Real Artists' director committed to elevating representation with this sci-fi short about art, artificial intelligence and the future of film that features a 75% female crew and a cast-crew that's 50% people of color.
Real Artists' director committed to elevating representation with this sci-fi short about art, artificial intelligence and the future of film that features a 75% female crew and a cast-crew that's 50% people of color.
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Story
About The Project
ABOUT THE FILM
What would you give up to become a 'real artist'?
Sophia, a young animator is offered what should be her dream job. But when she discovers the truth of the modern "creative" process, she must make a hard choice about her passion for film. Set in an unsettling tomorrow, REAL ARTISTS, is the new sci-fi short film from award-winning director/screenwriter Cameo Wood (DUKHA IN SUMMER) and based on the short story by Hugo/Nebula/World Fantasy winning author Ken Liu (THE GRACE OF KINGS) and stars renowned actress Tamlyn Tomita (FOUR ROOMS, JOY LUCK CLUB, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW) and marks the debut of Tiffany Hines (BONES) in a sci-fi indie role.
We just released our trailer:
Help us bring this story to life. We need 1000 followers on Seed&Spark in order to be eligible for distribution on Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, and Amazon - If we get 1000 followers, we also get a grant of filmmaking products and services worth $8,500. Both of those things are huge and would help us get the film in front of more fans. So, check out the incentives and wishlist pages, contribute monetarily, spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (use #RealArtistsFilm), blogs, and encourage friends to make this project a reality!
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Sophia & Palladon discuss potential employment at Semaphore
Why This Story?
We felt it was the right time to take a hard look at the issues surrounding the future of work, filmmaking, and what it may be like to collaborate with an AI. Right now, biometric data is used for neuromarketing in many different contexts. Film plots are influenced by how test audiences respond during key points in the film.
We're envisioning a near future when its more efficient to have an artificial intelligence create a film and test it on a human audience. Where 'taste' is not yet captured by code and still has to be measured by a human. This story is ultimately a reaction to what it means to be human and what the future of quantifiable filmmaking looks like. Through science-fiction, we focus on rapidly-approaching question of ethics in neuromarketing, the power of corporations to craft products in response to our biometric responses, and how these concepts connect. We're also telling a story about a young woman's dream job, and her heroine that tries to guide her toward the future of storytelling.
Tracking - coming to an interview near you!
BASED ON THE SHORT STORY BY KEN LIU
Our director, Cameo Wood, read Ken Liu's short story Real Artists on a plane in 2012 and was so inspired by the tale, she emailed him from 10,000 feet to ask him if we could option the rights- and so the journey of Real Artists began. Cameo also wrote the screenplay adaptation of Ken's story which has since won awards at international film festivals in London, Toronto, and the USA. We're excited to build upon the short story's critical acclaim and expand the world of REAL ARTISTS. The short story was originally commissioned by MIT's Technology Review as a collection of short sci-fi stories called TRSF in 2011 and has been performed by Ann Leckie for Escape Pod (listen), and has been translated into Dutch in De Ingenieur, and into Japanese for はるこん／Hal-Con 2017. Now we want this story to reach its fullest potential and bring it to a wider audience
Post Production
Real Artists is already in the can. The film was shot on 35mm kodak film on a Panavision camera, and it looks gorgeous. Shot on location at the breathtaking Chabot Space & Science Center, the location couldn't have been more perfect as the ultra-modern Semaphore Studios. Our film has an original soundtrack by accomplished composer, Meredith Yayanos of The Parlour Trick - featuring Stripmall Architecture's Ryan Coseboom.Our Goal
We've already shot the film, and now we're in the final weeks of editing, VFX, coloring, sound design, and music production. We realize that it will cost about $20,000 to finish the film. We are asking for you to help us reach that goal. That money goes to pay professionals who will be editing the film, editing the sound, animating the visual effects, designing the display for the artificial intelligence, coloring the film, writing and producing the music - all of which we need to make a great looking and sounding film. Check out our WishList to look at the budget we're trying to fulfill.
Incentives
$5
Biggest Fan
Wow! Thanks for supporting our film. We all appreciate it!
$10
Film Buff
You are a fan! Recieve our MONTHLY EMAIL UPDATES on our film and exclusive BEHIND THE SCENES pictures and video!
$25
AI Collaborator
Imagine your future with AI co-workers while watching your DIGITAL COPY OF 'REAL ARTISTS' along with BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOS and commentaries by our cast and crew!$25
First Iteration (First day special!)
First day fans only! Get ALL DIGITAL DELIVERABLES (normally $100!), and our unending admiration at your great taste in film!Also includes these online-only items:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
Sold Out!
$50
Neuromarketer
You don't have to ask people what they want - you already know. And we know that you want a digital copy of the PRODUCTION BINDER - access to the script, shot lists, storyboards, the animatic, and all the blueprints that go along into the making of the film.Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
$100
Semaphore Executive
A digital copy of the CONCEPT ART by Matt Evans. The artwork and designs brought our AI character to life. Matt will share ideas and stories that led to the final look.Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
$150
Get me that in hard copy
You want something solid - in your hand. You want a hard copy. You will recieve a copy of the original Real Artists SHOOTING SCRIPT, signed by the director. Also includes these aetheric items:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Sold Out!
$200
Real Fan
Only 25 of these posters exist - SIGNED 24"x36" MOVIE POSTER - with original German Expressionist artwork by Matt Evans - signed by the entire Cast & key crew - includingTiffany Hines, Tamlyn Tomita, Cameo Wood, Meredith Yayanos, and author Ken Liu! These posters are absolutely breathtaking, and are a must-have for any big fan.Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
- Signed copy of the SHOOTING SCRIPT signed by the director
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Claimed: 7 of 20
$1,000
Permanent Pass to the Semifortress
Here is your chance to change the world. Join our executive staff as one of our ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS and get your name in our film credits and on IMDb.
Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
Sold Out!
$2,500
Big Semi
You are invited to Semaphore Studios - just slip on this one of a kind SEMAPHORE STUDIOS GUEST BRACELET worn by Tiffany Hines in the film. It even has a small vial of Tabula Rasa - don't worry - you won't remember a thing. You'll also get a PRODUCER credit in the film! Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
- Signed copy of the shooting script signed by the director
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Sold Out!
$2,500
Take a seat
Become a Real Artist at Semaphore Studios - just take a seat with an embroidered REAL ARTISTS CHAIRBACK used on set and with "Real Artists" on one side, and with the names and roles of TIFFANY HINES, TAMLYN TOMITA, OR CAMEO WOOD on the other - used on set and seen in BTS photos. You'll also get a PRODUCER credit in the film!
Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
- Signed copy of the shooting script signed by the director
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Claimed: 1 of 3
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Biggest Fan
Wow! Thanks for supporting our film. We all appreciate it!
$10
Film Buff
You are a fan! Recieve our MONTHLY EMAIL UPDATES on our film and exclusive BEHIND THE SCENES pictures and video!
$25
AI Collaborator
Imagine your future with AI co-workers while watching your DIGITAL COPY OF 'REAL ARTISTS' along with BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOS and commentaries by our cast and crew!$25
First Iteration (First day special!)
First day fans only! Get ALL DIGITAL DELIVERABLES (normally $100!), and our unending admiration at your great taste in film!Also includes these online-only items:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
Sold Out!
$50
Neuromarketer
You don't have to ask people what they want - you already know. And we know that you want a digital copy of the PRODUCTION BINDER - access to the script, shot lists, storyboards, the animatic, and all the blueprints that go along into the making of the film.Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
$100
Semaphore Executive
A digital copy of the CONCEPT ART by Matt Evans. The artwork and designs brought our AI character to life. Matt will share ideas and stories that led to the final look.Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
$150
Get me that in hard copy
You want something solid - in your hand. You want a hard copy. You will recieve a copy of the original Real Artists SHOOTING SCRIPT, signed by the director. Also includes these aetheric items:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Sold Out!
$200
Real Fan
Only 25 of these posters exist - SIGNED 24"x36" MOVIE POSTER - with original German Expressionist artwork by Matt Evans - signed by the entire Cast & key crew - includingTiffany Hines, Tamlyn Tomita, Cameo Wood, Meredith Yayanos, and author Ken Liu! These posters are absolutely breathtaking, and are a must-have for any big fan.Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
- Signed copy of the SHOOTING SCRIPT signed by the director
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Claimed: 7 of 20
$1,000
Permanent Pass to the Semifortress
Here is your chance to change the world. Join our executive staff as one of our ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS and get your name in our film credits and on IMDb.
Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
Sold Out!
$2,500
Big Semi
You are invited to Semaphore Studios - just slip on this one of a kind SEMAPHORE STUDIOS GUEST BRACELET worn by Tiffany Hines in the film. It even has a small vial of Tabula Rasa - don't worry - you won't remember a thing. You'll also get a PRODUCER credit in the film! Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
- Signed copy of the shooting script signed by the director
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Sold Out!
$2,500
Take a seat
Become a Real Artist at Semaphore Studios - just take a seat with an embroidered REAL ARTISTS CHAIRBACK used on set and with "Real Artists" on one side, and with the names and roles of TIFFANY HINES, TAMLYN TOMITA, OR CAMEO WOOD on the other - used on set and seen in BTS photos. You'll also get a PRODUCER credit in the film!
Also includes:
- Monthly email updates, BTS pictures, production diary
- Digital Copy of 'Real Artists', BTS videos and commentaries
- Digital copy of Production Binder
- Digital copy of Concept Art
- Signed copy of the shooting script signed by the director
(Additional shipping costs may apply when shiupping outside the United States)
Claimed: 1 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
A Film Made by Women and PoC about the Future
We're secured a diverse and talented cast and crew - of which 75% are women and 50% are people of color.
CAST
Actress Tamlyn Tomita
Tamlyn Tomita as Noshiko Yukimura in TEEN WOLF
Tamlyn Tomita, Actor, made her screen debut in THE KARATE KID, PART II, and continued to create rich and engrosing characters in feature films such as COME SEE THE PARADISE opposite Dennis Quaid, the film adaptation of Amy Tan's bestselling novel THE JOY LUCK CLUB, her distinguished work in PICTURE BRIDE (Audience Award winner, 1995 Sundance Film Festival), and FOUR ROOMS opposite Antonio Banderas. She can currently been seen playing Noshiko Yukimura in TEEN WOLF on MTV, an autumn 2016 on EPIX in the new series BERLIN STATION with Richard Artimage.
Actress Tiffany Hines
Tiffany Hines as Jaden in NIKITA
REAL ARTISTS also showcases the work of Tiffany Hines, Actress, known for her memorable television roles as Birdie Scott on BEYOND THE BREAK, Michelle Welton on BONES, Didi Miller on DEVIOUS MAIDS, Jaden on NIKITA, and Kelly Baptiste on DAMIEN. She recently portrayed Tamar Braxton on TONI BRAXTON: UNBREAK MY HEART on the Lifetime Channel.
CREW
We are so thankful to have attracted such an amazing group of passionate filmmakers:
Cameo Wood, Director/Screenwriter, is a San Francisco based filmmaker began honing her craft in highschool while working as an editor and director on the first syndicated high school television show in 1995. She began her film education when she was 12 and worked full time at the family video store. Later, she joined the San Francisco filmmaker cooperative Scary Cow, and assisted other filmmakers in the development of their own films (SLASHED: TALES OF FORBIDDEN LUST, PRESSURE, LIT, THE SECRET GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE BEIJING). In 2013 Cameo made a solo venture into the wild outback of Northern Mongolia where she made her first short documentary, DUKHA IN SUMMER, which captured a day in the life of a group of nomadic reindeer herders. The finished film debuted at the St. Louis Film Festival, and had a successful festival run in over 30 film festivals throughout the world. Academically she has studied medical neuroscience and artificial intelligence, and when she read Real Artists, she realized she was uniquely situated to create this film as a modern hard science fiction tale. This is her narrative directorial debut.
Ryon Lane, Executive Producer & Producer, has worked in film, TV and commercial production for over a decade as an EP & Producer of high-concept, festival-bound feature-length and short independent films, virtual reality (VR) and branded commercial content. He previously worked in Business Affairs at Lionsgate and Intermedia Film, and also reviewed content and wrote literary coverage for Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
Alexa Fraser-Herron, Producer, is a writer, director, and producer based out of San Francisco. Originally lured to the city to pursue fine art at the San Francisco Art Institute, Alexa later began channeling her myriad interests into film. Her work includes EAT, PRAY, WHATEVER, ALONE FOREVER, the experimental horror short 7 MINUTES IN HELL, PETE & VERONICA, and MINI SUPREME. Alexa is the production manager for Peaches Christ, runs Bay Area-based film collective Scary Cow Productions, and lectures on various aspects of creative development and film production.
Kimberly Culotta, Director of Photography, is a tri-coastal cinematographer, splitting her time between Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans. Collaborating with auteurs to deliver images that enrich narratives is her primary goal. She brings a back-ground as a gaffer and a painter to the craft of motion picture photography. She has served as a DP on over 30 film projects, many of which have competed at prestigious international film festivals.
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