We shot our first feature film, "Magnolia Flowers", this past summer with virtually nothing: just a team of young people (almost all under 30) who want nothing more than to create an amazing story together. As you can see from the teaser trailer, this mission was fulfilled. We shot something really special, something that we think taps into the way the next generation of filmmakers think about and approach filmmaking.
We are currently raising funds to cover our post production/finishing costs for the film, and we need your help. The money you donate will go directly to the following costs, all of which are ESSENTIAL and without which we will not be able to finish the film:
Color Correction
Sound mixing
DCP/Formatting
Music Licensing
Marketing Costs
Festival Fees
We didn't need a green light from someone else to shoot "Magnolia Flowers". We gave ourselves the green light. That mode of thinking is the very spirit of this new wave of American filmmaking that's taking place as we speak. Young filmmakers aren't waiting until they turn 40 to make amazing films. Writers, directors and producers, some of them as young as 18 (some younger), are shooting quality feature-length films RIGHT NOW. And many of those films have received (or will receive) major distribution and/or serious attention on the festival circuit and from financiers. "Magnolia Flowers" will join the ranks of these films. We are certain of that.
The density of talent on our cast and crew is staggering. Every person involved in this project takes filmmaking seriously, and many (if not all) members of our team will have long, successful careers. This project really will be a launch pad for an array of rising talents, whose names we will know quite well ten years from now (think of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and how many careers it launched; now imagine if that movie had been an indie, like ours).
Here's a link to our website: https://strangeplaceproductions.squarespace.com/
Below is a breakdown of some of our team members (apologies to those not on here; they're all amazing!!) and their credentials:
Our writer/producer/director Colin Charles Dale was born and raised in Hingham, Massachusetts and attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts for undergrad. He has been writing and directing films since he was in high school. At 23, Magnolia Flowers is his feature directorial debut. He wrote, produced, and directed the project. Currently, Colin is a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute. Colin lives in LA.
Emma Waters is a Tik Tok star and an incredible actor. She plays the starring role of "Caitlyn Doyle" in the film. Her performance is chillingly real, emotionally devastating, and sure to be a calling card for an amazing career in the industry. Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sesameseedbagel?lang=en
Alec Carstoiu is an uber-talented young actor. He plays the role of "Adam Doyle" in the film. At only 20 years old, Alec is just beginning what is sure to be an amazing career. He is an undisputed natural on screen. IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9703772/
Sam Vita is an actor of great prowess and precision. He plays the role of "Connell Doyle" in the film, and does so quite brilliantly. Sam is well-trained and disciplined, and disappears fully into his roles. IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10535216/
Gabe Armentano is an intense, grounded, and explosive actor. He plays the role of "Peter Duffy" in the film, and is sure to send chills down any audience's spine. Website: https://gabearmentano.com
Ben Grant is a cinematographer from Massachusetts who now resides in LA. Ben is a modern painter with the camera. His work speaks for itself. Website: https://www.bengrantdop.com
Zach Suto is a brilliant gaffer with a wide array of experience. Zach is an artist first, and his love of film as an art form bleeds into his work. IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9583692/
Kelly Burns is a 1st AD with broad experience across the industry. She's a consummate professional with a brilliant mind for production logistics. She's a natural, well-respected, and revered leader. Website: https://www.kellykburns.com
Madison Barboza is our Production Manager. A natural leader, Madison oversaw the array of moving parts that kept production moving forward, and she did so with great poise. Website: https://www.madisonbarboza.com/about
Max Riley is a precise and attentive 1st AC. His attention to detail made an enormous difference in the image quality of "Magnolia Flowers". Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/maxriley
Brooke Finegold, a brilliant rising comic and artist, was head of wardrobe on the project. Because of Brooke's amazing work, the actors look and feel like real human beings on screen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilikerainbows/?hl=en
Anna Viola, our production designer, brought every location to life with her precise vision and her willingness to follow through. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaviola33/
Sara Ritmiller is a veteran hair and makeup artist, without whom our vision would have been incomplete. Website: https://www.makeupdesignbysara.com
Kevin Mills is a script supervisor with an unmatched attention to detail.
Michael Sivvianakis was our 2nd Assistant Director. Mike is one of the hardest workers any of us have ever met. IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11639117/
