Laugh Lines
Laugh lines is a short film about the relationship between an angry, bitter stand-up comedian and the comedy nerds who adore him. It is funny, sad, and ultimately uplifting.
There is something magical about stand-up comedy. With nothing between the performer and the audience except talent, a great comedian can move an audience to laughter, tears, and change lives in profound ways. There is something magic, something special about this art form.
With the rise of comedy podcasts, a new image of the comedian is being brought to the public’s attention. While we once were comfortable just listening to the jokes and learning the routines, a more rounded image of the stand-up comic now stands before us. Some comedians are using the art of performance to process deep emotions. They are raw, candid, and fearless.
For the comedy nerd, for the person who idealizes stand-ups and places them on a larger than life pedestal, this can cause issues. So we are telling a story about just that – comedy nerds meeting the stand-up of their dreams and having their lives changed from the encounter.
This is going to be a very special film. We hope that by making this, we can enter it in festivals and contests. We want this film to find the right audience. Part of that involves running this campaign.
But first, a little bit about the core team making this film...
Actor Tim Taylor is tearing up the scene with his roles in “The Hunger Games” and the upcoming SyFy movie “Ghost Shark.” Tim is a stand-up turned actor and has some stories to tell.
Director Sharon Garrison is a veteran actress of stage and television. She is a producer of a number of short films including “The Painted Woman,” and “When It’s Your Time.”Most recently, she starred as Judge Amelia Sanders on "Drop Dead Diva."
Director of photography Steve Riley is an actor, writer, and director. His award-winning film "Shooter" continues to wow crowds on the festival circuit.
Writer/Producer M. Robert Turnage has been a professional writer for over twenty years. He is the author of the book "26 Short Screenplays for Independent Filmmakers."
What We Need & What You Get
With all of this talent and momentum, we still need funding. The goal is to make this the best possible film as possible. Doing so means the following:
- Renting high-definition filming and lighting equipment. Higher end cameras, such as the RED camera, rent for $1,000 per day, plus insurance. This expense adds up quickly.
- Renting a comedy club.
- Mixing the film in surround sound.
- Providing food for the extras so they don’t riot.
- Producing DVDs, Blu-Rays, and T-shirts.
- Paying entry fees for film festivals and short film contests.
- Procuring rubber chickens.
- Purchasing Groucho Marx glasses.
- Buying those fake arrows through the head.
In exchange for your donation, we’re offering some pretty amazing things:
- A Laugh Lines T-Shirt
- A digital download of the finished film
- An exclusive backer’s only version of the DVD or Blu-Ray with an audio commentary that will not be available anywhere else
- A chance to be in the comedy club scene at the climax of the film
- A customized short film screenplay
- A Hunger Games DVD or Blu-Ray signed by star Tim Taylor
Putting Our Hearts Out There
It is a little intimidating to go out on the internet and ask the crowds for money, so we’re doing something special. If you donate $5 or add an additional $5 to your donation, then we promise to contribute $5 to your 2013 crowdfunding campaign. No, we do not make any money off of this deal, but we will generate more love, and that is worth something.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can’t contribute, please consider posting this campaign on your favorite social media network, liking us on Facebook, or following us on Twitter. Also if you know of any stand up comedians, comedy nerds, or someone who likes to laugh, let them know about the film.
If you follow any comedians on Twitter, let them know about this campaign. Every little bit helps.