Moonwater
Deep in the forest, Peter Goodman has retreated to his family’s hunting cabin to drink himself into oblivion. When he finds his late father’s long-abandoned moonshine still he sets out to revive it for one final batch, reconnecting with his brother and his father’s legacy in the process.
Indiegogo to get us over the hump
As a team we already have raised $25,000 for "Moonwater." We need your help to raise the last $5,000 to get this movie made. Any contribution large or small will help make the movie that much better.
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The Short
MOONWATER, the short film, had its world premiere at the Indie Shorts Awards Cannes 2021. Moonwater will continue its festival run this year at Beverly Hills Film Festival, Lift- Off Film Showcase, Tonkawa Film Festival (where it won Best Short Drama) and more.
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The Feature Film
“Moonwater is a stirring and intimate portrait of a man who carries on his father’s legacy in the only way that’s been passed down to him. Small moments of humanity shine throughout. Peter is a heartbreaking but compelling character who, despite his flaws, has tiny intricacies that make him endearing to the audience “ - Slamdance Screenplay Competition
MOONWATER, The feature film will expand on the short film it is based on. The film follows Peter and Thomas as they rebuild their father’s old moonshine still together, and in the process they rebuild their fractured relationship.
Why Is This Unique?
This will be a truly grassroots film, from concept to creation. The story is about homegrown moonshine and we intend to make this film the same way - on our own. We will utilize family-owned property and locations with a cast and crew made up primarily of friends and family. However, we intend to elevate this grassroots endeavor with ambitious filmmaking centered around a powerful and well-crafted story by award winning filmmakers.
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Why do we want to make this film?
We believe this movie is important. People have an innate need to see themselves reflected in stories. We need to see characters who share our flaws, who harbour our innermost desires, and grapple with our most intense struggles. These stories help us realise we are not alone. They help people grow and heal. They give people hope.
We come from a small rural town on the border of Pennsylvania. Growing up we saw many characters around us. There were people who were often good and often bad, and in many ways flawed. As we got older we rarely saw these characters given a chance at redemption on screen.
We want to change that. Moonwater is a story of a rural man coming to terms with his flaws. The main character is grappling with his past and his future. He is a small town man that doesn’t want to lose his heritage in the new world, but feels he must come to terms with his future. It’s a story we think has gone untold for a long time, but resonates on a deep and universal level.
Moreso, Moonwater focuses on a particular part of American culture that is fading - Moonshine. We believe this is a unique part of American heritage. It is a tradition that was formed in the early twentieth century during Prohibition. It is a tradition that has largely been passed down between family members, and like many things, is at risk of being forgotten in a modern world.
Movies are important to people. They can give us a way to start to understand ourselves and the world around us. That’s the movie we want to make. A movie that helps people, that shows us something about ourselves that maybe we never realized, and that maybe helps us grow as people. We hope you want to help us.
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Why We Need You
This movie is about moonshine. We need to raise funds to make this movie the same way the moonshine it centers on is made: on our own. The only way we can make this movie truthful is if we do it independently, without the interference of an institution. This is the true meaning of grassroots. Made the old school way, with heart and passion.
How You Can Help
This is where you come in! Here's a look at where your contribution will go.
Everybody involved is passionate about the project and willing to help make this film happen on an indie budget.
$5,000 will us to pay our cast and crew at a time when creatives are really struggling.
Funds will go towards:
Cast and Crew
Production Design
Costumes
Locations (Small House, Front Porch, Hardware Store, Liquor Store, Hunting Shop)
Camera and Sound Equipment
Insurance
Housing
Food
Post production (editing and sound design)
Festival fees
If you are unable to help by backing the project, perhaps you may be able to help us with any of the above. If so, please get in touch with Tyler or Mark!
Risks and challenges
There are many unknown factors in making an independent film. However, we have already made the short film as a proof of concept for what we are capable of with half the resources we will have for the feature film. This film means everything to us and we will do everything in our power to make it the best film it can be.
Don’t Think We Can Pull It Off?
We already have! We’re essentially making the feature the same way we made the short, with the addition of a few more teammates.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that the last year has been incredibly challenging and not everyone has the financial resources to help out. If you cannot contribute financially, there are still ways you can help!
Perhaps you can help with donating locations, equipment or food.
Or perhaps you can share this page with anyone who may be interested in supporting this project and follow and share our official instagram @moonwater_film\
Who We Are
Writer/Director: William Tyler Wiseman
Tyler grew up in Tioga, New York. He studied theater in college then moved out Los Angeles to be an actor. He found his way into small parts on shows like “This is Us”, and “Angie Tribeca,” but found his true passion was behind the camera. He wrote and directed his first ever short last year, MOONWATER, which was based on the feature screenplay. The short premiered at The Indie Shorts Awards Cannes Festival in March and is currently touring festivals right now.
Director of Photography: David Siciliano
David is an award winning cinematographer and editor from Southern California. He has been lucky to work with some amazing creators on projects that have been seen at festivals and on TV and streaming platforms. Some career highlights include shooting and editing Flunkyball by Tess Forestieri, which won "Best of Fest" and "Outstanding Achievement in Editing" at Buck's County Festival; shooting and editing Echoes of a Winter Sunshine by Oniffe White David has worked with a wide range of brands on commercials and social content, including Budweiser, NBC, HBO Max, and more. He is the co-founder and creative director of Savvy Studios. When not behind the camera or computer, you can find him in the mountains camping with his wife Jessica and their dog Luna.
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Producer: Mark Wiseman
Producer: Lisa Mamazza
Producer: LJ Duey