BIO
I'm a film writer and director, my name is Youssef Ouarrak. I got a degree in International Business as well as in Film.
I've always loved the craft of film-making and everything that goes with it, from pre-production to post-production. As I grew older, my dream was shattered by social/family pressure of becoming a businessman. So I perceived my studies in International Business. There is a lot of advantages to this though. As a filmmaker now, my knowledge of business helps a lot.
My goals and aspirations are growing every year. Success runs in my blood and I won't rest till I succeed.
I started writing this film a couple of years ago. It all started on a pocket book I carry with me. The story was a little different back then but the idea hasn't changed. Maze will put a lot of films to shame with its creepiness, mystery and twists. The ending will shock even the mighty Nostradamus. I've kept the end and the main story of this film a secret. I've done a lot of research for this.
It will creep you little by little and before you know it, Maze will be inhabiting you forever.
SYNOPSIS
Due to the nature of this story, not much can be revealed to the general public at this point but the contributors will get sneak peeks. You'll get to see the set and be present behind the camera during some scenes. After you contribute, I'll reveal to you some more of the story but I won't spoil it.
So this is all I can say about the story thusfar:
A thick concrete wall and a high security system surround an uncanny house. Its location is a mytstery. There lives a father and a daughter in search for an answer that will reshape the entire world.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
The budget for this film is around $400k. It can be done for less but I want to do it properly and to do that I need $400k.
Our first goal is to reach $100,000 but if we make less than that, it's okay. We will have a second campaign and so on. Whatever money we make will go towards the development of the film and maybe we'll already have an audition. We'll also be assembling our dream team (crew).
SET
Concrete Wall surrounding the House: $35,000 - $40,000
Wire fence on the wall: $5,000
Facade of the house: $80,000
SOD (Grass): $2000
Renting a house to shoot interiors (1 month): $3500
CAST (Union Avg. Salary)
Father: $10,000 + Perks
Daughter: $10,000 + Perks
CREW
Director & Writer - Youssef Ouarrak
We got a Storyboard Artist and one Producer attached. I can't reveal names for now.
GEAR
5 Ton Truck (1 Month): $9,000
RED EPIC Camera Full Package (1 Month): $15,000
VISUAL EFFECTS
MUSIC
POST-PRODUCTION
TOTAL
So far the total is: $169,500
All the other costs will be added as we get to know which actors will be casted and so on. Crew wages, production design, studio costs, wardrobe, catering, accommodation and transportation will have to be accounted for. I got a lot of people who are willing to help out, which will eventually cut costs.
The ultimate goal is to fit it all in our $400,000 budget.
THE IMPACT
This film will be a worldwide sensation because people are always interested in the mysterious stories. Especially if its done correctly with a high production value and with good actors and a great director, which is me.
I am positive in this being a box office hit. The twists, the horror and the mystery in this film is unique and will go down as one of the scariest films of all time. If I got a film to compare it to then it's The Shining. It has a similar mood.
We will have a very talented ensemble to create this film. Maze will set the bar very high. It will be done on a low budget but it won't seem like it. It will look like a multimillion dollar film.
People doubted me when I said I will go down to Tijuana and shoot my short film with a very limited budget. I was up 72 hours with no sleep; directing, producing, managing and transferring files from the hard drives to the computer. I would have gone another 72 hours doing it because I don't stop till I succeed. I can sleep whenever I want but I won't get another opportunity to shoot the short film. Had I slept and not done my job, the film would have been a failure. My sound guy bailed out during post and I had no money left. I spent weeks learning about Pro Tools and I did the sound mixing myself.
IF YOU CAN'T CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
I know that we are in a big financial crisis and not everyone can help but the word of mouth is very important in such campaigns.
It would be great if you can post the link to this campaign on your facebook, tweet and myspace if you still use that.
We welcome to those who want to volunteer and help out during production. There will be limited vacancies but the earlier you let me know, the bigger chance you'll have of being chosen. You'll get to see first hand what it's like to be on a professional film set.
EXTRA INFORMATION
We will be shooting a one minute trailer soon and a new professional poster will be up for you all to enjoy. It will be a masterpiece.
