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How do you define “you”, and what happens if you change? Vulnerable, her health failing and against all advice, Kathy Deane leaves the safety of her marriage for a man she barely knows. Second Spring will be a piece of cinema history, being the last ever movie to be shot on Fujifilm. It’s an art-house movie destined for the festival circuit, brought to you by a team with a strong festival pedigree having already attracted considerable interest from distributors.
Set in a strange, beguiling world of water, huge skies and enveloping mists, Second Spring is a powerful and moving character study that deals with the subjects of identity and free will, what it means to be human and the nature of compassion. It deals with a woman who is facing an extraordinary brain disease which affects her capacity for morality, her capacity for empathy, how she behaves and ultimately leads her on a fascinating and harrowing journey of self-discovery.
Synopsis
After a series of unusual encounters, it is obvious to those that know her best, that Kathy Deane is not herself. Then comes a devastating diagnosis, and she leaves the safety of her marriage to Tim for a man she barely knows. The mental illness causes her to behave irrationally and affects her capacity for empathy. She becomes aware that she is unaware. Nick seems wild and free, and is the change that Kathy needs. He takes her to his childhood home, around the marshes in north Kent. It's here that she is able to reconnect with herself and find some hope for the future.
From Cathy to Kathy
We asked lead actor Cathy Naden to tell us about portraying Kathy on screen and her process for finding her way into the character:
I guess I’ve always been drawn to films where characters are ambiguous or are outsiders in some way, who take me on an unexpected journey.
What’s so intriguing about Kathy is how, when she discovers she has a life-changing illness, rather than allowing it to be a restriction, it seems to widen her horizons. You could say the illness gives her the freedom to follow her appetites, to be in the moment, to act, uninhibited by the moral or social constraints that the rest of us usually live by.
Although FTD is a relatively rare illness there is something universal in the upheavals that Kathy faces. Can we encounter a life-changing event, whether that’s a devastating diagnosis or falling in love and remain the same? I think, through Kathy, the film poses a really relevant question about identity and how people respond to change.
Why get involved?
Have you ever wanted to be part of cinematic history? Now is your chance. Fujifilm has been used by some great filmmakers because of the unique muted tones and soft contrast it creates, but with the global move to digital Second Spring will be the last ever feature film to be shot on Fujifilm. If you love film, you believe in supporting Independent Cinema, you think good stories need to be told, you’re a fan of beautifully shot footage and you want to be part of a team of dedicated, passionate, talented people who believe in what they’re doing; we want you on board. This historic film will be safe in the hands of our highly experienced, passionate production team. Jerry (Lead Actor) has already been in one film selected for the Venice Film Festival while Martin's (Writer) second feature, Irina Palm, was the 6th highest grossing European film of 2008 and won 2 major ‘Best European Film’ awards. Both Andy (Director) and Ami (Producer) have had numerous films shown at film festivals around the world, including Cannes.
However, the film industry is notoriously difficult to survive without getting your work seen and to do so requires funding. As a backer you can support these talented people to produce yet another incredible piece of cinema and take the next step in their careers. Not only would your donation be supporting the team but also helping to raise awareness of Frontotemporal Dementia, a rare neurological condition caused by a loss of cells in the frontal and temporal lobes. The symptoms can be devastating affecting a person's personality, behaviour and the progressive deterioration of their language abilities. By providing your support, you can become part of a powerful and moving story of self-discovery that questions the nature of compassion and what it means to be human.
The Perks
Get Involved!
We decided to use crowdfunding to create Second Spring because we want to get YOU involved in the process.
There will be a wrap party* to celebrate the end of filming and an exclusive London Screening* of Second Spring only open to our backers.
For the aspiring directors and producers** out there, we know how hard it is. You can spend half a day with our Director Andy Kelleher as he teaches you about getting the right shots from your team while Producer Anya Ryzhenkova will be explaining what it takes to get a film all the way to the big screen.
Be a feature in the film*** whether it's your name, photo or even as an extra. Become an Associate Producer and spend a day on set* with us in the Hoo Peninsula. For our super fans who really want to be involved, become an Executive Producer and not only will you get all of this but you'll get two tickets to a film festival* and be in the audience to see the Second Spring screening!
Get Something Unique
This will be the last ever feature film shot on Fujifilm but you can own negatives from the actual film with The Frame. You'll receive a still from the film alongside its respective negatives and a handwritten description from Director Andy Kelleher, presented together in a frame.
We have 5 disposable cameras on set with us capturing what really goes on behind the camera. Each will get sent out undeveloped so you will be the first person to see what's on there and the only person in the world with copies - something really indisposable.
We have two props being specially made for the film: Kathy's brooch and notebook. The brooch is a beautifully designed, intricate replica of a 1000 year old Anglo-Saxon brooch known as a 'dalc' or a 'spennel'. In Second Spring it plays a significant role in her realisation of how she's behaving. The notebook is full of jottings, sketches, notes, pressed flowers and other items that Kathy puts in there throughout the film.
Get Something Personal
To say thanks Martin, Andy or Cathy will send you a video message to thank you for your generosity personally as well as telling you a bit more about the perks you're receiving. For those of you receiving a Second Springer poster, if you send us a photo we'll personalise the Second Spring film poster with your image. And no matter how much you donate, we will give a shout out to every single one of you on social media for your incredible support.
T&Cs
*Exact location and dates TBC. Guests must make their own way there.
** One half day either with Andy or Anya in London, date TBC.
***Depending on how many people want to be the next star of Second Spring will depend on how this is realised. Examples include being an extra, having your photo on the wall of Nick's flat, having your photo on a newspaper prop, having your name as the author on a book prop etc. We'll tell you what to look out for!
Peter Zummo
Critically acclaimed composer and musician, Peter Zummo, has joined the team on Second Spring to write a beautiful, original soundtrack for the film. Peter Zummo is recognized for his genre non-conforming work with the contemporary trombone, both in composition and performance.
Zummo received a Bessie award for Trisha Brown’s Lateral Pass and has had numerous other commissions by choreographers including David Dorfman, Risa Jarsolow, Irene Hultman, Debra Wanner, and Stephanie Woodard. The progression to writing music for film felt completely natural. His film-music credits already include Rights Of Passing by Risa Jaroslow, Tramas by Augusto Contento and Wild Combination by Matt Wolf.
We asked Director Andy Kelleher why he likes films like Second Spring and why it is important that they continue being made:
A lot of people have commented that Second Spring seems very ‘European’ in tone. I have always watched an eclectic mix of films but as a filmmaker certain examples have stuck in my mind as kinds of guiding lights for this type of personal cinema. I am especially drawn to the work of Italians like Antonioni & Rosselini and French directors like Pialat & Malle.
I would like to think that Second Spring is somewhere in the vein of their films. A kind of considered, crafted cinema, with mysterious, beguiling characters and settings, not high-brow in any way but accessible and humanistic. For a while now there seems to be too much of a polarity between what is termed ‘art house’ and ‘commercial’ cinema. These filmmakers made films that would try to reach as broad an audience as possible and certainly Second Spring strives for the same.
What are the chances of success?
In a word: high. We’ve already raised £15k from private investors, and the producers have covered £25k. That means we are at £40k of our £90k budget for Second Spring. Our first Indiegogo goal is £15k – that’s easily achievable with people like you on board. We are in advance discussions that will allow us to raise the additional £35k investment privately, but of course we would much rather raise this as a stretch goal to involve more of you in our film.
We’ve already had a lot of interest from festivals, and started discussions with art house distributors who do everything from local cinemas to on-demand services, DVDs and Blu-rays. We’re getting a lot of interest! We have all the cast in place. We have all the crew in place. We’ve secured all the locations. We have the schedule. All we need now is the money - and that’s where you come in…
What are the risks ahead?
Production planning & execution
This is one of the most difficult parts of shooting a movie, but planning has already been completed so the risk is greatly reduced. During the filming, if there are any unforeseen difficulties, we are able to mediate the risk by drawing on our own extensive network of former colleagues and friends in the industry who will be willing to help out.
Equipment breakdown
This is a risk for any production. Thankfully, we are able to mitigate the risk by using our own fully insured camera equipment and having long established connections with the equipment rental houses.
Refusal of location permits
Most of our filming will take place in the Hoo Peninsula in Kent, United Kingdom. We have shot test footage in that area already and are working closely with the Kent Film Office who continue to be extremely helpful and supportive of our production so far.
Sudden unavailability of cast and crew (for example, to other urgent jobs, or other priorities)
We’ve chosen a team of people who are just as highly dedicated to, and enthusiastic about, the project as we are, so this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if something like this were to happen, we all have extensive networks of contacts we can use to provide a solution.
Where will my money go?
The total budget for the film is £90k, which is small for this kind of film. With no special effects, a simple story, and a seasoned team who know how to make that money go a long way, we’re more than confident we can produce something truly exceptional.
Meet the team
We are an experienced and internationally successful team of award winning producers, writers and crew who are working together for the first time.
Lead Actor, Cathy Naden – “Kathy”
“Second Spring is about second chances, about finding hope where there seemed to be none.”
Based in London, Cathy is a founder member of the critically acclaimed theatre company, Forced Entertainment. She has performed in numerous shows across the UK, Europe, the US, South America, Australia and Asia. A recent hit show was described by The Guardian as 'unbearably sad yet absurdly optimistic'.
What Jerry says about Cathy – “She’s quite unlike any other performer I’ve ever seen, let alone worked with - and she brings those same extraordinary qualities to the screen.”
Lead Actor, Jerry Killick – “Nick”
“I love Second Spring. I love its gentle persistence, the way it gets under your skin and pulls you into its world.”
Jerry has worked for years in devised theatre, touring internationally with Forced Entertainment amongst others and in 2010 started working on screen. His lead in Belgian director Wim Vandekeybus’s 'Monkey Sandwich' was selected for the 2011 Venice Film Festival and Variety described his performance as 'uncompromising'.
What Cathy says about Jerry – “He gives the character of Nick and the film an infectious charm that’s impossible not to fall for."
Director, Andy Kelleher
“I want audiences to feel moved having seen it.”
Andy has produced and directed work for leading UK broadcasters including the BBC and Sky Arts. 1999’s “Tell-Tale Heart”, 2002’s “The High Cost of Dying”, 2005’s “Best Shot” and 2006’s “The Interview” were all shown at international film festivals.
What Ami says about Andy – “He’s an extremely dedicated passionate individual. He knows exactly what he wants.”
Writer, Martin Herron
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how this film turns out I think it’s going to be something really special.”
Martin is a highly experienced Newcastle-based screenwriter. His School of Seduction sold to over 20 territories, was nominated for the Emden Film Award and has been selected as ‘Sky Movie of the Month’ on SKY TV. His second feature, Irina Palm, was the 6th highest grossing European film of 2008, sold to 45 territories with a gross income of over 10 million dollars, and won 2 major ‘Best European Film’ awards.
What Andy says about Martin – “We walked through the film together and he just got it. He really gets to the heart of a story.”
Producer, Amiram Bukowsky
“We are passionate. We are honest. We are committed.”
Ami has written, directed and produced various short films that have been shown at Cannes and other festivals. His documentary, Planeat, was picked up for distribution worldwide by Whole Foods. He also owns an international IT company that spans Europe, Middle East, South America and Asia Pacific.
What Andy says about Ami – “Ami is incredibly clear-sighted. He has the right qualities to produce a film like this.”
Producer, Anya Ryzhenkova
“The money we raise here will help us finish the film, get it out to festivals and help it find its audience.”
Originally from the Ukraine, Anya moved to the UK in 1996, joined AZ Theatre in 2008 (where she is now an Associate Producer) and is currently working with Roman Candle Productions as a freelance producer on a Film London backed production, Afro Punk Girl. Bringing on board a huge amount of project management and business development expertise, she has many years of international experience in both the arts and corporate sectors.
What Ami says about Anya– “Anya's dedication and enthusiasm is infectious, and she's extremely savvy when it comes to strategy.”
Looking for more information?Check the project
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