Buster Brooks, a naive farm boy moves to Hollywood with his pet rooster in order to make it in the movies and ultimately save the family farm.
Buster Brooks, a naive farm boy moves to Hollywood with his pet rooster in order to make it in the movies and ultimately save the family farm.
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Story
Mission Statement
As an artist, I like to tell feel-good stories. I believe that feel-good stories can inspire and touch many lives. In today's world and climate, these feel-good stories are needed more than ever. Buster Brooks combines inspirational storylines with comedy that will surely leave audiences smiling.About The Project
Buster Brooks, a young man who has spent his entire life on the farm where he grew up fosters lifelong aspirations of becoming an actor. After the threat of foreclosure means his family may lose the farm, he urgently sets out to LA for a potential big break, but finds the big city and the cutthroat industry a jarring culture shock he is not prepared for.
Hollywood has the power to change people. Will Hollywood change Buster, or will Buster change Hollywood?
Hi! My name is Savannah Ostler, and I’m the writer/director of the upcoming feature film “Buster Brooks”.
I am drawn to feel-good, inspiring movies as well as hilarious comedies. "Buster Brooks" combines both. The dream of packing your bags and moving to Hollywood is universal, and I drew from my personal experiences in this story. I share the realities of moving to LA with both grit and humor.
My love for storytelling found me at a very early age. As a kid growing up in the 90’s, I was captivated by the Disney renaissance movies, particularly The Lion King and Beauty and The Beast. I became so obsessed with these movies that I wore out the VHS tapes. Even at just five years old, I knew I wasn’t just a fan. From that day forward, I knew I wanted to be involved in the movies and tell stories for the screen.
- Savannah Ostler, Age five surrounded with her Lion King collection
I believe that there is something magical about finding your dream at such a young age. And I have been pursuing that dream ever since.
In the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to produce and direct two feature films that I wrote. Those films are called “Twice The Dream” and “Even In Dreams”.
My third feature films is called “Buster Brooks”, and it’s my most ambitious and exciting project yet!
At its core, “Buster Brooks” is a fish-out of water comedy filled to the brim with both absurdist humor and physical comedy. It doesn’t hold back. The tone pays homage to the classic western films and shows like “The Beverly Hillbillies”.
The story of Buster Brooks is both nostalgic and current. It tells the story of the realities of coming to Hollywood from an incredibly optimistic and naive perspective of a young farm boy and his rooster, Edgar. Hilarious hijinx unfolds, tied neatly together with genuine themes of grief, family, and dreams.
There is something universal about the dream of packing up your bags and moving to Hollywood. I made the big move from my small town in Utah to Los Angeles at the impressionable age of 20. I quickly learned that I was just a tiny fish among the sea of dreamers who packed up their bags and made the same move as I had. During my time there, I experienced many wacky and out of this world situations and met many interesting and colorful people. These experiences inspired me to write the story for Buster Brooks.... and it's a story that I have been hooked on ever since!
- Savannah Ostler in Hollywood, 2011
Over the course of my time as a young dreamer in LA, I experienced countless adventures, fun times, but also many hardships, struggles, and pure heartbreak. Many such memories and experiences stuck with me and helped not only shape me into the artist I am today, but myself as a person.
There's a reason why Hollywood intrigues people from around the world. I myself was mesmorized by its golden history, opportunity, and glitz and glamour. I had always imagined Hollywood to be a certain place- like how they show it in the movies. Upon my arrival, I quickly learned that the Hollywood that I imagined had only been in my mind. It might have existed once.... but not anymore.
- Savannah Ostler in Hollywood, 2011
Hollywood is certainly not for the faint of heart. It can chew you up and spit you right out. Everday, there are hundredss of hopefuls making the move from their small towns to pursue the chance to be on the silver screen. Everyday, there is also hundreds of jaded artists who have given up and are hopping on the bus back to their hometown, with nothing but bitter hearts and broken dreams.
During my years of purusing my dreams in Los Angeles, I experienced ups, downs, and everything in between. These experiences have stuck onto my heart and compelled me to tell this story. While the story of "Buster Brooks" is fictional, many of Buster's shenanigans in Hollywood actually happened to me. There were certain situations that I found myself in that one coulld simply not make up. In developing these scenes and crafting a screenplay around these experiences, the character of "Buster Brooks" came to me at random. Once I imagined him, I instantly knew who he was and where he came from. I knew him inside and out because I was him.
That's not to say that I don't still relate to his character. On the whole, I very much do. But I drew inspiration for Buster's character from myself as I was when I first stepped into Hollywood.
Buster is a farmboy from a small town. He adores his family, his beloved pet
rooster named Edgar, and he holds tight to his Hollywood dreams. Buster is idealistic, a
dreamer, and a hard worker.
Put simply: Buster is an All-American farm boy with BIG Hollywood dreams. He never realizes
how "different" and quirky he is- but that's what makes him unique. He is unapologetically
himself, even when thrust in the middle of Hollywood. He holds tight to his values and moral
compass.Knowing who Buster's character was, the screenplay practically wrote itself. I couldn't get it out there fast enough.
Hollywood has a way of changing people. That's the main theme of this movie- will Hollywood change Buster, or will he change those around him and in so, Hollywood itself?
Let's face it- the past few years have been rough on all of us. That being said, we can all use a laugh! Buster Brooks has comedy for everyone! During our test table reads, it was not uncommon for people from all walks of life to fall into bursts of gut-busting laughter.
It's time to make people laugh again. It's time to have fun with a movie and completely escape from the world. That's what we want to bring to audiences.
Hollywood itself has certainly changed over the years. It is changing now. We would like to ecnourage a positive change to the entertainment industry by providing a feel-good, gut-busting laughter type of movie that pays homage to the Hollywood golden era. This has never been as relevant and timely as it is today.
- Savannah and Steve attend the theatrical premiere of their film "Even In Dreams", 2021
My first two feature films, "Twice The Dream" and "Even In Dreams" premiered theatrically and have found their way in inspiring audiences. This is such a joy to me as a filmmaker. Although the indie filmmaking process is a brutal one, there is simply nothing more rewarding for me. I feel I have grown so much not only as a storyteller, but a filmmaker since those two films and I truly believe that this movie will be my "piece de resistance", because I am working with an incredible team!!
- Savannah and Steve on set of their film "Even In Dreams", 2020
Our team consists of people that I have known for over half my life and have years of film indsutry experience under their belts. I feel truly lucky to have them be a part of the team and watch how the story of "Buster Brooks" uniquely affects them. We are a team that LOVE movies- but love making movies even more!
- Savannah and Mario on the set of Twice The Dream, 2018
- BTS of "Even In Dreams", 2020
- BTS of "Even In Dreams", Savannah directing Monica Moore Smith
- Candid BTS of "Even In Dreams", 2020
- Savannah and Steve on the set of "Twice The Dream", 2018
- Savannah working with the actors on the set of "Twice The Dream", 2018
- Production still of actors Kaden Caldwell and Monica Moore Smith in "Even In Dreams", 2020
- Savannah and Steve on the set of "Twice The Dream", 2018
- Savannah and Mario on the set of "Twice The Dream", 2018
- Savannah works with actors Steve "Warky" Nunez and Monica Moore Smith on "Even In Dreams", 2020
- Savannah and Steve on the set of "Twice The Dream", 2018
- BTS of Savannah working on the set of "Even In Dreams", 2020
- Tony Toscano, Alison Arngrim, Savannah Ostler, and Nathan Osmond visit ABC4 to promote "Even In Dreams", 2021
- Savannah and Steve at the "Even In Dreams" premiere, 2021
- Nathan Osmond and cast signing posters for fans at the "Even In Dreams" Premiere, 2021
- Savannah Ostler with cast members Tanner Gillman and Monica Moore Smith at the premiere of "Even In Dreams", 2021
- The lobby at the "Even In Dreams" Premiere, after the screening, 2021
- Savannah Ostler and Dallas Ashton at the "Even In Dreams" premiere, 2021
- Savannah signs a theatrical poster at the premiere of "Even In Dreams", 2021
- Savannah and Steve at the Arizona premiere of their film "Even In Dreams", 2021
- Tony Toscano, Savannah Ostler, and Alison Arngrim at the "Even In Dreams" Premiere, 2021
- Savannah Ostler and Dallas Ashton at the DVD release party of "Even In Dreams", 2021
- Savannah with both of her films at the DVD release party, 2021
Just like the character of Buster Brooks, we have big dreams of filmmaking. However, making movies can be costly, there is no denying that fact.
I love our local film community and inso, love having the community involved.
In order to bring the story of Buster Brooks to life, we will need your help. To thank you for your support, we are offering fun and unique perks that are exclusive to our backers! We want you to be involved in the project!
We cannot wait to share Buster's journey with you. The story has something for everyone- humor, family, dreams, romance, and adventure. Thank you for taking the time to find out about our project!
Currently, we are in the early process of pre-production. We have a locked script, shooting schedule, and several interested distributors lined up.
Once we get the green light, we will officically continue with pre-production and lock shooting dates, cast, crew, and locations. Depending on if we meet our crowdfunding goal, our plan is to start shooting this summer!
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Current Team
About This Team
Savannah has a wealth of experience in many facets of the film industry including directing, writing, acting, and producing. She has worked on and appeared in feature films, television shows, commercials, and radio appearances. Although a Utah native, she has worked for years in Los Angeles with many "heavyweights" in the industry including, Danny Trejo, Zac Efron, Danny Glover, and Don Hahn("Beauty & The Beast," "The Lion King").It was the skills and experience that she gained in Los Angeles that paved the way to her directing the feature film "Twice The Dream". She not only directed the film, but also wrote, produced, and co-starred in the film. The movie had a successful theatrical run across Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and California through different theaters, with a DVD/VOD distribution deal that followed. Savannah's directorial debut had proved to be acclaimed by both critics and audiences alike. Film and television critic Tony Toscano of Talking Pictures stated that "Twice The Dream is an inspirational film with a lot of heart", and Stephanie Manova of Deseret News stated that the film is "Uplifting, and gave me all the feels."
In 2021, Ostler went on to direct her second feature film, called "Even In Dreams" starring "Little House On The Prairie" star Alison Arngrim, Monica Moore Smith, and Nathan Osmond. Similar to her first film, Savannah also wrote and co-starred in the film. It was distributed theatrically through Purdie Films, across many states in the US including Utah, Arizona, California, Washington, and Oklahoma. The film was widely adored by audiences, receiving a 96% Audience Rotten Tomatoes score on its opening weekend. Currently, Ostler's second film "Even In Dreams" is an official selection in the 22nd annual Zions Indie Film Fest and will screen at that festival in March 2023. It has also secured worldwide sales representation by Koan, Inc and will be streaming on various platforms worldwide later this year.
In addition to feature films, Savannah has written and directed several commercials, including a big spot for the well-known ad agency Harmon Brothers. Miss Ostler strives to be one of the next generations' "heavyweight" writer/directors and ultimately wishes to be an inspiration to arists of all ages.
Savannah owns and operates S&S Productions, a production company with her husband Steven D'Alo.
Steve graduated from California State University, Long Beach, from their esteemed film program. Since graduating, Steve has demonstrated a wealth of experience through his work at Trailer Park, one of the Industry's top Ad Agencies, Comen VFX, and Osiris Entertainment. His experience in cinematography, advertising, vidsual effects, Post-Production, and Distribution have proven to be a valuable asset. He has earned credits in such films as Gods of Egypt, and Hot Pursuit.
Steve has been known as the "Jack of All Trades" as far as film production goes. He has been gifted with the eye of an editor with the ability to serve the actors, director, and story in the editing room.
Tony Toscano is a nationally recognized movie critic and film historian who has been reviewing films for over 4 decades. Tony grew up in Southern California, just outside Los Angeles.
While attending Jr. High School, Toscano began writing a weekly movie review column for his school paper. Directly because of his weekly column, Tony was asked to write a film review column for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Always interested in television and film, it's no surprise Tony's first job was a disc jockey at his hometown radio station and began to review films and interview celebrities as a regular feature of his radio show and "Talking Pictures" was born.
Moving from Los Angeles to Utah to co-host a morning radio show on Utah's KABE FM 107, his film reviews were heard once a week and became a staple of the popular morning program.
Toscano began taking live calls from listeners and discussing current movies.
In 1996 Tony made the jump from radio and newspapers to television as the film critic on CBS in Salt Lake City, and then to KJZZ TV where he hosted the popular "Movie Review Show" and then his own production, "Talking Pictures."
In 2002 Tony was honored with his first Emmy Award for his program. In 2007 Toscano received his 2nd Emmy.
Taking his award winning program coast to coast, Toscano has been able to syndicate Talking Pictures to over 65 million households around the USA and in nearly 120 countries worldwide.
In May of 2008 "Talking Pictures" moved to ABC-4 and Utah's CW-30.
Toscano is also the film reviewer and entertainment guru for ABC-4's "Good Morning Utah" and "Midday."
Additionally, Tony is heard on a number of radio stations across the US, including I Heart Radio's top- rated "Morning Zoo with Frankie and Jess" on 97.1 ZHT in Salt Lake City, where his reviews have been heard for nearly 2 decades.
His fellow reviewers regard Tony as "one of the country's best celebrity interviewers." As his in-depth conversations with such notable stars as George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Angelina Jolie, Robin Williams, Steven Spielberg, Gwyneth Paltrow and Denzel Washington show a different and more relaxed side of celebrities.
In 2006 Toscano co-hosted the acclaimed series "Hot Topics" for Atlanta's ABC affiliate WSB TV.
Working with Utah students in apprenticeships and internship programs, Tony is instrumental in instructing qualified and deserving students in the art of television production.
Tony Toscano is member in good standing of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), a former board member of the Salt Lake City Film Center and the founder of the Utah Film Critics Society.
When not previewing, reviewing or interviewing Tony can be found somewhere in the mountains of Utah stream fishing or at his BBQ.
Since the early 90’s, Carolyn thought her dream was to stay in the forefront of real estate as a successful closer, teacher, tool developer, while managing the company’s growth. She was successful year after year and influenced several key laws and marketing techniques used today, 28 years later. After a health scare in 2011, her goals changed; Carolyn made a conscious effort to re-design her life to incorporate more of the arts and explore her theatricalinterests.
In 2006, Carolyn started her professional acting career and has appeared in over 50 film, television, and theatre productions. In 2014, Carolyn began executive producing, incorporating her savvy business sense in all aspects of the film industry, including concept development, financing, and business law. She has advanced skills in sponsorship allocation, media coverage, location scouting and liaison relations. Carolyn is the acting President and CEO of Iris Entertainment, LLC. Carolyn (Crow) Koskan graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in BA: Speech Communication and a BS: Business. After learning from the best, a subsidiary of IBM in Dallas Tx, she relocated to Northern Utah and expanded her interest into Koskan Real Estate, and owns Professional Mortgage, operating to date, alongside Iris Entertainment.
“My life’s work is like a family tree; Each branch brings unique balance, shape and strength, bearing fruits of my love.” Carolyn KoskanMcCord Larsen is an award-winning screenwriter and producer with over a decade of experience in film and television production. He started his film production career in 2008 as a Production Assistant and has worked his way up to become a Producer, with a wide range of experience in corporate, film, television, and commercial production. Which includes collaborating with a team of writers, directors, editors, and actors to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality. He is fluent in Spanish and has been focusing on developing film and television content that caters to both English and Spanish markets.
Currently, McCord Larsen has multiple projects in development, which includes new TV shows, movies, comic books, and documentaries. He has been involved in the entire production process from ideation to distribution.With his extensive experience in the industry and a passion for producing engaging and thought-provoking content, McCord Larsen is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in film and television. He is constantly looking for new and exciting opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and bring fresh and innovative ideas to the screen.
Cameron was born in Melbourne, Australia and is a resident of Geelong, Victoria.
He began the journey of The Shaun Miller Foundation in 2015 after watching
his only child and beloved son Shaun pass away in his arms from Childhood
Congenital Heart Disease CHD in 2012. Shaun was a double Heart Transplant
recipient and became a hero to the Cardiac Kid’s when he embraced CHD
Heart Ambassador of the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Australia
the first cardiac child in the hospitals 149 year history. Cameron entered show
business / film industry at the age of 15 auditioning at NIDA National Institute
of Dramatic Art. At the age of 19, he was advised to get some more life experience.
Working hard on the fringes of the film industry as a bit part player actor,
he learnt the hard way that acting wasn’t for him. Cameron always knew to surround yourself
with successful people and learnt from the best close friends- icon Actor
Charles “Bud” Tingwell O.A.M and Australia’s leading film distributor
Alan Finney O.A.M. He completed an intense course in film making
in Melbourne with LA Producer and film educator / line producer, Dov Simens,
who launched the careers of Quentin Tarantino, Chris Nolan and Guy Richie.
Cameron produced two Australian classic films ‘YESTERDAY'S HERO‘
and ‘GROOMLESS BRIDE‘ and worked on a screenplay with Bud Tingwell
for 12 years titled ‘SECOND DRILL‘ Buds first direction position in his long
and successful film career but sadly passing away before release in May 2009
to the prestigious honor of a Victorian State funeral. Verdict Film Groups
first distribution was for the South Australian Film Corporation ‘SHOT OF LOVE’
2006 and after gaining extensive knowledge in distribution, he spent time
in the heart of Hollywood where he created connections and became good friends
with some of the leading Studio Producers and major acting Agents in L.A
ICM and Voltage Pictures. The Verdict motto is simple, "Great films take time".
Theodore Stump is a film producer with a journalism background. As an avid movie fan all of his life, he studied cinema at CAL State University Northridge. Theodore was an executive producer on Savannah and Steve's latest film, "Even In Dreams" and he is excited to be working with the team once more to help bring "Buster Brooks" to life.
Mr. Stump has an extensive list of producing credits, including "The Hostage", "Something In The Woods", "Hellvira on the Run", "It Is Clean", "Amityville Karen", and of course, "Even In Dreams".
A Lehi, Utah native, Dallas' love for film began at age 7 when the vast majority of cover art within the video store caught his eye. He began observing and acting out all of his favorite scenes from various films.
He then began taking professional acting classes from Anne Sward Hansen. He soon met Savannah in said acting class and they have been friends ever since.
Since then, Dallas has acted in several stage productions, commercials and feature films, including "Limbo", "Maria"(Working Title), "Twice The Dream", and "Even In Dreams". He also served as a producer on both films and has been working with Savannah and Steve since the inception of S&S Productions.
Working at Cinemark Theatres as a manager for four years, Dallas developed a feel for what works with audiences in terms of storytelling and marketing.
Mario has been Producing/Directing since 2001 in Utah and has accumulated over 450 IMDB credits during his travels. On Mario's resume is his first feature "Friend Request" Co-Directed with Jason Falasco and starred Anthony Michael Hall.
Mario first met Savannah when she was his student in film production class at East Hollywood high School. As fate would have it, they stayed in contact over the years and Savannah reached out to him to hire him as her 1st AD on not only her first feature "Twice The Dream", but every directorial project she has had to date.
Mario brings to the team a never give up, never surrender attitude and will lead the team into the trenches with a "Whatever It Takes" drive and determination. His project managing and 1st AD experience will be vital as the team conquers this exciting yet ambitious project.
Chad Wright is an implementer of high profile productions, film executive, actor, presenter and TV personality. He excels in creative thinking and brand building in order to deliver what studio executives, directors, and producers want. Before he began working in film, he was an executive at a marketing firm.
Mr. Wright has seen Buster Brook's potential from the beginning and is dedicated to the project. With his consultation and marketing expertise, he will help the team shape the film into a commercially marketable finished product that can gain the attention of mainstream audiences worlwide.
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