IMPRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
An NYU Senior Thesis Film Project
Hello! My name is Joshua Kahn, a graduating senior at NYU Tisch. I'm not actually a scientist, but I might as well be. A scientist of the HEART AND SOUL. This story has been a passion project of mine for the past couple years. The first iteration of the script came about in early 2013 as part of my application to transfer into the NYU Film/TV department, and it's stuck with me ever since. With guidance from NYU professors, my fellow classmates, and numerous close friends/actors/writers, I've workshopped the script into something I think is truly special that I'm excited to share with you now!
So what is the movie about?
Impractical Solutions is the story of boy genius Elton McCormack. The boy's parents, also renowned scientist, have recently disappeared and are presumed dead. Elton, ever the shrewd young inventor, utilizes his fantastical machines to create new parents for his grieving little sister, Patty. While at first this seems to be an answer to all their problems, they quickly learn that impractical solutions lead to even more complicated problems.
What follows is a funny, sad, and ultimately hopeful adventure (with just a pinch of magic) about the bond between brother and sister, between hope and reality, and between childhood and responsibility.
The tone is surreal, almost dreamlike, attempting to capture the innocence and ingenuity of children, but with the dark undercurrents of adulthood and responsibility lurking beneath the deceptively light surface.
Meet the Team!
Joshua Kahn (Writer/Director)
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Joshua is an aspiring writer/director. He began his NYU career in 2010 as an acting student in the Drama department before transferring to Film in 2013. Recently, he's interned at CBS, Red Crown Productions, and other exciting Film/TV companies! Some of his earlier film classwork can be found at his Vimeo page.
Jenna Zaragoza (Producer)
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Jenna is an aspiring producer/production manager who has worked on several films in her time at NYU. Outside of producing, Jenna has worked for the BBC, Ghost Robot Productions, and currently works at The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.
Gaby Granda (Production Designer)
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Just as Jesus walked on water and multiplied loaves, Gaby Granda has been performing miracles in production design throughout her entire time at New York University. Also trained in SPFX makeup, she's worked on everything from small student productions, independent films, as well as cable TV.
Gracie Markland (Associate Producer)
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Gracie Markland is a sophomore in NYU Tisch’s Film & TV program but she has been performing roles on both sides of the camera since she was five years old. In her time at NYU, she has worked on numerous student projects in nearly every department and hopes she never has to pick a favorite.
Granger Willson (Assistant Director)
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Granger Willson is an all around outdoorsy guy who loves hiking, sailing, and enamel cookware. He's worked as an assistant director for several films in the last few years, as well as working on productions for ESPN, Rolling Stone, and National Geographic.
Jonah Best (Director of Photography)
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Jonah Best is a junior in the Film/TV program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He regularly serves as a director and a cinematographer on both thesis films within the program and music videos, commercials, web series, and various short films. He has worked with some of the most advanced cameras in the industry, with recent experience in the grip and electric department on the upcoming feature film Geezer as well as in the art department for the upcoming film Jack of the Red Hearts. Check out his DP reel!
What We Need & What You Get
While NYU does provide us with a fantastic equipment package and a little bit of funding, we require much more funding to accomplish our vision. The $9,250 we are trying to raise will go a long way for:
- Location Fees=approx. $1,000
- Transportation (including two vehicles to bring the cast and crew to and from the location, a cargo truck to transport the equipment, gas, and tolls)=approx. $3,020
- Two meals a day and craft services for the cast and crew=approx. $1,700
- Camera rentals=approx. $600
- Post-production, including film festival submissions=approx. $1,150
- Perhaps most importantly, production design elements, including set dressing, prop rentals, costumes, special effects makeup, and original inventions designed and manufactured just for this film=approx. $1,500
- Miscellaneous expenses (animals, on-set tutors for child actors, batteries, tape, perks, etc.)=approx. $1,500
- 10% contingency=approx. $1,050
The total budget comes to approximately $11,520. Whatever isn't covered by this campaign will be made up for through NYU's funding and personal funds from the director.
We're offering a wide variety of perks, ranging from a special thanks to some neat swag to props featured in the film. Take a look over to the right!
Thank You!
We appreciate your donations, big or small, and hope you enjoy the finished project! Check back here for updates, as we'll be adding pictures, videos, and other good stuff as the pre-production process gets rolling along.