Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

The Talent Scout: A Short Road Film

A waitress at a roadside diner meets a talent scout who offers her a shot at Hollywood stardom.

You may also be interested in

Caret Left
Caret Right
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

The Talent Scout: A Short Road Film

The Talent Scout: A Short Road Film

The Talent Scout: A Short Road Film

The Talent Scout: A Short Road Film

The Talent Scout: A Short Road Film

A waitress at a roadside diner meets a talent scout who offers her a shot at Hollywood stardom.

A waitress at a roadside diner meets a talent scout who offers her a shot at Hollywood stardom.

A waitress at a roadside diner meets a talent scout who offers her a shot at Hollywood stardom.

A waitress at a roadside diner meets a talent scout who offers her a shot at Hollywood stardom.

Anita Abbasi
Anita Abbasi
Anita Abbasi
Anita Abbasi
1 Campaign |
Toronto, Canada
$2,601 USD $2,601 USD 52 backers
62% of $4,155 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal


Shooting a movie is like taking a road trip with friends, so we thought a road movie was a good idea. We are Anita and Martin, and we have been making movies since university. Movies that are true – or at least, true-ish. Movies that entertain. Movies for people who like watching movies - like you! This is one of those movies:

"The Talent Scout" is a modern-day road movie with the feel and dialogue of classic Hollywood cinema. It follows the exploits of a self-professed talent scout, who makes a living offering starry-eyed women of small-town America a shot at stardom.

This campaign will form the backbone of the production, making shooting and post-production possible. We feel strongly that the only way to make this movie is to take matters into our own hands and create our own opportunities. And we plan to do so with the help of the community and individuals who understand and support this creative drive.

Once the film is finished it will be submitted to film festivals around the world, like the Toronto International Film Festival, where thousands of film lovers will get a chance to see it. After a run on the festival circuit, we'll secure distribution through traditional and new media, ensuring a wider audience will see it! When all is said and done, countless people will have watched and enjoyed a film you've helped to make. 

Cast and crew have donated their time and skill sets to make the production possible, but there are additional costs associated with film production that cannot be avoided. Funds raised through this campaign will be put towards covering these indispensable production costs:

  •   Insurance
  •   Transportation
  •   Camera equipment rental
  •   Craft services
  •   Location rentals
  •   Post-Production

While we looked to shoot for free at all of our locations, the film's story requires shooting at motels and a diner and we were only able to find locations that at best require a nominal fee. Some of the funds raised would cover the costs of interrupting regular business in order for production to take place, but these are some great-looking locations that will help us sell the story!

In exchange for helping with these production costs, we are offering donors unique perks for their contributions. These campaign-only rewards include an exclusive cut of the film, handcrafted paper-goods from Ink+Smog editions in Los Angeles, a pin certifying you as a bona fide talent scout, a limited edition poster of the film by storyboard artist and local illustrator Anna Kwan, and much more.

"But what if you don't reach your goal?" you ask. Good question. In the event we do not reach our goal, we will do whatever we can to make up the difference by going out of pocket in order to ensure our backers' get to see the film they helped support. And yes, we really want to make this film.

We enjoy telling original, entertaining stories that celebrate the medium of cinema. These are stories with vibrant, relatable characters that an audience can cheer and jeer. We look to champion the idiosyncrasies of everyday life, drawing forth the humour and drama. With "The Talent Scout" we are interested in the role movies play in modern society - the allure of movie-stardom - and the nature of the medium. Motion pictures are literally an illusion and what better way to demonstrate this than by having a character who peddles an illusion: the dream of cinema. In other words, the illusions we create for others and for ourselves.

Even with all the stress and risks involved in the production of a motion picture, we put both feet forward and jump in because we love it. Prior to this, we had produced ads, music videos, documentaries, short dramatic and comedy films - a pretty well-rounded background in film. Anita works in advertising and Martin is the supervising video editor for The Seventh Art, a monthly video magazine about cinema. Deadlines are part and parcel of what we do and we do it well.

With this film we had a unique challenge: the story is set in a small American town, but transporting cast and crew to an isolated location can be costly and time-consuming. So to keep costs down, we have chosen to keep the production local. Through creative producing, a little elbow grease and movie magic, we have managed to find and transform locations in Toronto to fit the requirements of the script.

We know that not everyone reading this will be able to donate to our campaign - we aren't the only dog and pony show out there - but you can make a great contribution through word of mouth. Here is how you can help spread the word. You can…

  • Share this page with others
  • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
  • Tell your friends and neighbours
  • Talk us up at family dinners

Shannon Lahaie as "Samantha"

Shannon Lahaie is an actor, writer and sketch comedian living in Toronto. A graduate from The Second City Conservatory, she recently performed the original comedy show Those Shoes That Light Up with her sketch troupe 'Dame Judy Dench' at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Shannon's other Film/TV credits include Capiche (Between Toucans Media), Paranormal Witness (Syfy), Handsome Devils (Discovery ID) and the mini-series Revelation (History).

Vincent Marciano as "Oliver"

Vincent made his film lead debut in “Spidermum”, at the 48-Film-Project in Toronto; winner of the Best Drama award.  Vincent has been active in both feature and short films and TV series – including Paranormal Witness, American Drone, Aperture and The Love Scene. Besides motorsports, Vincent takes great joy in playing piano, drums, guitar and now learning how to play the saxophone.

Terri Cumming as "Jenny"

Terri’s career has come full circle as she has returned to her love of film. Over the past 20 years, Terri has established herself as a Designer and Artist and she is passionate about creating again. She has most recently been cast in a number of web series and is excited to be a part of The Talent Scout!

Noah Taylor as "Bill"

A graduate of Concordia University, Noah is an actor, writer, and director. Noah has a supporting role in the upcoming feature Diamond Tongues and contributes regularly to Indiewire and dorkshelf.com. Not to be confused with the Australian actor of the same name, search the more distinguished sounding “Noah R. Taylor” for the full Noah experience.


Anita Abbasi - Director, Producer 

Anita Abbasi is a Montreal-born, Toronto-living filmmaker. She graduated in 2008 with a BA in Creative Writing and Art History, but took a hands-on approach to filmmaking on the side. A lover of cinema since childhood, Anita has a cerebral relationship with film, complicated by her unconditional love of Sylvester Stallone movies. She has studied directing under Deepa Mehta and worked alongside Bruce MacDonald; she has directed videos for musical artists Amanda Mabro, Zara Ahmed and DJ Downie, and her work has shown at the Reel Dames Film Festival (No, Rush 2009), COMMFFEST (Raising Our Voice 2011) and the Mexico International Film Festival (Charity Ball 2010). She currently works freelance in film and her feature, Pause, is in development. 


Martin Baena - Director, Producer

A Toronto-based director and film editor, working in documentary and fiction film. Martin is supervising editor for the Seventh Art video magazine. He is a graduate of Concordia University's film production program and teller of tall tales. Martin's previous films include the post-apocalyptic Soledad (2009) and travelogue  documentary Spool (2014, in post-production).


Lester Millado - Director of Photography 
Lester is a Toronto-based cinematographer with a passion for lighting, colour and composition. An alumnus of the Film Production program at York University (BFA Class of ’13) with over half a decade in film industry experience both locally and internationally, Lester is a knowledgeable director of photography with a cinematic understanding of the relationship between a narrative and its imagery.
.
Danny Stoker - Production Manager 
Danny is a Toronto-based filmmaker with experience in commercial and feature film. Danny brings a cool head and a steady hand to the project, ensuring our I's and T's are dotted and crossed, respectively. 
.

Steve Ejbick - Sound Recordist

Steve Ejbick is a freelance Audio Engineer specializing in Post Production Audio for film and TV as well as Location Sound Recording and Mixing. Ejbick has ample field and studio experience, mixing and recording television and feature films. He is also a damn good cook.

Riccardo Coluccio (a.k.a Cozmos Quazar) - Composer

Riccardo Coluccio is a Montreal-bred, Toronto-based musician, film lover and audiophile.

 

Anna Kwan - Storyboard, Poster Artist 

Anna is a Toronto-based visual artist and illustrator whose work features a pop art flavour that blends the macabre and banal with delicate, irreverent humour. Anna is currently enrolled at OCAD university. 

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

featured

Customized Poem + Video

Currency Conversion $28 USD
$40 CAD
Same as the customized poem above, with the added perk of a video performance of it by Ms. French. See samples of her work at: writinginatree.com. This perk also includes: special mention on website + pin + postcard + digital copy of film.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
1 out of 5 of claimed

Certified Talent Scout

Currency Conversion $3 USD
$5 CAD
First off, thank you for the fiver. For that, you receive special mention on our website and a pin certifying you as an honest-to-goodness talent scout.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 claimed

Greetings from Little Brook!

Currency Conversion $7 USD
$10 CAD
Get a signed promotional postcard from the filmmakers thanking you - yes, you! - for your wonderful contribution. Also, receive special mention on our website + pin.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 claimed

Digital Copy

Currency Conversion $10 USD
$15 CAD
A digital copy of the film with exclusive footage unavailable on the festival cut. That's right, as a donor, you'll be privy to a special version of the movie. (Plus, special mention on website + pin + postcard).
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
2 claimed

Cinephile Special

Currency Conversion $10 USD
$15 CAD
Gain access to the 7th Art extensive interview catalogue for a whole year with the Cinephile Special. The catalogue includes long-form interviews with contemporary cinema's most thought-provoking filmmakers, including Whit Stillman, Atom Egoyan, Paul Schrader, Peter Bogdonavich and many more! (Plus, special mention on website + pin + postcard).
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 out of 3 of claimed

Road Tunes

Currency Conversion $14 USD
$20 CAD
Receive a digital copy of the Talent Scout's soundtrack as well as composer Cozmos Quazar's album to boot. (Plus, special mention on website + pin + postcard).
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
6 out of 10 of claimed

Customized Poem

Currency Conversion $17 USD
$25 CAD
Spoken word artist and published poet, Whitney French, will take three words, selected by you, and compose a typewritten poem based on them then mailed right to your door! Whitney busks poems in this style in and around Toronto. (Plus, special mention on website + pin + postcard + digital copy of the film).
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 out of 5 of claimed

A Piece of L.A.

Currency Conversion $17 USD
$25 CAD
Get a handcrafted, letterpress greeting card from our friends at Ink+Smog Editions in La-la-land Los Angeles. This perk also includes: special mention on the website + pin + postcard + digital copy of the film.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
5 out of 25 of claimed

Limited Edition DVD

Currency Conversion $21 USD
$30 CAD
Get a carefully packaged, specially designed, limited print DVD of the film, with the above-mentioned special cut, available only to donors. This perk also includes: special mention on website + pin + postcard.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
6 out of 10 of claimed

Limited Edition Movie Poster

Currency Conversion $35 USD
$50 CAD
Get a beautifully printed limited-edition poster for the Talent Scout designed by storyboard artist and local illustrator, Anna Kwan. This perk also includes: special mention on website + pin + postcard + digital copy of film.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
4 out of 10 of claimed

Hollywood Kid

Currency Conversion $35 USD
$50 CAD
An invite to our Cast + Crew Screening: Rub elbows with the cast and crew during an exclusive screening of the film. Be the first to see it on the big screen! This perk also includes: special mention on the website + pin + postcard + digital copy of the film. Travel & accommodations are NOT included.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
4 out of 10 of claimed

Matted Storyboard Panel

Currency Conversion $69 USD
$100 CAD
A high-resolution panel print from Anna Kwan's original Talent Scout storyboard. We'll even mat it for you! This perk also includes: special mention on website + pin + postcard + digital download of the film. International orders add $5.00 CAN.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
7 out of 10 of claimed

Miniatures by Martin

Currency Conversion $173 USD
$250 CAD
Miniaturized scenes inspired by ʺlife on the open road.ʺ Own one of three unique pieces, built by hand by co-director Martin Baena. Each piece is designed and built by him in intimate detail, in HO scale. This perk also includes: special mention on website + pin + postcard + digital copy of the film. International orders, add $5.00CAN
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 out of 3 of claimed

Associate Producer Credit

Currency Conversion $346 USD
$500 CAD
Walk the walk and talk the talk with an associate producer credit on the film. Have your name appear on the big screen for the world to see. This perk also includes: DVD/Digital Copy of the film + invite to Cast & Crew screening + pin + postcard + special mention on website. Travel & accommodations NOT included.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 out of 3 of claimed

Mogul Status

Currency Conversion $693 USD
$1,000 CAD
Executive Producer Credit: Get your name on the big screen and become a Hollywood big-shot. Your name will appear on the silver screen in the tradition of all the great Hollywood producers. Now you too can say, ʺI've produced a motion pictureʺ while chomping on a big, fat cigar!* This perk also includes: special mention on website + pin + postcard + DVD/Digital download of film + Cast & Crew Screening (travel/accommodations NOT included) + Limited Edition poster. *cigar not included.
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
0 out of 2 of claimed
sold out

VIP Special

Currency Conversion $139 USD
$200 CAD
Estimated Shipping
January 2015
3 out of 3 of claimed
Tags for this project

You may also be interested in

Up Caret