Blood Rust is the fully formed introduction of a writer/director with a distinct and powerful voice. Dynamic direction and thoughtful cinematography will underscore a commanding script. Blood Rust grabs audiences by the throat and demands recognition. This vision is a force to be reckoned with.
Blood Rust is the fully formed introduction of a writer/director with a distinct and powerful voice. Dynamic direction and thoughtful cinematography will underscore a commanding script. Blood Rust grabs audiences by the throat and demands recognition. This vision is a force to be reckoned with.
in partnership with
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Story
Mission Statement
On all Brackish films, women comprise at least half the crew and people of color fill above the line leadership roles. We're proud to support and authentically represent Southern communities and we use our platform to support community empowerment organizations. We know rising tide lifts all boats.About The Project
Update 4/2/19
We hit our initial goal of $6,000 in just 2 weeks! The stunning support for this longtime dream creates a GAME-CHANGING opportunity to reach Blood Rust's full potential.
If you were intending to contribute, we still need your help!
Reaching our Gumption Goal of $10,000:
- Equips our high caliber script and team with the professional production value Blood Rust deserves, from camera gear to sound design to score.
- Amplifies our spotlight on the South's formidable talent with more top-tier film festival submissions.
- Empowers us to better support small businesses and local artists in our community.
Our resourceful team is used to making limited means go a long way. Just imagine what we can do with real resources. Let's make Blood Rust the knockout film it deserves to be.
Story
It’s been a year since Opal disappeared when she ambushes Joan at the library where Joan works. In a small town where gossip spreads like wildfire, Joan must bridle her volatile sister to prevent family secrets from destroying her hard-won reputation. Opal longs to reclaim their childhood bond, but old wounds still sting. Joan just wants Opal to apologize or leave. Quietly.
A cautionary fable about fractured sisterhood, Blood Rust is an unflinching but empathetic study of deeply faulted characters. It uproots stereotypes of Southern women, wading into moral discomfort with characters who blur the line between victim and perpetrator, selfishness and survival.
Characters
Tone
Blood Rust is both an indictment and a love letter to the Dirty South. It balances Southern Gothic theatricality (Tennessee Williams, Flannery O’Connor) with gritty realism (Wild, Winter’s Bone).
This photo, Amanda and Her Cousin Amy, Valdese, North Carolina, USA 1990 by Mary Ellen Mark, captures homeless girls in the American South.
The World of Blood Rust: Damascus, AL
The American South, paradoxically elemental and repressed, remains under-explored territory in film. Blood Rust speaks from an authentic, specific, Southern perspective. A survey of the fictional Damascus, Alabama, it looks beyond its characters to the environment that created them. With a story both locally true and universally resonant, Blood Rust explores the world of neglected and abused children, the ways they adapt, and the tragic cycle of trauma.
Incentives
$10
Start Yer Hollerin'
Thank you for contributing to our film! For supporting us, we want to show you a hearty shoutout on our social media (@brackishfilms).
Make sure to give us your Social Tag!!
$15
Blowin' Up a Storm Blood Rust Poster
Thank you! For your pledge, you'll receive a digital copy of the Blood Rust Poster, original artwork by Rando Dixon and graphic design by Jen West, along with our everlasting thanks on social media.
$20
The Nicest Thing We Ever Did See!
We appreciate your support! For your generosity, we'd like to send you a private link to view Blood Rust once the film is complete- before it is released to the public. And a special social media holler!
$25
Singing Her Praises
Thank you, thank you, thank you. To show our appreciation, we'd like to send you a digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," written by Hope Leigh for Blood Rust and recorded by local Atlantan singer, Hayden Crihfield- as heard on our Seed & Spark video! You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust and our everlasting thanks on social media.
$40
Mighty Fine! South Georgia Film Festival Pass
JUST 2 AVAILABLE. A full-festival pass to 2020's South Georgia Film Festival in Valdosta, GA (travel/accommodations not provided)! They're doing great work for Georgia filmmakers and we so appreciate their support. Learn more about them at southgeorgiafilm.com.
Includes:
-First serve access to all screenings during the festival
-Access to all panels and announced daily events
-Access to each day’s after-partyClaimed: 0 of 2
$45
She's Got Gumption! Blood Rust Inspiration Mix
In return for your contribution, you'll receive a digital music mix that writer/director Hope Leigh listened to when writing the script. You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," and our everlasting thanks on social media.
$60
Big Britches VIP Badge: South Georgia Film Festival
A $100 value! ONLY 2 AVAILABLE. VIP all-access passes to 2020's South Georgia Film Festival in Valdosta, GA (travel/accommodations not provided). They're doing great work for Georgia filmmakers and we so appreciate their support. Learn more about them at southgeorgiafilm.com.
Includes:
-First serve access to all screenings during the festival
-Access to all panels and announced daily events
-Access to the Festival Green Room with snacks and drinks where you can meet visiting filmmakers
-Your own South Georgia Film Festival t-shirt
-Admission to special events! 2019's festival included a Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) event featuring the Georgia Film Office, as well as a Georgia Beer Company after-party at which VIP pass holders received a collector's glass (and a free drink!)
-Access to the VIP area during after-parties
-And more not yet announced! (Badge perks for 2020 subject to change by South Georgia Film Festival)Claimed: 1 of 2
$70
Heavens to Betsy! Tarot Reading
A $90 value! A one-hour tarot reading with Jen West of Modern Mystic, in person in Atlanta or virtually! Jen has over twenty years experience working with the tarot as an intuitive reader. She has the ability to sense the energy around clients, along with spirit guide vibrations, to help them navigate their current environment and upcoming life events with the appropriate emotional tools.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$75
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, We're Yours
For your amazing pledge, you'll receive a signed poster by the cast and crew of Blood Rust. You'll also receive a private link to the film, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital copy of the poster, and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 3 of 10
$80
Sweet Home Alabama's Best: Sidewalk Film Festival Weekend Pass!
Thank you! For your amazing contribution, you will receive a Weekend Pass to the 21st Annual Sidewalk Film Festival in downtown Birmingham, Al ($100 Value).
The Weekend Pass includes:
- Opening Night Film at the Alabama Theatre
Opening Night After-Party with delicious food provided by Savoie Catering
All Saturday Films, including the Saturday Spotlight Film
All Sunday Films, including the Closing Night Film
Festival Dates: August 19th – 26th (travel/accommodations not provided)
You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Donated by The Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, LLC
Sold Out!
$100
I Do Declare! Special Thanks in Blood Rust
Thank you for your wonderful contribution! To say thank you, we'd like to include your name in our "Special Thanks" section of the film's credits. You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 18 of 30
$125
Invite to Exclusive Cast + Crew Screening Shindig!
In return for your generosity, we'd like to invite you to our private screening of Blood Rust (venue TBD in Atlanta, GA. Travel/accommodations not provided). Come experience the film with us for the first time, celebrate with us, and see your name on the big screen listed under Special Thanks in the film's credits! This also includes a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 2 of 10
$200
Woop It Up with a Comedy Writing Course
Come take an 8 Week Intro to Sketch Comedy Writing class with Michael Sokol ($250 value)!
In this 8-week course, you'll learn the fundamentals of writing comedy scenes, explore idea generation, and work to develop good writing discipline and habits. Writers will learn scene structure and editing techniques as well as explore writing in proper script formatting. While the writing will focus on sketch comedy writing techniques, the lessons are applicable to all forms of screenwriting. Sketch is a perfect compliment for improv actors wanting to improve their storytelling abilities and a great way to further comedic ideas generated through improvisation. The course ends with a staged reading, featuring a sketch written by each student. This course is a prerequisite to Michael Sokol's courses on Sitcom, Web Series, and more. Limit 2 students per course. Course offered every 3 months in Atlanta, GA. Offer limited to Atlanta, GA locals.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$385
Yonder Sipologist Experience
Join @thesipologist himself for a bourbon sipping session for you and a guest at @casitacontainer in Atlanta, GA (travel/accommodations not provided) on a warm spring or summer evening. Light appetizers provided. You'll also leave with a custom cocktail recipe created and named in your honor!
About your host: James Martin, also known as The Sipologist, is a documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Four x Productions living in Atlanta, Georgia. Combining his love for well-made cocktails and filmmaking, his directorial debut The New Orleans Sazerac was an award-winning short documentary about the history of the famous Southern drink. Shot on location in The Big Easy, The New Orleans Sazerac was featured at several 2016 U.S. film festivals, including the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the American Pavilion, as part of the Cannes Film Festival. It debuted online through The Bitter Southerner in 2017. His latest film, Being With Elephants, was filmed in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya in July 2018.
Sold Out!
$500
Well I Never! Associate Producer Credit
To thank you for your generosity, you'll receive special behind the scenes footage from Blood Rust, recognition from the Director at the film’s private screening (venue TBD in Atlanta, GA; Travel/accommodations not provided), a listing as Associate Producer in the film’s credits, and a page of the script signed by cast and crew!
You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 3 of 10
$1,000
As All Get Out! Executive Producer Credit + VIP Access to Set
An exclusive invitation to VISIT US ON SET, VIP seating & special recognition at the film’s private screening, as well as a listing as EXECUTIVE PRODUCER on film credits and on IMDB!
You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
(Dates for set visit and film's private screening TBD in Atlanta, GA; travel/accommodations not provided.)
Claimed: 2 of 5
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Start Yer Hollerin'
Thank you for contributing to our film! For supporting us, we want to show you a hearty shoutout on our social media (@brackishfilms).
Make sure to give us your Social Tag!!
$15
Blowin' Up a Storm Blood Rust Poster
Thank you! For your pledge, you'll receive a digital copy of the Blood Rust Poster, original artwork by Rando Dixon and graphic design by Jen West, along with our everlasting thanks on social media.
$20
The Nicest Thing We Ever Did See!
We appreciate your support! For your generosity, we'd like to send you a private link to view Blood Rust once the film is complete- before it is released to the public. And a special social media holler!
$25
Singing Her Praises
Thank you, thank you, thank you. To show our appreciation, we'd like to send you a digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," written by Hope Leigh for Blood Rust and recorded by local Atlantan singer, Hayden Crihfield- as heard on our Seed & Spark video! You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust and our everlasting thanks on social media.
$40
Mighty Fine! South Georgia Film Festival Pass
JUST 2 AVAILABLE. A full-festival pass to 2020's South Georgia Film Festival in Valdosta, GA (travel/accommodations not provided)! They're doing great work for Georgia filmmakers and we so appreciate their support. Learn more about them at southgeorgiafilm.com.
Includes:
-First serve access to all screenings during the festival
-Access to all panels and announced daily events
-Access to each day’s after-partyClaimed: 0 of 2
$45
She's Got Gumption! Blood Rust Inspiration Mix
In return for your contribution, you'll receive a digital music mix that writer/director Hope Leigh listened to when writing the script. You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," and our everlasting thanks on social media.
$60
Big Britches VIP Badge: South Georgia Film Festival
A $100 value! ONLY 2 AVAILABLE. VIP all-access passes to 2020's South Georgia Film Festival in Valdosta, GA (travel/accommodations not provided). They're doing great work for Georgia filmmakers and we so appreciate their support. Learn more about them at southgeorgiafilm.com.
Includes:
-First serve access to all screenings during the festival
-Access to all panels and announced daily events
-Access to the Festival Green Room with snacks and drinks where you can meet visiting filmmakers
-Your own South Georgia Film Festival t-shirt
-Admission to special events! 2019's festival included a Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) event featuring the Georgia Film Office, as well as a Georgia Beer Company after-party at which VIP pass holders received a collector's glass (and a free drink!)
-Access to the VIP area during after-parties
-And more not yet announced! (Badge perks for 2020 subject to change by South Georgia Film Festival)Claimed: 1 of 2
$70
Heavens to Betsy! Tarot Reading
A $90 value! A one-hour tarot reading with Jen West of Modern Mystic, in person in Atlanta or virtually! Jen has over twenty years experience working with the tarot as an intuitive reader. She has the ability to sense the energy around clients, along with spirit guide vibrations, to help them navigate their current environment and upcoming life events with the appropriate emotional tools.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$75
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, We're Yours
For your amazing pledge, you'll receive a signed poster by the cast and crew of Blood Rust. You'll also receive a private link to the film, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital copy of the poster, and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 3 of 10
$80
Sweet Home Alabama's Best: Sidewalk Film Festival Weekend Pass!
Thank you! For your amazing contribution, you will receive a Weekend Pass to the 21st Annual Sidewalk Film Festival in downtown Birmingham, Al ($100 Value).
The Weekend Pass includes:
- Opening Night Film at the Alabama Theatre
Opening Night After-Party with delicious food provided by Savoie Catering
All Saturday Films, including the Saturday Spotlight Film
All Sunday Films, including the Closing Night Film
Festival Dates: August 19th – 26th (travel/accommodations not provided)
You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Donated by The Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, LLC
Sold Out!
$100
I Do Declare! Special Thanks in Blood Rust
Thank you for your wonderful contribution! To say thank you, we'd like to include your name in our "Special Thanks" section of the film's credits. You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 18 of 30
$125
Invite to Exclusive Cast + Crew Screening Shindig!
In return for your generosity, we'd like to invite you to our private screening of Blood Rust (venue TBD in Atlanta, GA. Travel/accommodations not provided). Come experience the film with us for the first time, celebrate with us, and see your name on the big screen listed under Special Thanks in the film's credits! This also includes a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 2 of 10
$200
Woop It Up with a Comedy Writing Course
Come take an 8 Week Intro to Sketch Comedy Writing class with Michael Sokol ($250 value)!
In this 8-week course, you'll learn the fundamentals of writing comedy scenes, explore idea generation, and work to develop good writing discipline and habits. Writers will learn scene structure and editing techniques as well as explore writing in proper script formatting. While the writing will focus on sketch comedy writing techniques, the lessons are applicable to all forms of screenwriting. Sketch is a perfect compliment for improv actors wanting to improve their storytelling abilities and a great way to further comedic ideas generated through improvisation. The course ends with a staged reading, featuring a sketch written by each student. This course is a prerequisite to Michael Sokol's courses on Sitcom, Web Series, and more. Limit 2 students per course. Course offered every 3 months in Atlanta, GA. Offer limited to Atlanta, GA locals.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$385
Yonder Sipologist Experience
Join @thesipologist himself for a bourbon sipping session for you and a guest at @casitacontainer in Atlanta, GA (travel/accommodations not provided) on a warm spring or summer evening. Light appetizers provided. You'll also leave with a custom cocktail recipe created and named in your honor!
About your host: James Martin, also known as The Sipologist, is a documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Four x Productions living in Atlanta, Georgia. Combining his love for well-made cocktails and filmmaking, his directorial debut The New Orleans Sazerac was an award-winning short documentary about the history of the famous Southern drink. Shot on location in The Big Easy, The New Orleans Sazerac was featured at several 2016 U.S. film festivals, including the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the American Pavilion, as part of the Cannes Film Festival. It debuted online through The Bitter Southerner in 2017. His latest film, Being With Elephants, was filmed in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya in July 2018.
Sold Out!
$500
Well I Never! Associate Producer Credit
To thank you for your generosity, you'll receive special behind the scenes footage from Blood Rust, recognition from the Director at the film’s private screening (venue TBD in Atlanta, GA; Travel/accommodations not provided), a listing as Associate Producer in the film’s credits, and a page of the script signed by cast and crew!
You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
Claimed: 3 of 10
$1,000
As All Get Out! Executive Producer Credit + VIP Access to Set
An exclusive invitation to VISIT US ON SET, VIP seating & special recognition at the film’s private screening, as well as a listing as EXECUTIVE PRODUCER on film credits and on IMDB!
You'll also receive a private link to Blood Rust, an exclusive digital download of the original song "Come Sundown," a digital download of the Blood Rust Poster and our everlasting thanks on social media.
(Dates for set visit and film's private screening TBD in Atlanta, GA; travel/accommodations not provided.)
Claimed: 2 of 5
- Opening Night Film at the Alabama Theatre
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Hope Leigh Writer, Director, Actor (Opal)
An Alabama native, Hope received Tulane University’s Janice Torre Perky Award for Original Writing for her first play, Monopolis, which she also produced, directed, and in which she performed for her honors thesis. Blood Rust, Hope’s first screenplay, was a quarter-finalist at 2017’s Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition.Hope grew up onstage, performing in more than 30 productions before she turned 18. A proud SAG-AFTRA member, screen credits include national and regional commercials, major studio films and network television. Theatre highlights include Jessica in This Is Our Youth, Madame deTourvel in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and Penny in Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog.
Hope’s first narrative short film writer/director effort, My Lethal Weapon, in which she also performed, was an official selection at the (Academy Award®-qualifying) Atlanta Film Festival (2018), Sidewalk Film Festival (2018), and Chattanooga Film Festival (2018), among others.
April Billingsley Actor (Joan)
A native of Atlanta, April Billingsley is an actress that you might know from the star-studded cast of “Last Vegas” where she plays a supporting role opposite Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, and others; or from her recurring role as Barbara Langston in the ABC show, “Resurrection”. She has also appeared in “The Walking Dead”, "The Mentalist", "The Vampire Diaries”, “Constantine”, “Satisfaction" and "Drop Dead Diva.” Recently, she has been nominated for multiple, and won two best actress awards at various festivals for her starring role in the quirky independent feature, "The 12 Lives of Sissy Carlyle". Look for her next as she helms mysterious psychological thriller, “The Dark Red” directed by Dan Bush (The Signal). She is also one of the founding members of Atlanta based non-profit, "Act for a Change".
Chris Anthony Hamilton Director of Photography
Chris Anthony Hamilton is an award-winning Director and Cinematographer living in Atlanta, GA. With an education in film from Hofstra University, Chris honed his skills in New York City working with giants including Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Sesame Street and Ralph Lauren and has had the likes of such prolific people as Barack and Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey in front of his lens. His award-winning short films have screened at festivals internationally. Most recently he received the award for Best Director at the 2018 Black Women Film Network Short Film Festival. He may be most proud, though, of his eclectic karaoke repertoire which he’s happy to put on display at the wrap party.
Erin Day Production Designer
Erin began her journey into Film and TV in 2009 as an actress. She developed an interest in the production aspect and decided to venture behind the camera in 2014. Working as a Production Assistant on set and in office for 3 and a half years gave her the opportunity to build long-lasting connections and to learn the ins and outs of every department. Today Erin resides in Atlanta GA with her wife Lauren, their Yorkie Optimus Prime, and their Cat Dax. She is a proud member of the local 479 working as a Set Dresser & Props person. She is also still pursuing acting and is signed with Talent Direct Agency. In her downtime, she writes her own short films and has taken home two awards for her work as a writer. Her long term industry goal is to work as a Union Production Designer and/or Set Decorator.
Celisse Barrett Horse Wrangler, Stunt Coordinator
Celisse Barrett had been a performing on stage since she was 7 years old. She began her short professional music career which started at 14 when she attended Blake School of the Performing Arts, in Tampa Bay. She later turned her passion for horses into a profession and at 18 and signed on with Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Opportunities opened and received an offer to be a trick rider on a show for Walter Farley's Black Stallion Literacy Project. She went on hosting jousting tournaments while competing in the medieval skill games for Cavallo Equestrian Arts and performed for Cirque Ma’Ceo as a cossack rider. She's also been one of Austin Anderson's Texas Trick Riders. In 2009 she became a PATH intl instructor and began coaching those who needed adaptive and therapeutic services. She is the founder of Celisse's School of the Equestrian Arts 501c3 (CSEA) and creator and writer of Equestrian Chaos. She resides primarily in Mobile, Al, where she and her husband direct CSEA, an equestrian organization that serves over 600 special needs kids and adults each year. She trains all of her own horses and when they are not performing, whether they are used for film, circus or stunts, they are active, working therapy horses.
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