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Hey there, hi there! My name is Schro errrr. Let me hand this off to HH's director, Bryan Ribeiro.... *ahem* Hey there guys! Sorry about that. So, HH is our first feature. We've been prepping this film for months but production is going to be a massive undertaking. Pre-production is wrapped and post-production is covered. From here on end, we're in your hands. And production is starting in August!
As The Matrix is about the understanding of the human conscience; Ex Machina about the human identity, and Blade Runner about the human soul; HH is the story about the human capacity to struggle. After playing visual novel adventure video game, Virtue’s Last Reward for the 3DS, I was inspired to tell a similar story. Virtue's Last Reward tries to explore humanity put into a pressure cooker and scopes in on what happens as a result. This kind of story is important. It examines people and watches their ability to survive unfold as they struggle with numerous obstacles. I wanted to explore the idea of trust and the eternal strife we have with one another. In HH, compounding the situation with an exaggerated setting, crazy omniscient cat head, a time limit, and challenging puzzles, the characters will be put to a test that will challenge their faith, trust, love, fear and understanding of each other. Would you help or hinder your fellows to survive?
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This film is an attempt at an introspective look at conflict. What happens when you put combustible elements like people, a time limit, puzzles, death-inducing watches, and a crazy omniscient virtual warden together? The results are quite sporadic and, in a way, beautiful. Its easy to assume people will work together and try and help but paranoia can easily settle in. HH isn't special in that its a psychological thriller with sci-fi elements. I believe its special because of the characters and interactions involved; how they work together. How Schrödinger can entice someone or how a character can justify hindering their partner or how love can be sown in 90 minutes. These moments of humanity truly show something fascinating about the human ability.
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HH depicts the story of prisoners trying to escape a mysterious facility. Vi, an amnesiac with a penchant for puzzles, wakes up to find herself locked in a room with a watch she can’t remove and a man she’s never met. Without knowing where they are or why they’re there, Vi and the rest of the prisoners attempt to solve brainteasing puzzles, earn points for freedom, and survive the maniacal master program Schro, a giant virtual cat head.
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A type of game theory, the prisoner’s dilemma is the cornerstone of HH. During multiple points in the film, partnered prisoners have to choose one of two options, help or hinder. In our version of the prisoner’s dilemma, titled HH, each option will give or take points that go towards the freedom of each prisoner. So, an example, would be if both me and my partner, who were strangers, happened to gel and we decided to “help” each other. We would both gain two points. If we didn’t trust each other, and decided to “hinder” each other, we wouldn’t gain any points. But if I chose help and my partner chose hinder, I would lose one point and my partner would three gain points. Egos, combustible personalities, and trust will mix and match these choices and characters and produce massively different results.
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To imagine HH you have to imagine films Cube and Saw put together in addition to a pixelated cat head with Robin Williams's persona mixed in for good measure. This kind of visual scope is bigger then anything I've ever done. Long dull hallways, open rooms for fights, and very specific utilitarian rooms for puzzles need to be fully encapsulated. I've learned that budget can be like water sometimes. It can crash and spike up to new levels like a tsunami or it can come in gently like a ripple. But the team has a decided at a concrete $8000. Though, it is a lot to ask for and it can be confidently said that mainly location, props/gear, and cast/crew will take up the majority to honestly deliver the best out of each of them- 50% for location, 20% for cast/crew and props/gear, and 10% for festivals.
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Since the locations require a special touch of sci-fi and mystery to it, we'll be arranging a lot of the rooms in multiple locations throughout NY and NJ. Some at a school, others in a mostly abandoned building, basements, rooftops, and so much more!
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The characters have to solve puzzles and each puzzle, located in a specific room, has its own quirk to it. Each puzzle will test the character's mental capacity while hinting at the bigger plot. If you think you may have a prop essential to the film, please check out the link below. This includes dice, blank books, streamers, bottles, and lots of household items you may have!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1UADMH5LBUOXC/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o?![]()
The rewards are some of the most fun parts of making a film because, often enough, you're not just making a film, you're building a brand. A universe with its own characters, mindsets; its very own gravity. That can lead to a plethora of untapped resources. One of which is a prequel comic book that goes onto to divulge more information about the mysterious complex that holds HH's prisoners. It also gives us insight into Shrodinger as well. Check out the rewards below to get an idea of all the great incentives we have.
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Having crowd-funded my short film last year, Modieval, on Kickstarter, I was lucky enough to reach my goal and learn a ton about filmmaking and campaigning. I was doubly lucky for my film to get numerous nominations, awards, and venues throughout 2014-2015. You can find it here:
https://vimeo.com/bryanribeiro/modieval
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HH has a very talented and diverse cast and crew. Respected theater nerds, video game geeks, experienced and intelligent filmmakers and awesomely talented throughout, the cast and crew we've obtained are absolutely the best! We're thrilled to be working with them as they seem with us. Check out the players yo!
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Amelia Dudley - Vi - an amnesiac with a penchant for puzzles. Amelia is a Baltimore native and recent graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she received her BFA in acting. She knew she wanted to be an actor from a very young age, as it would allow her to continue playing dress up well into adulthood. When not onstage she enjoys cats (both on the Internet and in real life) and trying to figure out which of Shakespeare's plays would work best in space (Coriolanus, probably). What drew her most to the film is the examination of the behaviors of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances; the high-stakes nature of the games test the limits of each character's humanity, as well as identity. Amelia is thrilled to be a part of this project and to be working with this amazing team."
Website: www.ameliadudley.com
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Reginald Keith Jackson - Ray - an emotional but enduring jokester. Reginald is an alum of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and graduate of The New School for Public Engagement where he focused on cinema studies. Born and raised in Aurora, Colorado, Reginald ventured to New York City with dreams of becoming a professional actor, screenwriter, and poet. "I was immediately drawn to this film because of its mature, existential tone while still appealing to a casual sci-fi-loving audience. I have also had the pleasure of working with Bryan on his previous short film, Modieval, where I witnessed his unique style and post-modern take on storytelling. With a kick-ass script masking thought-provoking themes, and an incredibly imaginative director, I know this project is bound to be a real gem; and I can't begin to express how exciting it is to be a part of it."
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Corrie Legge - Matty - a sweet, unassuming nymph with hidden intentions. Corrie was born and raise in a small suburb of Portland, ME (the real Portland). She has been performing on stage and screen since she was old enough to create improvised action films with brother as her co-star and her father as DP. In addition to acting, she loves anything outdoors including skiing and triathlons. She is also a die-hard Patriots fan (please don't hold it against her). "What interested me most about HH was the psychology behind each character. The film makes you wonder, what would I do if that were me? There are no evil characters, and no saint; they are simply people trying to survive in unimaginable circumstances. I'm particularly excited to explore the many conflicting layers that create Matty. She's such a incredibly character; I can't wait to bring her to life."
Website: www.corrielegge.com
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Kenneth Kriheli - J.T. - a shy, gentle giant with sparks of insight. A native of Rego Park, Queens, Kenneth is fresh out of NYU Tisch with a B.A. (Bad Assery) in Cinema Studies and minors in Music and Film Production and is still figuring out what to do with his life. He enjoys cooking and eating, acting, animation, being on film sets, nerdgasms, reading books and articles out loud, keyboard music, water, talking and humming to himself, independent cinemas, weird references, and opera. Please don't ask him what his favorite movie is. While I fit the shy giant archetype pretty easily, I was eager to play JT before I'd finished reading the script precisely because he proved so much more than that. His quiet humanity convinced me that Bryan at least knew how to write characters, if not a whole feature-length film! And of course, he's done both."
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Alysia Dorhout - Schrödinger- A stage and film actress based in NYC, Alysia is an alum of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and graduate of The New School for Public engagement. Favorite On-screen credits include Modieval (Short Film), A River Through Milkwoods(Feature). Favorite stage credits include: Moliere's "Tartuffe" (Elmire), and Tinkerbell Theater Company's puppet-theater "Cinderella (Stepsisters). "My interest in 'Help and Hinder' was sparked by a familiar and friendly invitation. Having worked with Bryan before, I was stoked to know that he was up to his unique style of filmmaking again. Having attended the first couple of readings of the film and getting myself worked up over the awesomeness of Schrödinger, Bryan asked for my interpretation...and here we are! I am delighted to bring this crazy cat to life with the help of a few espresso shots and a spark of madness."
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Louis Cox -
Director of Photography - "I'm a writer and aspiring director.
I work at The New School, where I’ve earned the nickname: “the lighting guru” while
instructing for a wide variety of film production courses. I’ve also
worked at The International Center of Photography in midtown. I've crewed
on more independent and student films than I can count. I work hard; I
learn a lot.
I was drawn to this project
because of my friendship with the director, Bryan. I believe him to be a talented and wonderfully astute
observer of the world that surrounds him, as well as a hard-worker when it
comes to accomplishing his goals.
One time when I was a kid I
put a metal toy in the microwave even though I knew it was dangerous, I suppose
I just wanted to see for myself what would actually happen: a miniaturized
lightning bolt materialized out of thin air and struck the toy. I learned my lesson. "
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CHR!S REEL - Gaffer, Lighting Technician - born in the year of The Rabbit and based in NYC, is a a visual artist working in the mediums of photography and film. He enjoys creating pieces that combine both the “why” conceptually – and the “how” physically. Being formally educated in the fine art of photography; he feels that knowing the history of photography and other various artistic mediums, is essential to his creative process. He enjoys creating work that celebrates realism while drawing the viewer into the possibility of a satirical perspective. I was drawn to this project because I'm also a lover of sci-fi films with a unique twist. Website: http://chrisreel.com
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Jassiel McBride - 1st Assistant Cameraman - I started out working as a production generalist in the entertainment industry for the past 4 years from animation camera operation. After producing and directing my own film I gained a great appreciation for all things cinematography. Today I direct cinematography for commercial clients. Applying that experience to narrative film making is where my passion is at! That being said, I'm thrilled to be a part of this movie and team. http://jassielmcbride.com/ ![]()
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Charles Grant - Assistant Director, Script Consultant -
Charles Grant is a Screenwriter and Script Consultant out of New York City. He attended the Art institute of New York City for one year before venturing out to find experience on his own. Since then he has worked as a writer/consultant for productions such as Fathers of the Dark Knight (Lions Roar Entertainment), 5 Clicks, Selected and Alexander Rease (Threshold Films). A writer by trade, he is also an experienced PA on set and editor in post production. "I try to get a taste of more than one job on each level of production, so I can better compliment those jobs when I write my stories".
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Robert Meglio - Production Assistant, Driver -
Hello everyone my name is Rob and I'm excited to work on this wonderful project. Two things I bring to the project is a passion for retro gaming and making the sure the project goes smoothly for everyone involved. Here are some random facts about me. My favorite food is mahi mahi tacos and my favorite film as of right now is The Big Chill. When it comes to retro gaming my system is the Sega Genesis. I recently just beat Alien 3 for it, a great movie title and rare game for the system. When I'm not gaming I love watching HBO, my favorite show as of right now is Ballers with Dwayne Johnson.
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Kenya Benn - Key Makeup Artist - On most days she must be plugged into a wall and charged like any other machine, but she tends to show much interests in human affairs. Largely a fan of the arts, she has dabbled in writing, scribbling, painting (with her fingers), subjective cooking and plays 2.5 similar types of instruments. However, her most recent interest has been make up and she wishes to increase her skills while helping her romantic interest level up.
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Alfred Lam - Animator - Name: Alfred Lam. Sign: Gemini
Blood type: O. Affinity: Neutral Good
Powers: Adobe Suite
Strengths: Photoshop & Aftereffects. Weaknesses: Daylight
Website: www.alfredlam.net
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Brandon Naples - Comic Illustrator - Brandon is a creative doodler, who fancies creating art through sequential and 3D forms. Brandon attended two art schools in North Carolina before moving to New York City and transferring to Parsons in 2012 to finish his BFA in Illustration in 2014. His work is a playful blend of haunting, sci-fi, and comical elements that often comments on politics and society through pop surrealism. What drew me to this project is the strong narrative. I love the descriptions of the rooms and the action, because it makes me feel like I'm watching a well composed movie that has me wanting more and builds in suspense. Plus Bryan is damn sexy and I couldn't pass up working with his fine self ooohwweeee. Website: brandonnaples.com
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spoonyliger - Storyboard Illustrator - Raised in an urban Portuguese town until his mid teens, spoonyliger now struggles as an illustrator in NY. His largest work so far is his Moon Crest 24 graphic novel. He is now brewing a different project however."I found my prior work with Bryan Ribeiro as a filling, pleasurable experience in my career. I couldn't resist coming back for seconds." ♡
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J.R. Narrows - Composer - J.R. Narrows is a composer, sound artist, multi-instrumentalist, video game player, science fiction lover and beard aficionado, living deep in the jungles of Brooklyn, NY. His music and sound work have been featured in film festivals, concert series, short films, documentaries, web-series, commercials and art galleries - most recently aboard an old steam ship floating on the Hudson River. When Bryan reached out with a new script it was a no brainer. His quirky ability to tell stories, engrained with the interesting characters he creates give his tales a firm and exciting presence. This story is filled with dark mystery and some wonderful plot points, so the music will have to exist in a powerful yet subtle way. Website: http://jrnarrows.com/
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Angelica Guevera - Propmaster - or Angie as she prefers to be called -is a New York based artist with a love for the morbid, manic, sweet, and surreal. She received her BFA in Illustration at Parsons the New School for Design.
“I tend to be in a constant state of reverie. It’s both a blessing, and an inconvenience. At heart, I’m a storyteller. I receive most of my inspiration from my dreams and nightmares. After a night of intense dreaming, snippets from last night swirl in my head and mutate into a narrative." On her free time she enjoys reading, watching cartoons, catching up on her sleep, drinking coffee and tea, getting stuck in trees, and having extensive conversations with her demons. Website: www.angieguevaravart.com
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Alexis Bryant - Caterer - fresh out of the undergrad program with a BFA in Design and Technology, Alexis is an adventurous person who loves to take on anything new with an open mind whether it be addressing serious social issues or exploring her love for fantasy and mythology. Within her work as a designer and artist, she loves to incorporate humor in all her work, feeling that a lot of issues can be understood with a laugh or two. Since her first love is art and myths, her second love would be food, either eating or cooking and enjoys trying new things on the plate. She had catered for Bryan's previous short Modieval. I enjoy feeding people if I am not making them laugh. Or both if my cooking is hilarious." Alexis' latest project: http://halithegreat.tumblr.com/
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There is always the chance of not reaching our goal. Thanks to Indiegogo's flexible funding option, we can still harvest some of the contributions and work towards funding the film out of pocket, with a producer, or perhaps with another campaign. But this process is time-consuming, stressful, and long and we would love to dedicate our time to the fruition of the film rather than its financials. I believe we'll garner enough of a base to achieve our goal, but in the event we don't, our plan is to move on with the project anyway. Everyone on the team is willing to take a bullet for the cause of HH and I love them for it.
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Sharing is caring! Just because you can't contribute doesn't mean you can't help and support us. Spread the word! If you really enjoyed our project and might know someone who's interested, please post or email our page to them. Similarly to a film's creation, for a project to succeed, we have to work together. You'll be helping us a ton by just spreading the campaign to your network.
