We've all been in a place in life where we felt like giving up, but what if we could find our magic again? This film rewrites the Hollywood success story from a female perspective.
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Story
Mission Statement
Starting from the very conception, this story is told through a female's eye and experience. We will be hiring women and minorities at every step of the way. The casting of this project will also be emblematic of the diversity this great city of Los Angeles has to offer.About The Project
The Story
Nice Trick tells the story of JILL, a jaded 30 something living in Hollywood working two jobs she hates to support a crappy one-bedroom she still can’t afford in the hopes of one day landing that dream job. You know, the issue facing most millennials. Her Hollywood career has fizzled but having given so much to something she used to love it feels shameful to throw in the towel. Meanwhile, all her friends have moved on to their real adult lives of marriage, careers and children, and Jill doesn’t know what she should do.
On the evening of her best friend’s wedding, Jill is tasked to pick up the groom’s brother, SANDERS, a magician and grown man. He’s got a lot of tricks up his sleeve, literally. Despite her initial distaste for his childish whims, Jill can’t help but be pulled into Sander’s magical world while her own is thrown into chaos.
The feel/look of this movie is if the charm and magical realism of Benny and Joon met the charisma and imagination of La La Land.
What We Need
Film is an important way to spread our message of women's empowerment; however, it's also an expensive one. We need to pay for things like hiring a professional writer for screenplay polish, hiring a casting director to help us attach cast members and other pre-production costs that will help us secure investors. This is where you come in, your contributions will help us get this important project made.
What You Get
Every little bit counts, and we want to personally thank each and every one of you for your contributions. When you support this campaign you have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of perks, to show our sincere appreciation. Some of the perks include a personal shout out on the Director's Instagram page, a private link to view the feature as soon as it is released, or even a credit on the project!
The Impact
We want to share the hard, painful, funny and also wonderful journey that is following your heart at this crazy time. To remember that at the end of the day, finding magic in what we do can’t be outpaced by anything and that’s a nice trick of the universe. In today's world, it's incredibly important to support female artists, so we want to also use this project to re-write the pursuit of the Hollywood dream from a female perspective.
Director's Statement
This is a movie made by a millennial about millennials. The age range of this unique group is vast. From the ages of 20-36 to be exact, and that 16-year swing is a doozy. From those of us on the older side, we had our childhoods in the ’80’s full of VHS, AIM chats and calling our friends on landlines with long curling cords. We graduated high school in the early ’00s being told the world was our oyster and innovation was for our generation. Our first cell phone would have arrived around then, and it certainly wasn’t smart.
The recession hit right as we were graduating from college and applying for jobs in a downsized workplace. We worked as unpaid interns and waited tables in order to pay off loans while we were still trying to make our way into the fields we had chosen. We watched as technology boomed, social media flourished, and the internet became the most powerful marketing tool in the world. All spearheaded by people younger than us. We were faced with a choice- Change the way we did things or eat their dust.
For many people, the dream they pursue can be as humble as being a teacher or as grandiose as being an astronaut. But for all of us millennials, the struggle is the same because we are the generation that straddles the divide in the transition between two worlds.
Other Ways You Can Help
In order to reach our goal, we will need help from as many of you as possible. In addition to contributing to the campaign, sharing the link to the campaign via social media will help to spread the word about this important story.
Celebrating Community
Another important female character is the great city of Los Angeles herself! Most specifically the hidden gems most tourists never get to see but who’s beauty is breathtaking to behold.
We plan to shoot locally in and around the city highlighting what makes this city magical.
Incentives
$10
Social Media Shout-Out
You who have followed Emma down her bumpy road, you have kept her afloat with your clapping happy hearts and emoji flower bouquets. THANK YOU for joining us on this journey. You're special and Emma is going to give you a personalized shoutout in a story on her INSTAGRAM OR the official Nice Trick FACEBOOK page.
Be sure to add your insta handle and full name to really get the full worth of this shoutout!
$15
Digital Walk of Fame Star
Hurrah! You took the drive with us on our journey to make dreams come true. You have courage, imagination and lots of heart. We all thank you and voila! For your support, you'll get your name on a digital Walk of Fame star!
$25
Selfie from Emma
Whaaat??? You really want this movie to get made and so does Emma. You're gonna get a selfie that Emma takes just for you. No one else will ever see this one (unless you post it yourself). You know she takes a great selfie, so indulge yourself and contribute more than once.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
$50
Link to Stream
Here's a double take: get all the above incentives bundled into one amazing package! You'll also get an exclusive link to stream Nice Trick and see the movie before anyone else!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
$75
Digital Poster Signed by Emma
Now we're talking! You are committed and that's the magic ingredient to making any dream come true. We'd offer you some ruby red slippers but digital poster signed by Emma Bell is a much better way to say "We love you!"
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
$100
BTS Footage
You know this is going to happen! Now more people can see your brilliance than just your mom.
For your strength of character and dedication to the arts we give you insider exclusive Bloopers and Behind The Scenes (BTS) videos for an extra treat before, during and after the shoot. Warning: we are not responsible for any physical damage due to excessive laughter.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
Claimed: 40 of 50
$150
Invitation to Campaign Party
Let's do this. Let's make fund this campaign and then: PARTAY. This act of faith gets you an invitation to our 'End of Seed & Spark Campaign' party, hosted by Emma! (Travel not included).
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
$180
Happy Dance Doggy Video
You're contribution makes Emma and her pup, Whimsy so happy they want to share a happy dance video with you.
Be prepared to smile as much as you have made them smile!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
$250
Personal Jingle
Now you're making Emma sing! She's so happy you're here that she and her bro, Chase - who does nothing all day long but make fantastic music - will write and sing a jingle just for you. Any time you need a lift on your own journey, this little song will make your heart sing and you'll find your own mojo magic again.
This perk is invaluable and unlimited - contribute as many times as you want and get a different jingle every time.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to End of Campaign party
$300
Skype Call with Emma
Shoot for the stars and you might land on the moon! Bet you know all about that. No matter who you are, no matter what your dream, the mightier the better. Have a private skype call with Emma and share your adventures.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
Claimed: 3 of 10
$500
Make Magic
You love magic as much as we do and this is your opportunity to learn a magic trick from Michael John, one of the top magicians on the scene! This can be in person in Los Angeles or Las Vegas and on skype or facetime in other cities.
Sold Out!
$500
Director's Notes
Everyone knows you can't make a movie without a great script. Maybe you have one of your own? As a thank you for this pledge level Emma would love to read your script and give you a thorough round of notes on it! This is a great giveaway and one Emma is particularly excited about because it's a give back that's close to her heart. So many people have given her the gift of their professional point of view on her scripts and now she can give you hers!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
$1,000
Cocktails with Emma
Wow. Obviously you believe in magic so we will make it happen just for you: Emma wants you as her guest for cocktails at Hollywood's Black Rabbit Rose and be regaled with magic tricks right at your table. (Must be over 21 or older; travel not included.)
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
Claimed: 4 of 5
$3,000
Be in the Movie
You are a star, kid. Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to us! At this level, you're coming to set and we're puttin' you in the movie. Role - Featured Background. (Travel not included.)
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
+ Cocktails with Emma
Claimed: 2 of 10
$5,000
Dinner with Emma
It is with a humble heart that all the artists on this movie kneel at your feet in gratitude. You're amazing and your generosity will come back to you tenfold... or at least some fold.
Emma wants to take you out to a special dinner at The Castle! (Travel not included.)
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
+ Invitation to Set
Claimed: 1 of 5
$10,000
Special Credit
We CANNOT thank you enough for your generous contribution! For this kind of money, we can't make this movie without you. You get a special title in the end credits of the movie!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
+ Dinner with Emma
Claimed: 0 of 4
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shout-Out
You who have followed Emma down her bumpy road, you have kept her afloat with your clapping happy hearts and emoji flower bouquets. THANK YOU for joining us on this journey. You're special and Emma is going to give you a personalized shoutout in a story on her INSTAGRAM OR the official Nice Trick FACEBOOK page.
Be sure to add your insta handle and full name to really get the full worth of this shoutout!
$15
Digital Walk of Fame Star
Hurrah! You took the drive with us on our journey to make dreams come true. You have courage, imagination and lots of heart. We all thank you and voila! For your support, you'll get your name on a digital Walk of Fame star!
$25
Selfie from Emma
Whaaat??? You really want this movie to get made and so does Emma. You're gonna get a selfie that Emma takes just for you. No one else will ever see this one (unless you post it yourself). You know she takes a great selfie, so indulge yourself and contribute more than once.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
$50
Link to Stream
Here's a double take: get all the above incentives bundled into one amazing package! You'll also get an exclusive link to stream Nice Trick and see the movie before anyone else!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
$75
Digital Poster Signed by Emma
Now we're talking! You are committed and that's the magic ingredient to making any dream come true. We'd offer you some ruby red slippers but digital poster signed by Emma Bell is a much better way to say "We love you!"
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
$100
BTS Footage
You know this is going to happen! Now more people can see your brilliance than just your mom.
For your strength of character and dedication to the arts we give you insider exclusive Bloopers and Behind The Scenes (BTS) videos for an extra treat before, during and after the shoot. Warning: we are not responsible for any physical damage due to excessive laughter.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
Claimed: 40 of 50
$150
Invitation to Campaign Party
Let's do this. Let's make fund this campaign and then: PARTAY. This act of faith gets you an invitation to our 'End of Seed & Spark Campaign' party, hosted by Emma! (Travel not included).
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
$180
Happy Dance Doggy Video
You're contribution makes Emma and her pup, Whimsy so happy they want to share a happy dance video with you.
Be prepared to smile as much as you have made them smile!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
$250
Personal Jingle
Now you're making Emma sing! She's so happy you're here that she and her bro, Chase - who does nothing all day long but make fantastic music - will write and sing a jingle just for you. Any time you need a lift on your own journey, this little song will make your heart sing and you'll find your own mojo magic again.
This perk is invaluable and unlimited - contribute as many times as you want and get a different jingle every time.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to End of Campaign party
$300
Skype Call with Emma
Shoot for the stars and you might land on the moon! Bet you know all about that. No matter who you are, no matter what your dream, the mightier the better. Have a private skype call with Emma and share your adventures.
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
Claimed: 3 of 10
$500
Make Magic
You love magic as much as we do and this is your opportunity to learn a magic trick from Michael John, one of the top magicians on the scene! This can be in person in Los Angeles or Las Vegas and on skype or facetime in other cities.
Sold Out!
$500
Director's Notes
Everyone knows you can't make a movie without a great script. Maybe you have one of your own? As a thank you for this pledge level Emma would love to read your script and give you a thorough round of notes on it! This is a great giveaway and one Emma is particularly excited about because it's a give back that's close to her heart. So many people have given her the gift of their professional point of view on her scripts and now she can give you hers!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
$1,000
Cocktails with Emma
Wow. Obviously you believe in magic so we will make it happen just for you: Emma wants you as her guest for cocktails at Hollywood's Black Rabbit Rose and be regaled with magic tricks right at your table. (Must be over 21 or older; travel not included.)
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
Claimed: 4 of 5
$3,000
Be in the Movie
You are a star, kid. Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to us! At this level, you're coming to set and we're puttin' you in the movie. Role - Featured Background. (Travel not included.)
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
+ Cocktails with Emma
Claimed: 2 of 10
$5,000
Dinner with Emma
It is with a humble heart that all the artists on this movie kneel at your feet in gratitude. You're amazing and your generosity will come back to you tenfold... or at least some fold.
Emma wants to take you out to a special dinner at The Castle! (Travel not included.)
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
+ Invitation to Set
Claimed: 1 of 5
$10,000
Special Credit
We CANNOT thank you enough for your generous contribution! For this kind of money, we can't make this movie without you. You get a special title in the end credits of the movie!
PLUS
+ Social Media Shout-Out
+ Digital Walk of Fame Star
+ Link to Stream
+ Digital Signed Poster
+ Invitation to Campaign Party
+ Dinner with Emma
Claimed: 0 of 4
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Emma Bell
Director/Writer
I knew I needed to write this piece after losing yet another job and wanting to quit. I knew I needed to make it into a movie when people read it and exclaimed 'This is so my story!' Now I am on a mission to get this film made my way, with a desire to honor and lift up the experience of being a dreamer while also allowing us to see the hard reality of failing every damn day.
I've been a working actress for 15 years on shows such as, "Walking Dead", "Dallas", "Final Destination 5" and "Frozen". While this is my first feature as a writer/director, I've directed two shorts: the multiple award-winning psycho drama "Scratch" and "Between the Pines," a dark and magical look at grief, premiering Oct 18th at the Chelsea International Film Festival in New York City.
I sincerely appreciate your support in getting my first feature off the ground!
You can see my work on my website: emmabellfilm.com
Tessa Bell
Producer/Writer
Tessa Bell began her career at CBS Sixty Minutes and the CBS Evening News. She created the FYI Column for Premiere Magazine, and for 20 many years was the President of Infinity Films & Video Inc. Since moving to LA in 2008, Tessa has produced three WIF International Short Film Festivals, "Bipolar," a feature film by Jean Veber and the multiple award-winning family drama "Life Inside Out," directed by Jill D’Agnenica as well as countless PSA’s for the WIF PSA Production Program. She is currently in development on “Hacienda California” a television series set in Southern California in the 1930s. Her screenplay “The Legend” based on the myth of the first female Pope, has recently won three awards for Best Screenplay. Tessa is a founding member of Green Light Women whose mission is to champion professional women over the age of forty and promote diverse perspectives in media.
Michael John
Magic Consultant
Michael is an American magician, model and actor. He rose to prominence as a star on America’s Got Talent. His online videos have logged over 70 million views. He has been featured on The Price Is Right’s Male Model Search and shared his talents with other prestigious TV shows, commercials and companies including Tu Si Que Vales, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, McDonald’s, helloworld Travel, American Airlines, Nike & BCN Foods. His magic has taken him around the globe from places like New Zealand, Italy, Hawaii, Toronto, Texas, Florida, Los Angeles, to Palos Verdes & Palm Springs, among many other cities, states & parts of the world.
Chase Bell
Composer
Chase Bell is an LA-based pop songwriter/composer who produces, performs, and writes his own unique mix of cinematic pop and funk-pop. Chase performs his original music regularly in LA with his funk trio and excites audiences while singing and playing guitar solos behind his head. Chase has his own professional music recording studio in the artistic heart of LA where he daily records and refines his own pop music and the music of other artists and the music he composes for commercials and films.
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