SYNOPSIS:
Set in modern day, “HOLY WATER” tells the story of a small-town pastor who discovers his wife has cheated on him in the wake of the rapture. As a flood of townspeople descend on Simon’s house seeking baptism before the end of the world, Simon must overcome his pride and take responsibility for the health of his marriage.
The idea for this comedy is loosely based on my upbringing in a church-centered community in small town Arkansas. We want to manifest the subtle quirks and rich characters of a small town church in this film. "Holy Water" anchors a human narrative amongst eccentric circumstances. At its core, it is a story of forgiveness that argues it is only when we come to terms with our own shortcomings and brokenness that we are able to connect with one another.
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THE LOOK
Our team has been looking at the work of American film photographers Stephen Shore, Alec Soth, Gregory Crewdson, and William Eggleston. We've also been going to the worlds of the Coen Brothers for notes on tone and comedic style.
Within both these references, studying the use of wide angle lensing in order to capture a stronger sense of environment. This approach will allow us to showcase production design and the world of our film.
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TIMELINE
Production begins on November 2, 2018 and will run till November 11, 2018 in rural southern California. We will start the editing process in the fourth week of November. The film will be picture locked and handed over to sound, score and color by the end of January.
“Holy Water” will premiere at Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in mid April. The film will be available online for the public after a festival run immediately following its premiere at Chapman (approximately a year).
FUNDING
Upon the launch of this campaign, we have roughly ⅔ of the necessary budget to make this film. However, we need additional resources so that we can accomplish the following:
- Accommodating a large cast of extras (food, compensation, costumes)
- Securing underwater housing for camera
- The installation/deconstruction of an above ground pool (including filling and draining)
- Hiring a professional stunt coordinator and a registered lifeguard
- Location Fees
- Set Decoration
- Assembling props and wardrobe for the cast
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KEY CREW
Writer & Director: Cole Borgstadt (http://www.coleborgstadt.com/)
Producer: Iain Gayley
Unit Production Manager: Arnaud Zimmermann
Director of Photography: Jonathan Grace (http://www.jongracefilm.com/)
Production Designer: Lyla Flashman
Editor: Jeb Burroughs
Costume Designer: Anya Salmen
First Assistant Director: Leah Sherman
THE IMPACT
We are thrilled at the opportunity to spend our senior year creating such a unique story and world.
Our goal is to take the final product to film festivals and continue to expand our network for post-graduation. This film will also be used as a tool to showcase our skills and talents moving into the professional world.
Your contribution will allow the "Holy Water" team to effectively bring this story to life.
Thank you so much for joining us on this project.
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RISKS & CHALLENGES
The largest risks and challenges for this production come with filming in and around a pool. To ensure safety at all times while shooting, we will be hiring a registered on-set medic and lifeguard. There may also be a need to hire a stunt coordinator as well. We will be renting underwater housing for our camera and taking all necessary electrical precautions. We will also be making arrangements for the comfort and warmth of our cast and crew as they move in and out water throughout the day.
Additionally, our story involves a large amount of background extra actors. This presents an exciting challenge as working with a large group of people can be hectic. In order to effectively work with such a large group, we are bringing on specific crew members who will work directly with our extra actors. In terms of outreach, we intend to source our extras from the local religious community in Orange County.
