ZALI is a Christian romantic comedy feature film about chasing your dreams and fulfilling your God-given purpose.

Zali Nowakowski, an eighteen year old girl, has one goal: to get a record deal.Living with her strict Christian grandparents in Winnipeg, being the lead singer of a struggling indie rock band is the only joy Zali gets out of her otherwise boring teenage life. When she learns of a music showcase in Toronto with the winner awarded a record deal, she must rebel against her headstrong Grandpa and convinces her secret crush, Steven, to use his van and drive her band mates to Toronto. 

The road trip is anything but smooth: they fight over changing the band’s name, the band’s drum kit and guitar amps get stolen, John (an alcoholic) the guitar player goes missing, Zali’s band mates form a mutiny against her and want to return back home.   

To make matters worse, her Grandpa decides to hit the road and hunt her down. He will stop at nothing to make sure Zali attends Bible college and gives up her pie in the sky pop star dream. 

“Zali” is a story that follows one girl’s journey of hope, passion and courage, to try to fulfill her God-given destiny.

HOW I GOT HERE?

My name is Ian and I'm the writer/director/producer of the upcoming feature length film, Zali.

Here's a bit about me:

• Born in Toronto, Ontario
• Raised in Cambridge, Ontario
• Active member at Stone Church (in Toronto)
• Favourite movies: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Amelie, Good Will Hunting
• Graduated from Centennial College (Independent TV/Film Producers Program) in 2009.
• Been working professionally in the film/tv industry for 7 years as a film producer, director, screenwriter and actor.
• Made 3 films already. "Zali" will be my 4th film (2nd feature film).
  

The movie trailer below is from my last feature film, "Bend & Break", made in 2009.

I've been working on this project Zali (writing the script, getting feedback, rewriting and rewriting and rewriting and rewriting, casting actors, securing film locations) for 2 years now. 

FACTS ABOUT 'ZALI'

Brief synopsis: 

The granddaughter of a retired detective must rebel against her grandpa's wishes, and take a cross-country road trip with her rock band, in order to get a record deal.

Genre: Music/Romance/Comedy

Filming dates: April 21st to May 30, 2014

Shooting locations: Cambridge,Ontario & Toronto,ON

Theatrical release date: September 2014 at The Royal Cinema (downtown Toronto)

Production company: Temple Entertainment Inc.

Target market:

1) Women
2) Age 18 to 44
3) No kids
4) Post secondary educated
5) Live in North America (in large urban cities)
6) Religious background - Christian

CAST & CREW

Lead actress - Loryn Taggart
Loryn Taggart is an up-and-coming actress/singer/songwriter and budding superstar who was nominated for a Juno award at the age of 16. She plays the title role of Zali. Checkout the music video below, Loryn performing her song "Powerless".

Lead actor - Rostik Prokhorov
Rostik Prokhorov is an extremely talented musician and the lead singer of the indie rock band "Let's Eat Alice". Rostik plays Zali's love interest, Steven.

Actor - Paul James Saunders
Paul James Saunders is a seasoned actor best known for his work on Half Baked (1998), Alone with Mr. Carter (2011) and Don't Turn Out the Light (1987). Paul plays Zali's Grandpa.

 The Director of Photography - Ryan Glover
A truly gifted cinematographer, Ryan Glover has agreed to shoot the film. Ryan shot the Canadian comedy feature film “Picture Day” which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and was theatrically released in 2013.

WHY THIS ROUTE?

I've had this story in my head for 2 years now. Several film industry people have expressed interest in the project but not enough to invest money. We've been able to raise $10,000 from private investors within Toronto but unfortunately it's not enough to make my creative vision a reality. We've decided that the best way for us to make this film is let "you, the people" have a say to whether you'd like to help finance an inspiring story (movie) for young women, Christians or anyone who ever had a big dream in their life

We have this amazing story to tell but we need your help to make it a reality. I invite you to come on this journey with us.

THE BUDGET

$125,000 to make a feature film is considered a micro budget.

• The average Canadian feature film costs roughly $3 million dollars. 
  
• The average Hollywood film costs around $60 to $100 million dollars. 
  

Every dollar you donate will show up on screen. The $125,000 will help pay for:

• production insurance
  
• actor's wardrobe
  
• renting top notch movie camera & lighting equipment
  
• catering (to feed the cast & crew)
  
• salary for actors & crew members 
  
• securing film locations
  
• transportation (for actors, crew and equipment)
  
• lodging (for cast/crew)
  
• marketing of film
  
• film permits
  
• props

And of course I will contribute my own personal funds (if needed, to complete the production).

Check here to view a detailed film budget of where the money will be spent.

WHAT YOU GET?

(Here are a few examples of the potential perks we're offering you)

1. PDF copy of the 106-page "Zali" screenplay. CLICK HERE to read the first 11 pages of the screenplay.

2. A digital copy of the film, that you can watch on your computer.

3. Forever cement your role in this project by being listed in the END CREDITS.

4. VIP Film set Tour 

5. Private Screening with the director & producer

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Word of mouth is essential for crowd funding campaigns. So far, I have relied on my facebook page and my email account to spread the word, but I need your help! After you pledge, tell your family and friends about the project. Tell your neighbors! Tweet about it! Facebook it! Social Media a key marketing technique and could be a major factor in the success of Zali! #zali_themovie

SALES & DISTRIBUTION PLAN

We have a tentative theatrical distribution deal throughout Canada with Toronto-based film distributor College Street Pictures. 

College Street Pictures offers a national platform for the best in art house, world cinema, independent feature films and documentaries as well as some of the best films made in Canada.

We will pursue a TV (license), DVD and video on-demand deals with:
-> Starz Entertainment
 -> Muchmusic

We will also pursue both a U.S. and international film distributor.
Potential U.S film distributors that specialize in Christian films:

 Carmike Cinemas
 Destination Films
 Affirm Films
 Provident Films 

If you're interested in pledging $1,000 into our film, I invite you to click this link to receive a prospectus to learn more about this investment opportunity.

The size and scope regarding the theatrical distribution of Zali is uncertain, but what I do know is that we will have an amazing red carpet premiere and we will get this movie in theaters. You got my word on that!

Whatever other challenges come our way, we will, however, be in constant contact with our backers so you know our progress every step along the way.

Stay blessed,

Ian