Rich Kids is a narrative drama about a group of troubled teens in a low-income community who resolve to break into “Los Ricos”, the local mansion with a border fence, in order to forget their difficult lives and experience a different one.
Rich Kids is a narrative drama about a group of troubled teens in a low-income community who resolve to break into “Los Ricos”, the local mansion with a border fence, in order to forget their difficult lives and experience a different one.
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Story
About The Project
PLEASE VISIT OUR POST PRODUCTION CAMPAIGN: www.RichKidsTheMovie.com
Synopsis
Mattias is a teenager whose family is struggling from financial hardship. When he discovers a wealthy neighbor’s out of town, he breaks into the mansion with his friends, spending the afternoon pretending to be rich. But when a troublemaking relative shows up uninvited, loyalties are tested as Matt’s desire for power in the house rises and his friendships are pushed to the breaking point.
About the script
From Laura Somers (co-writer/director): This story is loosely inspired by the kids from my neighborhood and by an incident that happened in the house I grew up in. My house was ten times bigger than any of the houses in the low income community across the street. The house also had a large fence surrounding it. A few years ago a group of kids broke into the house while my parents were away. The kids had a one hell of a great night before it ended in tragedy when one of them died.
This break-in got me thinking a lot about what it must be like for the lower income kids to live next to an affluent neighbor who had a big fence around their house. What message is the fence sending to them? In our country, all of our systems, whether they be economic, justice, or education, create their own invisible fences blocking equal access to working class, poor and ethnic communities. This is the theme that is central to the film, one that I’m very passionate about exploring.
From David Saldaña (co-writer): When Laura and I met to discuss her idea for the Rich Kids script she already had a basic story line mapped out in her head and ideas on shaping the narrative and characters. Having developed a familiarity with each other's work over the past six or so years we'd discovered our overlapping story telling sensibilities and love of character over plot. The choice to co-write the screenplay seemed like a no-brainer and luckily, we were rewarded with a relatively "effortless" process.
Before writing a single word we talked a lot, about being from Texas, about being a teenager, about being a parent, about groups unrepresented in film and television and how all those things have shaped us as screenwriters today. For me, this was wonderful opportunity to develop and explore the lives of characters that I wanted to see on the screen without fretting about the mechanics and devices that I'd spent so many hours on when working on specs and pilots, story over plot we said. To me, this meant an obligation to be as honest as possible so that the story would be compelling-- provoking thought and emotion for the audience.
Incentives
$1
WE EXIST!
Gratitude. Thank you, thank you for showing your support and coming along on this ride. We'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$5
FIVE FRAMES
You made five frames of the film possible! You will be sent five UNIQUE frame clips of the movie that you made possible. Make it your desktop wallpaper, post it to Facebook, print it out and tack it to the wall -- these frames are thanks to you and you alone. Plus we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$10
ALL ACCESS PRODUCTION DIARY
We will include you in the filmmaking process and show you how it's done with our Production Diary. Each week throughout the shoot you will receive a video from me (with cameos from the cast and crew) detailing the process of making the movie.
You'll also get a pdf copy of the screenplay after the film is distributed, and we'll send you five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$15
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
You get a High-Definition (HD) digital download of the FULL film!
You'll also get our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$25
YOUR NAME ON SCREEN AND BONUS FEATURES
You'll receive a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, AND a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits. You'll get a downloadable HD copy of the film that includes BONUS FEATURES made specifically for backers of this campaign.
You'll also get our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$40
ADVANCE SCREENING IN HOUSTON
I will preview the final cut of the movie before it's released to these backers only. You'll get two tickets to attend a private cast & crew screening and Q&A of Rich Kids in Houston. (transportation and lodging not provided).
You'll also get an HD download of the film with bonus features, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$60
BE THE FIRST TO SEE SCENES
You'll be given access to a password protected preview of scenes of the film during the post production process.
You'll also get two tickets to the Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$100
WILD CARD
Want a prop from the movie signed by the cast? Want a photo of you or your artwork featured in the movie? Want to submit a prop to be used in the movie? Want your music featured in the movie? Have a question you want a video answer from by someone in the cast or crew? Want to write a short scene to be acted out by the cast? Want to share how your story relates to Rich Kids on our Facebook page, in video or writing? This is a wild card incentive. You pick one of the above and we'll make it happen (although we reserve the right to determine whether your request is appropriate).
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$250
DAY ON SET
Come hang out with us for the day! See what it's like to be part of a real working set. Hang with the crew, be an extra, shadow the director, have lunch with us, on us! (travel and lodging not included).
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
Claimed: 2 of 14
$250
COPY OF THE PRODUCTION BOOK
A book with still images from the set and behind the scenes photos and commentary. We'll include pictures of the production storyboards, design concepts and director's notes. You'll get a deeper look into the process of visualizing a film.
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$500
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT
You'll be an Associate Producer and your name will appear in the end credits and on IMDB.com. You'll have our contact information and will be kept in the loop on all free tickets and special events. You’ll also get 2 tickets to the Rich Kids Premiere (lodging and transportation not provided) and after-party!
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$1,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
You'll be an Executive Producer and your name appears on the poster, the DVD, in the OPENING CREDIT roll and on IMDB.com. You'll be invited to set and the wrap party (transportation and lodging not included). You'll be kept in the loop on the entire production, post-production, and distribution process. You'll get two free festival passes for any one festival we screen at (transportation and lodging not included), and we'll take you to all the cool parties!
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
Claimed: 2 of 5
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$1
WE EXIST!
Gratitude. Thank you, thank you for showing your support and coming along on this ride. We'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$5
FIVE FRAMES
You made five frames of the film possible! You will be sent five UNIQUE frame clips of the movie that you made possible. Make it your desktop wallpaper, post it to Facebook, print it out and tack it to the wall -- these frames are thanks to you and you alone. Plus we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$10
ALL ACCESS PRODUCTION DIARY
We will include you in the filmmaking process and show you how it's done with our Production Diary. Each week throughout the shoot you will receive a video from me (with cameos from the cast and crew) detailing the process of making the movie.
You'll also get a pdf copy of the screenplay after the film is distributed, and we'll send you five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$15
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
You get a High-Definition (HD) digital download of the FULL film!
You'll also get our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$25
YOUR NAME ON SCREEN AND BONUS FEATURES
You'll receive a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, AND a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits. You'll get a downloadable HD copy of the film that includes BONUS FEATURES made specifically for backers of this campaign.
You'll also get our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$40
ADVANCE SCREENING IN HOUSTON
I will preview the final cut of the movie before it's released to these backers only. You'll get two tickets to attend a private cast & crew screening and Q&A of Rich Kids in Houston. (transportation and lodging not provided).
You'll also get an HD download of the film with bonus features, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$60
BE THE FIRST TO SEE SCENES
You'll be given access to a password protected preview of scenes of the film during the post production process.
You'll also get two tickets to the Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, and five unique frames of the film that you made possible. Plus, we'll give you a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$100
WILD CARD
Want a prop from the movie signed by the cast? Want a photo of you or your artwork featured in the movie? Want to submit a prop to be used in the movie? Want your music featured in the movie? Have a question you want a video answer from by someone in the cast or crew? Want to write a short scene to be acted out by the cast? Want to share how your story relates to Rich Kids on our Facebook page, in video or writing? This is a wild card incentive. You pick one of the above and we'll make it happen (although we reserve the right to determine whether your request is appropriate).
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$250
DAY ON SET
Come hang out with us for the day! See what it's like to be part of a real working set. Hang with the crew, be an extra, shadow the director, have lunch with us, on us! (travel and lodging not included).
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
Claimed: 2 of 14
$250
COPY OF THE PRODUCTION BOOK
A book with still images from the set and behind the scenes photos and commentary. We'll include pictures of the production storyboards, design concepts and director's notes. You'll get a deeper look into the process of visualizing a film.
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$500
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT
You'll be an Associate Producer and your name will appear in the end credits and on IMDB.com. You'll have our contact information and will be kept in the loop on all free tickets and special events. You’ll also get 2 tickets to the Rich Kids Premiere (lodging and transportation not provided) and after-party!
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
$1,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
You'll be an Executive Producer and your name appears on the poster, the DVD, in the OPENING CREDIT roll and on IMDB.com. You'll be invited to set and the wrap party (transportation and lodging not included). You'll be kept in the loop on the entire production, post-production, and distribution process. You'll get two free festival passes for any one festival we screen at (transportation and lodging not included), and we'll take you to all the cool parties!
You'll also get a password protected preview of scenes of the film, two tickets to the special Houston screening (travel and lodging not included), an HD download of the film with bonus features, our Production Diary, a pdf copy of the script after the film is distributed, a special video "Thank You" from the cast on set during the shoot, a 'Special Thanks" in the end credits, five frames of the film that you made possible. Plus a shout-out on our Facebook page!
Claimed: 2 of 5
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Laura Somers (Co-Writer, Director) is originally from Pasadena, TX. She wants to live in a world where female directors are hired for 51% of the jobs in film and television. She is a solid, nurturing, and enthusiastic director committed to being an in demand film director. Laura’s directing strengths lie with her solid storytelling skills, powerful use of imagery, and her ability to inspire passionate performances from actors.
A graduate of NYU's TISCH School of the Arts, Laura's work has been highlighted on BrevityTV.com, The W Hotels, UCLA Medical Center, American Theater Magazine, New York Magazine and Vanity Fair. Her films have played at festivals around the world and her work has received financial support from IBM, the Austin Arts Commission, and Banana Republic. Between 1999 – 2001, she was Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed award-winning theater company the dirigo group in Austin, TX. Having directed over 30 plays, her work with the dirigo group was honored by American Theater Magazine as one of twelve rising American theater companies “to watch” that were “hot, hip and on the verge”. She recently was named as one of SHOOT Magazine's up and coming directors of 2016.
From 2006-2014, she was a Editor on reality tv, films, web series and commercials for networks including TruTv, Spike, SyFy, TV One, MSN.com and Lifetime. In addition to being a filmmaker, she is a stay at home mom to her 30-month-old son. She also teaches aspiring screenwriters with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Writer's Guild Association. She lives in Los Angeles.
David Saldaña (co-writer) is from Austin, Texas. He started performing and writing in high school where he won numerous UIL acting awards and was a key member of Reagan High School’s Broadcast Journalism Program. He also made a bunch of goofy short films with his buddies. David was granted a Texas Achievement Award, academic minority scholarship, and graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in French.
After college, David spent five years as performer in Austin’s theater and comedy scenes. He was a company member at the critically acclaimed Vortex Theater where he participated in several original and adapted productions. He also served as assistant director for the Vortex Summer Youth Program’s award winning production of Aristophanes’s The Frogs. In addition, he worked as an actor and sound designer with Teatro Humanidad and Teatro Vivo.
On the comedic side, David was troupe member of Monk’s Night Out and Ray Prewitt’s Fourth Grade Class with whom he gigged regularly for over two years performing Improvisational Comedy on Friday and Saturday nights at Austin’s Velveeta Room. David also did a short stint with The Latino Comedy Project.
His years on stage came to an end after David decided he no longer had the desire to act. He then moved to Portland, Oregon where he bought a bicycle, got a job slinging espresso, and started training Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.
It wasn’t long before David’s creative desire re-emerged and he delved fully into screenwriting. He started collaborating with a writing partner and the two wrote a number of features and pilots on spec. Along the way, David also got married, started a family, and relocated to Los Angeles where he now works a corporate desk job and teaches Capoeira in Korea Town. David and his family live in Eagle Rock.
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