Angelique
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Other
Every form of addiction has one thing in common: that moment of decision whether to give in to it or walk away. 'Angelique' was written by a man who's celebrating his sobriety who confronts that moment over & over again. Every choice to walk away is a victory to be celebrated.
Angelique
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Other
1 Campaigns | Washington, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $30,394 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
147 supporters | followers
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Every form of addiction has one thing in common: that moment of decision whether to give in to it or walk away. 'Angelique' was written by a man who's celebrating his sobriety who confronts that moment over & over again. Every choice to walk away is a victory to be celebrated.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Angelique
A Short Film
We are without defense against the first drink.
There it is in plain sight on page 24 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Richard Peterson knows this as he walks through the door of his favorite restaurant. What he's about to encounter reveals his powerful and intimate struggle with his personified addiction, 'Angelique'.
The Hostess leads him to his regular table away from the bar, and there he tells the waitress that he's celebrating his 29th year of sobriety. She brings him his cucumber mocktail. As he finishes dinner, a beautiful, seductive woman holding a martini joins him at his table. Angelique seductively engages Richard as she describes all the adventures they had together in the past. Travels to Paris, Rome, along with naked romps in Tahiti. Richard counters with memories of going to rehab, divorce, jail and a car accident. Richard reveals he has a heart problem. Angelique isn't buying it. She pushes the martini in his direction. "Just a sip, Richard. One sip won't hurt." The tension builds as we feel for Richard and what could be a fatal decision to drink. Angelique strokes his hand sensually. He looks longingly into her eyes. She smiles and says, "Let's get out of here."
They end up in front of a liquor store, holding hands. Richard finds himself in that terrible moment when an alcoholic is compelled to take the first drink that shatters his sobriety. What happens next will determine whether Richard gives in to that deep longing and the destructive desire that could destroy him. The only control an addict has is that one monumental moment of decision.
Eric wrote this very personal story to explore the struggles during recovery from addiction in loving and compassionate ways. Sobriety is loaded with challenges. There is a massive substance abuse problem in our country right
now. Finding ways to address it is literally a matter of life and death. The perspective this film shows, that the ability to recognize that one crucial moment of control, is the possibility to change the course of your life.
Several members of our team have either experienced substance abuse issues themselves or loved someone who has. Making this film is an homage to those lost as well as a message of hope to those still struggling.
The funds raised with this campaign will go directly to the three days it will take to film this story. Two days in a restaurant is challenging, but this is where my experience setting 30 extras in the lunch yard of Veronica Mars to look like 130 students comes in handy. The third day of shooting will be outside a real liquor store. We'll have to shoot around real customers entering and exiting, which is time consuming. But again, the combined experience of this incredible crew will conquer any and all obstacles.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
LOCATIONS
Costs $8,000
Filming in a restaurant for two days and outside a liquor store at night in Los Angeles is pricey. Anyone own a restaurant we can use?
Crew
Costs $5,000
While the Producers, Writer and Director are all working for free, there are still roughly 20 crew members who must be paid.
CAST
Costs $4,100
That pesky union called SAG sets rates for actors and comply we must.
EXTRAS
Costs $3,000
A restaurant needs patrons. Yikes! Would love to hear from peeps who'd like to be extras in restaurant for 2 days for free. Meals provided!
EQUIPMENT
Costs $4,500
Cameras, lights, grip equipment, yikes, it all adds up! Anyone got a high quality camera drone they'd like to lend us for a day?
FOOD
Costs $2,400
One thing you've gotta do is feed your crew....any caterers want screen credit for discount lunch meals?
LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Costs $3,500
Insurance is a must. Can't order equipment without it.
WARDROBE
Costs $500
Gotta dress them in something! Anyone own a high end boutique that would like screen credit? Angelique needs a dress to remember!
PROPS/ART DEPT
Costs $1,000
The food on the plates in the restaurant, the menus, drinks....all cost $. Any food designers want to help us out?
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Venita Ozols-Graham, the Producer and Director of 'Angelique'. I'm a longtime DGA member, working on network and studio productions. A decade ago, I created Wanderlust Films LLC to produce indie features and short films. I've written, produced and directed a dozen award winning shorts. I met Eric Pierpoint when we were both working on 'Alien Nation'. Eric played the lead detective, I was in production, and a lasting friendship was born. Eric showed me this short screenplay and I was immediately excited to be part of it. You can see my previous shorts on our youtube channel:
youtube.com/@WanderlustFilmsLLC
Eric Pierpoint, the Writer/Producer and Star of Angelique, is noted for starring in the Alien Nation, Hot Pursuit and recurring roles in Parks and Recreation, Big Love, Star Trek Enterprise among others and roles in features like LIAR,LIAR, The World's Fastest Indian and Holes. His Theater Productions include The Lion in Winter, A Streetcar Named Desire, Richard III, Macbeth and A Man for All Seasons. Eric's writing career has garnered him the 2013 Reading the West Book Award for his novel, The Last Ride of Caleb O'Toole. 'Angelique' is Eric's first foray into writing and producing short films.
Brigitte Graham, Actress, part of Angelique, is a Los Angeles based actress who's worked professionally in TV, film, theater and commercials since the age of three. Fun fact, her very first acting job was on Alien Nation in a scene with Eric Pierpoint. Brigitte has recently enjoyed the film festival circuit where she's received Best Actress nominations for several of the films she's starred in. Additionally, she's the co-writer of 'Amy's in the Freezer', a feature currently in development.
Brian Tanke, Producer, is an International Emmy Award winning producer with a 37 year career in feature films, scripted and unscripted television, tv movies, mini-series and commercials and is a current judge for the Asian Creative Academy Awards. From coordinating, supervising, producing and directing shows for Sony, Columbia/Tristar, Warner Bros, MGM, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, USA, TNT, Disney Channel, Lifetime, Discovery History and National Geographic, Tanke has produced all over the United States and in over 50 countries around the world. He most recently finished several seasons of Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone.
Robert Reed Altman, Director of Photography, has worked on an impressive number of award-winning features and television series. The son of legendary filmmaker Robert Altman, Robert grew up with a passion for film in his blood. Altman began his career as a camera assistant on the films that would catapult the elder Altman into the pantheon of great American Directors: Nashville, A Wedding, Popeye, Streamers among many others. He advanced to Camera Operator, then Director of Photography and has been working on features and Television ever since.
Dean Hermansen, Actor (part of Marcus) was nominated for an award for Best Actor for the film 'The Ossan'. He's been featured in Lawmen:Bass Reeves, Boys and Ted, as well as his award winning performance in theater, in 'Marvin's Room'.
Robyn Coburn, Production Designer, Robyn began her career working in costume, set and lighting design and as a technical director in Independent Theater in Australia, Texas and California, including Broadway style musicals, classics, Shakespeare and new plays. Her Art Department and Design film credits include indie features 'The Nurse', 'Yesterday's Target', 'Man of Her Dreams', 'The Dentist' and the upcoming 'Ghostlight'. She has also Production Designed the award winning short films 'Moon' and 'The Ossan'.
Molly McVie, Producer, was a Producer on The Ossan, an award winning short film (2024) directed by Venita Ozols-Graham. Molly began her career as a Producer and Editor for short news programming and Non-Profit fundraising videos. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University's Film School and has a background in Documentary filmmaking.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Angelique
A Short Film
We are without defense against the first drink.
There it is in plain sight on page 24 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Richard Peterson knows this as he walks through the door of his favorite restaurant. What he's about to encounter reveals his powerful and intimate struggle with his personified addiction, 'Angelique'.
The Hostess leads him to his regular table away from the bar, and there he tells the waitress that he's celebrating his 29th year of sobriety. She brings him his cucumber mocktail. As he finishes dinner, a beautiful, seductive woman holding a martini joins him at his table. Angelique seductively engages Richard as she describes all the adventures they had together in the past. Travels to Paris, Rome, along with naked romps in Tahiti. Richard counters with memories of going to rehab, divorce, jail and a car accident. Richard reveals he has a heart problem. Angelique isn't buying it. She pushes the martini in his direction. "Just a sip, Richard. One sip won't hurt." The tension builds as we feel for Richard and what could be a fatal decision to drink. Angelique strokes his hand sensually. He looks longingly into her eyes. She smiles and says, "Let's get out of here."
They end up in front of a liquor store, holding hands. Richard finds himself in that terrible moment when an alcoholic is compelled to take the first drink that shatters his sobriety. What happens next will determine whether Richard gives in to that deep longing and the destructive desire that could destroy him. The only control an addict has is that one monumental moment of decision.
Eric wrote this very personal story to explore the struggles during recovery from addiction in loving and compassionate ways. Sobriety is loaded with challenges. There is a massive substance abuse problem in our country right
now. Finding ways to address it is literally a matter of life and death. The perspective this film shows, that the ability to recognize that one crucial moment of control, is the possibility to change the course of your life.
Several members of our team have either experienced substance abuse issues themselves or loved someone who has. Making this film is an homage to those lost as well as a message of hope to those still struggling.
The funds raised with this campaign will go directly to the three days it will take to film this story. Two days in a restaurant is challenging, but this is where my experience setting 30 extras in the lunch yard of Veronica Mars to look like 130 students comes in handy. The third day of shooting will be outside a real liquor store. We'll have to shoot around real customers entering and exiting, which is time consuming. But again, the combined experience of this incredible crew will conquer any and all obstacles.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
LOCATIONS
Costs $8,000
Filming in a restaurant for two days and outside a liquor store at night in Los Angeles is pricey. Anyone own a restaurant we can use?
Crew
Costs $5,000
While the Producers, Writer and Director are all working for free, there are still roughly 20 crew members who must be paid.
CAST
Costs $4,100
That pesky union called SAG sets rates for actors and comply we must.
EXTRAS
Costs $3,000
A restaurant needs patrons. Yikes! Would love to hear from peeps who'd like to be extras in restaurant for 2 days for free. Meals provided!
EQUIPMENT
Costs $4,500
Cameras, lights, grip equipment, yikes, it all adds up! Anyone got a high quality camera drone they'd like to lend us for a day?
FOOD
Costs $2,400
One thing you've gotta do is feed your crew....any caterers want screen credit for discount lunch meals?
LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Costs $3,500
Insurance is a must. Can't order equipment without it.
WARDROBE
Costs $500
Gotta dress them in something! Anyone own a high end boutique that would like screen credit? Angelique needs a dress to remember!
PROPS/ART DEPT
Costs $1,000
The food on the plates in the restaurant, the menus, drinks....all cost $. Any food designers want to help us out?
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Venita Ozols-Graham, the Producer and Director of 'Angelique'. I'm a longtime DGA member, working on network and studio productions. A decade ago, I created Wanderlust Films LLC to produce indie features and short films. I've written, produced and directed a dozen award winning shorts. I met Eric Pierpoint when we were both working on 'Alien Nation'. Eric played the lead detective, I was in production, and a lasting friendship was born. Eric showed me this short screenplay and I was immediately excited to be part of it. You can see my previous shorts on our youtube channel:
youtube.com/@WanderlustFilmsLLC
Eric Pierpoint, the Writer/Producer and Star of Angelique, is noted for starring in the Alien Nation, Hot Pursuit and recurring roles in Parks and Recreation, Big Love, Star Trek Enterprise among others and roles in features like LIAR,LIAR, The World's Fastest Indian and Holes. His Theater Productions include The Lion in Winter, A Streetcar Named Desire, Richard III, Macbeth and A Man for All Seasons. Eric's writing career has garnered him the 2013 Reading the West Book Award for his novel, The Last Ride of Caleb O'Toole. 'Angelique' is Eric's first foray into writing and producing short films.
Brigitte Graham, Actress, part of Angelique, is a Los Angeles based actress who's worked professionally in TV, film, theater and commercials since the age of three. Fun fact, her very first acting job was on Alien Nation in a scene with Eric Pierpoint. Brigitte has recently enjoyed the film festival circuit where she's received Best Actress nominations for several of the films she's starred in. Additionally, she's the co-writer of 'Amy's in the Freezer', a feature currently in development.
Brian Tanke, Producer, is an International Emmy Award winning producer with a 37 year career in feature films, scripted and unscripted television, tv movies, mini-series and commercials and is a current judge for the Asian Creative Academy Awards. From coordinating, supervising, producing and directing shows for Sony, Columbia/Tristar, Warner Bros, MGM, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, USA, TNT, Disney Channel, Lifetime, Discovery History and National Geographic, Tanke has produced all over the United States and in over 50 countries around the world. He most recently finished several seasons of Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone.
Robert Reed Altman, Director of Photography, has worked on an impressive number of award-winning features and television series. The son of legendary filmmaker Robert Altman, Robert grew up with a passion for film in his blood. Altman began his career as a camera assistant on the films that would catapult the elder Altman into the pantheon of great American Directors: Nashville, A Wedding, Popeye, Streamers among many others. He advanced to Camera Operator, then Director of Photography and has been working on features and Television ever since.
Dean Hermansen, Actor (part of Marcus) was nominated for an award for Best Actor for the film 'The Ossan'. He's been featured in Lawmen:Bass Reeves, Boys and Ted, as well as his award winning performance in theater, in 'Marvin's Room'.
Robyn Coburn, Production Designer, Robyn began her career working in costume, set and lighting design and as a technical director in Independent Theater in Australia, Texas and California, including Broadway style musicals, classics, Shakespeare and new plays. Her Art Department and Design film credits include indie features 'The Nurse', 'Yesterday's Target', 'Man of Her Dreams', 'The Dentist' and the upcoming 'Ghostlight'. She has also Production Designed the award winning short films 'Moon' and 'The Ossan'.
Molly McVie, Producer, was a Producer on The Ossan, an award winning short film (2024) directed by Venita Ozols-Graham. Molly began her career as a Producer and Editor for short news programming and Non-Profit fundraising videos. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University's Film School and has a background in Documentary filmmaking.