Short Summary
"The
Radical Notion of Gene Mutation" is a short film that is set in an alternate
history, science fiction, universe where a government agency (T.A.K.E.) pays for college, so long as
you fulfill a contract to have your genes mutated after you graduate. In Cailin
Harper’s last month of college an organization that helps students break their
contracts, and escape to Canada, asks her to a secret meeting. After which she has a week
to make the most important decision of her life.
This short film is a production of both passion, and of scholarly involvement, that begun during the summer of 2012. Every person behind the production of this project, and all but one of the actors, is a college student. We're all students at Western Carolina University in North Carolina, and we're all Stage & Screen majors. Those of us who are working behind the camera are in the Film and Television Production program at WCU, and those of us who are in front of the camera are acting students. This is a film made with the love and support of people who will soon go into the industry, leaving behind the safety and structure of our university environment. Twice a year both Stage & Screen come together to make two narrative short films that show our professors and peers how successfully we can put to use the skills and knowledge we've gained during the last four years of university.
What We Need & What You Get
The Sony Corporation of
America recently recognized Western Carolina University’s Film and Television
Production program as one
of the most innovative film schools in the country. Sony gifted our program the
F65 CineAlta camera, the most state-of-the-art professional motion picture
camera on the market. We are extremely grateful for this gift and the
experiences it will give us for our futures.
The only drawback to this gift is that we do not have any
of the accessories for the camera that Sony does not make. These accessories
are expensive because the camera is of a higher quality; therefore, we're raising a higher budget to help with the rental cost of the equipment that we do not currently have.
But there's something in it for you as well!
For any amount donated, you will have your name featured in the credits of the film with a big thank you from the cast and crew. With amounts of $10 or higher donated, there are various prizes that will go out to everyone helping fund our dream film. These prizes include: a digital copy of the script, or a physical copy of the script signed by the cast and key crew, three propaganda posters from the universe all signed by cast and key crew, a digital copy of the film and any behind the scenes videos or extras (which will be delivered after the festival circuit occurs), an Executive Producer credit, and even two free tickets to the Controlled Chaos film festival that WCU hosts at the end of each school year.
The Impact
At it's very heart, "The Radical Notion of Gene Mutation" is an allegory for student loans, and what it means to be a student taking them out in a modern world. Or at least what it feel like. We're trying to tell a complex and emotionally driven character piece that takes place in a complicated world - a world much like our own.
Donating to the project here on IndieGoGo, will not only help us be able
to use the F65, but it will also make the film look better through the
production design elements of the film. Plus, some of the money will go
to food during the six days of shooting to keep our crew happy while we
put in long hours over our fall break.
Other Ways You Can Help
We know that a lot of people just cannot contribute financially, and that's perfectly fine. If you can't donate any money, but would still like to help us try to reach our budget goal, then please get the word out and make some noise about our campaign and our film! Use the IndieGoGo share tools and spread our film far and wide.
Every bit helps, and we thank you for your contributions - whatever they may be.
-The Cast & Crew of "The Radical Notion of Gene Mutation"
Andrew Dyson (Director)
Emily Frances Maesar (Writer/Producer)
Matt Kiser (Director of Photography)
Margaret Gordon (Production Designer)
Michael Bardon (1st Assistant Director)
