An Ordinary Thing
New York City, New York | Film Short
Romance, Comedy
Muggers. Monotony. Tobacco smoke-crossed lovers. They all collide in "An Ordinary Thing", Jack Becker's extraordinary film about love, addiction and liquor.
An Ordinary Thing
New York City, New York | Film Short
Romance, Comedy
6 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $3,082 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
15 supporters | followers
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Muggers. Monotony. Tobacco smoke-crossed lovers. They all collide in "An Ordinary Thing", Jack Becker's extraordinary film about love, addiction and liquor.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
An Ordinary Thing follows a pair of minimum-wage workers stealing a moment to smoke cigarettes, avoid their boss and confront their romantic feelings for each other.
Put simply, An Ordinary Thing is about Calvin, a twentysomething liquor store employee, having a smoke alongside Stephanie, his co-worker. As minimum wage workers, Calvin and Stephanie break up the time at their unfulfilling vocation via making casual conversation, trading wry jokes at the expense of their cranky boss, and of course, smoking. On an ordinary night, Calvin invites Stephanie to sneak out with him for an impromptu smoke break. Calvin and Stephanie go behind their boss’ back to step outside and leave the store unattended.
While outside, Calvin and Stephanie notice an uncomfortable silence between them. They gradually realize their simmering romantic feelings for one another — just as, inside the store, a robbery seems to be taking place.Together, they must lie to their boss, fill this silence and confront their blossoming feelings. If they fail, they’ll be forced to go back to work and miss a crucial opportunity to communicate their emotions.
Oh, and the store will get robbed. That's not good, either.
"I originated this short as a sort of anti-romance — unmoored from the traditional trappings of the genre, and absent happy endings or unrealistic human behavior. There's a lot of beauty in banality and boredom. Some of life's most ordinary circumstances can birth the most extraordinary experiences, which is what I hope to capture with An Ordinary Thing." - Jack Becker
FOLLOW our campaign! Growing followers unlocks access to products, services, and festival fee waivers courtesy of Seed & Spark.
SHARE our campaign via social media or email! Spreading the word with your network will help us build an audience and bring this project to life! Send this campaign out to someone you know. Text, email, or anything you can do to get our film out there is a major help.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation
Costs $400
Our Cast, Crew and Equipment Need to Get from Place to Place!
Production Design
Costs $181
Production Design Makes the Film!
Contingency/Safety
Costs $200
You Always Need a Plan "B"!
Film Festivals
Costs $200
To Get the Word Out About Our Film!
Location
Costs $2,000
Without a Location, There's No Film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Jack Becker
A native of the Bay Area, California, Jack Becker is a filmmaker attending NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Jack became a director at a young age, falling in love with cameras and acting, but has since grown to focus on writing and storytelling. Jack has extensive experience working with producers and has previously worked at Cold Iron Pictures and The Film Arcade, assisting them with the production of their indie features. He currently interns at Intrinsic Value Films in the creative development department.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Ariel Silva
As a passionate producer and storyteller, Ariel's journey as a first-generation college student and her cultural heritage provide rich sources of inspiration, creating connections that resonate deeply with audiences. Ariel's dedication to showcasing underrepresented, diverse voices shines through in her filmography, collaborating on projects that empower women, celebrate the queer community and uplift people of color. Currently, Ariel is developing her short film "Penitent", a short film project that promises to add another heartfelt chapter to her growing portfolio.
CO-PRODUCER: Sebastian Hunt
Growing up in a small Connecticut town alongside two brothers, one goldfish and an armada of stuffed animals, Sebastian began his filmmaking career at a young age with a slew of independent home movies shot with his father's Flip camcorder (all of which, to his dismay, are widely available on YouTube). His present day moviemaking efforts are slightly more sophisticated, frequently focusing on darkly comedic, absurdist plots, and believably unbelievable characters. Known for his award-winning short films Served and The Lord's House, and currently crowdfunding for his third film, Earnestly Yours.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Liam Podos
Liam is a DP with experience in numerous narrative genres. He takes a technical lighting approach and appreciates the chance to work with directors on creating visually compelling and unique aesthetic cadences. Having worked across several different continents, Liam passes the time between projects by cooking, eating, and occasionally reading a book. Liam is incredibly excited to work with Jack after their last collaboration, The Devil's Lettuce.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Flora Nolan
Flora is a filmmaker currently studying in the Collaborative Arts program at Tisch. On set, she's worked across almost all departments, but especially loves Assistant Directing, costume and production design, film scoring the most. She loves working with Jack and can't wait to AD An Ordinary Thing!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
An Ordinary Thing follows a pair of minimum-wage workers stealing a moment to smoke cigarettes, avoid their boss and confront their romantic feelings for each other.
Put simply, An Ordinary Thing is about Calvin, a twentysomething liquor store employee, having a smoke alongside Stephanie, his co-worker. As minimum wage workers, Calvin and Stephanie break up the time at their unfulfilling vocation via making casual conversation, trading wry jokes at the expense of their cranky boss, and of course, smoking. On an ordinary night, Calvin invites Stephanie to sneak out with him for an impromptu smoke break. Calvin and Stephanie go behind their boss’ back to step outside and leave the store unattended.
While outside, Calvin and Stephanie notice an uncomfortable silence between them. They gradually realize their simmering romantic feelings for one another — just as, inside the store, a robbery seems to be taking place.Together, they must lie to their boss, fill this silence and confront their blossoming feelings. If they fail, they’ll be forced to go back to work and miss a crucial opportunity to communicate their emotions.
Oh, and the store will get robbed. That's not good, either.
"I originated this short as a sort of anti-romance — unmoored from the traditional trappings of the genre, and absent happy endings or unrealistic human behavior. There's a lot of beauty in banality and boredom. Some of life's most ordinary circumstances can birth the most extraordinary experiences, which is what I hope to capture with An Ordinary Thing." - Jack Becker
FOLLOW our campaign! Growing followers unlocks access to products, services, and festival fee waivers courtesy of Seed & Spark.
SHARE our campaign via social media or email! Spreading the word with your network will help us build an audience and bring this project to life! Send this campaign out to someone you know. Text, email, or anything you can do to get our film out there is a major help.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation
Costs $400
Our Cast, Crew and Equipment Need to Get from Place to Place!
Production Design
Costs $181
Production Design Makes the Film!
Contingency/Safety
Costs $200
You Always Need a Plan "B"!
Film Festivals
Costs $200
To Get the Word Out About Our Film!
Location
Costs $2,000
Without a Location, There's No Film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Jack Becker
A native of the Bay Area, California, Jack Becker is a filmmaker attending NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Jack became a director at a young age, falling in love with cameras and acting, but has since grown to focus on writing and storytelling. Jack has extensive experience working with producers and has previously worked at Cold Iron Pictures and The Film Arcade, assisting them with the production of their indie features. He currently interns at Intrinsic Value Films in the creative development department.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Ariel Silva
As a passionate producer and storyteller, Ariel's journey as a first-generation college student and her cultural heritage provide rich sources of inspiration, creating connections that resonate deeply with audiences. Ariel's dedication to showcasing underrepresented, diverse voices shines through in her filmography, collaborating on projects that empower women, celebrate the queer community and uplift people of color. Currently, Ariel is developing her short film "Penitent", a short film project that promises to add another heartfelt chapter to her growing portfolio.
CO-PRODUCER: Sebastian Hunt
Growing up in a small Connecticut town alongside two brothers, one goldfish and an armada of stuffed animals, Sebastian began his filmmaking career at a young age with a slew of independent home movies shot with his father's Flip camcorder (all of which, to his dismay, are widely available on YouTube). His present day moviemaking efforts are slightly more sophisticated, frequently focusing on darkly comedic, absurdist plots, and believably unbelievable characters. Known for his award-winning short films Served and The Lord's House, and currently crowdfunding for his third film, Earnestly Yours.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Liam Podos
Liam is a DP with experience in numerous narrative genres. He takes a technical lighting approach and appreciates the chance to work with directors on creating visually compelling and unique aesthetic cadences. Having worked across several different continents, Liam passes the time between projects by cooking, eating, and occasionally reading a book. Liam is incredibly excited to work with Jack after their last collaboration, The Devil's Lettuce.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Flora Nolan
Flora is a filmmaker currently studying in the Collaborative Arts program at Tisch. On set, she's worked across almost all departments, but especially loves Assistant Directing, costume and production design, film scoring the most. She loves working with Jack and can't wait to AD An Ordinary Thing!