Birds of a Feather

Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Film Feature

Drama

Marisa Merkl

1 Campaigns | Wisconsin, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $16,000 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

84 supporters | followers

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Trauma does not discriminate and needs more storytelling. We’re on a mission to elevate the voices of those who’ve survived it through an empathy building story. Our two lead characters, inspired by real people, meet and go on a shared and unexpected journey of healing.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

We are a group of Milwaukee natives with decades of cumulative creative filmmaking and professional experience collaborating to give childhood trauma survivors a bigger voice. And we've partner with an organization who can utilize the project as a tool to teach, expose and provide positive change.

The Story


We've arrived at a come together moment.

Empathy is the gateway to changed perspectives. Using storytelling to elevate this is something we honor and strive for, from writing the script through getting it in front of audiences.


This film opens up a world of two unique people, Gibbs and Ruby, who give us a behind-the-scenes look into their memories, emotions and realities as their past traumatic experiences are triggered. This story takes a life perspective that asks the question, "What happened to you?" rather than "What is wrong with you?"


They have flashbacks that unconventionally meld their pasts with their present into singular spaces: a commercial on TV brings a repressed food depravation memory right into their kitchen, a school crayon drawing comes alive animating out an alcoholic rage memory, and so on. Several similar scenes throughout the film allow us to "feel" their thoughts.


We do this at home, in our Milwaukee.

We do our part in promising to give rise to the talented visionaries and creative minds that span innumerable disciplines. They also need a voice as we help provide creative opportunities and envision what's ahead for film in the city and state of Wisconsin.


We do this to support and highlight organizations.

We strive to support local boots-on-the-ground professionals doing great work to help heal communities, families and children with trauma.






Trauma by the numbers

Trauma resonates in between the cracks of all sects of society. Children are amongst the most affected and can carry their traumatic pasts into adulthood:



Inside the script!


When a blue collar loner takes in a young girl alone and destined for foster care, he must peel back the layers of his own childhood trauma to save her from the same fate.



These characters may be fictional on the surface, but they are very much directly inspired by real people's memories and experiences. Gibbs and Ruby live and breathe through existing people whose identities we protect through this kind of storytelling.


What about their journey? How do they meet?


Gibbs, 32, battles demons from younger years of neglect and abuse due to a drug-addicted mother. He lives simply as a blue-collar worker who visits the local watering hole and keeps to himself, preferring the comfort of his duplex and a best friend who always has his back.


But, a phone call changes that.


Child Protective Services reaches out to him with an extraordinary situation. Kim, a long-term ex-girlfriend, requests he care for her daughter while her legal scenario resolves. She's killed her partner during the throes of domestic abuse and is currently in jail.


She pleads with him to sympathize.


He reluctantly agrees to take a child he doesn't know. Ruby, 9, is a vibrant, strong-willed old soul. She's used to protecting herself against a castigating father figure who uses his fists to express himself. She paves her own way as a "tough kiddo" but secretly fears abandonment.


Gibbs and Ruby struggle and clash.


She disapproves of his cigarettes, won't eat his food and expects him to pick her up on time from school—things he's not used to. He attempts to fix each misstep but she seems to find another to replace it—part of her natural defense to keep walls up.


Time passes and friction elevates to an all-time high, giving way to their individual PTSD triggers. Moments in their normal daily lives meld into traumatic flashbacks. Their present environments become haunting memories. Ruby breaks down one evening in a cold sweat. She finally leans on Gibbs for comfort after feeling lost in her past grief only to discover he has triggers, too.


Finally, the floodgates of honesty open, and ...


Then what? Well, you'll just have to help us get this film made to find out ;)




We're partnered with community-based care



For over 170 years, Wellpoint Care Network has been in the Milwaukee area on the front lines of confronting childhood trauma and providing compassionate resources through the heart and science of healing. Their model since 2017 has brought additional focus in trauma-informed care to successfully mitigate and heal children while addressing historical and past stresses. Our film production is proud to partner with Wellpoint's expert team to provide impact through storytelling and film screening contributions, while they provide professional crew training, script authenticity reviews and spaces for events and film screenings accessible to the community.




Harnessing our local powerhouse!



Milwaukee will be showcased. Our film will be its gallery space.


The writer. The director. Our DP. Developers. Crew. Actors. Musicians. Post-production gurus. Artists. Marketers. The brands, and, so many others ... everyone on board will be rooted to the area, whether currently living here, born here, or has spent a significant amount of time working or learning here.


We're committed and steadfast in uplifting this underrepresented filmmaking community through a fully funded production and a high quality, artful result that reflects the pride and talent of the local film community!


Additionally, we take this occasion to further highlight women in film in a variety of roles. This important aspect of the creative engine still warrants attention and we are excited to support it.




Help the project flee the nest!



We want you to help us find Gibbs and Ruby!


The funds being raised in this community campaign are highly focused on the key element of casting the leads. Your contributions will be directly used to find and secure these roles. Integrating these two actors into the project as soon as possible will strengthen the story and their ability to become their characters. Our curated group of WISHLIST ITEMS reflect this need.


In addition, we've added in some specific artist and production rental equipment needs that are also key to capturing this story in our town.




What happens if we surpass our campaign goal?


Surpassing the goal, you say? What a spectacular moment that we CAN see!


And, we're prepared for it. Beyond the WISHLIST we've outlined that contributors help us fulfill, there are NEXT STEP PLANS in place for how to wisely use additional funds in order to get that much closer to the film entering production:




If we surpass our goal to reach $20,000 we will use the additional $5,000 to nourish our cast and crew on set. Good and hearty meals and snacks are an extremely important part of production, and we take that seriously. So, we'll make sure to use 100% of these additional contributions for great food (and lots of coffee).


If we reach $25,000 we will get to work seeking, securing and set styling the place we'll be filming a major part of this story in: Gibbs' home. This is where our lead characters meet, struggle and bond. This pivotal location will be a quintessential Milwaukee neighborhood duplex that's comfortable and most importantly, real.




Sharing is caring!


Texting? Use this:


Check out this independent feature film being produced in Milwaukee. This film is about childhood trauma and healing, and could use our help. They have a lot of meaningful contribution options!


https://seedandspark.com/fund/birds-of-a-feather-1#story



Emailing? Try this:


There's an independent, nonprofit feature film being produced in Milwaukee that I really want to share with you. The story highlights characters dealing with childhood trauma and the healing process: https://seedandspark.com/fund/birds-of-a-feather-1#story


Plus, they've partnered with a great organization, Wellpoint Care Network!


They're currently running a crowdfunding campaign, and to help get the film made they could really use help funding some important pieces of production. Can you help? Check out some of their meaningful contribution options!



Sharing on social media? How about this:


Check out this independent feature film being produced in Milwaukee! https://seedandspark.com/fund/birds-of-a-feather-1#story

The story highlights characters dealing with childhood trauma and the healing process. Plus, they've partnered with a great organization, Wellpoint Care Network!


There's a crowdfunding campaign live NOW and they could use your help raising funds for some important elements of production. Check out all the meaningful contribution options!


#afilmwithheart


Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Casting

Costs $5,500

Coordinated casting calls with a casting director and securing talent contracts.

Animation

Costs $2,500

Hire an artist for a custom, hand-drawn scene.

Tilta Hydra Alien Car Mount System

Costs $2,200

Moving vehicle scenes to be shot over four production days in Milwaukee, WI.

Sprinter Van G&E Package

Costs $4,800

Sourcing a mobile G&E package for a 21 shoot days in Milwaukee, WI. All equipment loans over $1000 are tax deductible.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Director's Statement



In my own life, I've met so many people who carry a weight around called trauma – one they did not ask for, not could control being given to them. The weight comes in so many forms, and ultimately, the ones whose weight is heaviest have been carrying it the longest since their formative years. As someone who aims to be an authentic storyteller, I want to choose stories that validate people and let them feel seen. In writing Birds of a Feather, it was really important to me to have our characters be directly inspired by the people I've met by including elements of their lives in order to hold audiences captive within truth.


For me, this is a local "come together" moment to shed light on the long-standing effects of childhood trauma through a diverse cast of characters that share their most vulnerable moments. This film is a catalyst for conversation, elevating empathy levels and making lasting impressions within our strong community.


Our team has very intentionally matured this project into a non-profit fiction feature film. We found that it's purpose will be best served this way in orer to showcase PTSD and abuse so that it's digestible and engaging for audiences, while also having the ability to support local organizations rooted in the community doing the real work of healing and compassion. I'm motivated by our partner, Wellpoint Care Network, to both bring accurate portrayals to screen and help further their mission in providing trauma-informed care.


I'm also proud to support and utilize the Milwaukee arts scene by fully entrenching this film in the city through talent, musicians, crew and businesses who are all a part of a funded project established at home in every way possible. Telling Gibbs' and Ruby's story here, not anywhere else, grounds them in a convincing and accurate way.




A Milwaukee Filmmaking Veteran



Collaborating with Daniel Andera has been a staple of the director's films. The Milwaukee-based DP and owner of Andera Pictures, as well as the creator of the award-winning documentary Real Soul, A Gospel Music Story, draws independent film and commercial experience from over 25 years of lighting and wide range of set work.


He sets a true example of supporting Milwaukee independent film projects with his talents and brings creative enthusiasm to the table that all projects thrive on.




Seasoned and Unique Collaborators



Our trio of producers bring a trifecta of casting, philanthropic and creative experience to the film that is the right fit for this story. Currently hailing from Los Angeles, Colorado and Singapore, all lived and worked (and in some case were born) in Milwaukee.


DeChantel Kosmatka

A multi-award winning actor and producer originally from Milwaukee, DeChantel is now based in Los Angeles. She earned critical acclaim and multiple Joesph Jefferson Awards in Chicago's Storefront Theatre. Recognized for her roles in major ad campaigns for Sprint, Samsung and Walgreens, she has also produced award-winning films like Crabs and Eat at Joes, and the innovative single-shot feature, Shaiah & Will. A stylist and costume designer known for her unique mask creations she leads the all-female rock band Queen Jeremii. Additionally, DeChantel founded a successful real estate business, drove significant growth as Sponsorship Director at Oracle Productions and spearheaded wellness initiatives for a multi-billion dollar corporation. She is currently producing two additional films, Spinsters and Becoming One through her production company, Phony Pony Productions. As an advocate for women and using art therapy due to her own trauma, producing Birds of a Feather is particularly important to her, reflecting her commitment to empowering others through creative expression.


Kristine Petersen

A seasoned nonprofit leader, Kristine has dedicated her 20-year career to fostering strong connections and securing millions in funding for Milwaukee organizations. Driven by empathy and a desire to promote positive change, she now channels her expertise into the realm of film production. Despite residing primarily abroad, Kristine remains deeply connected to her Milwaukee roots, leveraging her skills in fundraising, donor relations and event management to create a groundbreaking film that benefits the community she holds dear.


Andrea Nordgren

A former Milwaukeean, Andrea is now a Colorado-based director, producer and writer. Her films include: A Song for Imogene, an award-winning narrative feature; Erased, a documentary feature; All Choked Up, Reed Gig and Ghost Town, all narrative shorts. She is developing several other films including Birds of a Feather, Double Jesus, Ploujet, and a series on women cinematographers. She recently directed and produced BTS/EPK on Rez Ball, a LeBron James film by Sydney Freeland and Sterling Harjo. Andrea is a former therapist and has been a lifelong ally and activist for underrepresented voices and stories, in front of and behind the lens.




Rooted Cast and Crew


Wisconsin and Milwaukee envelops our project like a warm hug, both in front of and behind the camera. To be pure in our stance, and show off Milwaukee's amazing pool of professional talent, we're excited to collaborate with folks who all currently work in the city, or started their careers here and are returning to contribute! Our team includes veterans of notable projects like Give Me Liberty and Small Town Wisconsin, as well as popular TV series The Bear and Top Chef, and will also include local artists, musicians and up-and-coming filmmaking students.


As we begin our journey casting our lead roles with your invaluable support, we're thrilled to announce the commitment of several key players. Elvis Thao, celebrated for his role in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, and known for his diverse, spirited, message-filled rock music will be playing Gibbs' best friend. WE're also delighted to welcome Angie Campbell who's impressive TV and film career includes Chicago Fire, and more recently Raymond and Ray starring alongside Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor.




Community Support


We are thrilled to support and receive support from the MKE community as we bring our project to life!


Filmmaking partnered with community-based care

For over 170 years, Wellpoint Care Network has been in the Milwaukee area on the front lines of confronting childhood trauma and providing compassionate resources through the heart and science of healing. Their model since 2017 has brought additional focus in trauma-informed care to successfully mitigate and heal children while addressing historical and past stresses. Our film production is proud to be partner with Wellpoint's expert team to provide impact through storytelling, while they provide professional crew training, script authenticity reviews and spaces for events and film screenings accessible to the community.


Early supporters who've joined the flock!

In addition to our partnership, we're proud to have local individuals, businesses and organizations on board in support, including: Bliffert Lumber, Toni's Moody Blues, Milwaukee figurehead Derek Mosley and Imagine MKE.




Current Team

Supporters

Followers

Incentives