The next film from writer/director Paul Myzia — Olive is a "gripping, page-turning drama" about Scott & Samantha...a separated couple who meet for the first time in six months. Scott wants her back in his life one way or another...but she's got some distressing news to break to him.
The next film from writer/director Paul Myzia — Olive is a "gripping, page-turning drama" about Scott & Samantha...a separated couple who meet for the first time in six months. Scott wants her back in his life one way or another...but she's got some distressing news to break to him.
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Story
Mission Statement
As humans, we're all inherently flawed. But flaws aside...pride and arrogance are choices, and our choices will either free us or destroy us. With an award-winning cast and crew by my side, we're daring to tell this kind of story I've only seen attempted in a feature film, in an intense short film!About The Project
Olive takes a hard look at the relationship between mental illness and personal responsibility. Mental illness in society is a big deal. But what not a lot of people talk about is personal responsibility. Yes, we all have flaws that we can't help. But we all get to choose whether or not to take responsibilty and accept our need for help, or to be proud and arrogant. Relationships are hard, and they only work with good communication, and humility. So despite this film going a very different direction than my previous works...I aim for it to be a thought-provoking conversation starter; a somber statement; a head-spinning, grammatical sword-fight that hits close to home for all of us...but also, a masterfully crafted piece of art that propels all of my team further into their careers. It's my hope that the talent is all recognized for their performances and creativity, and the crew recognized for the craftsmanship. We're all perfectionists over here who care very deeply about our work!
10 years ago I wrote the first draft of Olive, inspired by my favorite screenwriter: Aaron Sorkin, and a scene from The Social Network:
But after one table read, a good friend of mine who was set to play the lead character, passed away. After sitting on it, I realized I wasn't ready to make this film anyway, so it was indefinitely shelved.
In 2020 my family and I moved to Nashville to put down our own roots, and I met some of the greatest people here. In ’21 I had the pleasure of editing Ben Richardson’s A Little Dead...and writing/directing Cristian Fredrick’s experimental biopic, The Masterpiece.
During this process I got to collaborate with old friends and new friends — and both films have brought home multiple awards in every category on the festival circuit.
The Masterpiece has won:
- Best Drama
- Best Biopic
- Best Indie Film
- Best Director
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Sound Design
- Best Original ScoreA Little Dead has won:
- Best Short Film
- Best Narrative
- DeadCenter Best Short (Audience Award)
- Best Okie Short
- Best Oklahoma ShortAnd has a ton of other nominations at current festivals! It’s been the adventure of a lifetime.
So this year, I wanted to challenge myself with a story/genre I’ve never done. As most of my films are visually-driven narratives, it was time to step out of the comfort zone. I did a ton of research, completely rewrote Olive, got a ton of feedback, and multiple drafts later...it’s ready to shoot. A multi-layered, character-driven drama that I cannot WAIT to bring to life.
We have the location, the cast, and most of the crew...all we're missing is the money!
We have an incredible cast and crew lining up! The cast:
Left to right: Virouna Elia (Bettor Days, Messiah, Leave Right Now), Reynaldo Pacheco (Our Brand Is Crisis, Kick), and Alexia Valente (Get On Up, Hell To Have You)
To name some of the crew: Producer, Ben Richardson; Director of Photography, Andrew Smith; Composer, Brandon Blanchard; ALL of whom are multiple award winners in their fields, and projects they've been on. I’m humbled, and honored to say that all of these are personal friends of mine, who loved the script and are equally excited to bring it to life!
Simple. Movies cost money to make. We need:
- Location
- Gear (cameras, lenses, lighting, sound, makeup, etc)
- Talent
- Insurance
- Post production (vfx, sfx, color, editing)
Beyond that, we want to enter this film into as many quality festivals as we can, and showcase the work of these artists before audiences world-wide. Amazing things can happen from festivals, in fact...Dances With Films: LA is where I saw a short film featuring Reynaldo. I loved his performance, we connected on Instagram, and that's how he came to audition for the role of Scott in Olive!
I want to make THIS worth your while! Not only that...I don't just want a donation. I want your interest and excitement for this film. I want to build on a relationship, and have you be a part of the art I create. There are a bunch of really cool perks to receive for your pledge! Things like:
- Early access to watch the film (it’ll spend about a year in festivals after it’s done, so for $25 or higher you won’t have to wait that long!)
- Your name in the film's credits
- A Zoom Q&A with the director or a cast member
- Attending a private premiere
- Opportunity to be an Extra
- Keep a prop from the film
- Get feedback on your own script
- Have a reel / short film edited by the director
- A copy of the script, or movie poster signed by our cast members
- An exclusive BTS Photobook (only 3 available!)
Check out the list of incentives and what you get for each one! I am never going to stop making movies. When this film is finished, after it's had its festival run, I'll put it out there for ALL to see, either through distribution or for free on the web. And regardless of what happens, whether in success or failure...it'll be used to learn from, to go on making more art...to hopefully make whatever difference in the world I can muster. And I'll take you with me by sharing all that transpires from it and during it! I hope to take our relationship as storyteller / audience, to the next level.
$18,000 is the absolute minimum it will require to make this film start to finish. And that's with me working for free (I'm not getting paid AT ALL), and many of the crew involved working at discounted rates, because they like me, they love film, and they want to be a part of this. So let's talk about stretch goals! If we go beyond the goal, and hit:
$18,500 | Principle crew will get paid additional for the work and time they put in
$19,000 | More money will get allocated to various post-production costs
$19,500 | Any crucial or additional festivals we feel strongly about will be entered into
$20,000+ | Will support members of the team to be able to attend any notable festivals we get into
These plans are flexible, but ultimately any stretch amount will further the impact of this project, and the experience of the people involved in it!
Every project comes with risk. We have talent traveling from all over the country for this one. We have multiple schedules to coordinate for making it work. There could be delays, extra costs, natural interference, etc. So ultimately—there’s a lot at stake here. But I hope you’ll trust my library of film work, the success they’ve had, my determination, and come along side me for another adventure!
SPREAD. THE. WORD.
Hit the "follow" button on this page; Follow @oliveshortfilm on Instagram! Follow @reelclef on Facebook.
Most importantly, SHARE this page with people! Only 10% of your followers will see posts you make, thanks to current algorythms. So help us out by SENDING this page to people you think would be interested. There's strength in numbers. ~700 pledges is all we should need to get this thing off the ground!
Here is a post you can copy to share or send:
HEY YOU! My friends are making what looks like a sweet short film. But they need help. I've joined...will you too? A lot of cool artists involved in this one, and success should be easy if we both back them! Check it out: seedandspark.com/fund/oliveshortfilm
Incentives
$15
A Wink
Get a social media shoutout for your support of this project!
$25
Mild Flirting
EARLY ACCESS!
RIght now, you get:
- One page from the script (sneak peek) e-mailed to you
- A pickup line or a breakup note written to you from a character in the film!
& when the film is finished, you get:
- A private link to watch it instead of waiting a YEAR for public release
$50
Well Hello There!
In addition to the 2 previous perks, you get:
- A Zoom/Facetime Q&A with the director after you've seen the film
- Your name in the film's end credits
$100
Hand Holding
All previous perks, plus:
- 4K digital copy of the film (for your computer, tablet, or phone) when it's finished- Are you a writer? Get free review / feedback on YOUR script from the director (if applicable)
$250
Officially Dating
All previous perks, plus:
- Read the script for Olive before it goes into production!
- Be an extra in the film (*may require travel, costs not included)
- Attend a private cast/crew screening (*may require travel, costs not included)
$350
LIMITED EDITION PHOTOBOOK
Once production and post production is complete, the director will be creating a hard cover, premium photobook with BTS stills, fun facts, images from the film, bios, etc. There will only be 4 of these made -- one for the director, 3 for the backers that choose this incentive!
*you will also receive all previous perks that come with incentives below the $350 pledge.
Claimed: 2 of 3
$500
Obsessed With Each Other
In addition to all previous perks, you get:
- A Zoom Q&A with a cast member of your choosing (and they're all pretty sweet)$1,000
Excuse Me, Who Is She?
You get all previous perks, plus:
- Get your next demo reel (or any video of your choice, 3-5 minues long) edited by the director, who happens to be an award-winning editor as well!
- Exclusive behind the scenes look during post production of the film! Get e-mails, texts, or DMs with fun updates and SPOILER FILLED sneak peeks as the film comes together in the studio!- An Associate Producer credit
$5,000
It's Not Me, It's You
Things are not only serious, they've taken an unexpected turn...
In addition to ALL of the previous perks, you get:
- An Executive Producer credit
- Shadow the producer on set during principle photography (requires travel, costs not included)- Keep two props from the film
- A signed copy of the official poster (after it's designed)
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
A Wink
Get a social media shoutout for your support of this project!
$25
Mild Flirting
EARLY ACCESS!
RIght now, you get:
- One page from the script (sneak peek) e-mailed to you
- A pickup line or a breakup note written to you from a character in the film!
& when the film is finished, you get:
- A private link to watch it instead of waiting a YEAR for public release
$50
Well Hello There!
In addition to the 2 previous perks, you get:
- A Zoom/Facetime Q&A with the director after you've seen the film
- Your name in the film's end credits
$100
Hand Holding
All previous perks, plus:
- 4K digital copy of the film (for your computer, tablet, or phone) when it's finished- Are you a writer? Get free review / feedback on YOUR script from the director (if applicable)
$250
Officially Dating
All previous perks, plus:
- Read the script for Olive before it goes into production!
- Be an extra in the film (*may require travel, costs not included)
- Attend a private cast/crew screening (*may require travel, costs not included)$350
LIMITED EDITION PHOTOBOOK
Once production and post production is complete, the director will be creating a hard cover, premium photobook with BTS stills, fun facts, images from the film, bios, etc. There will only be 4 of these made -- one for the director, 3 for the backers that choose this incentive!
*you will also receive all previous perks that come with incentives below the $350 pledge.
Claimed: 2 of 3
$500
Obsessed With Each Other
In addition to all previous perks, you get:
- A Zoom Q&A with a cast member of your choosing (and they're all pretty sweet)$1,000
Excuse Me, Who Is She?
You get all previous perks, plus:
- Get your next demo reel (or any video of your choice, 3-5 minues long) edited by the director, who happens to be an award-winning editor as well!
- Exclusive behind the scenes look during post production of the film! Get e-mails, texts, or DMs with fun updates and SPOILER FILLED sneak peeks as the film comes together in the studio!- An Associate Producer credit
$5,000
It's Not Me, It's You
Things are not only serious, they've taken an unexpected turn...
In addition to ALL of the previous perks, you get:
- An Executive Producer credit
- Shadow the producer on set during principle photography (requires travel, costs not included)- Keep two props from the film
- A signed copy of the official poster (after it's designed)
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Producing for Olive, is the amazing Ben Richardson.
Ben is an actor/writer/director/producer. He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and talented in each of these categories. Ben and I met through mutual friends, and first got connected when I edited his film, A Little Dead. A Little Dead is still in its festival run, where it's taken home many awards for various categories. Our time working together on that film fostered a friendship, and Ben came to Nashville to help me with my most recent film, The Masterpiece. I learned more from Ben in those 5 days of shooting, than I had in many combined years prior. He is smart, knowledgeable, a team player, insightful...he's pushed and challenged me in ways no one else has. And even though we have creative differences in story-telling, we work well as a team, and enjoy working together. So his involvement as a producer in Olive happened rather serendipitously, and I'm thrilled to partner on it!
Virouna Elia, leading lady! Virouna and I met at our day job. I learned shortly after that she was an actress, and asked if she was interested in reading my latest script. She loved it, and had some good feedback. The more I got to know her, I realized she could be a good fit for the female lead, and she CRUSHED an audition tape! Virouna is talented, diligent, energetic, and has been a pleasure to workshop the script with. Can't wait to have her performance bring one of these character to life!
Reynaldo Pacheco, I first saw his work at Dances With Films: LA film festival. He starred in an amazing short film, La Macana. It was the best film in the block, possibly my favorite of the whole festival. I reached out to him on Instagram just to praise his work. We got to talking, he watched some of my films and read the script for Olive, and from the start was very interested in the role. We had a table read, and he brought so much to the character that I just hadn't imagined...I couldn't turn him down. Reynaldo has been acting for quite some time, and has an impressive resume. I'm honestly humbled he even responded to my DM!
Alexia Valente and I met officially when we moved to Nashville, but our paths crossed much earlier in life in theater! She is an actress, violinist, dancer, and all around multi-talented performer. Her role in Olive is the only one I didn't audition, because when I thought of her for the part I knew instantly she would be perfect for it. She sent me a self tape anyway as a courtesy...and knocked it out of the park. I can't say much about her role, but I can tell you she does not disappoint! Can't wait for you to see it!
Andrew Smith is Director of Photography! Andrew and I have been friends for almost 15 years, but only worked together as Director/DP for the first time in 2021, on The Masterpiece. We had a small window of time to film a TON of material on an extremely visuals-heavy film. Andrew crushed it, and in addition to many other films he's worked on, has been nominated for, and won Best Cinematography from a handful of festivals. He gets my vision, we share similar style, and I respect his eye and craft for visual story telling. There's no one else I'd rather DP my films after the art we've created together. Andrew has an extensive and impressive resume, working on feature length films with both new-comers, and established celebrities.
Composing the score for Olive, is award-winning composer Brandon Blanchard! Brandon has become a dear friend of mine. We share a similar love and passion for film, story-telling, and music. Especially the importance of music and the role it plays in film. It would take pages to write all I feel for this man, but suffice it to say, he is the most talented, naturally-gifted composer I've ever met or had the pleasure of working with. Above all this, he is humble. 2 of the 3 films we've worked on together, he composed most of the score just from reading the script...not having seen an ounce of footage. It's raw talent. He know's what's best for a film, and I trust him so much I feel no need to tell him what I want. I just turn the film over to him and let him work his magic. I'm honored, and thrilled that he likes my story-telling and wants to be involved with Olive. I literally cannot wait to hear what he comes up with for this one!
Lastly, I'm Paul Myzia, writer and director of Olive! I started around the age of 11 making movies, and I knew ever since I was a kid that's what I wanted to do. My first, most professional film was released in 2015, and really was the start of my journey into the film world. I've slowly honed my style and tone, have released 5 films of my own since then (amassing around 20,000,000 views), and last year finally stepped into full time filmmaking. I LOVE drama. I love people, relationships, deep thought, and serious topics. My goal is to make films that take you for an emotional ride...that surprise you, and get you thinking. But also just that are entertaining! My favorite screenwriter is Aaron Sorkin, and one of my favorite directors is David Fincher, and Olive is basically my love letter to them!
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