Dauntless and the Demigod
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Action, Fantasy
[The last of a line of sworn protectors must face off against a demigod in single combat to prove their valor.] Dauntless and the Demigod is a fantasy sword fighting film set in the world of Olladra.
Dauntless and the Demigod
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Action, Fantasy
3 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,050 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
73 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
[The last of a line of sworn protectors must face off against a demigod in single combat to prove their valor.] Dauntless and the Demigod is a fantasy sword fighting film set in the world of Olladra.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I fell in love with sword fighting as a audience member of live theatre. Though as an artist I love being in front of the camera. I want to bring the beauty I see in a staged sword fight to a film audience. That's to say a modernized story with swordplay that's allowed to breath.
Dauntless will have the classic sword fight style of The Princess Bride but the mood of Game of Thrones. Dauntless and the Demigod will be a cinematic short no longer than 5 minutes. The film will be shot on one day, one location, two actors, and a crew. Production funds will go to paying cast, crew, equipment, and pre-production labor. Pre-production costs include the choreography and rehearsal of an intricate sword fight as well as the crafting of character specific blades, armor, and set pieces.
The film is to be a calling card for the future creation of feature films in the fantasy action genre. My goal is to reignite the appetite in audience members for action films that have more heart and depth than those we're being marketed today. I want to connect with the genre film audience and present questions that are socieally relevant but take time in the reflection of these questions. The current pop-culture action films rush back to spectacle and quick cuts rather than let us as the audience sit with the big questions presented. It's time to change that.
As this is a sword fighting film the fight will be front and center, and the production is insured for safety. I have been sword fighting theatrically for 15 years and our Fight Coordinator, Mary Spohn is the owner of the oldest stunt fighting studio in Burbank, CA. We also have many more talented artists who are making this dream a reality. Please check out their bios here or by using The Team link above!
Isolation, greed, and disease tear apart the fabric of civilization in the land of Olladra. The Guilded Reaper, a hidden organization, is to blame. Desperate to save life as they know it, the last of a line of sworn protectors seek help to fight back. Armed with a bit of magic, a sword, and desperation, they find themselves looking for a companion in the last place they'd ever expect.
Below you will find the production timeline.
My goal is to complete this film by December 2023 in which you will receive a private online link to the film. Incentives like shout outs on social media or social media icons will be given out within 72 hours of your contribution. The online swords class and some behind the scenes incentives will be delivered during the months of post production. All other incentives will be delivered when the final film is provided in December. You will be contacted on the delivery of your incentives via email.
Note that I will also be providing you continual updates of how Dauntless and the Demigod is progressing throughtout production and beyond :-) This is your project too and I will not leave you in the dark!
March -> Crowdfunding
April through June -> Pre-production
July -> Day of shoot
August through November -> Post-production
December 2023 -> Crowdfunder Premiere!
2024 and Beyond -> Film festival circuit
Above you will notice that we have two stretch goals! Funding amounts and stretch incentives will be revealed when our journey brings us to these sign posts ;-)
- Post Production: This goal is to pay for our talented artists who will bring the world to life through editing, visual effects, sound, and color. If we surpass our original production goal and can complete this goal it will help push Dauntless and the Demigod into a truly fantastical realm!
- Film Festivals: The second stretch goal is to help this film really fly as it allows us to get eyeballs on what we've all created! Film festival submissions are not cheap and it's a numbers game, the costs add up quick. Additionally it's better if a representative is also at the festival to help further the momentum of the film and thus travel and boarding costs are also included in this goal.
Regarding Safety
As we are all trying to stay safe in this time of COVID 19 proof of vaccination will be mandatory for all cast and crew before the day of production.
- Share this blurb, campaign link, and photo on your social media!(+5 honor bonus): The Princess Bride + Game of Thrones = Dauntless and the Demigod! It's a short film that I'm helping make, join me on the adventure! Check out the campaign here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/dauntless-and-the-demigod
- Share our Instagram handle @ParryRiposteProductions to a friend who loves fantasy or action films in a DM! Tell them why you're taking part in this journey with us and ask them to do the same!(+5 courage bonus)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment
Costs $1,100
Everything from butterflies and apple boxes, to minor set dressings and outdoor tents.
Cast & Crew
Costs $4,000
Making sure the creative team gets a paycheck!
Locations Rental
Costs $1,100
Funds for location permits and rental.
Props & Costumes
Costs $1,500
Any good action/fantasy film needs some iconic armor and blades crafted for the actors.
Craft Services
Costs $300
Artists have to eat!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Casey Lloyd - Writer, Director, & Actor
Casey received his bachelors in Theatre from the University of Colorado. Casey has trained in swordplay and stunts with the Society of American Fight Directors, the United Stuntmen's Association, and Swordplay LA. He has also used his experiences as an actor to train countless others in scene study at PEAK Acting Studios.
Erin Zellers - Cinematographer
Erin grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado where she spent most of her time at dance and acting classes; both theatre and film, as well as diving into photography; specifically portraiture. She went to college in Savannah, Georgia where she continued her love for the arts with a major in Film and Television and a minor in Performing Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design. During her time there, she discovered her deep appreciation for cinematography and took every camera class that was offered including advanced lighting, digital and analog film cinematography, and Steadicam. She now resides in Atlanta and works in the industry professionally as a camera assistant in Local 600 as well as still training in acting on the side. Her goal is to one day be a Director of Photography and therefore enjoys making non union shorts with friends and coworkers as she chases her aspirations.
.png)
Mary Spohn - Fight Coordinator
Mary is the owner of Swordplay LA and has over 20 years of experience in fencing, earning multiple national medals and a NCAA Division 1 fencing scholarship. She has worked as a stunt actor, fight choreographer, and trainer, specializing in onscreen swords and fencing fight choreography. Mary has trained A-List celebrity talent, Academy Award winning actors, Olympic athletes, and child film/television stars, and is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all actors, especially women, to feel confident on screen. She has a collaborative and adaptable approach to her training sessions and work on sets. Mary's fencing mastery and athletic background inform her training style, which is based on the fundamentals of realistic blade work and believable combat. Mary's style is a unique blend of old and the new, where tradition meets the contemporary.
Kent Nabor - VFX Artist
Kent is a Motion Graphics and Visual Effects Artist that has worked with several prominent names, such as Netflix and Twitch. Working under Butcher Bird Studios, Kent has found himself wearing different hats; 3D modelling, virtual set-dressing, compositing and matte-painting for commercials and films. Kent also brings his experience from a multitude of interactive live virtual productions, which utilizes a number of tried-and-true VFX staples with new techniques to fully encapsulate actors into interactive environments, which even the viewing audience have been able to affect. We're excited to have Kent on-board in this landscape of evolving technology.
Thomas Cassetta - Sound Mixer
Thomas is a Production Sound Mixer, Supervising Sound Editor, and Re-recording Mixer who has enjoyed over 26 years’ experience bringing ideas to life through the invisible art of sound. Mr. Cassetta has enjoyed a creative fellowship and friendship with Mr. Lloyd for two decades and looks forward to crafting the sonic world of “Dauntless and the Demigod.”
Jesse Giovanni - Costume Designer
Jesse is an actor, prop maker, and engineer. Jesse was born in Denver Colorado and started acting in the early 90s. He then transitioned to more film from theater in 2001. Jesse Started his prop career in 2015 and has made tons of professional costumes as well as different props and designs to help film sets.
Jesse is known for short film projects such as Sirona (2021), Dragonball Universe (2021), Deceased and Deranged (2017), Under Pressure (2015)
Outside of his acting profession, Jesse loves reading, 3d printing, and extreme sports where he has competed in different competitions in aggressive rollerblading and snowboarding.
Alexander Arntzen - Film Composer
Alexander is an award winning Film Composer & Singer/Songwriter of multiple genres, styles, and mediums. His latest projects include original music for feature films Last Man Down (Netflix Top 10 Movies), Initiation (2020 SXSW Film Festival), & Unmothered (HBO Max). He has also enjoyed being an integral part of doing additional music on 3 Animated TV Series including one Original for Netflix.
During the Summer of 2010 Alexander was honored to accept an internship with Hans Zimmer. In the Summer of 2013 Alexander had the privilege of interning for Danny Elfman and assist with transcribing scores for his concert, "Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton".
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I fell in love with sword fighting as a audience member of live theatre. Though as an artist I love being in front of the camera. I want to bring the beauty I see in a staged sword fight to a film audience. That's to say a modernized story with swordplay that's allowed to breath.
Dauntless will have the classic sword fight style of The Princess Bride but the mood of Game of Thrones. Dauntless and the Demigod will be a cinematic short no longer than 5 minutes. The film will be shot on one day, one location, two actors, and a crew. Production funds will go to paying cast, crew, equipment, and pre-production labor. Pre-production costs include the choreography and rehearsal of an intricate sword fight as well as the crafting of character specific blades, armor, and set pieces.
The film is to be a calling card for the future creation of feature films in the fantasy action genre. My goal is to reignite the appetite in audience members for action films that have more heart and depth than those we're being marketed today. I want to connect with the genre film audience and present questions that are socieally relevant but take time in the reflection of these questions. The current pop-culture action films rush back to spectacle and quick cuts rather than let us as the audience sit with the big questions presented. It's time to change that.
As this is a sword fighting film the fight will be front and center, and the production is insured for safety. I have been sword fighting theatrically for 15 years and our Fight Coordinator, Mary Spohn is the owner of the oldest stunt fighting studio in Burbank, CA. We also have many more talented artists who are making this dream a reality. Please check out their bios here or by using The Team link above!
Isolation, greed, and disease tear apart the fabric of civilization in the land of Olladra. The Guilded Reaper, a hidden organization, is to blame. Desperate to save life as they know it, the last of a line of sworn protectors seek help to fight back. Armed with a bit of magic, a sword, and desperation, they find themselves looking for a companion in the last place they'd ever expect.
Below you will find the production timeline.
My goal is to complete this film by December 2023 in which you will receive a private online link to the film. Incentives like shout outs on social media or social media icons will be given out within 72 hours of your contribution. The online swords class and some behind the scenes incentives will be delivered during the months of post production. All other incentives will be delivered when the final film is provided in December. You will be contacted on the delivery of your incentives via email.
Note that I will also be providing you continual updates of how Dauntless and the Demigod is progressing throughtout production and beyond :-) This is your project too and I will not leave you in the dark!
March -> Crowdfunding
April through June -> Pre-production
July -> Day of shoot
August through November -> Post-production
December 2023 -> Crowdfunder Premiere!
2024 and Beyond -> Film festival circuit
Above you will notice that we have two stretch goals! Funding amounts and stretch incentives will be revealed when our journey brings us to these sign posts ;-)
- Post Production: This goal is to pay for our talented artists who will bring the world to life through editing, visual effects, sound, and color. If we surpass our original production goal and can complete this goal it will help push Dauntless and the Demigod into a truly fantastical realm!
- Film Festivals: The second stretch goal is to help this film really fly as it allows us to get eyeballs on what we've all created! Film festival submissions are not cheap and it's a numbers game, the costs add up quick. Additionally it's better if a representative is also at the festival to help further the momentum of the film and thus travel and boarding costs are also included in this goal.
Regarding Safety
As we are all trying to stay safe in this time of COVID 19 proof of vaccination will be mandatory for all cast and crew before the day of production.
- Share this blurb, campaign link, and photo on your social media!(+5 honor bonus): The Princess Bride + Game of Thrones = Dauntless and the Demigod! It's a short film that I'm helping make, join me on the adventure! Check out the campaign here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/dauntless-and-the-demigod
- Share our Instagram handle @ParryRiposteProductions to a friend who loves fantasy or action films in a DM! Tell them why you're taking part in this journey with us and ask them to do the same!(+5 courage bonus)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment
Costs $1,100
Everything from butterflies and apple boxes, to minor set dressings and outdoor tents.
Cast & Crew
Costs $4,000
Making sure the creative team gets a paycheck!
Locations Rental
Costs $1,100
Funds for location permits and rental.
Props & Costumes
Costs $1,500
Any good action/fantasy film needs some iconic armor and blades crafted for the actors.
Craft Services
Costs $300
Artists have to eat!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Casey Lloyd - Writer, Director, & Actor
Casey received his bachelors in Theatre from the University of Colorado. Casey has trained in swordplay and stunts with the Society of American Fight Directors, the United Stuntmen's Association, and Swordplay LA. He has also used his experiences as an actor to train countless others in scene study at PEAK Acting Studios.
Erin Zellers - Cinematographer
Erin grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado where she spent most of her time at dance and acting classes; both theatre and film, as well as diving into photography; specifically portraiture. She went to college in Savannah, Georgia where she continued her love for the arts with a major in Film and Television and a minor in Performing Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design. During her time there, she discovered her deep appreciation for cinematography and took every camera class that was offered including advanced lighting, digital and analog film cinematography, and Steadicam. She now resides in Atlanta and works in the industry professionally as a camera assistant in Local 600 as well as still training in acting on the side. Her goal is to one day be a Director of Photography and therefore enjoys making non union shorts with friends and coworkers as she chases her aspirations.
Mary Spohn - Fight Coordinator
Mary is the owner of Swordplay LA and has over 20 years of experience in fencing, earning multiple national medals and a NCAA Division 1 fencing scholarship. She has worked as a stunt actor, fight choreographer, and trainer, specializing in onscreen swords and fencing fight choreography. Mary has trained A-List celebrity talent, Academy Award winning actors, Olympic athletes, and child film/television stars, and is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all actors, especially women, to feel confident on screen. She has a collaborative and adaptable approach to her training sessions and work on sets. Mary's fencing mastery and athletic background inform her training style, which is based on the fundamentals of realistic blade work and believable combat. Mary's style is a unique blend of old and the new, where tradition meets the contemporary.
Kent Nabor - VFX Artist
Kent is a Motion Graphics and Visual Effects Artist that has worked with several prominent names, such as Netflix and Twitch. Working under Butcher Bird Studios, Kent has found himself wearing different hats; 3D modelling, virtual set-dressing, compositing and matte-painting for commercials and films. Kent also brings his experience from a multitude of interactive live virtual productions, which utilizes a number of tried-and-true VFX staples with new techniques to fully encapsulate actors into interactive environments, which even the viewing audience have been able to affect. We're excited to have Kent on-board in this landscape of evolving technology.
Thomas Cassetta - Sound Mixer
Thomas is a Production Sound Mixer, Supervising Sound Editor, and Re-recording Mixer who has enjoyed over 26 years’ experience bringing ideas to life through the invisible art of sound. Mr. Cassetta has enjoyed a creative fellowship and friendship with Mr. Lloyd for two decades and looks forward to crafting the sonic world of “Dauntless and the Demigod.”
Jesse Giovanni - Costume Designer
Jesse is an actor, prop maker, and engineer. Jesse was born in Denver Colorado and started acting in the early 90s. He then transitioned to more film from theater in 2001. Jesse Started his prop career in 2015 and has made tons of professional costumes as well as different props and designs to help film sets.
Jesse is known for short film projects such as Sirona (2021), Dragonball Universe (2021), Deceased and Deranged (2017), Under Pressure (2015)
Outside of his acting profession, Jesse loves reading, 3d printing, and extreme sports where he has competed in different competitions in aggressive rollerblading and snowboarding.
Alexander Arntzen - Film Composer
Alexander is an award winning Film Composer & Singer/Songwriter of multiple genres, styles, and mediums. His latest projects include original music for feature films Last Man Down (Netflix Top 10 Movies), Initiation (2020 SXSW Film Festival), & Unmothered (HBO Max). He has also enjoyed being an integral part of doing additional music on 3 Animated TV Series including one Original for Netflix.
During the Summer of 2010 Alexander was honored to accept an internship with Hans Zimmer. In the Summer of 2013 Alexander had the privilege of interning for Danny Elfman and assist with transcribing scores for his concert, "Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton".