When two hit men kidnap Jeff, an aspiring actor whose father put him up as collateral for an unpaid gambling debt, his life depends on the kindness of strangers... who want him dead.
When two hit men kidnap Jeff, an aspiring actor whose father put him up as collateral for an unpaid gambling debt, his life depends on the kindness of strangers... who want him dead.
in partnership with
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Story
About The Project
As a native New Yorker, I view Los Angeles with a cynical eye, and HEADSHOTS is deeply reflective of my personal experience as an outsider in LA trying to find a balance in the art and commerce of the film industry. I'm a fan of action films, which I feel are not frequently enough represented at major festivals, even though they historically genre films form the cornerstone of American cinema--we like to wrap our personal stories with a melodramatic cloak of kidnappings, explosions, serial killers, and drug cartels. Think of Sidney Lumet's DOG DAY AFTERNOON, or John McTiernan's DIE HARD; both deeply personal films involving love, family, gender identity--and hostage situations. However as Hollywood has grown away from an artistic, risk-taking business into a more conglomerated corporate business, genre films have become depersonalized, VFX driven rather than character driven.
I am passionate about creating an action film that is both artistically sound and enjoyable by a diverse audience, much like the RAID films of Gareth Evans, which have played at both Sundance and SXSW.
I wrote HEADSHOTS in 2011, intending to shoot it in the fall of that year; At the time I had interest from a wonderful producer friend who had relationships with an awesome cast. I've always wanted to make genre films, but I've never had the budget or resources to make an action film with real stunts; the last action film I made was in college and had a budget of $500.I had only begun to wade into the crowd-funding waters in Summer 2011 when I was asked to participate in the development of the Digital Bolex, an innovative camera project that was also going to be raising funds on Kickstarter. Almost two years later, the Digital Bolex is about to be shipped, and I finally feel that it's time to return to this project that I'm so passionate about, but had to put on the sidelines to help make a friend's dream come true.
Incentives
$10
MUSE ✪ You inspire us! Eternal gratitude for your support, shout out on Twitter & Facebook and email updates about the project. We'll also make a meme you can share on social media if you send us the name of your favorite action film!$25
EARLY BIRD ✪ Shout out on Twitter & Facebook and email updates about the project. Crew will make you a meme based on your favorite movie monologue that you can share on social media. Plus, get private password access to the film so you can stream it online any time after its premiere.
$50
TAKE AIM! ✪ Everything from the EARLY BIRD level PLUS a limited Backer exclusive "target" poster with shots fired by the crew! (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
$75
CINEASTE ✪ You will receive everything from the EARLY BIRD level, a thank you on our website, and an exclusive Backer DVD that includes cast & crew interviews, outtakes, behind the scenes, original score, set vlogs, and more, with YOUR NAME printed in the DVD insert. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.) PLUS an invitation to a private-access online premiere on the day of the film's festival premiere, followed by a backer-only livestream hangout.
$150
COLLECTOR ✪ Get your name in the credits! You will receive a "thanks" on the film itself and on our website, the CINEASTE rewards, AND a TAKE AIM poster.
PLUS: a shout out on Twitter ✙ a postcard for the film sent to you from a lead character ✙ and a copy of the protagonist's head shot & sides used in the film, signed by the protagonist. ✙ invitation to a private-access online premiere on the day of the film's festival premiere, followed by a backer-only livestream hangout. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 225
$175
COLLECTOR + STORYBOARDS PERK ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards AND an 11x17 giclée print of single page of detailed color storyboards, with handwritten notes and signed by Director & DP. Will only print one of each page! (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 10
$200
COLLECTOR + MONOLOGUE PERK ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards AND Director will memorize & perform a famous theatrical or movie monologue of your choice and upload it online. Monologue can also be a song from a musical. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 5
$250
COLLECTOR + ON SET PERK ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards AND you can be an extra in the film! We will feed and costume you for 1 or 2 days (as needed), take photos of you with the cast and crew to be posted on our website, and your name will appear as an actor in the credits of the film (in addition to the "thanks" section)! Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 10
$255
KIND OF A BIG DEAL ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards PLUS: 15 minute Skype call with director ✙ handwritten thank you note ✙ 1 ticket to wrap party in Los Angeles ✙ copies of the lead actors' head shots ✙ "special thanks" credit in the film AND linear notes of the DVD. Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 100
$300
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + DINNER AND A MOVIE PERK! ✪ All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards, but instead of a Skype call, I will go with you to a movie of your choice in Los Angeles or New York City and we can talk about it afterwards over dinner! Travel to Los Angeles/NYC not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$500
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + HEAD SHOTS PERK ✪ Ready for your closeup? All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards AND a professional photographer will take your head shots! Two selects will be chosen by a professional casting director & twenty five will be printed on high-quality photo paper! As many looks as you want in 2 hours. Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 5
$750
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + ARCHIVIST PERK ✪ All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards AND you can own the original copies of the storyboards and shot list & a set-used copy of the shooting script, signed by director, cast, and DP. Travel to LA for the wrap party not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,000
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + TABLE READ PERK ✪ Want to get an inside look at the production? All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards AND attend the table read in LA! Be included in the BTS and get the first look at the cast's performances LIVE. Write a guest blog for our website about your experience. Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 1
$2,500
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ✪ Associate Producer credit on the film & in the linear notes of the DVD ✙ name inclusion in any press release or trailer ✙ Attend the table read ✙ Backer t-shirt ✙ Exclusive DVD ✙ TAKE AIM poster ✙ Limited edition 27x40 poster signed by director and cast. Production coffee table book including: shooting script facsimile, USPS postcards from characters, storyboards, protagonist's signed headshot & sides, exclusive photos from table read, rehearsals, set, and wrap party. Limited run for cast/crew/producers only. ✙ Handwritten thank you note ✙ shout out on Twitter ✙ 2 tickets to wrap party in Los Angeles ✙ 2 tickets to Los Angeles screening or closest film festival showing to you. Travel to Los Angeles not included.
Claimed: 0 of 5
$5,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ✪ Executive Producer credit on the film & in the linear notes of the DVD ✙ your very own title card in the credits ✙ name inclusion in any press release or trailer ✙ Attend the table read ✙ Backer t-shirt ✙ Exclusive DVD ✙ TAKE AIM poster ✙ Limited edition 27x40 poster signed by director and cast ✙ Production coffee table book including: shooting script facsimile, postmarked postcards from characters, storyboards, protagonist's signed head shot & sides, exclusive photos from table read, rehearsals, set, and wrap party. Limited run for cast/crew/producers only. ✙ Handwritten thank you note ✙ shout out on Twitter ✙ 4 tickets to wrap party in Los Angeles ✙ 4 tickets to Los Angeles screening or closest film festival showing to you. Travel to Los Angeles not included.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$10,000
EPK PRODUCER ✪ All the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER perks, PLUS we will cover travel and accommodations to send you to Los Angeles for one week during shooting, and give you a brand new Digital Bolex D16 cinema camera that you can use to shoot exclusive behind the scenes material for our DVD/Blu-ray. The creators of the camera will teach you all the ropes you need to know, and when you go home, you get to keep the camera!
Claimed: 0 of 1
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
MUSE ✪ You inspire us! Eternal gratitude for your support, shout out on Twitter & Facebook and email updates about the project. We'll also make a meme you can share on social media if you send us the name of your favorite action film!$25
EARLY BIRD ✪ Shout out on Twitter & Facebook and email updates about the project. Crew will make you a meme based on your favorite movie monologue that you can share on social media. Plus, get private password access to the film so you can stream it online any time after its premiere.
$50
TAKE AIM! ✪ Everything from the EARLY BIRD level PLUS a limited Backer exclusive "target" poster with shots fired by the crew! (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
$75
CINEASTE ✪ You will receive everything from the EARLY BIRD level, a thank you on our website, and an exclusive Backer DVD that includes cast & crew interviews, outtakes, behind the scenes, original score, set vlogs, and more, with YOUR NAME printed in the DVD insert. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.) PLUS an invitation to a private-access online premiere on the day of the film's festival premiere, followed by a backer-only livestream hangout.
$150
COLLECTOR ✪ Get your name in the credits! You will receive a "thanks" on the film itself and on our website, the CINEASTE rewards, AND a TAKE AIM poster.
PLUS: a shout out on Twitter ✙ a postcard for the film sent to you from a lead character ✙ and a copy of the protagonist's head shot & sides used in the film, signed by the protagonist. ✙ invitation to a private-access online premiere on the day of the film's festival premiere, followed by a backer-only livestream hangout. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 225
$175
COLLECTOR + STORYBOARDS PERK ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards AND an 11x17 giclée print of single page of detailed color storyboards, with handwritten notes and signed by Director & DP. Will only print one of each page! (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 10
$200
COLLECTOR + MONOLOGUE PERK ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards AND Director will memorize & perform a famous theatrical or movie monologue of your choice and upload it online. Monologue can also be a song from a musical. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 5
$250
COLLECTOR + ON SET PERK ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards AND you can be an extra in the film! We will feed and costume you for 1 or 2 days (as needed), take photos of you with the cast and crew to be posted on our website, and your name will appear as an actor in the credits of the film (in addition to the "thanks" section)! Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 10
$255
KIND OF A BIG DEAL ✪ All the COLLECTOR rewards PLUS: 15 minute Skype call with director ✙ handwritten thank you note ✙ 1 ticket to wrap party in Los Angeles ✙ copies of the lead actors' head shots ✙ "special thanks" credit in the film AND linear notes of the DVD. Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 100
$300
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + DINNER AND A MOVIE PERK! ✪ All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards, but instead of a Skype call, I will go with you to a movie of your choice in Los Angeles or New York City and we can talk about it afterwards over dinner! Travel to Los Angeles/NYC not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$500
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + HEAD SHOTS PERK ✪ Ready for your closeup? All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards AND a professional photographer will take your head shots! Two selects will be chosen by a professional casting director & twenty five will be printed on high-quality photo paper! As many looks as you want in 2 hours. Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 5
$750
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + ARCHIVIST PERK ✪ All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards AND you can own the original copies of the storyboards and shot list & a set-used copy of the shooting script, signed by director, cast, and DP. Travel to LA for the wrap party not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,000
KIND OF A BIG DEAL + TABLE READ PERK ✪ Want to get an inside look at the production? All the KIND OF A BIG DEAL rewards AND attend the table read in LA! Be included in the BTS and get the first look at the cast's performances LIVE. Write a guest blog for our website about your experience. Travel to LA not included. (Please add $10 to ship internationally.)
Claimed: 0 of 1
$2,500
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ✪ Associate Producer credit on the film & in the linear notes of the DVD ✙ name inclusion in any press release or trailer ✙ Attend the table read ✙ Backer t-shirt ✙ Exclusive DVD ✙ TAKE AIM poster ✙ Limited edition 27x40 poster signed by director and cast. Production coffee table book including: shooting script facsimile, USPS postcards from characters, storyboards, protagonist's signed headshot & sides, exclusive photos from table read, rehearsals, set, and wrap party. Limited run for cast/crew/producers only. ✙ Handwritten thank you note ✙ shout out on Twitter ✙ 2 tickets to wrap party in Los Angeles ✙ 2 tickets to Los Angeles screening or closest film festival showing to you. Travel to Los Angeles not included.
Claimed: 0 of 5
$5,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ✪ Executive Producer credit on the film & in the linear notes of the DVD ✙ your very own title card in the credits ✙ name inclusion in any press release or trailer ✙ Attend the table read ✙ Backer t-shirt ✙ Exclusive DVD ✙ TAKE AIM poster ✙ Limited edition 27x40 poster signed by director and cast ✙ Production coffee table book including: shooting script facsimile, postmarked postcards from characters, storyboards, protagonist's signed head shot & sides, exclusive photos from table read, rehearsals, set, and wrap party. Limited run for cast/crew/producers only. ✙ Handwritten thank you note ✙ shout out on Twitter ✙ 4 tickets to wrap party in Los Angeles ✙ 4 tickets to Los Angeles screening or closest film festival showing to you. Travel to Los Angeles not included.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$10,000
EPK PRODUCER ✪ All the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER perks, PLUS we will cover travel and accommodations to send you to Los Angeles for one week during shooting, and give you a brand new Digital Bolex D16 cinema camera that you can use to shoot exclusive behind the scenes material for our DVD/Blu-ray. The creators of the camera will teach you all the ropes you need to know, and when you go home, you get to keep the camera!
Claimed: 0 of 1
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
ELLE SCHNEIDER (Director/Writer) is a graduate of USC's Writing for Screen and Television program, and a two-time winner of the Marguerite Roberts award for feature screenwriting. As a cinematographer, she has shot documentaries including Jeffrey Schwarz' I AM DIVINE, which premiered at the 2013 SXSW Film Festival, and THAT GUY DICK MILLER, which premiered at SXSW 2014 and has played a dozen of other major festivals. She has directed music videos for the Emmy-nominated Gangstagrass and PA band Mock Sun, in addition to numerous shorts and commercials. Her first short film, CONFESSION, was a winner of the Duke City Shootout script competition, and premiered at the 2006 festival. Her short drama ONE SMALL STEP premiered at the Short Film Corner of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, and her short CUDDLE premiered at the 2013 HollyShorts Film Festival at Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Born and raised in New York City, Elle is a disciple of Roger Corman and David Lean, mixing a love of the exploitation genre and low-budget filmmaking with a classically-educated storytelling background. She is the co-developer of the Digital Bolex cinema camera, currently being used by Spike Lee, Ondi Timoner, and Darren Aronofsky.
JACK BENNETT (Producer) is an avid genre fan and has produced and directed four horror features and numerous short films, most recently Fangoria marketing director Rebekah McKendry's Viscera award-winning directorial debut THE DUMP. He is currently the producer and director of Nerdist's BLOOD AND GUTS series, and recently produced the short film NANOBLOOD directed by Lindsey Haun starring Amanda Fuller. He is currently producing a feature adaptation of Moonstone Comics' graphic novel The Night Driver with Barry Navidi and director Jeremy Weiss and wrote the upcoming Sleep No More with director Robert Sexton.
LAUREN HAROUTUNIAN (Cinematographer) is a visually striking grene cinematographer who has shot a dozen narrative shorts and countless online sketches, including the hugely popular Flower Warfare for FreddieW's YouTube channel RocketJump, which has received over 10 million views and spawned a mobile game. A graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Lauren has been shooting professionally for nearly a decade, and was recently named Dean of RocketJump's new "Film School" initiative to teach aspiring web filmmakers how to create professional content with minimal resources.
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