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“No Alternative” is a
coming-of-age drama about suburban American teenagers in the early 90s. Thomas
Harrison is determined to start his own alternative band after the suicide of
Kurt Cobain—it’s an obsession that blinds him to what’s either the mental
collapse, or the eruption of musical genius, of his little sister, Bridget.
Bridget boldly rejects her brother’s music, and the music of an entire
generation of slackers, by taking on the persona of a gangsta’ rapper named
“Bri Da B.”
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My name is
William Dickerson, and I’m a filmmaker and author. I’ve been making films for
as long as I can remember, I went to the American Film Institute, and my first
feature film, “Detour,” was released in 2013. I’ve
gained a reputation for being able to make “microbudget” films look like
“muchbiggerbudget” ones, and that’s exactly what I’m planning to do with “No
Alternative.”
It’s almost
impossible to get Hollywood to fund something that’s not a thriller, or a
horror movie, or a comic book movie—they rarely ever fund coming-of-age films.
Generally
speaking, Hollywood isn’t funding indie films anymore—there are just tent-poles
(studio movies made for 150 million and up) and microbudgets (movies made for
under a million, often far less than a million). For filmmakers like me,
crowdfunding is a necessity; it’s how indie movies are made now.
The middle class space of filmmaking has
disappeared. I’m hoping to help rebuild it, one movie at a time—but, right now, I can only do it with the help of contributors like you.
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There is nothing
more personal to me than this film. If I had just one chance to make one more
movie, it would be this one. When I first started the writing process, I felt
compelled to tell the story. There’s one story that’s unique to each of us that
only we can tell. For me, it’s this one.
The character of
“Bri Da B” is inspired by my sister, who for most of her life suffered from
mental illness. One of the ways she was able to cope and enjoy life was through
rapping. When the character of Bridget becomes “Bri Da B,” that transformation
into someone else helps lessen the pain she is feeling in her life.
I have always
thought of “No Alternative” as a love letter to my sister, a plea for her
survival. That’s why I originally wrote the novel this film is based on. I wish
I could tell you that plea was successful. But, I can’t. The majority of my
sister’s life was a battle fought against borderline personality disorder, drug
addiction and suicidal behavior. A battle she ultimately succumbed to on July
1, 2014.
While she may
have lost her battle, I’m hopeful we can win the war—and we can do it in honor
of her, and others who have suffered like she did.
The issue of
mental illness needs to be destigmatized. Men and women of all ages suffer
silently, struggling with mental illness, addiction and suicidal tendencies on
a daily basis. Strides have been made, but as a culture and a society, we
aren’t open enough to talk about it in an effective way. “No Alternative” seeks to
destigmatize the struggles of people who suffer. If the film starts a
conversation and emotionally affects just one person enough for that person to
seek help, it will be a success.
The campaign for “No Alternative” is officially
being sponsored by From the Heart Productions, a
501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports films that make a contribution to
society. By contributing to this film, you are not only helping other socially
conscious films get made, but your donation is also tax-deductible.
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A script is no longer
enough to prove you can make the movie. Hence: the “Proof-of-Concept” film.
Here is a scene from “No Alternative,” which has been fashioned into a short to
provide an example of the look and style of the film and demonstrate its
viability and potential on the screen.
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This is a microbudget film that I plan to shoot in Yonkers,
New York, where I grew up. I have deep personal connections to the town and the
surrounding area. I plan to use every resource at my disposal to shoot this
film in my hometown where the story takes place.
I’m thrilled to announce that I have
secured HALF THE BUDGET from an investor who believes passionately in the film.
However, this $150,000 pledge is contingent on me raising the other half.
We need to raise a total of $150,000
overall, to encompass all aspects of pre-production, production and
post-production. With this campaign we are seeking a minimum of $75,000 for the
pre- and production phases, plus an additional $5,000 to cover Indiegogo fees,
reward fulfillments and legal bills. Please give what you can, because every dollar
counts. The more we can raise, the higher quality we can achieve—whether it
means we can pay for one or two extra crew members, secure an additional day of
shooting, or be able to afford the rights to the perfect 90s soundtrack—each
cent matters. Plus, all funds that exceed our goal will be put toward our
post-production budget, which is integral in having a finished film!
You can help make this movie a reality!
We are already halfway there!
This campaign encompasses the
pre-production and production process only. We will require additional funds in
order to finish the film in post. Here is the breakdown of the budget:
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This campaign
encompasses the entire process—from pre-production, to production to finishing
the film in post.
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Contributors at all levels will receive updates on the film’s production and release throughout the life of the film. Your support is more than just monetary; it is priceless. We will be forever grateful to you, as your commitment is helping us bring this important story to life.
We have some great perks for
contributors, including signed editions of my books, filmmaking mentorships, opportunities to be a part of the movie, and
props from some of my previous films, like “Detour” and “Don’t Look Back.”
Here are pictures of just some of the unique on-camera Hero Props being offered:
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Other rewards include a variety of extremely cool options, including official "Bri Da B" merchandise, like Badges and T-shirts.
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Among the higher contribution tiers, there are amazing limited reward options available including Walk-On Roles, Associate and Executive Producer credits, and a one-of-a-kind original painting by my sister, Briana Dickerson Cardone.
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Please check out the perks to the right of the page for everything above and a whole lot more!
All perks and rewards that are available
now will be sent as soon as possible. However, items that will be needed for
the film, or are not yet available, will be sent when it is logistically possible
to do so. We please ask for your patience.
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Thanks for
checking out the IndieGoGo campaign and supporting “No Alternative.”
The spirit of “No Alternative” is
DIY—do-it-yourself, punk rock, an ethos I truly believe in. But I can’t make
this movie alone—I need your help to make it.
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