The Bore
Toronto, Canada | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
Mired in the dullness of suburban life, a 1950's housewife does what she must to end her boredom.
40 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
C$11,510
Goal: C$12,750 for production
Mired in the dullness of suburban life, a 1950's housewife does what she must to end her boredom.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Set in the 1950's, The Bore tells of a housewife, Ally, whose life has become dull. Her marriage has mouldered, and her sense of self is frayed. One night--coaxed by a strange figure proclaiming the perils of boredom--Ally sets out to end what bores her. But when her boredom persists, a familiar face offers a final solution.
1950's. Norman Rockwell Americana. Symmetry and syncretism. Where you wager your uniqueness for a sense of belonging. Brick-ruddy schools, flawless lawns, neighbourly chatter amid the suburban quiet. A shared ethos to which all must yield. It is against the backdrop of banality--at once comforting and dreadful--that our story takes place.
The Tone is Twofold:
1) Taut and Restrained: The film's context is a failing marriage in the 50's--a time renown for its emphasis on stability and normalcy. Everything from the visuals to the dialogue elicit a sense of quiet unease as the characters struggle to relate in the face of a marriage so clearly at odds with the standards and expectations of the day. The push-and-pull of having something to say but not the tools to say it...this is what guides the first aspect of our film's tone.
2) Erratic and Unstable: This tone emerges as we near Ally's inner world. Her instability informs both our visual and aural styles. The more unstable Ally becomes, the more unstable our depiction of her world becomes.
Conceptual Influences:
• Possession: madness, whereby something over which you do not have control begins controlling you.
• Ida: uncertainty. A woman on a precipice, shedding her old self as she steps into a new reality.
• The Night of the Hunter: paranoia. The feeling of being pursued by a thing that does not relent, be it a person or, in the case of The Bore, a thought.
Visual Influences:
• The Sound of Music: hard yet flattering lighting; classical style; textured backgrounds.
• Possession: wide-angled close-ups; handhelds.
• Ida: unusual framing emphasizing uncertainty/doubt; still frames.
Ally: Ennui with a pulse. A woman whose life has never felt like her own and is best described as an appeal to the customs of her time. She is decorous yet empty. We catch her at moment that seems to her a final bid for a meaningful life.
Joel: An acolyte of the American dream. A tender man whose blind optimism and simple emotional life render him seriously unfit to relieve Ally of her malaise.
The Charlatan: Unknown origin. A salesman's charm and a trickster's guile. Ever persuasive. His lone allegiance is to his truth, and he will go to great lengths to peddle it.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
As part of of Seed & Spark's conditions, we must raise at least 80% of our financial goal for us to receive any funds whatsoever. This means that if we fail to raise $10,200, every cent will be returned to the investors. We have 30 days or less to do this.
Our filming/production budget is $15,000. However, we've opted to make our financial goal $12,750 to better our odds of reaching the 80% mark and thus of having our project green-lit by Seed & Spark.
All contributions will be allocated to some slice of the above chart.
Stretch Goals:
Though our financial goal sits at $12,750, this DOES NOT mean we are unable to garner additional funds once we've hit our mark. It is very much possible to exceed the financial goal!
Here's a breakdown of how we'd allocate additional funds:
$12,750: enough to get us through production and post-production.
$15,000: will get us through production and post-production without the need for additional investments made by team members.
$17,500: fund our applications to both domestic and international film festivals.
$20,000: upgrades in both marketing and promotional material.
Director's Note: Making a movie--no matter the length or sophistication--requires a great many resources. I want to personally assure you that, in pledging to The Bore, your contributions will always be funnelled back into the project. Whether it be to upgrade equipment, acquire amenities, or source marketing and distribution opportunities, every investment will have a material effect on the project itself.
An enormous thank you to you all!
Daniel Stewart
Production
Shoot dates: February 1st - 2nd, 2025
Post-production
February - April 2025
• Includes: sound design, editing, music score, and colour correction.
Film Festivals
Preparation & Submission: May - June 2025
Private Screening
August 2025
• Includes: cast, crew & top-tier donors
Lastly...
An enormous thank you to all who pledge to, visit, or share this page. We cannot express how thankful we are for your patronage/help. By engaging with our content, you have become a legitimate, hands-on collaborator in the making of this film. So a huge thank you, from our team to you.
Follow us and our journey!
Instagram: theborefilm
Facebook: facebook.com/theborefilm
Contact: [email protected]
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera & Lighting Equipment
Costs C$3,000
There are some things you can skirt or do without in the making of a film. These items are not among them.
Hair & Makeup/Wardrobe
Costs C$950
We want to ensure both the beauty of our performers, and the believability of the era.
Catering
Costs C$600
The shoot will be intensive. We want to ensure our talent and crew are looked after.
Studio Expenses
Costs C$3,000
This accounts for location prep. and tear-down, as well as the many changes we'll make to our sets/locations during shooting.
Post-production
Costs C$2,250
This is where the story is stitched together and where the myriad details are hashed out (music, sound, colour).
Production Labour
Costs C$1,100
This goes to those entrusted with the running of a set: 1st AD, Script Supervisor, Production Coordinator, and PAs. Essential to any film.
Production
Costs C$1,850
To our production designer, set dresser, props, and art supplies. Again, these people and elements help bring a film's world to life.
Share this update!
About This Team
Rob Stewart
Role: The Charlatan
Rob Stewart is a Canadian-born actor with a career in film and television spanning over thirty years. Though best known for his role as Nick Slaughter in the cult 90's series Tropical Heat (or Sweating Bullets), a role which earned him an international following that still celebrates him decades later, Stewart's versatility and magnetism shine through his many iconic roles on shows such as Suits (USA Network), Nikita (CW), Killjoys (Space), Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+), and Slasher (Chiller/Netflix/Shudder). With a career that bridges genres and generations, Stewart remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Kate Schroder
Role: Ally
Kate Schroder is an Ottawa-born, Toronto-based actor and musician. As an actor she has appeared in titles for Netflix, Amazon and Paramount, including Gen V and Geek Girl. She can be seen next in the upcoming CBC miniseries Prophet of Ecstasy. She has trained extensively with various teachers around North America, having spent time studying both in L.A. and New York. While most of her professional experience has been on camera, Kate is equally passionate about live performance, whether that be acting or singing. After her first performance at a piano recital at age four, she never looked back. She likes to always be creating something: from working on short films with friends, to making music videos to taking photographs. She is very excited to participate in The Bore and to share the project with you all.
Kelly Penner
Role: Joel
Kelly Penner is an actor and producer. He is a graduate of the University of Windsor's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program. A performer on both the stage and screen, some notable acting credits include North of Normal, which had its world premiere this year at TIFF, What We Do In The Shadows (FX), Pretty Hard Cases (CBC), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Designated Survivor (Netflix), The Railway Children (Mirvish), and The Doctor's Dilemma (Shaw Fest).
Daniel Stewart
Writer/Director
Daniel Stewart is a writer and director based out of Toronto, ON. This is his first short film as creator, though he had the pleasure of co-directing, writing, and co-editing the short film Oracle (2023), which was commissioned for Guelph Dance's Screen Dance Series. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major in Religion & Philosophy, matriculated at Concordia University as part of a Master's program, and has since dedicated his time to carving out a career in the film industry. He is beyond thrilled to share this project, and hopes it serves as a catalyst for viewers to express themselves.
Poncho Navarro
Cinematographer
Alfonso "Poncho" Navarro is an up and coming cinematographer from Mexico City, based in Toronto. He worked for three years as a camera operator for the largest television network in Mexico, before flying out to Canada to add a film program to his education, and pursue a career in the Canadian industry. With over a dozen music videos to his name, he has developed a knack for visual storytelling that conveys deep emotional connection without the need for dialogue.
Rachel Martin
Producer
Rachel Martin is a graduate of York University’s Hons. BFA Dance program and the Film & Television Production Advanced Diploma program at Humber College where she was the recipient of the prestigious Board of Governors Award. Her thesis film “This Is What It Feels Like,” which she wrote and directed, was selected for production and is currently in the festival circuit. She produced several successful student firms, and directed the short documentary, “Ready or Not,” which won Best Documentary North America in the short category at the Alternative Film Festival in 2022. During that same year she was selected by the Canada's Walk of Fame, Future Storytellers Program, NBC UNIVERSAL as the student producer for Director X’s feature Vingette. In 2024 she was brought back as the program Production Manager to support the incoming student crews. Since graduation she has held the role of Production Manager, Line Producer and Executive Assistant for a variety of esteemed Canadian filmmakers including Whizbang’s Frank Siracusa. In spring 2023 she was the scholarship recipient for the Women in Film and Television Scripted Digital Series Incubator. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and content creation, Rachel brings passion to any role she finds herself in, and is excited by all stages of film and television production.
Katherine Browns
Hair & Makeup
Katherine is passionate about makeup in film, particularly how good makeup can enhance storytelling. After graduating with honours from CMU, she embarked on her career as a makeup artist, beginning with her participation in Toronto’s 48 hour Challenge. She has since keyed a variety of short films, including Of Late (2023), Clementine (2023) and Riddance (2024). She also had the pleasure of assisting in Plan C this past summer, releasing in 2025. Katherine is a fan of all things historical and special effects, and is looking forward to combining her two passions with the talented team in The Bore.
Greg Feir
Editor
With nearly 15 years of post-production experience, Greg has garnered hundreds of both online and offline editing credits. Some notable recent productions include the Canadian Screen Awards (Editor), Spongebob: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, Dora the Explorer TV series (Online Editor), and Future World (Online Editor). Greg is a perfectionist, addicted to the serotonin rush that a powerful edit should invoke. "Editing to me is like choreography; a synesthesia of the ears, eyes and mind. Let's dance!"
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Kevin J Black
Composer
Kevin J Black is a Canadian film & television composer, musician, and record producer. His background writing and performing with Toronto indie rock acts Hands & Teeth and Fast Romantics found his work featured in various television series including Jersey Shore, Catfish, FriendZone, Beauty and the Beast, Underemployed, and Zach Stone is gonna be Famous. Kevin’s past scoring projects include the fantasy drama short Taste of a Lie, and dark comedy short Playing Life, which has screened at various international festivals including Las Cruces, Lake Michigan, and Youngstown. Kevin’s most recent work is the original music for the feature “Neon Dreaming” which won Best Narrative Feature - Montreal Women Film Festival 2024 and was nominated Best Film at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival ahead of its International premiere.
Gilad Levy
1st Assistant Director
Originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, Gilad Levy is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer now based in Canada. His journey into the world of film began when he moved to Toronto to study at Humber College, where he graduated from the Film and Television Production Program with honours. Throughout his studies, Gilad consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List, showcasing his dedication and talent. Gilad’s short film “Repercussions”, inspired by his mandatory military service as a combat medic in the Israeli Defence Force, won Best Short Film and Best Young Director at the Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival in Toronto. In addition, Gilad co-wrote and produced the documentary short “What Remains”, which has been showcased at multiple film festivals. His expertise also extends to serving as the 1st Assistant Director on short films and a Coca-Cola commercial, where his leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in bringing these projects to life. Expanding his repertoire, Gilad filmed a segment of a documentary series soon to be released on Kan 11, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, and will serve as the 1st assistant director on the short film The Bore. With a growing body of work, Gilad Levy continues to pursue his passion for creating films that leave a lasting impression, striving to influence audiences as deeply as film has influenced him.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Set in the 1950's, The Bore tells of a housewife, Ally, whose life has become dull. Her marriage has mouldered, and her sense of self is frayed. One night--coaxed by a strange figure proclaiming the perils of boredom--Ally sets out to end what bores her. But when her boredom persists, a familiar face offers a final solution.
1950's. Norman Rockwell Americana. Symmetry and syncretism. Where you wager your uniqueness for a sense of belonging. Brick-ruddy schools, flawless lawns, neighbourly chatter amid the suburban quiet. A shared ethos to which all must yield. It is against the backdrop of banality--at once comforting and dreadful--that our story takes place.
The Tone is Twofold:
1) Taut and Restrained: The film's context is a failing marriage in the 50's--a time renown for its emphasis on stability and normalcy. Everything from the visuals to the dialogue elicit a sense of quiet unease as the characters struggle to relate in the face of a marriage so clearly at odds with the standards and expectations of the day. The push-and-pull of having something to say but not the tools to say it...this is what guides the first aspect of our film's tone.
2) Erratic and Unstable: This tone emerges as we near Ally's inner world. Her instability informs both our visual and aural styles. The more unstable Ally becomes, the more unstable our depiction of her world becomes.
Conceptual Influences:
• Possession: madness, whereby something over which you do not have control begins controlling you.
• Ida: uncertainty. A woman on a precipice, shedding her old self as she steps into a new reality.
• The Night of the Hunter: paranoia. The feeling of being pursued by a thing that does not relent, be it a person or, in the case of The Bore, a thought.
Visual Influences:
• The Sound of Music: hard yet flattering lighting; classical style; textured backgrounds.
• Possession: wide-angled close-ups; handhelds.
• Ida: unusual framing emphasizing uncertainty/doubt; still frames.
Ally: Ennui with a pulse. A woman whose life has never felt like her own and is best described as an appeal to the customs of her time. She is decorous yet empty. We catch her at moment that seems to her a final bid for a meaningful life.
Joel: An acolyte of the American dream. A tender man whose blind optimism and simple emotional life render him seriously unfit to relieve Ally of her malaise.
The Charlatan: Unknown origin. A salesman's charm and a trickster's guile. Ever persuasive. His lone allegiance is to his truth, and he will go to great lengths to peddle it.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
As part of of Seed & Spark's conditions, we must raise at least 80% of our financial goal for us to receive any funds whatsoever. This means that if we fail to raise $10,200, every cent will be returned to the investors. We have 30 days or less to do this.
Our filming/production budget is $15,000. However, we've opted to make our financial goal $12,750 to better our odds of reaching the 80% mark and thus of having our project green-lit by Seed & Spark.
All contributions will be allocated to some slice of the above chart.
Stretch Goals:
Though our financial goal sits at $12,750, this DOES NOT mean we are unable to garner additional funds once we've hit our mark. It is very much possible to exceed the financial goal!
Here's a breakdown of how we'd allocate additional funds:
$12,750: enough to get us through production and post-production.
$15,000: will get us through production and post-production without the need for additional investments made by team members.
$17,500: fund our applications to both domestic and international film festivals.
$20,000: upgrades in both marketing and promotional material.
Director's Note: Making a movie--no matter the length or sophistication--requires a great many resources. I want to personally assure you that, in pledging to The Bore, your contributions will always be funnelled back into the project. Whether it be to upgrade equipment, acquire amenities, or source marketing and distribution opportunities, every investment will have a material effect on the project itself.
An enormous thank you to you all!
Daniel Stewart
Production
Shoot dates: February 1st - 2nd, 2025
Post-production
February - April 2025
• Includes: sound design, editing, music score, and colour correction.
Film Festivals
Preparation & Submission: May - June 2025
Private Screening
August 2025
• Includes: cast, crew & top-tier donors
Lastly...
An enormous thank you to all who pledge to, visit, or share this page. We cannot express how thankful we are for your patronage/help. By engaging with our content, you have become a legitimate, hands-on collaborator in the making of this film. So a huge thank you, from our team to you.
Follow us and our journey!
Instagram: theborefilm
Facebook: facebook.com/theborefilm
Contact: [email protected]
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera & Lighting Equipment
Costs C$3,000
There are some things you can skirt or do without in the making of a film. These items are not among them.
Hair & Makeup/Wardrobe
Costs C$950
We want to ensure both the beauty of our performers, and the believability of the era.
Catering
Costs C$600
The shoot will be intensive. We want to ensure our talent and crew are looked after.
Studio Expenses
Costs C$3,000
This accounts for location prep. and tear-down, as well as the many changes we'll make to our sets/locations during shooting.
Post-production
Costs C$2,250
This is where the story is stitched together and where the myriad details are hashed out (music, sound, colour).
Production Labour
Costs C$1,100
This goes to those entrusted with the running of a set: 1st AD, Script Supervisor, Production Coordinator, and PAs. Essential to any film.
Production
Costs C$1,850
To our production designer, set dresser, props, and art supplies. Again, these people and elements help bring a film's world to life.
Share this update!
About This Team
Rob Stewart
Role: The Charlatan
Rob Stewart is a Canadian-born actor with a career in film and television spanning over thirty years. Though best known for his role as Nick Slaughter in the cult 90's series Tropical Heat (or Sweating Bullets), a role which earned him an international following that still celebrates him decades later, Stewart's versatility and magnetism shine through his many iconic roles on shows such as Suits (USA Network), Nikita (CW), Killjoys (Space), Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+), and Slasher (Chiller/Netflix/Shudder). With a career that bridges genres and generations, Stewart remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Kate Schroder
Role: Ally
Kate Schroder is an Ottawa-born, Toronto-based actor and musician. As an actor she has appeared in titles for Netflix, Amazon and Paramount, including Gen V and Geek Girl. She can be seen next in the upcoming CBC miniseries Prophet of Ecstasy. She has trained extensively with various teachers around North America, having spent time studying both in L.A. and New York. While most of her professional experience has been on camera, Kate is equally passionate about live performance, whether that be acting or singing. After her first performance at a piano recital at age four, she never looked back. She likes to always be creating something: from working on short films with friends, to making music videos to taking photographs. She is very excited to participate in The Bore and to share the project with you all.
Kelly Penner
Role: Joel
Kelly Penner is an actor and producer. He is a graduate of the University of Windsor's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program. A performer on both the stage and screen, some notable acting credits include North of Normal, which had its world premiere this year at TIFF, What We Do In The Shadows (FX), Pretty Hard Cases (CBC), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Designated Survivor (Netflix), The Railway Children (Mirvish), and The Doctor's Dilemma (Shaw Fest).
Daniel Stewart
Writer/Director
Daniel Stewart is a writer and director based out of Toronto, ON. This is his first short film as creator, though he had the pleasure of co-directing, writing, and co-editing the short film Oracle (2023), which was commissioned for Guelph Dance's Screen Dance Series. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major in Religion & Philosophy, matriculated at Concordia University as part of a Master's program, and has since dedicated his time to carving out a career in the film industry. He is beyond thrilled to share this project, and hopes it serves as a catalyst for viewers to express themselves.
Poncho Navarro
Cinematographer
Alfonso "Poncho" Navarro is an up and coming cinematographer from Mexico City, based in Toronto. He worked for three years as a camera operator for the largest television network in Mexico, before flying out to Canada to add a film program to his education, and pursue a career in the Canadian industry. With over a dozen music videos to his name, he has developed a knack for visual storytelling that conveys deep emotional connection without the need for dialogue.
Rachel Martin
Producer
Rachel Martin is a graduate of York University’s Hons. BFA Dance program and the Film & Television Production Advanced Diploma program at Humber College where she was the recipient of the prestigious Board of Governors Award. Her thesis film “This Is What It Feels Like,” which she wrote and directed, was selected for production and is currently in the festival circuit. She produced several successful student firms, and directed the short documentary, “Ready or Not,” which won Best Documentary North America in the short category at the Alternative Film Festival in 2022. During that same year she was selected by the Canada's Walk of Fame, Future Storytellers Program, NBC UNIVERSAL as the student producer for Director X’s feature Vingette. In 2024 she was brought back as the program Production Manager to support the incoming student crews. Since graduation she has held the role of Production Manager, Line Producer and Executive Assistant for a variety of esteemed Canadian filmmakers including Whizbang’s Frank Siracusa. In spring 2023 she was the scholarship recipient for the Women in Film and Television Scripted Digital Series Incubator. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and content creation, Rachel brings passion to any role she finds herself in, and is excited by all stages of film and television production.
Katherine Browns
Hair & Makeup
Katherine is passionate about makeup in film, particularly how good makeup can enhance storytelling. After graduating with honours from CMU, she embarked on her career as a makeup artist, beginning with her participation in Toronto’s 48 hour Challenge. She has since keyed a variety of short films, including Of Late (2023), Clementine (2023) and Riddance (2024). She also had the pleasure of assisting in Plan C this past summer, releasing in 2025. Katherine is a fan of all things historical and special effects, and is looking forward to combining her two passions with the talented team in The Bore.
Greg Feir
Editor
With nearly 15 years of post-production experience, Greg has garnered hundreds of both online and offline editing credits. Some notable recent productions include the Canadian Screen Awards (Editor), Spongebob: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, Dora the Explorer TV series (Online Editor), and Future World (Online Editor). Greg is a perfectionist, addicted to the serotonin rush that a powerful edit should invoke. "Editing to me is like choreography; a synesthesia of the ears, eyes and mind. Let's dance!"
Kevin J Black
Composer
Kevin J Black is a Canadian film & television composer, musician, and record producer. His background writing and performing with Toronto indie rock acts Hands & Teeth and Fast Romantics found his work featured in various television series including Jersey Shore, Catfish, FriendZone, Beauty and the Beast, Underemployed, and Zach Stone is gonna be Famous. Kevin’s past scoring projects include the fantasy drama short Taste of a Lie, and dark comedy short Playing Life, which has screened at various international festivals including Las Cruces, Lake Michigan, and Youngstown. Kevin’s most recent work is the original music for the feature “Neon Dreaming” which won Best Narrative Feature - Montreal Women Film Festival 2024 and was nominated Best Film at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival ahead of its International premiere.
Gilad Levy
1st Assistant Director
Originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, Gilad Levy is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer now based in Canada. His journey into the world of film began when he moved to Toronto to study at Humber College, where he graduated from the Film and Television Production Program with honours. Throughout his studies, Gilad consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List, showcasing his dedication and talent. Gilad’s short film “Repercussions”, inspired by his mandatory military service as a combat medic in the Israeli Defence Force, won Best Short Film and Best Young Director at the Mari Törőcsik Hungarian Film Festival in Toronto. In addition, Gilad co-wrote and produced the documentary short “What Remains”, which has been showcased at multiple film festivals. His expertise also extends to serving as the 1st Assistant Director on short films and a Coca-Cola commercial, where his leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in bringing these projects to life. Expanding his repertoire, Gilad filmed a segment of a documentary series soon to be released on Kan 11, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, and will serve as the 1st assistant director on the short film The Bore. With a growing body of work, Gilad Levy continues to pursue his passion for creating films that leave a lasting impression, striving to influence audiences as deeply as film has influenced him.