Straight from prison, a train robber, mercenary, and Korean cowboy meet in the desert to claim a buried fortune. A snag in their plan fuels simmering racism, igniting a chain reaction of paranoia, violence, and ill-drawn conclusions.
Straight from prison, a train robber, mercenary, and Korean cowboy meet in the desert to claim a buried fortune. A snag in their plan fuels simmering racism, igniting a chain reaction of paranoia, violence, and ill-drawn conclusions.
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Story
Mission Statement
Westerns persist because of timeless themes and constant re-invention ("Unforgiven", "Westworld", "Godless"). Our story blends familiar tropes with a less-explored history: the first Korean-Americans and the discrimination they faced.About The Project
Any actor will tell you that “making it” in LA is a full-time exercise in patience, persistence, and desire. It may not be the Wild West, but it can feel harsh and desolate in its own way.
From Left to Right: Henny Guerra, Ross Denyer, Joe Chambrello
The most artistically challenging and satisfying projets I've worked on have been the ones where I've taken the reins, created a story, and surrounded myself with a passionate team to make it all come to life. That's exactly what I want to do with Tell No Tales. Plus, I've always wanted to make a Western.
Some of my favorite films growing up were Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns. It wasn't until I was older that I learned they were filmed without sound and dubbed entirely, featured international cast and crew, and completely reinvented a genre as old as cinema.
Above: Sergio Leone's 1968 masterpiece, "Once Upon A Time in the West."
Tell No Tales can't compete with that epic scope, but it is inspired by it. Our 10-minute Western thriller follows three outlaws as they venture into the desert to claim their last heist. But there's more than money buried beneath the surface, and as the plot unravels, their excursion rapidly devolves into suspicion, racism, and inevitable violence.The Western persists because it constantly reexamines itself, and the past it portrays. In 2018, HBO and Netflix continue to break new ground with acclaimed shows like Westworld and Godless. Our story explores a lesser known side of the West, with the first influx of Korean immigrants. In 1882, a decade after a large Asian workforce helped complete the First Transcontinental Railroad, The Chinese Exclusion Act banned Chinese laborers from entering the country, while the Korea Treaty of 1882 established mutual friendship with the comparatively tiny country of Korea. Our story considers the "What if?" scenario of a Korean Cowboy hacking it on the American Frontier.
Above: A Chinese "Vaquero" (Cowboy), 1916
Filming is slated to begin in the 4th week of July 2018, and in the weeks leading up to that, I hope you’ll support us through our Facebook page and Crowdfund, because this project takes a village and we can’t do it alone.
Thank you!
Ross Denyer
Writer/Director/Actor
Incentives
$1
Buckaroo
Every dollar counts, and yours could be the one that takes us across the finish line! You will receive a PERSONAL THANK YOU on our social media pages and email newsletter!
$7
The Magnificent Seven
If seven cowboys could save a town, your $7 can make a film.
You will receive:
- a PERSONAL THANK YOU on our social media pages and email newsletter PLUS
- a DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK of the film's score from our composer, Zachary Lucia!
$15
Fistful of Dollars
You will receive:
- a PERSONAL THANK YOU on our social media pages and email newsletter!
- a DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK and
- a private link to our STORYBOARD ANIMATION (but beware, spoilers!)
$25
For a Few Dollars More
Everything from "Fistful of Dollars", PLUS:
- a private link to our FINISHED FILM
- a personal "THANK YOU!" video on social media from one of the cast or crew
- a "THANKS" credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
$40
Meditation Special (w/ Unplug LA)
In partnership with Unplug Meditation, we're offering a voucher for a FREE 45-minute class in your choice of a wide variety of meditations including: guided visualizations, breathwork, sound healing, aroma-therapy, crystals, mantras, and more. Schedule, class info, and teacher bios available on their website - https://www.unplug.com/
Truly unplug, feel relaxed, de-stress, gain more calm and clarity. And support independent film. It's a win-win.
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- a FREE CLASS at Unplug Meditation's Santa Monica or West Hollywood locations (local offer, travel not included)
- a "SPECIAL THANKS" credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Claimed: 0 of 1
$50
Butch and Sundance
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- a WESTERNIZED PHOTO of yourself! Send us a photo and we'll run it through a time machine.
- a "SPECIAL THANKS" credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
$75
For Actors and Artists
Need a reel? For actors or visual artists who want to showcase their work, Market Your Acting will cut you a 90-second reel OR 3 edited clips of your best scenes. Need help tracking down that co-star role footage? We've got you covered for that too.
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- a 90-second ACTING REEL OR 3 EDITED CLIPS
- a "SPECIAL THANKS" CREDIT at the end of our film and on IMDb
Claimed: 0 of 5
$100
Wild West Hero
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- an INVITE TO OUR PRIVATE SCREENING & WRAP PARTY in Los Angeles (travel not included)
- a "VERY SPECIAL THANKS" CREDIT at the end of our film and on IMDb
$150
Ennio Morricone
Love music? Our talented composer, Zachary Lucia, who has worked on projects such as The Walking Dead, Outlander, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., will compose a custom track just for you. Collaborate on the direction and mood with Zachary to create a unique song.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a CUSTOM TRACK composed by Zachary Lucia, made in collaboration with you!
- an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Claimed: 1 of 3
$175
Maverick
Help us look good and authentic! Your pledge will go toward costume rentals.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST in costume!
- an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$175
Spaghetti Western
It's hard to make a movie on an empty stomach, and we'll need plenty of water in the desert. Your $175 will go toward catering for the cast and crew!
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST from set
- an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$310
3:10 to Yuma
Give us some firepower! Your $310 will cover rental costs for dummy and live-fire versions of vintage Henry Rifles and Colt revolvers.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST from set
- a CO-PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$500
John Wayne
Whoa, take 'er easy there, Pilgrim!
Your contribution has a tremendous impact on our Western, and we'd like to truly make you a part of the process by inviting you to the set.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- an invitation to VISIT US ON SET (travel not included)
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST (and you can be in it, if you like!)
- a PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$500
Clint Eastwood
Did you fire six shots or only five? Either way, you're awesome!
Your contribution has a tremendous impact on our Western, and we'd like to truly make you a part of the process by inviting you to the set.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- an invitation to VISIT US ON SET (travel not included)
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST (and you can be in it, if you like!)
- a PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
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.
$1
Buckaroo
Every dollar counts, and yours could be the one that takes us across the finish line! You will receive a PERSONAL THANK YOU on our social media pages and email newsletter!
$7
The Magnificent Seven
If seven cowboys could save a town, your $7 can make a film.
You will receive:
- a PERSONAL THANK YOU on our social media pages and email newsletter PLUS
- a DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK of the film's score from our composer, Zachary Lucia!
$15
Fistful of Dollars
You will receive:
- a PERSONAL THANK YOU on our social media pages and email newsletter!
- a DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK and
- a private link to our STORYBOARD ANIMATION (but beware, spoilers!)
$25
For a Few Dollars More
Everything from "Fistful of Dollars", PLUS:
- a private link to our FINISHED FILM
- a personal "THANK YOU!" video on social media from one of the cast or crew
- a "THANKS" credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
$40
Meditation Special (w/ Unplug LA)
In partnership with Unplug Meditation, we're offering a voucher for a FREE 45-minute class in your choice of a wide variety of meditations including: guided visualizations, breathwork, sound healing, aroma-therapy, crystals, mantras, and more. Schedule, class info, and teacher bios available on their website - https://www.unplug.com/
Truly unplug, feel relaxed, de-stress, gain more calm and clarity. And support independent film. It's a win-win.
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- a FREE CLASS at Unplug Meditation's Santa Monica or West Hollywood locations (local offer, travel not included)
- a "SPECIAL THANKS" credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Claimed: 0 of 1
$50
Butch and Sundance
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- a WESTERNIZED PHOTO of yourself! Send us a photo and we'll run it through a time machine.
- a "SPECIAL THANKS" credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
$75
For Actors and Artists
Need a reel? For actors or visual artists who want to showcase their work, Market Your Acting will cut you a 90-second reel OR 3 edited clips of your best scenes. Need help tracking down that co-star role footage? We've got you covered for that too.
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- a 90-second ACTING REEL OR 3 EDITED CLIPS
- a "SPECIAL THANKS" CREDIT at the end of our film and on IMDb
Claimed: 0 of 5
$100
Wild West Hero
Everything from "For a Few Dollars More" PLUS:
- an INVITE TO OUR PRIVATE SCREENING & WRAP PARTY in Los Angeles (travel not included)
- a "VERY SPECIAL THANKS" CREDIT at the end of our film and on IMDb
$150
Ennio Morricone
Love music? Our talented composer, Zachary Lucia, who has worked on projects such as The Walking Dead, Outlander, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., will compose a custom track just for you. Collaborate on the direction and mood with Zachary to create a unique song.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a CUSTOM TRACK composed by Zachary Lucia, made in collaboration with you!
- an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Claimed: 1 of 3
$175
Maverick
Help us look good and authentic! Your pledge will go toward costume rentals.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST in costume!
- an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$175
Spaghetti Western
It's hard to make a movie on an empty stomach, and we'll need plenty of water in the desert. Your $175 will go toward catering for the cast and crew!
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST from set
- an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$310
3:10 to Yuma
Give us some firepower! Your $310 will cover rental costs for dummy and live-fire versions of vintage Henry Rifles and Colt revolvers.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST from set
- a CO-PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$500
John Wayne
Whoa, take 'er easy there, Pilgrim!
Your contribution has a tremendous impact on our Western, and we'd like to truly make you a part of the process by inviting you to the set.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- an invitation to VISIT US ON SET (travel not included)
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST (and you can be in it, if you like!)
- a PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
$500
Clint Eastwood
Did you fire six shots or only five? Either way, you're awesome!
Your contribution has a tremendous impact on our Western, and we'd like to truly make you a part of the process by inviting you to the set.
Everything from "Wild West Hero" PLUS:
- an invitation to VISIT US ON SET (travel not included)
- a signed PICTURE OF THE CAST (and you can be in it, if you like!)
- a PRODUCER credit at the end of our film and on IMDb
Sold Out!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
CAST & CREW
Ross Denyer (Writer/Director/Actor) is an LA-based actor and writer. His sci-fi pilot, The Relief, placed as a finalist in ScreenCraft’s Screenwriting Fellowship and Pilot Launch competitions. His TV pilot, What Darkness Brings, was a top-ranked script on THE BLACK LIST and featured in Variety. Ross also directed and co-produced The Verge, which won Best Drama at Atlanta Web Festival and was featured in Backstage magazine. As an actor, he has appeared in The Order: 1886 and numerous short films. He received his BFA in Theatre Arts from Elon University.
Henny Guerra (Actor) was born in NY, to Korean and Italian-American parents, and is the eldest of 8 children. A relative newcomer to the LA acting scene, Henny has hit the ground running; amassing an impressive resume of short films, commercials, and classes during his first year acting. Ever curious, eager to explore and get his hands dirty, Henny has also found himself working on and appreciating the craft of storytelling as part of the crew behind the camera. Henny and Ross met on set and quickly connected over a shared desire to tell personal and meaningful stories and take the reins of their careers.
Joe Chambrello (Actor) is East Coast born and raised and now an LA-based actor, writer, and producer. Joe has had co-star roles in the hit soap opera Days of Our Lives, the Conan O'Brien show, and a comedy pilot alongside Frankie Muniz. He has starred in several indie features including Asylum's The Fast and the Fierce. He has a typical leading man look, built for the dramatic, but gears towards comedy in his own writing and producing, which includes two comedy web-series that have been very well received. He's described as having Superman looks with a Phil Dunphy personality.
Carroll Brown (Assistant Director) is an award-winning screenwriter, producer and director who also occasionally holds microphones, points lights, organizes shot lists and anything else that needs to be done because he just freakin’ loves making movies. His short film Control is currently playing the festival circuit, and he recently wrote the screenplay for the next film from a major Hollywood star that he’s not allowed to tell you about yet.
Joe McDonough (Cinematographer) is an Atlanta-native now living in Los Angeles. With eight years experience in the film and television industry, he uses cinematography to enhance character-driven experiences in the narrative world of features and branded commercials. 
Martín Seidlitz (Assistant Camera) Born in Ecuador and raised in Chile, Martín moved to the U.S. to pursue filmmaking in 2010. Since then he has graduated college with honors, worked as a prep tech at a rental house and is now a full time freelance camera assistant and operator. 
Cem Dursun (Sound Mixer) is a sound mixer and sound editor with 6+ years of experience working on film and tv projects. He was the sound editor for hit Turkish TV series "Filinta", worked as a production sound mixer for Web content creators like Now This, Mitú. He has Bachelor degrees in Computer Science and Audio Engineering.
Alexx Robles (Gaffer) is from Temecula, California and lives in LA. He's the gaffer for this shoot, but also a freelance 1st Assistant Camera and works at a camera rental house in Santa Monica called Stray Angel Films, so he's no stranger to the camera side. Anything to get on set and be part of a team. He can't wait to get started with this cast and crew!
Raquel dos Reis (Hair & Makeup Artist) is a Brazilian award winning-makeup artist. She moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue her dreams. Over the years, Raquel has been fortunate enough to accrue experience in many genres of makeup artistry. Her resumé includes work on music videos, commercials, web series, feature length films, photoshoots and fashion shows.
POST-PRODUCTION
Zachary Lucia (Composer) hums ditties in LA traffic then tries to remember the good ones hours later. After working on projects such as Outlander, Black Sails, Happy Death Day and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, he's claiming his voice with short films like Color and webseries The Verge. Wife, food and cats keep sanity afloat - and video games. Zack's been fortunate to collaborate with Ross since 2012 (six years! used both hands to double check). He's a proud Berklee alum (the mathematical skills are entirely his own) of the Film Scoring program. -
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