Monica & Me
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Comedy
Living in a society that perpetually demonizes Monica Lewinsky, we find Charlotte: the unexpected "other woman" with a mission to fight societal guilt and get her life together - for real this time.
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This campaign raised $3,300 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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Living in a society that perpetually demonizes Monica Lewinsky, we find Charlotte: the unexpected "other woman" with a mission to fight societal guilt and get her life together - for real this time.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
About a year ago, I was listening to the TED radio hour when Monica Lewinksy's voice hit me like a ton of bricks:
"I was branded as a tramp, tart, slut, whore, bimbo, and of course That Woman. It was easy to forget that That Woman was dimensional, had a soul, and was once unbroken."
As a child of the nineties, I'd heard the name Monica Lewinsky many times, usually as part of a punchline. But I had never heard her perspective, her story, or her voice for that matter - until nearly 20 years later.
Monica's incredible story inspired me to tell a version of the "other woman" narrative - but rather than make her a conniving seductress or a helpless victim, my protagonist would simply be human. Thus "Monica & Me" was conceived.
The film begins with the protagonist, Charlotte, learning that her lover's wife has found out about their illicit affair - and she intends to meet Charlotte, face-to-face. What follows is Charlotte's emotional and ideological battle with herself as she prepares for the nightmarish confrontation with her worst mistake. Equal parts funny, cringe-worthy, and heartfelt, Monica & Me is a story about finding empathy amidst the maelstrom of young adulthood.
I wanted the format to give a uniquely personal view into the endearingly neurotic psyche of the main character, Charlotte. I figured what better narrative device to utilize...than my own?
Yes, that's right. Starting at the age of 19, I began recording video diaries, on my computer, strictly for my own viewing reference. Apparently, this is not something that most people do, but it fits perfectly with the tone I wanted to achieve for the film: self-conscious, solipsistic, and, let's face it: goofy as heck.
Throughout the film, Charlotte chats compulsively into her electronic devices, as though willing the answers to her problems to emerge.
Needless to say, Monica & Me is a project close to my heart. As someone who has made my share of mistakes, suffered tremendous guilt, stressed constantly about "living up to my potential", and generally struggled to figure out what being an adult is all about, it is my sincere hope that this film will make someone - or several someones - feel less alone.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Talent
Costs $1,000
What would a film be without amazing talent? Help us pay our wonderful actors!
Food!
Costs $500
We gotta feed our people!
Gear Rental
Costs $500
We're lucky to have some sweet gear, but we still need a few odds and ends to make movie magic.
Post-Production
Costs $500
Sound mixing and color correction make for a polished final product!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
After a few months spent figuring out exactly what story I wanted to tell, I met my right hand woman, Sarah Yoakley. Not only is Sarah a talented actress and the perfect Charlotte - she also happens to be an experienced producer. Sarah connected me with our amazing gear guru, Andrew Maynard, and the lovely Hannah Barker, DP extraordinaire.
With this legendary production team, I have little doubt that Monica & Me will be the best set I've ever worked on - and I've been on some pretty awesome sets.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
About a year ago, I was listening to the TED radio hour when Monica Lewinksy's voice hit me like a ton of bricks:
"I was branded as a tramp, tart, slut, whore, bimbo, and of course That Woman. It was easy to forget that That Woman was dimensional, had a soul, and was once unbroken."
As a child of the nineties, I'd heard the name Monica Lewinsky many times, usually as part of a punchline. But I had never heard her perspective, her story, or her voice for that matter - until nearly 20 years later.
Monica's incredible story inspired me to tell a version of the "other woman" narrative - but rather than make her a conniving seductress or a helpless victim, my protagonist would simply be human. Thus "Monica & Me" was conceived.
The film begins with the protagonist, Charlotte, learning that her lover's wife has found out about their illicit affair - and she intends to meet Charlotte, face-to-face. What follows is Charlotte's emotional and ideological battle with herself as she prepares for the nightmarish confrontation with her worst mistake. Equal parts funny, cringe-worthy, and heartfelt, Monica & Me is a story about finding empathy amidst the maelstrom of young adulthood.
I wanted the format to give a uniquely personal view into the endearingly neurotic psyche of the main character, Charlotte. I figured what better narrative device to utilize...than my own?
Yes, that's right. Starting at the age of 19, I began recording video diaries, on my computer, strictly for my own viewing reference. Apparently, this is not something that most people do, but it fits perfectly with the tone I wanted to achieve for the film: self-conscious, solipsistic, and, let's face it: goofy as heck.
Throughout the film, Charlotte chats compulsively into her electronic devices, as though willing the answers to her problems to emerge.
Needless to say, Monica & Me is a project close to my heart. As someone who has made my share of mistakes, suffered tremendous guilt, stressed constantly about "living up to my potential", and generally struggled to figure out what being an adult is all about, it is my sincere hope that this film will make someone - or several someones - feel less alone.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Talent
Costs $1,000
What would a film be without amazing talent? Help us pay our wonderful actors!
Food!
Costs $500
We gotta feed our people!
Gear Rental
Costs $500
We're lucky to have some sweet gear, but we still need a few odds and ends to make movie magic.
Post-Production
Costs $500
Sound mixing and color correction make for a polished final product!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
After a few months spent figuring out exactly what story I wanted to tell, I met my right hand woman, Sarah Yoakley. Not only is Sarah a talented actress and the perfect Charlotte - she also happens to be an experienced producer. Sarah connected me with our amazing gear guru, Andrew Maynard, and the lovely Hannah Barker, DP extraordinaire.
With this legendary production team, I have little doubt that Monica & Me will be the best set I've ever worked on - and I've been on some pretty awesome sets.