only 4, features two working women. First is Miss Nellthorpe, a governess with past regrets facing a marriage proposal that could transform her life--if only she could be willing to give up some of her meagre freedom. The second is Mrs. Foster, co-owner of the village shop who remains childless by choice while happily married.

We hope that this film can help to dispel some of the myths about a woman's agency and efficacy in the 19th Century. After all, it was the Victorians who paved the way for the suffragettes!

 

Despite this being a micro-budget project, it is crucial to us that the final product is visually stunning. In order to effectively capture the endless emerald hills, the textures of the costumes details of the props, and elegant architectural shapes, special care is being taken in storyboarding, cinematic framing and lighting, tracking and aerial shots, and color grading. At this time, we have a color palette and several props have been designed.

 

Rehearsals and filming are tentatively scheduled for one week in late March. Post-production is estimated to take about 6 weeks, with a private screening and BBQ in May.

 

Here is a breakdown of where our $8500 budget is going:

At the moment, wardrobe accounts for a huge portion of our budget, as we need full period outfits for at least 12 supporting and background actors. These rentals tend to go for $175 per week. However, if we are able to secure free rentals from a friendly theatre company the costume budget could be cut down from $2625 to $500. If you have a connection and can help us get a deal, please send a message!

 

If we reach our funding goal of $8500, we will be able to make the entire 12-minute short film as planned, including original music and professional color grading.

If we reach about 75% of our funding goal or $6375, we may have to license existing music and cut some of the establishing shots.

If we only reach 50% of our goal or $4250, we will have to cut the opening crowd scene and only film scenes with the two principal actors. 

 

Because we are filming on weekdays, we have low-cost and free access to amazing locations! This, plus the fact that we are filming outdoors during daylight hours, means we can work with a micro-budget. Apart from cash donations, we'd be overjoyed to accept free/reduced catering for our cast and crew (food is our biggest material expense) and free/discounted costume rentals.

Another expense is compensation. Many actors and crew have offered to volunteer their time, but I'd like to be certain we can pay minimum wage. This will allow us to include people who cannot afford to take an unpaid day off from their day jobs. If you are interested in working or volunteering on our crew, please reach out via the website: www.governessfilm.com/getinvolved

 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Governess is committed to developing a diverse cast and crew, and fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all. We have been deliberate in including inclusive language in casting notices and have reached out to local artists to spread the word.

 

Hi! I'm Asha Kelly, a Bay Area actress-turned-writer/director. Actually, I'm a teacher-turned-actress/writer/director. Check out my credits at www.backstage.com/u/asha-kelly as well as my design work at www.brighteyes.design

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