Juliet, a victim of sexual abuse, and her best friend Leonardo, a gay man rejected by his family, come together searching for a reason to live.
Juliet, a victim of sexual abuse, and her best friend Leonardo, a gay man rejected by his family, come together searching for a reason to live.
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Story
Mission Statement
The themes and subject matter of Sonnet spread a message of the importance of inclusivity and acceptance regardless of gender, sexuality, race or religion. We are excited to have a diverse team on board.About The Project
THE STORY
Juliet, a victim of sexual abuse, and her best friend Leonardo, a gay man rejected by his family, come together in Los Angeles searching for a reason to live. Throughout the film we explore issues of sexual identity, sexual abuse among women and the startling rise of suicides as a result of these issues that are sadly present within the world today.
WHY THIS STORY IS IMPORTANT
During the recent American Presidential election, social and political attitudes towards women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality were front and center of the national debate. The potential impact of socially oppressive views towards these communities are heartbreaking to say the least, and we felt compelled to use our voices as filmmakers to bring these issues to light, seeking to elevate the humanity in one another.
The film is intended to be a beautiful piece of socially-conscious art, bringing awareness to the devastating consequences of society’s inhumane attitudes towards members of the LGBTQ+ community and the injustice so often showed to sexually abused women, removing them of a voice.
Here are some of the most heartbreaking statistics on suicide:
- Suicide claims approximately 30,000 lives in America alone each year;
- Between 30 and 40% of LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide and suicide is the leading cause of death for LGBTQ youth;
- 1 out of every 6 American women have been the victim of rape in her lifetime.
- One out of every four women who are victims of domestic violence attempt suicide and 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide.
We hope to deliver an important message of hope to those who have suffered similar life traumas that led to them contemplating suicide, as well as reflecting the devastating consequences of hate, prejudice and abuse against specific groups and demographics.
WHY WE NEED YOU TO JOIN US
The more we dove into researching suicide rates among LGBTQ members and women who have been victims of rape, the more it was clear that we needed to make Sonnet a powerful and thought-provoking piece so that it could be seen by a widespread audience.
Our dream is to take Sonnet to as many film festivals as we can, so that our message of unity, acceptance and hope can be heard loud and clear. In order to do that, we need to make sure that our screenplay translates into a visually impactful, cinematic short film.
Your contribution will help us to assemble a talented crew, rent all the necessary equipment, secure our location and help us to bring Leonardo and Juliet's stories to life in a profound and compelling way.
SONNET: WHY THE TITLE
Sonnets typically explore themes of love, time and death, which are all topics within our film. There are two kinds of sonnets: Italian and English, and coincidentally Sonnet’s writers and actors Alessandro and Charlotte are respectively Italian and English, and both characters share these nationalities. Additional Shakespearean Sonnet themes include the struggle between what collective society is willing to accept and an individual's desires.
We stumbled upon Shakespeare’s Sonnet 71 and realized that this beautiful sonnet reads like a suicide note. The themes explored in Sonnet 71 were parallel with the themes we were seeking to explore in our screenplay: life, death, love and how death affects those left behind. We chose to incorporate this powerful and profound poem and build around it, with the sonnet almost acting like the framework for the story.
SONNET 71 by William Shakespeare
No longer mourn for me when I am dead
Then you shall hear the surly sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled
From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell:
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it; for I love you so
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
O, if, I say, you look upon this verse
When I perhaps compounded am with clay,
Do not so much as my poor name rehearse.
But let your love even with my life decay,
Lest the wise world should look into your moan
And mock you with me after I am gone.
Incentives
$5
Thank you!
Every dollar counts and we couldn't do what we love and tell stories worth telling without people like you. For your generosity, you'll receive a personal video shout out on social media from the director or one of our cast members!
$10
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks
Allow yourself to be moved over and over again with a free digital download of the Sonnet Original Sountrack once it becomes avaialble. You'll also get a personal social media shout out from the director or one of our cast members!
$15
Proiezione Privata a Senago
Amici Italiani! Con un contributo di almeno $15 ( più o meno 15 euro) sarete invitati a una proiezine privata di Sonnet (quando il film sarà pronto), seguita da una conversazione con lo sceneggiatore e produttore Alessandro Nori. In più riceverete un download gratuito della colonna sonora originale e un ringraziamento sui social! E se donate $25 o di più, oltre ad essere invitati alla proiezione riceverete anche una copia digitale del film.
Claimed: 25 of 50
$25
Digital Download Package
Become a full fledged fan of the film! We will send you a private link to the completed film BEFORE it hits the festivals. You'll also get an advance digital download of the film and a digital download of the original soundtrack once they become available for sharing. Plus the social media shout out!
$50
Special Thanks Credit + BTS Access
You'll receive a special THANK YOU on the credits of the film and on IMDb. You will also receive the advance Digital Dwnload Package. PLUS: You'll get access to the film's private Instagram account to see exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set.
$75
Photo Cameo + LGBTQ Charity
Here's a chance for you to be featured in one key scene in Sonnet! One lucky participant who contributes $75 or more, will be selected to meet with Alessandro Nori (our Leonardo) and have a picture taken with him- a picture that will be seen during the film and be an important part of the story. On top of that, 5% of all contributions coming from this particular incentive will be donated to a charity that supports the LGBTQ community. PLUS: you receive all of the incentives above! (Participants for this specific incentive should be male and live in the Los Angeles area or be willing to travel to LA between February 9 and 12 ).
$100
Wrap Party + Los Angeles Private Screening
Share your love for independent filmmaking at this level and you'll get an exclusive invitation to our wrap party and a subsequent private screening in Los Angeles. Not only will you get to celebrate the end of production with the cast and crew, but you will get all of the above incentives as well! We can't wait to see you at the wrap party! (Travel and accomodation to Los Angeles not included).
Claimed: 19 of 50
$500
Exclusive First Look + Skype Q&A
Become a creative insider! On top of all the incentives above, you'll have exclusive access to getting a first look at select scenes from Sonnet, help us select which teaser cut will become the official trailer for the film and you'll also have a chance to join the cast and director of Sonnet for a Q&A on Skype. As a BONUS you will be entered into a drawing and have a chance to win one of the most meaningful and mysterious props from the film.
Claimed: 1 of 15
$1,000
VIP Meet & Greet + Table Read
Join us to see the magic of a film coming together live and in person. You will be invited to a special table read just days before we begin filming! You'll get a chance to meet the actors and director and watch them read through the screenplay. You'll receive a signed copy of the script to take home with you. Oh, and make sure to come camera ready! We will take pictures together at the film location and plaster your good looks all over social media so everyone knows you love supporting the arts! And... you get all of the great incentives listed above! (Travel and accomodation to Los Angeles not included).
Claimed: 1 of 5
$2,500
Executive Producer Wine and Dine on Location
Here's your chance to come on board as an Executive Producer of Sonnet. You'll receive an Executive Producer credit in the film credits and on IMDb. You'll also be invited to our table read days before we begin filming, followed by an exclusive dinner with the cast and the director of our film at the stunning location where our movie takes place, as well as enjoy the perks and benefits offered above. (Travel and accomodation to Los Angeles not included).
Sold Out!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Thank you!
Every dollar counts and we couldn't do what we love and tell stories worth telling without people like you. For your generosity, you'll receive a personal video shout out on social media from the director or one of our cast members!
$10
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks
Allow yourself to be moved over and over again with a free digital download of the Sonnet Original Sountrack once it becomes avaialble. You'll also get a personal social media shout out from the director or one of our cast members!
$15
Proiezione Privata a Senago
Amici Italiani! Con un contributo di almeno $15 ( più o meno 15 euro) sarete invitati a una proiezine privata di Sonnet (quando il film sarà pronto), seguita da una conversazione con lo sceneggiatore e produttore Alessandro Nori. In più riceverete un download gratuito della colonna sonora originale e un ringraziamento sui social! E se donate $25 o di più, oltre ad essere invitati alla proiezione riceverete anche una copia digitale del film.
Claimed: 25 of 50
$25
Digital Download Package
Become a full fledged fan of the film! We will send you a private link to the completed film BEFORE it hits the festivals. You'll also get an advance digital download of the film and a digital download of the original soundtrack once they become available for sharing. Plus the social media shout out!
$50
Special Thanks Credit + BTS Access
You'll receive a special THANK YOU on the credits of the film and on IMDb. You will also receive the advance Digital Dwnload Package. PLUS: You'll get access to the film's private Instagram account to see exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set.
$75
Photo Cameo + LGBTQ Charity
Here's a chance for you to be featured in one key scene in Sonnet! One lucky participant who contributes $75 or more, will be selected to meet with Alessandro Nori (our Leonardo) and have a picture taken with him- a picture that will be seen during the film and be an important part of the story. On top of that, 5% of all contributions coming from this particular incentive will be donated to a charity that supports the LGBTQ community. PLUS: you receive all of the incentives above! (Participants for this specific incentive should be male and live in the Los Angeles area or be willing to travel to LA between February 9 and 12 ).
$100
Wrap Party + Los Angeles Private Screening
Share your love for independent filmmaking at this level and you'll get an exclusive invitation to our wrap party and a subsequent private screening in Los Angeles. Not only will you get to celebrate the end of production with the cast and crew, but you will get all of the above incentives as well! We can't wait to see you at the wrap party! (Travel and accomodation to Los Angeles not included).
Claimed: 19 of 50
$500
Exclusive First Look + Skype Q&A
Become a creative insider! On top of all the incentives above, you'll have exclusive access to getting a first look at select scenes from Sonnet, help us select which teaser cut will become the official trailer for the film and you'll also have a chance to join the cast and director of Sonnet for a Q&A on Skype. As a BONUS you will be entered into a drawing and have a chance to win one of the most meaningful and mysterious props from the film.
Claimed: 1 of 15
$1,000
VIP Meet & Greet + Table Read
Join us to see the magic of a film coming together live and in person. You will be invited to a special table read just days before we begin filming! You'll get a chance to meet the actors and director and watch them read through the screenplay. You'll receive a signed copy of the script to take home with you. Oh, and make sure to come camera ready! We will take pictures together at the film location and plaster your good looks all over social media so everyone knows you love supporting the arts! And... you get all of the great incentives listed above! (Travel and accomodation to Los Angeles not included).
Claimed: 1 of 5
$2,500
Executive Producer Wine and Dine on Location
Here's your chance to come on board as an Executive Producer of Sonnet. You'll receive an Executive Producer credit in the film credits and on IMDb. You'll also be invited to our table read days before we begin filming, followed by an exclusive dinner with the cast and the director of our film at the stunning location where our movie takes place, as well as enjoy the perks and benefits offered above. (Travel and accomodation to Los Angeles not included).
Sold Out!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Alessandro Nori | Writer, Producer and Actor
Born and raised in Milan, Alessandro is an experienced theatre and film actor who has also been writing short stories, plays and short films throughout his life. He is the face of Fiat's original campaign Neighbors, produced as a limited web series in collaboration with Funny or Die. He can also be seen in the upcoming web series Random: LA, written by Rain Valdez
Alessandro is passionate about sharing stories about the LGBTQ+ community: he has played leading roles in plays such as Other People by Christopher Shinn and most recently in Harvey Fierstein's Tony Award Winner for Best Play Torch Song Trilogy at Theatre Out in Santa Ana.
With Sonnet he's hoping to amplify the voice of people in marginalized communities and offer hope to all of those who are struggling with acceptance and self-love, who might be on the verge of taking their own lives because of the constant bullying and abuse our society subjects them to, and to all of those who are suffering from discrimination due to their sexual orientation or identity.
Charlotte Rothwell | Writer, Producer and Actor
Born in the English seaside town of Southport, near Liverpool, Charlotte Rothwell started acting at the age of 4 and was awarded the Actress of the Year award at the Liverpool Performing Arts Festival on three separate occasions. She moved to Los Angeles to study with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and has since been named one of BAFTA – Los Angeles’ Newcomers of the Year and ‘Brits To Watch’. She can be seen playing the lead in films such as The Escape and Senoa, and has made appearances in television shows such as My Crazy Ex and Murder Book.
Charlotte has a deep passion for women’s rights and the need for equality within the LGBTQ+ community, which has only been heightened as a result of the topics at the forefront of today’s political climate. She felt compelled to make Sonnet in the hope that the film can inspire someone somewhere to know that they are enough and that there is always hope.
Jeff Bomberger | Director and Producer
Jeff Bomberger is a filmmaker born and raised in Southern California. Jeff started his career in show business as a child actor. He worked as a series regular on the Fox sitcom Daddy Dearest and Guest Starred on NYPD Blue before leaving the industry to focus on school, sports and studying philosophy.
After a long hiatus from show biz, Jeff rediscovered his passion for film and storytelling. With an affection for films such as A Clockwork Orange, Network, Shame and Her, Jeff aspires to tell thought provoking stories that challenge the audience to see life from new perspectives.
Most recently Jeff has worked as a writer, director and editor on a variety of projects for Unified Soul Theory, an online inspirational platform that boasts over 800,000 followers. Over the last year he also helped create digital campaigns for various organizations tackling social justice issues, political corruption and helping the homeless.
Jeff chose to direct Sonnet because of its strong social themes related to the mistreatment of women and the LGBTQ community, as well as it being a delicate meditation on the power of love between friends.
Austin Nordell | Director of Photography
With over 12 years of experience as an award-winning cinematographer, Austin thrives on the creativity and collaboration of a film set. His varied list of work includes Feature Films, Music Videos, and Documentaries. Clients include: ABC, Marvel, Hulu, Epix, Blur Studio, AOL, Coca-Cola, Maxim Magazine, Major League Baseball, Under Armour, ESL Gaming, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, Hollywood Electrics, SunCentral Inc., and more.
Recent work as Cinematographer include: Hulu's Spoilers With Kevin Smith, Epix' Milius Documentary, ABC's Television Specials: Marvel: 75 Years, From Pulp To Pop and Marvel's Captain America: 75 Heroic Years.
Danene Montella | Assistant Director
Danene Montella is an award-winning actress based in Los Angeles, CA and Sonnet will be her second short film as an assistant director. She graduated from Bryant University in Rhode Island and made the move to Hollywood two years ago to explore creative opportunities that align with her energy. Since then, she’s been involved in a feature film, several independent short films, three music videos and a local theatre production allowing her to pursue her passion for evoking emotion through the art of storytelling.
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