After crashing into an assisted living home COLTON, a closeted teen, is forced to work there. Colton befriends a wheelchair bound resident, GABE, who struggled as a gay man in the repressive 1950s, and through Gabe's stories Colton finds the courage to confront his own sexuality.
After crashing into an assisted living home COLTON, a closeted teen, is forced to work there. Colton befriends a wheelchair bound resident, GABE, who struggled as a gay man in the repressive 1950s, and through Gabe's stories Colton finds the courage to confront his own sexuality.
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Story
Mission Statement
The Apple Tree is about two generations literally crashing together. It's about exploring one's sexual identity as a teenager coming out, while exploring the heart breaking fact that many LGBT elders have to go back in [to the closet].About The Project
WHY THE APPLE TREE?
Every day hundreds of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered elders are faced with the despairing truth of being isolated, discriminated against and out-cast as they enter their twilight years. Some have completely denounced their sexuality in fear of being who they are, while others give up and sometimes even commit suicide after facing the fact that they must return into the closet. It’s our duty to narrate these stories to our community and finally address this untold issue. Below is our plan with the feature film The Apple Tree, with some reviews/reactions from Youtube viewers of the original short.
THE PITCH
ST. VINCENT meets THE NOTEBOOK
Genre: Coming-of-Age | Drama | Romance
"The Apple Tree is a tender and thoughtful LGBT coming-of-age story, this script finds emotional resonance in the way that Gabe’s story is able to help Colton come to terms with his own sexuality. This intergenerational legacy provides depth and power to the character arcs, which in many ways subvert the traditional small town football player story, both in the characters’ actions and in their realistic dialogue. By the time you reach the ending, you are caught up in an exhilarating climax that feels quintessentially American and viscerally human."
- The Tracking Board
HOW DOES THE STORY BECOME A FEATURE?
The original short film centered around Gabe, an elderly wheelchair-bound veteran who is forced back into the closet after his life partner passes away and he moves into a homophobic assisted living home. In the feature version, we're introducing a new set of characters including a new main character Colton. Colton is a closeted, high school football player who crashes his truck into Hazel Dell Assisted Living. To repay the damages he's forced to work there and he gets assisgned to take care of Gabe. These two develop an unlikely friendship, and through Gabe's stories, Colton finds the confidence to face his inner struggles with his own sexuality.
Storyboard - The Apple Tree - INT. HAZEL DELL - NIGHT
Lights are off when...
Colton’s truck CRASHES through the living room wall.
Gabe & Jonathan in the 1950s - Visual Reference
Colton at high school football field bleachers - Visual Reference
Gabe & Jonathan 2012 - Visual Reference
WHY US?
The short screened world-wide at festivals, won Best Picture at Out in the Desert, sells on Amazon and screens on the Dekkoo streaming platform. With hundreds of thousands of view online and rave reviews like the ones you've seen scattered through this story.
The short was very powerful at its time and over the past 7 years, with many boomers entering assisted living homes, this story has become much louder and stronger. With writer/director's newest draft, which got in the Top 50 of the world famous Tracking Board Launch Pad feature screenplay contest and is a semi-finist at the Nashville Film Festival Featuer Screenplay Contest, we know it's time to make this film a reality.
We have an extremely passionate and driven team attached for this film, and more to come! The writer/director Matt Arnold-Ladensack has dedicated 7 years to nailing out this screenplay as a passion project and it's his mission is to bring dynamic characters to the screen and veer off from the proverbial stereotypes.
WHY ARE YOU PRODUCING THE FEATURE VERSION NOW?
The Apple Tree will open eyes, hearts and minds. It’s a story that has stuck with the director for years and it's one that needs to be told. It was originally penned from an artcile in the New York Times about aging in the gay community. You can read that here. The Apple Tree feature is not only about aging, but about two generations coming together. There is a beautiful relationship explored as one person is returning into the closet and one person is coming out -- this simply has not been on the big screen.
1950's - Jonathan hugging Gabe before he leaves to fight in the Korea - Visual Reference
JOIN OUR JOURNEY
We NEED your help to make this feature veresion a reality! This is just the beginning, as it will take much more funds to tell this story. Thank you for your love, support and for helping us create something truly unique and special. Contact us to send support on our journey to production and if interested in becoming a part of this film in larger ways please email: [email protected].
<3,
The Apple Tree Production Team
Incentives
$5
Film Supporter
Budget is a little tight, but want to support? How about just $5 to get our campagin off the ground? This story is important and with this tiny amount you can still make a difference.
$12
Personal Shout Out In Update Video and Social Media
We will "Call You By Your Name ;)." Get it? Recieve a shout out in a video update on our social media sites during the funding campagin.Claimed: 5 of 200
$17
Digital Download of Feature Screenplay
Read it before you see it! Get acess to a digital download of the feature screenplay and enjoy meeting the characters before it's realized on the BIG screen.
Claimed: 8 of 100
$25
First Look at The Apple Tree
Get exclusive access via a private link to view the completed feature film before it's released!
$30
Signed Polaroid from Set
This is a FUN surprise to get in the mail! A signed Polaroid taken from set from our lead cast. We can't promise it will be shirtless, but it will be an awesome souvenir that shows your support.
$40
Script and Digital Download of Film
Recieved a digital copy of the feature screenplay and a digital download of the film upon completion.
$50
Get Your Art Work or Business Logo in the Film
Our main character has a collage of images on his wall. Design something and have it featured in the film as product placement.
Claimed: 6 of 30
$60
Apple Tree Official Production Coffee Mug
Get our very own branded coffee mug to show your support while having your cup of joe.
Claimed: 4 of 100
$75
Flash drive
Flash-drive roulette. A flash drive full of outtakes, pictures, music, the script, designs and other goodies that came out of your project. Get something truly unique!
Claimed: 0 of 100
$100
Your Name In the Credits
A fantastic way to show your support and also see your name in the end credits of the film
Claimed: 9 of 50
$150
Personalized Skype Session with Filmmakers & Cast
Get personal with the cast and crew with your very own Skype session to ask questions and chat with the award-winning actors and producers.Claimed: 0 of 20
$200
PROPS, get a prop used in the film
Mailed directly to you, get a prop used in The Apple Tree feature production. Own a piece of film history.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$350
One Night Stay at Far Forest Clydesdale Ranch in Washington State
Pet, feed and live the farm life at Far Forest Clydesdale Ranch in Amboy, WA. The film director's home is surrounded by beautiful trees, rivers, hiking trails, wineries and located near Mnt. Saint Helens. Travel not included.
Claimed: 0 of 5
$500
Producer for the Day
Become a Producer on set for a day. Get your very own producer's chair and sit next to the director to see how the magic happens. Travel not included.
$10,000
Executive Producer
Become an executive producer on this feature, with the ability to visit set, attend the VIP cast & crew screening and be involved with the entire process.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Film Supporter
$12
Personal Shout Out In Update Video and Social Media
We will "Call You By Your Name ;)." Get it? Recieve a shout out in a video update on our social media sites during the funding campagin.Claimed: 5 of 200
$17
Digital Download of Feature Screenplay
Read it before you see it! Get acess to a digital download of the feature screenplay and enjoy meeting the characters before it's realized on the BIG screen.
Claimed: 8 of 100
$25
First Look at The Apple Tree
Get exclusive access via a private link to view the completed feature film before it's released!
$30
Signed Polaroid from Set
This is a FUN surprise to get in the mail! A signed Polaroid taken from set from our lead cast. We can't promise it will be shirtless, but it will be an awesome souvenir that shows your support.
$40
Script and Digital Download of Film
Recieved a digital copy of the feature screenplay and a digital download of the film upon completion.
$50
Get Your Art Work or Business Logo in the Film
Our main character has a collage of images on his wall. Design something and have it featured in the film as product placement.
Claimed: 6 of 30
$60
Apple Tree Official Production Coffee Mug
Get our very own branded coffee mug to show your support while having your cup of joe.
Claimed: 4 of 100
$75
Flash drive
Flash-drive roulette. A flash drive full of outtakes, pictures, music, the script, designs and other goodies that came out of your project. Get something truly unique!
Claimed: 0 of 100
$100
Your Name In the Credits
A fantastic way to show your support and also see your name in the end credits of the film
Claimed: 9 of 50
$150
Personalized Skype Session with Filmmakers & Cast
Get personal with the cast and crew with your very own Skype session to ask questions and chat with the award-winning actors and producers.Claimed: 0 of 20
$200
PROPS, get a prop used in the film
Mailed directly to you, get a prop used in The Apple Tree feature production. Own a piece of film history.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$350
One Night Stay at Far Forest Clydesdale Ranch in Washington State
Pet, feed and live the farm life at Far Forest Clydesdale Ranch in Amboy, WA. The film director's home is surrounded by beautiful trees, rivers, hiking trails, wineries and located near Mnt. Saint Helens. Travel not included.
Claimed: 0 of 5
$500
Producer for the Day
Become a Producer on set for a day. Get your very own producer's chair and sit next to the director to see how the magic happens. Travel not included.
$10,000
Executive Producer
Become an executive producer on this feature, with the ability to visit set, attend the VIP cast & crew screening and be involved with the entire process.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Writer | Director | Producer
Matthew Arnold-Ladensack
Matthew is a feature film director, writer and producer (Saugatuck Cures, Blood Type: Unknown, "The Apple Tree"). He graduated with his BFA in Film Production from Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts with an emphisis in directing. He studied and personally assisted Martha Coolidge (Valley Girl & Real Genius), the first female President of the Director's Guild of America. Directly out of film school Matthew worked at DreamWorks Animation on The Croods and in the Development Department. In addition to filmmaking, Matthew has produced, written and directed web series, tv pilots and music videos through his company Humanity Pictures.
Producer
Max Young
After school Max followed his childhood passion by working on some of the largest cattle ranches in Oregon as a cowboy/buckaroo(actual taxed occupation). After a season of some of the hardest work immaginable he left the range and began chasing an immerging interest in filmaking. The entrepreneurial bug bit Max at a young age, and left its mark. He has been involved in a number of socially conscious ventures including A HUMAN PROJECT, Central City Concern, The City Gala (on Oscar Night) supporting Feed a Billion, and Chairman of the Youth Council for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Max's natural inclination toward marketing has led him all over the country working for industry leaders in fundraising, spirituality and love, corporate structure, etc. These experiences left him with a passion for storytelling to teach. His philosophy is that video is the most powerful form of communication we have, and the challenge of taking the audience on a journey that moves them toward a positive mindset or outlook is truly an art form.
Producer
Jay Paul Deratany
Jay Paul Deratany is the founder of The Deratany Firm. He is deeply passionate about changing the Nation’s flawed foster care system. Receiving his law degree from DePaul University, he has been voted one of the top 100 lawyers nationwide, and one of the top Illinois lawyers, since 2007. The American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA) selected him as one of the Top 100 Illinois Litigation lawyers for 2016. Those selected have shown a demonstrated excellence in their field and sustained commitment to the profession. In 2017, Leading Lawyers as one of the nation’s top lawyers selected him. Deratany has a proven track record of helping clients get the results they need. His success in the courtroom includes winning the largest jury verdict in Lake County history ($23,000,000). Deratany has channeled his passion for social justice creatively as a playwright and screenwriter; his hit play, Haram Iran, was nominated for a GLAAD theater award and has played in Chicago, Los Angeles and soon London. Fall of 2017, Deratany’s play The Civility of Albert Cashier, about a female born individual who fought, lived and identified as a male during the Civil War and through the early 21st Century premiered in Chicago to critical acclaim. He most recently finished production of his first feature film, Foster Boy, to be released this spring starring Matthew Modine. Foster Boy follows the story of Michael Trainer: a lawyer at the center of a trial in which a for-profit Foster care agency puts a known sex offender into the same foster home as his young client Jamal, with catastrophic results. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jay Paul Deratany built a career in Chicago as one of the top 100 lawyers nationwide and became a well-known human rights advocate before deciding to pursue his passion as a playwright and screenwriter. In 2012, he graduated as valedictorian with a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of California. Deratany’s writing career began with Op-Eds and political commentary for legal journals and media outlets. In 2012, Deratany wrote his first feature film, Saugatuck Cures, a comedy which follows the struggles between a gay brother and his right wing Christian sister. His next film, Foster Boy, in which Antoine Fuqua is the executive producer is set to be filmed September 2017. When Deratany saw the abuses committed against the LGBT community worldwide, and specifically the murder of alleged gay youth he was inspired to write Haram Iran. Haram Iran initially played at the Atheneum theater in Chicago, then the Celebration theater in LA for which it received a GLAAD nomination 'Best Theatrical Production' . Most recently Haram Iran played in London at the Above the Stag theater, after receiving a London Arts Council grant for a reading at the Soho Theater. His most recent play, The Trans Civility of Albert Cashier, is a musical that has been received with standing ovations for staged readings at the LGBT Center for the Arts in Los Angeles, and is expected to be developed and will play in Chicago in the fall of 2017. Deratany also helmed Veronica which was performed at Victory Gardens, and a comedy Two Grooms and A Mohel. Jay Paul Deratany continues to be an advocate for global LGBT youth rights.
Producer
PJ Joshi
Prarthana or PJ is a creative producer based in Los Angeles. Her most recent project as a production manager is a web series called “the Millionaires”, that has been featured on the funny or Die and is currently in the second season. Her introduction to the industry was in 2008, when she started working as an assistant director in independent features and short films in India. Her first short film she directed, ‘Vaatsaru’, The Rolling Stone, was screened at the International film festival of India. She was awarded a fellowship from the National Film Archives of India for her work on the archival documentary on Prabhat film company. She graduated with a MFA degree from New York Film Academy in Los Angeles in 2012. The Projects that she worked as an assistant director include; The feature film: The Well and the Shorts : Following Jerry, Imperial Odyssey: Questions of War, Black and Shiny Things , Chippy and Imperial Odyssey: The Brushfire Impasse. Her credits not only include her work as a producer/ AD but also as an editor. She has edited over 10 short projects and has done production design on projects like the Feature : Dance of insanity and Shorts : A Father’s Love , Blind Date, Infliction, Same Time Same Place, napkins and Tell Me a Memory. Her background as an architect has always come in handy! PJ completed her Bachelors in Architecture in 2008. Her passionate architectural thesis on the museum of Indian cinema opened the gate to the Indian film industry. Her case studies took her on the live sets and she fell in love the process of filmmaking and hence decided to take a leap of faith and transition her architectural career to a filmmaker.
Cinematographer
Michael Nie
A Wisconsin native and three-time award-winning cinematographer, Michael Nie honed his craft in Los Angeles. A member of the International Cinematographers Guild and dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, his work has taken him all over the world. Michael's command of light and composition is apparent in his narrative and commericial work. "As a cinematographer today, I strive to tell stories that are both visually compelling and emotionally accessible. I have an affinity for strong character pieces. The most rewarding work I do is that which offers a fresh perpective on the world and challenges the human condition." - M. Nie
Composer
Bryan Arata
https://soundcloud.com/ bryana62
Bryan Arata moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago in pursuit of a film/tv composer career. Since moving he has worked as a composer on many short films, web series, as well as several feature films. He has worked with Seth MacFarlane on Family Guy and American Dad for 8 years doing mock-ups, orchestrations, score supervising, and pre-recording instruments for the shows. He was nominated for Best Original Score for “Surface of the Moon” at the 168 Film Festival. And won Outstanding Achievement in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Series for Best Score for “Shadow Bound” at the LA WebFest 2014. Also he contributes original compositions of trailer and commercial music for 2 online libraries, Music Beyond and Medicine Music. Recently Bryan orchestrated music for the NBC show Timeless and the Marvel movie Gaurdians of the Galaxy 2.
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