Update: Stretch Goal
Wow, with 14 days still to go we've hit out funding target! We simply can't thank everyone enough, it’s been truly amazing!
...Because of this amazing response we’re going to stretch our goal. We promise we're not just being greedy! The extra funds will enable us to make an even better film - here’s where they will go:
If we make it to £4000 we can put the money into the VFX we need for a key magic realist moment where the character Michael will look like he’s on fire.
If we reach £4500 we can invest further in the sound world of the film to reflect and add to the colliding memories we’re creating visually.
If we get to £5000 then we’ll have a budget to be able to enter the film into festivals around the world, which will mean even more people will hopefully get to see it on the big screen!
This stretch goal really will enable us to make In Wonderland even better than your generosity has already afforded. Thank you so much for following our story, and don't forget that if you can't afford to donate, you can also help us out by sharing this project far and wide - use Indiegogo's share button and the hashtag #InWonderlandFilm
Short Summary
'In Wonderland is a beautiful and beguiling tale that twists a knot around the reader. It will make an amazing film.' - Jack Thorne (This is England, Skins, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
We are Chris, Iona and Daisy, three emerging filmmakers who have been lucky enough to have been selected for partial funding from Film London. Iona is a first time screenwriter, having trained as a cinematographer at the National Film and Television School. Chris and Daisy hail from a theatre background, having worked with each other at the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill. This is our first foray together into the world of film, and we need your help to send us on our way.
Our contributors will enable us to tell this universal story in a truly unique way. We've got high ambitions for the cinematic scale of In Wonderland - help us meet them, and support the first step in our careers as filmmakers.
What We Need & What You Get
- We have received some funding from Film London, which is about a third of the full budget for the project - we're asking you to help us raise a further £3500.
- These funds will help us achieve particular and special moments that are intrinsic to the story, including necessary (but pricey) special effects using fire.
- We have to create ten years of memories in a ten minute film and make them feel seamless: this involves a lot of costume, hair, make up, lighting and props changes. And the camera movement needs to feel alive and put us with Alice the whole time. All of these elements will take time and rehearsal - things that cost money in the film world.
- Finally, we need to raise funds to get the right locations in London and on the coast - so we can tell Alice and Michael's story in the most imaginative and true way possible. We will need to dress the house that will be their home with props and furniture that will show the progression of ten years.
- We're offering some exciting perks across all giving levels - from limited edition photos from the shoot to original concept art, from visits to set to a credit as an associate producer!
The Impact
In Wonderland is a female led story, from a female first-time writer. We feel that women are an under-represented voice in the film industry and the arts in general, and we're all actively interested in redressing that imbalance. Chris and Daisy have been bringing female led stories to theatre audiences for the past 5 years, and are excited about being able to reach new audiences with this short film.
Through London Calling, Film London has a strong track record of spotting British filmmakers of the future, from Directors to Cinematographers. We’ll be working with a team of young filmmaking professionals, many of whom are at the start of what we’re sure will prove to be long careers. We believe that the film will provide an invaluable learning experience for all involved, getting on the job experience, so everyone will benefit from the production.
Risks & Challenges
Making films is a risky business, where something as small as a rainy day can have a huge impact. We're going into this with our eyes open. We know that timing on In Wonderland is going to be key, we are going to have to schedule everything very tightly in order to achieve the complex and ambitious shots that we are after and which are so important to the story. Choreographed camera movements, working with actors to create a believable, long-term relationship and moving between locations are all factors with some risk. In order to mitigate this risk we'll be working out appropriate back-up plans and contingencies - such as rehearsal time with our cast and key crew prior to the shoot.
Iona's experience as a DoP has been invaluable thus far in avoiding some common filming pitfalls, and is helping us shape the progress of production. Daisy has worked as a theatre producer for 10 years, on many critically and commercially successful projects - you can visit her website www.daisyjcooper.co.uk to explore her work further. She'll be bringing the transferable producing fundamentals of tight budget management, careful scheduling, and caring people management to the film. Chris is an experienced, award-winning theatre director. His productions have toured nationally and internationally, and had extended West End runs. His experience crafting productions and working with actors gives us the confidence to set our ambitions high.
Other Ways You Can Help
Don't worry if your pockets aren't that deep, we'd really appreciate you getting the word out for us. Help us spread news of In Wonderland far and wide using the hashtag #InWonderlandFilm. And don't forget to use the Indiegogo share tools! Thank you.
