EMMA WAS HERE is an upcoming feature film based on an award-winning screenplay that explores the unique subject of Death with Dignity in the state of Oregon -- and is populated with four female lead characters.
EMMA WAS HERE is an upcoming feature film based on an award-winning screenplay that explores the unique subject of Death with Dignity in the state of Oregon -- and is populated with four female lead characters.
Participating In
Hometown Heroes 2017
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Story
Mission Statement
Emma Was Here contains strong, multi-layered female characters while tackling the subject of terminal illness in young people. Its explorations also dive into religion, sexuality, and more in dramatic ways while also not forgetting a sense of humor in its reflections.About The Project
Full Cinematic Concept Trailer
This is not a trailer for the film itself as we have not shot the film yet; that's why we have the campaign, to be able to fund the production shoot. This is a concept trailer that represents what the look and feel of the film will be like.
Our cinematic concept trailer stars Sydney Langlie, Alyssa Mathews, Mig Windows, Helen-Thea Marcus, Taylor Hood and Aleah Zimmer. Windows will also be starring as Jenn in the feature film.
The Story
Emma Was Here presents a different take on cancer dramas.
The story follows the title character, her estranged younger sister (Courtney), and her two best friends (Jenn and Star) as they travel to the Oregon coast for a few days. Emma, only twenty-four, has a form of brain cancer called Astrocytomas -- which has given her less than six months to live.
The trip is meant as a last meaningful vacation before Emma plans to end her life peacefully on a set date via physician-assisted dying. As the vacation goes on, the women come to face the reality of the situation and the various consequences it holds.
The Main Characters
Emily "Emma" Marshall -- A girl next door with an honest and beautiful outlook on life. Despite her deteriorating health and unfulfilled dreams, she tries to keep a positive attitude as she potentially lives out her final days.
Courtney Marshall -- Emma's soulful younger sister. She's frustrated and confused, back in Emma's life only because of the terrible situation at hand. She often clashes with Emma's best friend, Jenn, believing that Jenn doesn't have Emma's best interests in mind.
Jennifer "Jenn" Harlton -- A successful author, mother, and wife, and the best friend of Emma. She is writing an autobiography for Emma, despite feeling a gap in their relationship since her busy life has brought a distance between the two. She has that feeling of "having everything and nothing at the same time."
Star -- Bubbly, funny, and unexpectedly insightful, she is a long-time friend to Emma and Jenn. She's the rock in many situations, trying to keep everyone together and happy despite the circumstances.
The Style
As a creative team, ROW 211 Films has never shied away from taking on serious topics while also applying shades of humor to their material.
Daniel Rester, the writer-director of Emma Was Here, has many stylistic touches of his own, but he is also influenced by the subtle, thoughtful character examinations and soft, slightly muted color palettes found in such works as Her, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Boyhood.
Emma Was Here Concept Images by Jimmy Leavens
$ The Production Phase -- Where Your Money Goes! $
The funds we raise from Seed & Spark will go towards some of our costs during the production phase of the film, such as paying the cast and crew, catering, equipment rental, and much more.
ROW 211 Films and their team plan to shoot Emma Was Here in the winter and summer months of 2018 in the southern and coastal regions of Oregon, with a release planned for 2019. The cast and crew will mostly be made up of terrific local filmmaking talents.
Stretch Goals
In the event that we reach our $25K Seed & Spark production goal early (fingers crossed!), we have stretch goals as well.
With further funds for the production phase, we would be able to have more days for shooting, a larger crew on deck, and more. And if we go even further, we will put extra funds toward our post-production costs, which include film festival entry fees, music scoring, and more.
Director's Statement
by Daniel Rester
Emma Was Here is a thoughtful account of the troubles and triumphs someone faces in potentially living out the last days of their life.
Cancer (in the film's case, terminal brain cancer) is a very unfortunate thing that affects many, many people. My film seeks to be a unique and heartfelt take on how young people deal with such an event. It also tackles a subject (physician-assisted dying, different from Euthanasia) that hasn't gotten the amount of cinematic coverage it deserves and features four female leads and beautiful Oregon locations.
The main character of the story, Emma, chooses a route of physician-assisted dying, but will she go through with it in the end? Her decision greatly affects not only herself, but also her soulful sister Courtney and her best friends Jenn and Star. The story explores how these characters navigate the complex emotions and arguments surrounding the film's subject -- covering topics ranging from suicide to religion to impossible romantic futures to hopeful beginnings and more.
I've lived and breathed movies since the age of 12 when I first saw Pulp Fiction. Since then, I have been building my way towards sharing my own cinematic voice with the world. I've created a lot of projects I've been proud of over the years, but nothing quite like this. Emma Was Here has a story that aims to leave audiences thinking and feeling long after they have left the movie theater. The ROW 211 Films team and myself can't wait to share it with you.
Screenplay Awards
"...profound and thought-provoking...[the Emma Was Here screenplay] made a statement without being overtly political." -- Jefferson State Flixx Festival
Keep Up to Date with Us
ROW 211 Films Facebook Page Emma Was Here Facebook Page
Incentives
$10
Shout for Joy
Social media shout out on our ROW 211 Films Facebook page!
$25
Early Viewer
See the film via a private online link before it even premieres! + previous incentive
$50
Big Screen, Big Name
Not only do you get to view the film early, but we will also list your name at the end of the credits of the film and on IMDB under personal thank yous! + all previous incentives
$100
Sneak a Peek
Receive digital links to view three scenes from the film in their rough cut form months ahead of the finished product and get a behind-the-scenes digital photo gallery of images from the production that won't be posted anywhere else! + all previous incentives
$150
That's a Wrap
Join us for a great time at the Emma Was Here wrap party in Medford, OR after the film has completed shooting! + all previous incentives
*Travel and lodging not included
$200
Page Turner
Get a binded copy of the Emma Was Here screenplay signed by writer-director Daniel Rester! + all previous incentives
Claimed: 2 of 40
$200
Flash Sale Incentive -- Professional Headshot by Angelica Owens Photography
Live in the Southern Oregon area and need a professional headshot? This new flash sale incentive is perfect for you then. For just a $200 pledge, you'll be able to get an amazing professional headshot from Angelica Owens Photography.
*This incentive is a flash sale incentive and is limited to 3 available. It is not included as one of the "+all previous incentives" in the higher amount incentives.*
Claimed: 1 of 3
$250
Poster Child
Get an amazing Emma Was Here framed poster signed by writer-director Daniel Rester! + all previous incentives.
*This limited edition poster will not be distributed for future promotional material, so the only ones in existence will be made specifically for $250 and above incentive pickers -- instantly making it a rare item to own.
Claimed: 3 of 25
$500
Life on the Set
There's nothing quite like seeing the filmmaking process first-hand. Get a personal invitation to visit us on the Emma Was Here set during one of the production days! + all previous incentives
*Travel and lodging not included
Claimed: 3 of 15
$800
Associate Producer
You get your name presented as a main credit in the beginning of the film and are listed among the producers on the film's IMDB page! + all previous incentives
Claimed: 3 of 10
$2,500
Executive Producer
While being an associate producer is cool, becoming an Executive Producer on Emma Was Here is our highest honor. You would be listed among the first credits in the film and on IMDB and you would have the right to visit the set and work with the crew at any time during production if you please. + all previous incentives
*Travel and lodging TBD
Claimed: 0 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
Shout for Joy
Social media shout out on our ROW 211 Films Facebook page!
$25
Early Viewer
See the film via a private online link before it even premieres! + previous incentive
$50
Big Screen, Big Name
Not only do you get to view the film early, but we will also list your name at the end of the credits of the film and on IMDB under personal thank yous! + all previous incentives
$100
Sneak a Peek
Receive digital links to view three scenes from the film in their rough cut form months ahead of the finished product and get a behind-the-scenes digital photo gallery of images from the production that won't be posted anywhere else! + all previous incentives
$150
That's a Wrap
Join us for a great time at the Emma Was Here wrap party in Medford, OR after the film has completed shooting! + all previous incentives
*Travel and lodging not included
$200
Page Turner
Get a binded copy of the Emma Was Here screenplay signed by writer-director Daniel Rester! + all previous incentives
Claimed: 2 of 40
$200
Flash Sale Incentive -- Professional Headshot by Angelica Owens Photography
Live in the Southern Oregon area and need a professional headshot? This new flash sale incentive is perfect for you then. For just a $200 pledge, you'll be able to get an amazing professional headshot from Angelica Owens Photography.
*This incentive is a flash sale incentive and is limited to 3 available. It is not included as one of the "+all previous incentives" in the higher amount incentives.*
Claimed: 1 of 3
$250
Poster Child
Get an amazing Emma Was Here framed poster signed by writer-director Daniel Rester! + all previous incentives.
*This limited edition poster will not be distributed for future promotional material, so the only ones in existence will be made specifically for $250 and above incentive pickers -- instantly making it a rare item to own.
Claimed: 3 of 25
$500
Life on the Set
There's nothing quite like seeing the filmmaking process first-hand. Get a personal invitation to visit us on the Emma Was Here set during one of the production days! + all previous incentives
*Travel and lodging not included
Claimed: 3 of 15
$800
Associate Producer
You get your name presented as a main credit in the beginning of the film and are listed among the producers on the film's IMDB page! + all previous incentives
Claimed: 3 of 10
$2,500
Executive Producer
While being an associate producer is cool, becoming an Executive Producer on Emma Was Here is our highest honor. You would be listed among the first credits in the film and on IMDB and you would have the right to visit the set and work with the crew at any time during production if you please. + all previous incentives
*Travel and lodging TBD
Claimed: 0 of 5
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
ROW 211 Films is an award-winning group of filmmakers from Southern Oregon including Daniel Rester, Mig Windows, and Rory and Angelica Owens. We've produced plenty of well-received short and long-form short films in the past, but Emma Was Here will be a step forward for us into feature territory. Learn more about the ROW 211 Films key members HERE and check out our past projects HERE.
For Emma Was Here, the core ROW 211 Films members will all take on producer roles while Daniel Rester will also be directing the picture, Mig Windows will be acting in the role of Jenn, Rory Owens will be editing the film and Angelica Owens will be a production manager. We will filling out the rest of our cast and crew with other great filmmaking talents, many of them local to Oregon.
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