PASSED OVER (SMC Short Film 24)
Holocaust survivor Miriam Wasik is invited by her well-intentioned American relatives to celebrate Passover. Miriam struggles to assimilate back to normal as dinner spirals out of control and family secrets are laid bare. With tensions on the rise, is reconciliations possible between such radically different experiences of the war?
Short Summary
Greetings, we are SMC's Film 33 of Fall 2023, and we bring a deep passion for filmmaking and a background in storytelling. We're excited to introduce you to our campaign, which centers around bringing to life a poignant and emotionally charged short film.
Our campaign is dedicated to fostering the development of a captivating film that delves into the profound themes of family, trauma, and healing, all within the evocative backdrop of post-World War II United States in 1948. This story is deeply personal to us, as it examines the experiences of those who have suffered and the importance of healing and reconciliation across generations.
With your support, we can bring this powerful narrative to life, and your contributions will directly impact our ability to produce a film that not only entertains but also educates and inspires change. Your support is not just about helping fund a film; it's about becoming a part of a storytelling journey that has the potential to touch hearts and minds.
I am grateful for your consideration and look forward to having you as a vital part of our campaign. Your contribution, no matter the size, is instrumental in helping us achieve our vision. Together, we can make a meaningful impact through the power of storytelling. Thank you for your support.
What We Need:
We are seeking funding to bring our film, "Passed Over," to life. We require a total budget of $20,000 to cover all aspects of production, including pre-production, filming, post-production, marketing, and distribution.
Here's a breakdown of where the funds will be allocated:
1. **Pre-Production (5% - $1,000)**:
- Script development and revisions
- Location scouting and permits
- Casting and talent acquisition
- Production planning and logistics
2. **Production (40% - $8,000)**:
- Equipment rental and operation
- Wardrobe and props
- Filming locations and set construction
- Transportation and catering for the cast and crew
3. **Post-Production (15% - $3,000)**:
- Film editing and color grading
- Sound design and music composition
- Visual effects and graphics
- Film festival submissions and marketing materials
4. **Marketing and Distribution (25% - $5,000)**:
- Film festival entry fees
- Marketing and promotional campaigns
- Distribution expenses, including film prints, digital distribution, and promotional materials
5. **Contingency (15% - $3,000)**:
- A buffer to address unexpected costs or production delays
What You Get:
We appreciate your support, and we're excited to offer you some unique perks in return for your contribution:
- **$25**: A heartfelt thank-you email and a digital poster of "Passed Over."
- **$50**: A special thanks in the film's credits and a digital copy of the film.
- **$100**: All the above rewards, plus behind the scenes update of the film.
- **$250**: All the above rewards, plus an exclusive behind-the-scenes video and access to our private online screening.
**$500 or more**: All the above rewards, you'll be listed as an Associate Producer in the film's credits and you'll receive an authentic piece of props or wardrobe used in the film as a memento.
**$1000 or more**: All the above rewards, and you'll be listed as an Co-Producer in the film's credits, with an invitation to a private online Q&A session with the cast and crew.
If We Don't Reach Our Entire Goal:
While our goal is set at $20,000, your support is invaluable to us. If we don't reach the full amount, we will prioritize the following:
1. **Completion of the Film**: We will ensure the film's production is not compromised, and we will focus on delivering a high-quality final product.
2. **Post-Production**: Our primary goal is to edit and complete the film, allowing us to share it with our backers and the world.
3. **Marketing and Distribution**: We will allocate funds to submit the film to festivals and create a marketing plan to reach a broader audience.
We are committed to making this film a reality, and any amount you contribute will bring us closer to our goal. Your support means the world to us, and we're excited to share the experience of making "The Seder" with you. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
The Impact
"Passed Over" is a film that aims to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking message. By contributing to this project, you become an essential part of a film that:
**1. Promotes Understanding and Compassion:**
- This film explores the intergenerational trauma and healing that many Holocaust survivors and their descendants have experienced. By sharing this story, we hope to increase understanding and compassion for those who carry the heavy legacy of history.
**2. Educates and Commemorates:**
- "Passed Over" sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Holocaust history: the struggles of survivors trying to rebuild their lives and their families. By contributing, you support the education and commemoration of these stories, ensuring that they are never forgotten.
**3. Sparks Conversations:**
- We believe that this film will encourage important conversations about the impact of history on future generations. Your contribution allows you to be a part of sparking these dialogues and raising awareness about the lasting effects of trauma.
**Our Track Record:**
While "Passed Over" is a unique and ambitious project, our team has a strong track record of creating impactful films and stories. We've successfully completed previous projects that have gone on to win awards at film festivals and engage audiences worldwide. Your support helps us continue this tradition of excellence.
**Building Trust:**
We understand that contributing to a film project is a personal investment. We want you to know that your contribution will be used wisely and effectively, as we have meticulously planned our budget to ensure transparency and accountability.
We are committed to keeping our backers updated on the progress of "Passed Over." From behind-the-scenes insights to exclusive content, you'll be with us every step of the way, knowing that your contribution is making a tangible difference in bringing this essential story to life.
Your trust and support are invaluable, and we're excited to have you join us on this journey to create a film that will not only entertain but also educate, commemorate, and inspire change. Thank you for being a part of "Passed Over." Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Risks & Challenges
**1. Weather Conditions:**
- Unpredictable weather can affect outdoor scenes.
**Qualifications:**
- Our team has experience and contingency plans (cover sets) for weather-related disruptions.
**2. Cast and Crew Availability:**
- Coordinating schedules can be complex.
**Qualifications:**
- Our experienced team can manage schedules and minimize conflicts.
**3. Technical Challenges:**
- Equipment malfunctions and post-production issues may occur.
**Qualifications:**
- Our experts can troubleshoot and ensure a smooth workflow.
**4. Location Logistics:**
- Securing permits and locations can be challenging.
**Qualifications:**
- Our team has a proven track record in handling logistics efficiently.
**5. Post-Production Timing:**
- Delays in editing can affect the release schedule.
**Qualifications:**
- Our post-production team is experienced in meeting tight deadlines.
**Plan for Solving Challenges:**
- We have contingency plans, experienced staff, and backup equipment to address these challenges efficiently.
- Our team will closely monitor schedules, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure efficient logistics.
- We're committed to meeting production and post-production timelines, so your support will help us navigate and overcome these challenges effectively.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute at this time, you can still be a valuable part of our project's success! Please help us by spreading the word. Share our Indiegogo campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about 'Passed Over,' the closer we get to making this important film a reality. Don't forget to use Indiegogo's share tools to maximize your impact. Your support in getting the word out is greatly appreciated!