My Story
Bernie Larsen, Bernard Larson, Frank Wyandotte. Three names I have used in various Film and Music Video projects over the last 2 decades. So call me what you will. I am a Songwriter/Composer/Music Producer and Multi-Instrumentalist. I was the composer for “Elsewhere” starring Anna Kendrick, and Nicole Holofcener’s “Friends With Money” starring Jennifer Aniston and Fransis McDormand. Currently, I'm filming “The Recording Of” The Neil Young Tribute Benefit, featuring Lucinda Williams, Sharon Van Etton, Chris Pierce, Louise Goffin and others. I have also made a living touring with bands such as David Lindley & El Rayo-X, Lucinda Williams, & Melissa Ethridge to name a few. Being in the music world for so long and starting to do videos, I grew to feel that even great music without visuals is not as interesting. Being a Composer/Musician and Filmmaker, I feel like I have a dual expression that can bring two elements to enhance the emotional aspect of a story. The melding of making music & shooting film footage. Somewhere along the line that idea was something I began to feel and I know I can bring something extra to it.
“Palm Trees and Pigeons” will be my first feature length film starring actor James Morrison (co-star of the Television show 24) in the lead role. It’s a screenplay I started writing in the early 2000’s. Pre production is scheduled to begin at the end of this year. My story about "Palm Trees and Pigeons" came to life from being born and raised in Los Angeles. You know. Year Round Sunshine. Earthquakes. It’s about the illusion of enlightenment, and the dreams of “making it” against all odds. And about the hustle of trying to get ahead. It is about a life being faced with the existence of extremes. Everywhere. Every day. The incredibly rich, and the reality of surviving on nothing but a dream. Successes all around that you are not any part of, yet the possibility of one good idea, just one, possibly changing everything. It’s about finding a sucker or “pigeon”, who has more than you do (undeservedly) in the land of palm trees creating the perfect scheme, and becoming the success they were always meant to have. “Easy peasy”, as Niko from the hood would say.
Or not.
What We Need & What You Get
The ask of $30,000 will allow me to free up about about 60-90 days to spend all of my time making this film. Every donation counts, and I want to make sure you receive something in return!
- $20-receive a huge Thank you in the credits!
- $50-receive above + your very own Palm Trees + Pigeons bumper sticker!
- $100-receive above + a Palm Trees + Pigeons hat!
- $200-receive above + a piece of the action whether a script or a prop!
- $500-receive above + be a part of the film!
- $1,000-receive above + be credited as an executive producer!
Risks & Challenges
As I ramp up to do this, my first story driven full length feature, there are lots of feelings; from excitement to a touch of fear. I have been inspired on so many levels for various things for a long time, so I know myself well enough to know my creative process takes care of the risks and challenges I will face. Really, all I have to do is show up; be it with a story, a song, a film to edit or shoot, and it just happens. I truly believe it can for anyone. I have the blessing of a studio with plenty of gear to get the job done, a supportive, healthy, loving relationship, and the need and desire to express. As far as risks and challenges I may face, I’m sure there are many, many. But I read an interview with a celebrated cinematographer, and he said, "The whole experience of filming is all problem solving." This is my point of view in all the realms I work in- it's what the experience always is. In the best way, its figuring out a good or new way to do something with what you have at your disposal which is the limitation and the gift. It’s a beautiful ride. The one thing that is absolute is that you need time to do that. That’s the reason for my Kickstarter. I’m pretty fast and good at not overthinking things in this phase of my life so I go with my intuition. Raising these funds will allow me to spend most of my time in a 3 month period to complete the film. I don’t chase perfection, I chase real emotion and human imperfection, because in the end that is what moves me.
- Share what qualifies you to overcome these hurdles.
- Describe your plan for solving these challenges.
Other Ways You Can Help
Can't contribute but still want to help? Great! Please share this campaign with everyone you know so this dream can become a reality!