Short Summary
Being from New York and having that personal connection, coupled with my childhood memories, I decided to tell a 9/11 story from a New Yorker's perspective. So I had the setting, but what about the exact location, the backdrop inside the "City That Never Sleeps?"
Well, before smartphones became the mainstream, many tuned into the radio while driving to work to hear the morning news or to listen to their favorite morning show. The scenes automatically began filling my head, "Where Were You" would be primarily set at a radio studio in lower Manhattan. One of my friends during this time was an AM morning radio host and he often discussed local politics, so there it was, my main character would be a radio host of a political show.
The plot would revolve around "Paul Lavigan " sitting at his console, joking with his producer, "Larry," when he would receive a chance, yet mundane call. While speaking with this female caller a thunderous roar would change the path of both. In the pages that followed, it was my hope to depict the high level of stress that a radio personality would go through during a terrorist attack, all the while not reporting the events of 09/11 as they unfolded. There were many heroes of that day, from the first responders to the passengers aboard Flight 93, who relentlessly fought to take back control of the plane, but how about our radio host, what kind of hero could he become? Could "Paul" be this caller's champion and what would he sacrifice to accomplish this act of heroism?
After completing my first draft of the script, I presented it as a stage reading with my radio friend portraying "Paul." As the last scene played out, I can recall hearing the quiet emotional sounds from a moved audience. The cast and I would later receive numerous accolades during intermission. My friend sadly passed away a few years after this performance, but we often reflected on this particular story and had hoped that one day we would see it develop beyond what we accomplished. Well, it may have taken a dozen years, but I'm on the verge of seeing this dream realized.
What We Need & What You Get
Because this is a low budget film, the financial goal of $7,000.00 is needed to make this vision a reality. We have received a private donation to get this production off the ground, but your generous donations will allow us to do justice to such a sensitive subject. Your donations will help defray the costs of equipment rentals, production insurance, craft services, lodging for actors/crew, set design construction and the cost of hiring a (VFX) video special effects team to recreate the New York skyline as it was in 2001.
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who truly loves film and believes by supporting independent filmmakers, you can help bring awareness to subjects that you support and care about. The power to bring these vital stories to life ultimately depends on people like you who understand that to create quality films, financial stability is a must. I thank all of you for your consideration! Rob Levinson
No good deed should go without a proper thank you! Please, check out the perks you will receive once you donate! It can range from a "thank you"during the end credits, to being listed as an associate producer or even an executive producer!
Risks & Challenges
Like with any film production, there are risks and challenges that filmmakers face at every stage of production, even on larger scale films. With the collective knowledge of my crew members, (roughly 60 years), we are always discussing various ways to cut costs without losing the artistic vision behind a scene or the quality of a set design idea. The key to staying on task is by having a responsible line producer and two assistant directors on hand. Having a detailed timeline and budget to ensure each phase goes according to plan is the blueprint to any cohesive production. Compromise is another important ingredient when producing an indie film, so long as it does not depreciate the integrity of the story.
The Impact
The overall impact of the documentaries and the motion pictures that have been produced since September 11, 2001 have all been successful, in many valid ways. The emotional release that an artist, writer, poet or actor generates in retelling the events from the doomed flights to the on-the-ground heroics does exactly what they are meant to do, and that is to make you remember and to open up the door to discussion. We believe that "Where Were You" has the same gravitas to do the exact same thing and that it is to get people talking about that infamous day and more importantly to share their stories with generations to come.