The Elevator Pitch
This is a story of a young boy (Sonny), alone in a post-apocalyptic world who has managed to survive after society has collapsed. Sonny meets a woman (Emma), who is also alone, and a bond ensues that provides hope for their survival. A Feral World is a story about people making do with what's left and trying to protect loved ones. When a clue surfaces that suggests Emma's daughter, Janey, may still be alive, Sonny and Emma begin a journey to find and rescue her from captivity.  

Post Audio and Visual effects

Principle Photography is complete and I now have a pretty solid fine cut. A bit more tweaking is underway, but I am close to picture-lock. Now begins final phase of our film, post audio, foley, music, color and visual effects.  I am fortunate to have found people willing to do the work for cost, because they are friends and believe in the project. However, it is still an expensive phase.  Also, I will be needing close to 30 visual effects. This is where we need your help.
 

A Filmmakers Journey
It's not an uncommon story to hear about a filmmaker who spent a decade to get a film made, and then the film does not earn the money back or obtain distribution. Not wanting to wait ten years, and having the talent and tools available now, we decided to just go forward and just make the film we wanted to make. We all believe in this project and think audiences will appreciate what we're doing and how we're doing it.

Inspired by the film by Richard Linklater, Boyhood, (that is, seeing the lead child actor age over time) we decided to embark on a similar process. By shooting the film over four years, this process makes the goal of producing a feature-length film be both attainable and unusual. Not only will we have the niche´ of the Boyhood factor, but by doing it in four installments, our cast and crew can work on the film and still keep their day jobs. And by spreading the cost over four years, it is easier to produce the film financially. 

I made the first film, Feral in 2016, and at the time it was going to be a one-off short film. However, I had more story to tell and a cast and crew who wanted to continue this collaboration. Feral 1 was selected to screen in several film festivals, but short films being what they are, can often times disappear into obscurity. Hence, the decision was made to produce Feral as a feature-length film. As of December 2018, I've completed the third installment, and production of part 4, the final part, will be completed this summer. 

Who is making this film anyway?

My name is David Liban, and I am the writer, producer and director of this film. I make film as a passion, but I am also a Professor and Chairperson at CU Denver's Department of Film & Television. I've been making films since the 1990's that vary in genre from documentary to narrative shorts. My documentary, Mortal Lessons, won an Emmy in 2010 and over the years, my films have screened at numerous film festivals and television outlets.

I believe that A Feral World is special because of its captivating story, engaging characters and its post-apocalyptic setting. In addition, audiences will enjoy seeing the actors age over the years, and living in Colorado provides all sorts of amazing locations that serve as our dystopian landscape. That, and the fact that I am surrounded by talented colleagues and students, who are all willing to collaborate, allowed this project to evolve from the first short film, to the feature-length film.

Educational Component

As we produce this film, we are giving college film students real-life hands-on learning. The film students who are involved, bring SO much to the project. They come with many great ideas and their commitment and enthusiasm is remarkable. As they are starting their career in film, this is an opportunity for them to learn by working alongside the film faculty and local film professionals. Some have called it a transformative experience and have taken what they've been learning and applying it to their own projects.

Almost all the personnel on the project are contributing their talents because they believe in the project and trust me to complete it. They are colleagues, friends, students and graduates of the CU Denver Film & Television program.

photo by Kelly Spencer

The Kid

Part of the reason I initially wrote the first Feral script was that I recognized that my son, Caleb had talent as an actor. I assume that all parents think their kids are talented, but as a director, I saw him take on roles (during play) with a degree of commitment that was notable. So, this was both an opportunity for me to make the film I wanted to make, and provide Caleb the experience of being an actor on a real film set. This in turn, has gotten him very interested in pursuing an acting career. Recently he was signed to a talent agency in Denver called Maximum Talent, which has, so far, led to some auditioning experiences. Now he's making his own short films and looking at possibly studying film when he goes to college. 

For contributors to the campaign, I will share with you a private link to the first Feral film and you'll see its not just the proud father talking. The kid can act. On set, he's a pro. No complaining... no matter how many takes we need. He takes direction and now better understands the process of making a film. As a filmmaker and a father, this is an experience he and I will always have, and if all goes according to plan, the film will garner an audience for years to come.

We look forward to sharing this story with our backers and followers, and with some luck, the world!