We absolutely love the fantasy/action-adventure genres. We grew up inspired by films like Lord of the Rings, Princess Bride, Pirates of the Caribbean and even Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Yes, Willy Wonka. These stories allow us to escape the real world while also giving us deep and nuanced themes to consider. Escapism can be a powerful tool that we all need from time to time.

Our story uses this lens to ask big questions and examine them through a perilous adventure.

So what is Tested Mettle about?

Tested Mettle is set in a world outside of our own, but the theme centers on a universal question: How far are we willing to take our loyalties?

This is a battle of faith and discernment. Our characters go on a journey of enlightenment but at a great cost. The world is staked against them and they must rise to the occasion with each other or suffer the consequences alone.

mettle (n.) - a person's ability to face hard times, show courage, and keep going with a strong spirit when things get tough

The story is fast and intense and relies heavily on a strong ensemble. There is no bad guy, just a lingering question of who is right and who is wrong.

Like other great fantasy stories, there is a core set of characters that inhabit this world and embody the quest. Each character is meant to represent specific points on the spectrum of loyalty. We'll begin with Sir Godbee.

Godbee is the textbook devotee, holding tightly to what he believes is right. In our story he changes the most, but at a great cost. His opposition in our narrative is Sir Mercado. Mercado is our rebel, but that'd doesn't make him the bad guy. He has served loyally. However, he is not afraid to question orders if he needs to stand up for what he believes is right.

Rounding out the rest of the story is Sir Wester, his son and squire Sir Desmond, and the cunning Lady Lapis.

Godbee, Mercado, Wester, Desmond and Lapis have survived many battles together. And now they have journeyed a long way at the demand of their King into dangerous territory. It's imperative that they continue to stand by each other in order to return home and deliver their precious cargo.

But the battles have taken their toll, and their exhaustion is challenging the bonds that have kept them alive thus far.

Tested Mettle carries the political intrigue of Game of Thrones with the backdrop of a quest like Lord of the Rings.

The production design of Tested Mettle will feature earth tones, natural fabrics and organic edges to reflect the wildness of the woods. Even though our characters are traveling through a wide world, in the frame our story will feel claustrophobic and haunted to reinforce the heavy decisions our band of knights are contemplating. We will show the threats surrounding them as they travel as well as the threats within their own ranks.

We want to have sweeping wide shots to feature the action and landscape often found in adventure films. Then, when we focus on our heroes lost the woods, they will fill the frame to give the sense of feeling completely surrounded and unsure of how to return home.

This story allows for very intense and cinematic moments. We want to build the kind of atmosphere that when our two strongest forces finally square off, you can cut the tension with a knife.

The majority of this film's financing will go directly to the crew and cast who bring it to life. This is a big story and we want to allow as much creative freedom to our team as possible. Your support will also allow us to acquire the necessary equipment, props, costumes and locations to build out this world.

The most important thing is making sure that everyone involved in the project is taken care of. To support specific needs for this production, visit the Wishlist tab.

If you would like to work together, support in another way or wish to reach out to us directly, please email us or give us a call at the number below.

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