A man on the path for vengeance for his wife's murder seeks out a notoriously dangerous katana-wielding crime duo, but in doing so gets more entwined with them than he had hoped. In the end, what side of the blade will he choose?

In crafting our latest film, we drew deeply from the rich wellsprings of our individual inspirations to create something truly unique. My interest for anime breathes vibrant life into this vision, channels the genre's bold characters and dynamic storytelling that will be present in every frame. With Sofie, her fascination for yakuza and delinquent Japanese cinema, brings an edge and authenticity that grounds our narrative in raw, exhilarating intensity.

Together, we are blending these distinct influences into a singular cinematic experience—a dark colorful Japanese-style crime/action film that celebrates our shared love for storytelling. Our collaboration merges the fantastical with the gritty, crafting a narrative that is as visually stunning as it is compelling. This film is not just a product of our creative union but a testament to our dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new cinematic frontiers.

INTRODUCING...

Detective - Might not even be a detective, but claims to be one. He feels his life is underwhelming and never goes his way even though he’s a good man. His past is full of attempted careers in law enforcement - maybe once was a cop or maybe he wasn’t, who knows.

When his wife is killed and instead of being there for his child, he leaves her behind, convinced that a famous bad guy is at fault for the murder and goes on a mission to hunt him down.

Kiara - Grew up in an abusive household. One half of the Tokyo Slashers, partnered with Aki. Loves Aki, but maybe loves the feeling of power she gets as a duo more. Great at using a sword, but mainly threatens with it and isn’t as involved in the actual violence as Aki is. Still, a dangerous and very unstable individual.

Aki - Other half of the Tokyo Slashers, partnered with Kiara. Loves her more than she loves him. Great at using a sword, has no issue beating people up or murdering. Once he gets an idea in his head he seldom changes his mind, unless coaxed into it by Kiara. Headstrong, a typical Japanese delinquent with a lot of confidence, and aggressiveness to back it up. He’s not stupid, but prefers using violence to get his messages across.

Our mood board will be instrumental in shaping the visual and thematic elements of "Sharp Intent," drawing from a rich palette and stylistic influences to craft a unique cinematic experience. Here’s how we will use it:

1. Color Palette: We will employ dark neon colors—specifically red, purple, blue, yellow, orange, and brown—to create a vibrant yet moody atmosphere. These colors will be strategically applied to evoke the intense emotions and dynamic scenes that define the film's narrative. Purple, in particular, will serve as a visual motif throughout the film, symbolizing danger, romance, and mystery. This choice will help to create a cohesive visual identity and deepen the emotional resonance of key moments.
2. Character Design: The complex characters will be rendered in a way that reflects their multifaceted nature, using the mood board’s color schemes to highlight their personal traits and roles within the story. Each character’s design will incorporate specific colors to denote their emotional states and relationships, creating a visual shorthand that aids in storytelling.
3. Tone and Style: Drawing inspiration from yakuza and delinquent type Japanese films, the mood board will guide the tone and stylistic elements of "Sharp Intent." This includes the use of bold, contrasting colors and dramatic lighting to emulate the high-stakes tension and gritty realism characteristic of these genres. The stylistic choices will reflect the underground world and its secrets, balancing accuracy with a stylized representation that enhances the narrative.

By integrating these elements, our mood board will ensure that "Sharp Intent" remains visually striking and thematically cohesive, immersing viewers in a world where color and design play a critical role in storytelling.

To execute our film within the given budget, we will strategically allocate resources to ensure a high-quality production while adhering to financial constraints. Here’s a breakdown of our approach:

1. Locations (23%) We will invest a significant portion of the budget in securing diverse and visually compelling locations. This includes location scouting, permits, and rental fees. By prioritizing this area, we aim to create authentic and engaging environments that enhance the storytelling. We’ll negotiate deals for multi-day use and explore local partnerships to maximize the impact of our location spend.
2. Equipment (22%) The equipment budget will cover high-quality cameras, lighting, sound, and grip gear essential for professional film production. We will rent equipment from reputable suppliers to ensure access to the latest technology and maintain flexibility in our setup. This investment will be pivotal in achieving the desired visual and audio quality for the film.
3. Crew (15%) We will allocate funds to assemble a skilled crew, including key roles such as the director, director of photography, production designer, and editor. By prioritizing experienced professionals, we ensure efficient and effective execution of the film’s vision. We will also focus on hiring crew members who are adaptable and can work collaboratively within our budget constraints.
4. Cast (15%) The casting budget will be used to hire talented actors who can bring depth and authenticity to their roles. We will conduct thorough auditions and negotiate contracts that align with our budget while securing performances that drive the film’s narrative and emotional impact.
5. Catering (10%) Providing quality catering is crucial for maintaining crew morale and ensuring a productive work environment. We will budget for nutritious and diverse meal options, considering dietary restrictions and preferences. This allocation will cover catering for cast and crew throughout the production period, contributing to overall efficiency and well-being on set.
6. Stunt Choreography (6%) To ensure safe and well-executed action sequences, we will invest in professional stunt choreography. This budget will cover the costs of hiring experienced stunt coordinators and performers, as well as any necessary safety equipment. Proper planning and execution of stunts will enhance the film’s dynamic scenes and maintain high production values.
7. Art Department (6%) The art department budget will be used for set design, props, costumes, and overall visual aesthetics. We will focus on creating a cohesive look that supports the film’s narrative while staying within budget. This includes sourcing materials and working with skilled artisans to craft authentic and visually appealing elements.
8. Incidentals (3%) A small portion of the budget will be reserved for unforeseen expenses and miscellaneous costs that arise during production. This contingency fund will help address any last-minute needs or emergencies without disrupting the overall financial plan.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We’re excited to announce our crowdfunding campaign for a truly one-of-a-kind film, fully scripted by the talented duo, Jose Infante and Sofie Busk. This is our first venture into crowdfunding, and we need your support to bring this vision to life!

Our film beautifully blends Foreign and American cinematic styles, taking you on a thrilling adventure through a fantasy world. We dive into the intricate themes of morality, exploring the challenges of right and wrong in a visually stunning live-action format infused with anime references, crime, yakuza and delinquent Japanese film elements.

Your contribution will help us tackle the complexities of this ambitious project, from production to post-production. By supporting us, you’re not just donating; you’re becoming part of a creative journey that aims to resonate with wide audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and spread more awareness for foreign films.

PLEASE join us in making this unique film a reality. Every donation matters, and together we can create something truly extraordinary!

THANK YOU so much again for your love and support!

Warm regards,

Jose Infante

Sofie Busk