Leda's divine encounter with Zeus in the guise of a swan has been depicted by thousands of artists from the Greek and Italian Renaissance to modern day interpretations.

Originally, the myth told the story of Leda and her coital experience with Zeus that led to the beginning of modern history (the Trojan War) by giving birth to Helen of Troy, Clymenaestra, Castor, and Pollux. Masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Salvador Dali have created priceless works on the subject and William Butler Yeats' poem on the subject is considered a classic example of literary modernism. With such attention, this myth has become a cultural icon in art and finally comes to life on the big screen for the first time with this project.

Inspired by the famous myth, Leda is a tragic tale that explores one woman's struggle between the spiritual and the tangible.

Influenced directly by techniques of masters throughout the history of cinema, Leda is a return to the time when film was young and experimental, when craftsmen strived to discover new ways of expression and cinematic experience. It will dance between the dreamscapes of Surrealism and the sharp visuals of Neo-Realism, referencing the styles of directors such as Murnau, Dreyer, Bunuel, and Cocteau.

This project relies heavily on visuals, subtext, and immersive audio soundscapes. 3D will help to enhance the viewer’s immersive experience, using a depth arc that follows that of the characters and pacing of the story. Too often is 3D seen and used as simple spectacle rather than an intentional storytelling tool. As Leda begins to lose touch with reality, her world seems to grow away from her, giving the viewer a visceral sense of her detachment.

We are extremely excited to be working with Stereographer Vince Toto (Dredd 3D) as a consultant on Leda and hope to raise the remaining funds necessary to bring him on set as our full fledged stereographer. When joining the project, Vince expressed his enthusiasm in working on a project that digs more creatively into the world of virtual depth than many of the Hollywood projects he has helmed.

To create an all-immersive experience, the talented gentlemen of Studio Unknown (Exists, Pingpong Summer) are are also excited to lend their post-production sound design and mixing expertise. Just imagine feeling like you're in a field with the characters, rain falling all around you.

For three years we have been working on development and pre-production of our feature film; building our script and shotlist, experimenting in 3D, sourcing props, making costumes, and filling out the rest of the team.

We have already started principal photography and currently have 20% 'in the can!' We can't wait to continue working in the awesome locations we've lined up with our a dream-team cast & crew. Our remaining production is scheduled in blocks throughout September, November, and December, with a finished piece planned for early spring of 2017.

We are all set to bring it home, the only element that is holding us back is the money!

Where the money goes:

• Locations- We have beautiful mansions and gardens located in and around Baltimore, MD that will be our stage. The film is set in a timeless era that resembles the late 1800's/early 1900's. The locations have graciously provided us with package rates in order to help support the arts. 
• The Crew/Cast- A collection of talented friends and acquainted professionals, our crew has been awesome in volunteering their expertise and free time in excitement for working on a passion project with more room for craft than most of their regular union gigs. We want to reward these awesome people with base day-rates. 
• Special Effects- I am a big fan of practical, in-camera special effects over computer generated imagery. Such effects work will be used to a large extent to embody the magical and mysterious elements of the story. A mixture of costuming, make-up, and props are currently being conceptualized by our effects team.
• Costuming/Set Decoration- In order to match the world of the story, costumes and props have been sourced and developed.
• Food- First rule on set, feed people! We plan to keep this affordable by hiring a Craft Service member of the crew to make us some good grub. 

The film has a small, intimate cast of characters that focuses primarily on the relationship between Leda and her Husband.

Adeline Thery, Leda

Adeline is a Paris-born, Barcelona-trained, Brooklyn-based actress, model, dancer and musician. Her recent credits include several Feature Films, including Suicide or Lulu and Me in a World Made for Two & Are We Not Cats, a slew of Short Films, Commercials, and Music Videos. 

Todd Mazzie, The Man

Todd is an actor, designer, and artist accredited for his roles on The History Chanel's The World World Wars, HBO's Veep, AMC's TURN, The National Geographic's American Genius, and FOX's Bones. Todd holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Set Design from the University of Pittsburgh. He hopes his passion encourages others to go after their dreams and fill their lives with happiness and purpose.

We've got a talented crew eager to bring such an artistically ambitious project to life on a limited budget. 

Samuel Tressler IV - Co-Writer/Director

Sam has dedicated his professional life to Independent Cinema as well as other arts. In his hometown of Frederick Sam has helped create Area 31 Creative Studios, a venue that provides artists with gallery, studio, and screening space, as well as high end equipment with the goal of motivating more individuals to practice their passions. He is on the Advisory board of Stevenson University's Film and Moving Image department and hosts monthly screenings of independent first-run features.

Clark Kline - Producer

Clark Kline is director/founder of 72 Film Fest, a 72 hour movie contest now in it's twelfth year. A novelist, screenwriter and CIO of Wonder Book, Clark has played a variety of roles behind the camera on three feature film productions and dozens of shorts.

Wesley Pastorfield - Artist/Co-writer

Wesley Pastorfield is an artist who was born and raised on Maryland's scenic Eastern Shore. With a past focused in fine art, this is Pastorfield's first dip into the film medium, one that he hopes to see used more as an artistic visual storytelling media.

Nick Midwig - Cinematographer

Nick Midwig has filmed in over 30 countries and all 7 continents, including Paraguay, Mexico, Russia, Malaysia, China, Vanuatu, and beyond. He filmed extensively for the documentary series “Belief” for Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Productions but has also worked on several television series for The National Geographic Channel such as 'Mars' and "Breakthrough'. Nick acted as a cinematographer on the critically acclaimed 2013 documentary “12 O’Clock Boys” about a notorious Baltimore street bike group that premiered at SXSW and HotDocs and HBO's new true crime documentary 'Slenderman' premiering this November. He has also directed and filmed branded commercial content for clients such as the New York Times, Subaru, The Weather Channel, Red Cross, Nike, Hilton Hotels, Chrysler, Sony, and more. In addition to his gifted eye for cinematography, Nick brings extensive experience in advanced filming technology to every project through the use of aerial photography, camera stabilization devices, high-speed cameras, and virtual virtual reality. 

Grey Adkins - Gaffer 

Grey "just like the color" Adkins is first and foremost a regionally ranked champion at brewing pour-over coffee. He hails from Frederick, Maryland but screwing up at TJ high school found him in an amphibious ready group invasion force for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2001, whoops! He emerged years later from the oceans and deserts of the world with a newfound love of reading to escape his reality, and a GI Bill to cash in at Towson University. Now armed with a highly, -highly-, lucrative degree in film and an amazingly understanding wife he set out to make a living in prosperous 2009 as a technician on film and television sets. He just bought a home in Poolesville, and finally feels as if he understands Homer Simpson on a deeper level. His favorite HMI lens is a stipple. His spirit animal is a dumbo rat. Favorite movie: Raising Arizona, of course. This is Grey's first feature as a gaffer, but he's a regular major productions in the DC area such as: House of Cards, VEEP, Jackie, Inside the NFL, and many more.

Vince Toto - Stereography Consultant (Dredd 3D, Predator 2)

Vince Toto is a cinematographer and visual effects photographer who has shot numerous films, television segments, commercials, and music videos. He has worked in various parts of the camera department in film and television, and has shot music videos for a diverse group of artists including Johnny Cash, Snoop Dogg, Bad Religion, Ice Cube, De La Soul, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  As 3-D technology continues to captivate audiences, Vince has assumed the role as 3-D stereographer and stereo supervisor on numerous projects including Dredd 3D. 

Spencer Grundler - AC (Call Girl of Cthulhu)

Aaron Sickman - Key Grip (Boundary)

Stephanie Yee - Set Decorator 

Stephanie Hyder - Costumer/Designer 

As a Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET) Company Member, past shows exhibiting costume design work include the MET's The Elephant Man, Materialize, Cat in the Hat, Frankenstein and Oedipus Rox; as well as Picasso at the Lapin Agile at McDaniel College. Past film work includes costume design for Flying Dog Brewery promotional videos. Other projects range from maintaining an Etsy Shoppe (Unicorn Nature), selling fashion merchandise and artwork at local vendor events, playing wardrobe stylist for Emily Gude Photography, and creating wedding accessories and attire.

Quitterie Mellac - Costume Designer

Studio Unknown - Sound Editing/Mixing

Studio Unknown consist of a small team specializing in post production sound design. Excited to work on a project with a different potential for auditory exploration, the team at Studio Unknown has signed on for Leda early in order to help us preplan for production and ensure the necessary steps are taken to capture audio for an immersive surround sound finish.

The project will be produced entirely in Maryland, with locations in/around Baltimore and Frederick.

Throughout the campaign we will be bringing you more details about all the fine folks fighting to make Leda a reality.