Summary
Brief Description of Short Film:
The short film is called "Last Chance". It's about two friends that had lost their jobs due to the pandemic of COVID-19. Both men are suffering from their own personal effects after losing their jobs, meanwhile a Caucasian police officer is going through the motions of a false arrest that put his job in jeopardy. These characters cross paths once the two friends decide their last chance at redemption is to rob a bank.
Description of Director:
My name is Darryl Gardner and I’m from Bridgeport, CT. I went to college in Atlanta, GA in 2002. I attended Clark Atlanta University for 2 years and continued my education and graduated with a BA in Media Production from American InterContinental University in 2006. After graduation, I tried to get into film making life and script writing while working a 9 to 5 to pay bills. I’ve worked on a couple of music video sets as a cable grip but that is as far as it went. Being in Atlanta at the time, the music video industry was booming and not really looking for employers with little to no experience. Fortunately, I got lucky with getting a full time job at A&E Television Networks in Stamford, CT from 2007 to 2016. At this time I decided to try another career, which is my current career. I’m a Firefighter for my city of Bridgeport, CT.
At the height of the pandemic, a couple of close family members tested positive for COVID- 19 and passed away. Having close contact, I had to isolate myself. During my quarantine, I was separated from my children and my girlfriend. All I had close to me was my phone to video chat, books to read, movies to stream and my laptop. I would read for a few hours then watch movies and my passion for trying to write again came around and I began to write and create ideas for feature films.
This short film is my first attempt.
What We Need & What You Get
We estimated that we will need $5000 to create this project as professional as possible.
We have some of the equipment to film and payments for our actors and crew members, but there are a few more items that are needed, so the funding will go to the following:
- Post-Production
- Film Score
- Professional Audio Equipment
- Food for actors and crew
- COVID-19 Protocol items(testing, proper masks, face shields, sanitizers and gloves)
- Legal Clearances/Permits
- Locations to film
- Red Carpet Pre-Screen / Live Digital Pre-screen(If COVID-19 protocol is still in effect)
Please know that your assistance through donations to this film will provide a huge support toward bringing this film to life. At the same time, your support will help prepare and assist the path for our actors and crew members who will continue their craft in this film making business.
The Perks
It's the pandemic people and I understand that not everyone has the ability to contribute. If you are unable to, but still want to help out this project, please share this link to all social media platforms, with as many people as possible!
BUT!!! If you are able to contribute, here are some of the "Perks" that you will receive:
$5 or more - Personalized Shout Out on Social Media (Instagram & Facebook)
$10 or more - Personalized Thank you Card w/ picture of cast & Crew (plus Everything Above)
$25 or more - Coffee Mug with Movie Title (plus Everything Above)
$50 or more - T-Shirt w/ Movie Title and link to Behind the Scene photos/videos(plus Everything Above)
$100 or more- Ticket to the Red Carpet Pre screener or Link to Digital Live Pre screen & Special Thanks in Credit (plus Everything Above)
$300 or more- Associate Producer Credit(plus Everything Above)
$500 or more - Executive Producer Credit(plus Everything Above)
The Impact
I wrote this short film in 2006 while living in Atlanta, GA. At the time, there was a recession. It was very hard for people, especially young adults, to get employment. One of the alternatives was to rob and steal. There were numerous robberies going on, not just in GA but in other states. It didn't matter what time of day, someone was getting robbed.
Present Day - COVID-19 has hindered the lives of many people around the world and one thing that has not changed since 2006 is, if you can't get money the right way, there are people who will get it by other means.
Risks & Challenges
Shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic will be tough and I want to make sure that my crew and actors are taking the proper precautions. To help execute this film as planned, we will take COVID-19 tests before the shoot, socially distancing, wearing proper PPE and ensuring that all team members are sanitizing and using the equipment and spaces safely. COVID-19 safety agreements and insurance coverage will be established to further ensure the safety of our cast and crew. This is the way it's got to be, our "new normal" way of life.
Other Ways You Can Help
Thank you in advance for contributing and sharing this project around the world. We hope to reach our goal. Every little bit helps and is certainly appreciated. We can't thank you enough for taking the time to read about this project.
PEACE AND LOVE!!