FIRECRACKER
Santa Monica, California | Film Short
Drama, War
Written by army veteran Brandon Demchak, FIRECRACKER dramatizes the struggle many face after returning from war. The two lead characters each represent a time in his own journey, with one in the darkest days of PTSD and the resulting alcoholism, and the other on the other side, ready to help him up.
FIRECRACKER
Santa Monica, California | Film Short
Drama, War
2 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $13,762 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
81 supporters | followers
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Written by army veteran Brandon Demchak, FIRECRACKER dramatizes the struggle many face after returning from war. The two lead characters each represent a time in his own journey, with one in the darkest days of PTSD and the resulting alcoholism, and the other on the other side, ready to help him up.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I am a writer, director, and veteran. In 2010, I was deployed in Operation Unified Response, where I supported the humanitarian and security services after the earthquake that devastated Haiti. The following year, I was deployed to Iraq as an infantryman for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
Like innumerable other service men and women across the nation, my return from war was complicated by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I eventually turned to alcohol to quiet what can only be described as "the noise inside my head." After many failed attempts to right the course of my life and become a happy, useful member of society, I finally reached a point of desperation. Not knowing where else to turn, I made the choice to seek treatment—a decision that saved my life.
I am now enrolled in the screenwriting program at Loyola Marymount University and dedicate the rest of my time to helping veterans still in the depths of what I experienced. This film is an attempt to marry those two pursuits. It dramatizes the inflection point in my own journey to recovery by splitting me into two characters: one at rock bottom, barely surviving, and the other in sturdy recovery, ready to help. The story doesn't shy away from the darkness inherent in the subject matter, but the ultimate message is one of hope.
With veteran suicides at a crisis level of approximately twenty every day, I believe hope is imperative. I have known the feeling that there was nothing on the other side of my suffering all too well and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share my success with many veterans one-on-one, but I am determined to reach as many as I can. Awareness of and respect for the gravity of PTSD is growing in mainstream media, but it's time to amplify the voices of those who have experienced it first hand, and especially those who can offer a vision of a happy, healthy life on the other side.
We've set our goal at $15k because that means we get funding at $12,400, which is our absolute minimum goal to produce the film we'd like to, even with all the volunteerism among our crew and with all of our donated resources. Our first stretch goal is $18k, at which we could add a lot of production value by renting additional gear, working in some premium locations, and increasing our set-decoration and costume budget. Our pie-in-the-sky budget, at which we could really do this thing right, is $28k. That would allow us to pay our cast and crew, in addition to delivering the best film we possibly can.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $2,500
This is an ambitious film and we've been very thrifty in tracking down great shooting locations.
Grip & Electric
Costs $2,000
Our crew is entirely volunteer, but G&E gear is expensive.
Camera & Lens Rental
Costs $2,000
Most of our gear is generously loaned. We estimate the remaining gear can be rented for this amount.
Production Sundries
Costs $500
This category includes essentials like tape, batteries, clamps, and more.
Craft Services
Costs $1,500
Our cast and crew are volunteering, (unless we exceed our goal.) We need to make sure they're fed!
Props & Costumes
Costs $3,000
This is the budget arrived at by our esteemed production design team.
Permits & Insurance
Costs $1,500
These are necessary expenses for a safe and legal production.
Post-Production
Costs $1,500
This includes color correction, audio mastering, and scoring.
Festival Submissions
Costs $1,000
None of this matters unless we have a chance to share it with the world!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
BRANDON DEMCHAK - writer/director
Born and raised on the central California coast, Brandon was first deployed to Haiti to support humanitarian and security services in the wake of the 2010 earthquake there, and then as a paratrooper and infantryman for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. After being honorably discharged in 2015, he faced a serious battle with PTSD and alcoholism. At a point of desperation, he made the life-saving decision to seek treatment. He is now dedicated to helping other veterans in the same position. He is also a student in the Loyola Marymount screenwriting program, working on starting a new career as a filmmaker.
RAPHAEL SAUD - producer/cinematographer
Rafael is an independent director and director of photography with over five years of international experience, in New York, São Paulo (Brazil) and Los Angeles. Having studied in the two-year acting conservatory at the WILLIAM ESPER STUDIO in NYC, Advanced On-camera course At the WOLF MAYA Institute in São Paulo, and attending to the Film Production Program at SANTA MONICA COLLEGE, Rafael is unique in his ability to care and communicate with both actors and crew, regardless of the project size.
BRE'NAE POWELL - Art Director
Bre'nae began her design career with lights and costumes in the world of live dance performance. She now focuses on film production design at Loyola Marymount.
KRISTIN NOMURA - Line Producer
SABRINA OVALLES - Producer
JACLYN WU - Producer
SULTAN UULU - UPM
Originally from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan, Sultankazy moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue a career in film. Focusing on directing, script writing, and producing, he enjoys all aspects of the film industry and since 2015 has been an integral part of the Asian World Film Festival team. During 2017 Sultankazy worked at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival as a Production Coordinator. In addition, he has spent the past 6 years as a volunteer for various non-profit organizations in Kyrgyzstan and the United States.
ETHAN NOH - Camera Operator / Producer
CARO VILIAN - Assistant Camera
Though her background is primarily in editing and visual effects, Caro has used her interests in skateboarding and sustainability to broaden her filmmaking skills and more into production at the SMC film program.
ALEXIS GARCIA - 1st AD
Alexis began a professional film career as a junior in high school. Since then, he has interned at the Bresee Foundation and Sugar Sky Productions. He is currently completing his film degree and teaching film at University Prep Value High School.
CHARLEY POPE - Script Supervisor
MARCUS SOTO - Gaffer
MAHIRO SATO - DIT
ASHLEY GOLDON, DARIO RAMOS, ERNESTO RAMOS - Set Designers
JOE FIORILLO, MARGOT PADILLA - Sound Engineers
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I am a writer, director, and veteran. In 2010, I was deployed in Operation Unified Response, where I supported the humanitarian and security services after the earthquake that devastated Haiti. The following year, I was deployed to Iraq as an infantryman for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
Like innumerable other service men and women across the nation, my return from war was complicated by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I eventually turned to alcohol to quiet what can only be described as "the noise inside my head." After many failed attempts to right the course of my life and become a happy, useful member of society, I finally reached a point of desperation. Not knowing where else to turn, I made the choice to seek treatment—a decision that saved my life.
I am now enrolled in the screenwriting program at Loyola Marymount University and dedicate the rest of my time to helping veterans still in the depths of what I experienced. This film is an attempt to marry those two pursuits. It dramatizes the inflection point in my own journey to recovery by splitting me into two characters: one at rock bottom, barely surviving, and the other in sturdy recovery, ready to help. The story doesn't shy away from the darkness inherent in the subject matter, but the ultimate message is one of hope.
With veteran suicides at a crisis level of approximately twenty every day, I believe hope is imperative. I have known the feeling that there was nothing on the other side of my suffering all too well and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share my success with many veterans one-on-one, but I am determined to reach as many as I can. Awareness of and respect for the gravity of PTSD is growing in mainstream media, but it's time to amplify the voices of those who have experienced it first hand, and especially those who can offer a vision of a happy, healthy life on the other side.
We've set our goal at $15k because that means we get funding at $12,400, which is our absolute minimum goal to produce the film we'd like to, even with all the volunteerism among our crew and with all of our donated resources. Our first stretch goal is $18k, at which we could add a lot of production value by renting additional gear, working in some premium locations, and increasing our set-decoration and costume budget. Our pie-in-the-sky budget, at which we could really do this thing right, is $28k. That would allow us to pay our cast and crew, in addition to delivering the best film we possibly can.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $2,500
This is an ambitious film and we've been very thrifty in tracking down great shooting locations.
Grip & Electric
Costs $2,000
Our crew is entirely volunteer, but G&E gear is expensive.
Camera & Lens Rental
Costs $2,000
Most of our gear is generously loaned. We estimate the remaining gear can be rented for this amount.
Production Sundries
Costs $500
This category includes essentials like tape, batteries, clamps, and more.
Craft Services
Costs $1,500
Our cast and crew are volunteering, (unless we exceed our goal.) We need to make sure they're fed!
Props & Costumes
Costs $3,000
This is the budget arrived at by our esteemed production design team.
Permits & Insurance
Costs $1,500
These are necessary expenses for a safe and legal production.
Post-Production
Costs $1,500
This includes color correction, audio mastering, and scoring.
Festival Submissions
Costs $1,000
None of this matters unless we have a chance to share it with the world!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
BRANDON DEMCHAK - writer/director
Born and raised on the central California coast, Brandon was first deployed to Haiti to support humanitarian and security services in the wake of the 2010 earthquake there, and then as a paratrooper and infantryman for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. After being honorably discharged in 2015, he faced a serious battle with PTSD and alcoholism. At a point of desperation, he made the life-saving decision to seek treatment. He is now dedicated to helping other veterans in the same position. He is also a student in the Loyola Marymount screenwriting program, working on starting a new career as a filmmaker.
RAPHAEL SAUD - producer/cinematographer
Rafael is an independent director and director of photography with over five years of international experience, in New York, São Paulo (Brazil) and Los Angeles. Having studied in the two-year acting conservatory at the WILLIAM ESPER STUDIO in NYC, Advanced On-camera course At the WOLF MAYA Institute in São Paulo, and attending to the Film Production Program at SANTA MONICA COLLEGE, Rafael is unique in his ability to care and communicate with both actors and crew, regardless of the project size.
BRE'NAE POWELL - Art Director
Bre'nae began her design career with lights and costumes in the world of live dance performance. She now focuses on film production design at Loyola Marymount.
KRISTIN NOMURA - Line Producer
SABRINA OVALLES - Producer
JACLYN WU - Producer
SULTAN UULU - UPM
Originally from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan, Sultankazy moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue a career in film. Focusing on directing, script writing, and producing, he enjoys all aspects of the film industry and since 2015 has been an integral part of the Asian World Film Festival team. During 2017 Sultankazy worked at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival as a Production Coordinator. In addition, he has spent the past 6 years as a volunteer for various non-profit organizations in Kyrgyzstan and the United States.
ETHAN NOH - Camera Operator / Producer
CARO VILIAN - Assistant Camera
Though her background is primarily in editing and visual effects, Caro has used her interests in skateboarding and sustainability to broaden her filmmaking skills and more into production at the SMC film program.
ALEXIS GARCIA - 1st AD
Alexis began a professional film career as a junior in high school. Since then, he has interned at the Bresee Foundation and Sugar Sky Productions. He is currently completing his film degree and teaching film at University Prep Value High School.
CHARLEY POPE - Script Supervisor
MARCUS SOTO - Gaffer
MAHIRO SATO - DIT
ASHLEY GOLDON, DARIO RAMOS, ERNESTO RAMOS - Set Designers
JOE FIORILLO, MARGOT PADILLA - Sound Engineers