The Chemists
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Drama, Romantic Comedy
To be cast in an A-List movie, an undiscovered actor must spend a weekend with his tempestuous celebrity co-star to build chemistry. Dealing with struggles both inside and out, the two actors discover not only each other, but themselves...
The Chemists
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Drama, Romantic Comedy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,600 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
57 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
To be cast in an A-List movie, an undiscovered actor must spend a weekend with his tempestuous celebrity co-star to build chemistry. Dealing with struggles both inside and out, the two actors discover not only each other, but themselves...
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
INTRODUCING...
Why This Story?
"Who are you? What mark will you leave on the world after you're gone? How will you contribute to your art form? So much of The Chemists is about legacy. My great-grandfather, John P. Fulton was a three-time Academy Award winning special effects pioneer, working on movies like The Ten Commandments, Rear Window, The Invisible Man, Breakfast at Tiffany's, White Christmas, and so many more. I find the most inspiration in looking back at my great-grandfather and the legacy he has set up for me to continue. One of the many reasons I wrote The Chemists was to elaborate on this reflection of my family's history with Hollywood and to create a character that struggles with the pressure of not only the continuance of his family's legacy, but also the stomach-churning anxiety of becoming an individual, influential artist.
(John P. Fulton pictured above with his three Oscars for The Ten Commandments, The Bridges at Toko Ri, and Wonder Man)
One of the other main components of this film is the amazing intricacies of acting. Being on so many different sets over the years, I became fascinated with acting as an art form. It’s incredibly nuanced and difficult, but when I talk to the actors I’ve worked with, they all tell me the same thing: 'I wouldn’t want to do anything else.'
So after 9 months of mapping, writing, remapping, and rewriting, I bring you The Chemists: a film about the undying passion artists have for their forms, and the roller coasters we ride every single day trying to make our dreams come true. I ran with the idea about two actors going on a trip to build chemistry together because I know people can learn so much about themselves through these characters. I am looking forward to giving you an inside look into the beautifully complex world of artists!"
- Nico Fulton Lavachek, Writer/Director
Our Target Audience
The Chemists is a story dedicated to dreamers, performers, and all of those who believe in the power of creating your own destiny. The film will explore the complexities of love and loss, of nostalgia and the importance of growth, and encourage audiences everywhere to take your life into your own hands. Not only are these themes written in the script, they have been (and will continue to be practiced) by the team making this movie. This is our collective dream, and we are calling all fellow dreamers to share this legendary and monumental experience together.
Meet the Characters
Jack Russell: Being the talented grandson of award winning Hollywood actress Ruby Russell, Jack has never understood why he still mops floors at a mucky movie theater. Dreaming of becoming an actor himself, Jack tries his hardest with the chances he is given, whether it’s a small short film or the A-List blockbuster that he is being considered for. Dealing with doubt, insecurity, and a towering legacy to carry on, the pressure Jack experiences will either destroy him or compress a beautiful diamond composed of his dreams.
Mae Garyn Parker: After starting her career back in 2009 as the lead of Lucky Lucy, Mae has almost never lived as an “average” person. Everywhere she goes, she is rushed by fans begging her to say the famous one-liner from her show. Trying to break free from her past role as Lucy, Mae is hungry for award worthy roles to prove to the world that she has grown as an artist. Mae fell into drugs to cope, and has been working to become clean. The question is: what is her breaking point?
Calvin Weber: As a rising star in Hollywood, Calvin has gained some respect in the entertainment world. The thing about Calvin is that he is unable to return an ounce of that respect back. Rude, gross, audacious, and impudent, Weber has unfortunately become the studio’s second option behind Jack for this A-list role. Eager for the role, he will do anything to push Jack off track.
Nicole: Almost like an angel from above, Nicole enters Mae’s life at just the right moment. Kind and inclusive, Nicole doesn’t see Mae as a celebrity. In fact, Nicole doesn’t seem to know who Mae is at all. The two women get along well, and prove to Mae that not everyone has an agenda when they are nice to her.
Victor Cross: One of the biggest directors in Hollywood. Victor Cross is a consistent contender at every award show, and never fails to make incredible movies. Comparable to Paul Thomas Anderson, Cross is a living legend who sees something in Jack. His biggest rule is that anyone who acts in his films must have incredibly developed chemistry with each other.
How We'll Do It
Of our $15,000 budget, the largest portion is fees for equipment rentals. Things likes lighting kits, lenses, fancy microphones, cranes, dollies, and monitors. Shooting on weekends exclusively allows us to capitalize on weekend rental rates which are the same as renting for one week day.
The next largest portion is catering. Our crew is working long hours each weekend to help delivery our movie to you, so it's important for us to provide them with healthy, hot, tasty food to keep them fueled and morale high.
We're dedicating a significant portion of our budget to our art department, which includes props, production design, and set dressing. Our goal is to not only make the evironment the characters inhabit feel lived in, but to make the mise en scene visually appealing as well.
While we're fortunate enough to be shooting half of our picture on the professional sound stages at Los Angeles Center Studios, the other half of our film will be shot on location around Southern California. We'll need to pay to book the settings in order to have permission to film.
As more than a few of our characters are Hollywood stars, we need them to look the part. This is why it's essential to have authentic wardrobe to really sell the identity of these characters to our audience.
Like we stated earlier, we're shooting this movie all over SoCal, which means our cast and crew will have to find transportation to set. The least we could do is send them some gas money.
As you pledge, you'll earn incentives. Some of these we have to make, and others will have to be bought. We take seriously your contribution and want you to be well compensated.
The pandemic is still ongoing. We want to make sure our cast and crew are safe and provided with the correct PPE and COVID safety measures.
Lastly, we'll need to acquire general liability insurance in order to protect ourselves and your investment as we make this movie.
.png)
How You Can Help
1. Pledging
Take a look at the list of incentives and become a contributor! You could be a member of The Chemists team!
2. Spread the Word
Sending this link of our Seed & Spark campaign to your friends and family increases our site traffic and would greatly help getting our cause out there!
https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-chemists#story
3. Follow on Social Media
Our Instagram page is @thechemists_film! By following us, you'll have access to seeing our whole team, any updates on the film, and behind the scenes photos!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $1,500
Permits are required in order to film in certain locations!
Catering
Costs $3,000
We want to serve our cast and crew great meals to keep everyone happy and healthy.
COVID Safety
Costs $285
COVID Safety Guidelines require us to provide Personal Protective Equipment for our Cast & Crew.
Set Decoration
Costs $1,700
We want the environments in this movie to feel real!
Wardrobe
Costs $975
Our characters need to look the part!
Transportation
Costs $840
To pay for gas and rides for our cast and crew.
Equipment
Costs $3,900
We will need to rent some of our equipment and gear!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Nico Fulton Lavachek
Lavachek is a 22-year-old filmmaker from Coronado, California who has spent his life so far continuing his family’s legacy. His accolades include being selected at the Austin Film Festival at just 17 years old, getting accepted into the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), and winning numerous awards for each of the three films that he has made so far. After studying film production at Emerson College and Hussian College LA, Nico is assembling his knowledge and connections to bring his audiences a new experience that he guarantees nobody has ever witnessed before.
Mason Bosworth
Mason Bosworth, 23, is a globetrotting visionary. Born in Guam, he has lived in five states and three countries, including Italy and England. Everywhere he goes, he filters life through the two lenses on either side of his nose and channels it back out again in the form of analogue photography, motion pictures, or the written word.
A graduate of San Francisco State University's School of Cinema, Mason has acted in over a dozen short films, written a dozen more, and directed four. His most recent film, A Trip to the Store, was an international production that was awarded Best Director at Indyfilmlibrary.com's 2020 awards showcase. He has shot over twenty-five hundred 35 millimeter photographs, and has written for university publications on two different continents.
Now living in Los Angeles, Mason works in film production, on such projects as FX's American Crime Story: Impeachment and Marvel Studio's Eternals.
Mason's ultimate goal is to be able to pay the bills as a nomadic creative, continuing to explore the world and tell stories through writing, photographs, and motion pictures.
Maddison Lafferty
Maddison Lafferty is a 22-year-old filmmaker from Salt Lake City, Utah and Vancouver, Washington. Maddison grew up as a competitive dancer and did that for almost 20 years. She moved to Los Angeles, California at 19 and started off at Hussian College LA as a Comercial Dance major. During her Freshman year, she began producing a Youtube Series and fell in love with filmmaking. She soon switched majors to Film and Digital Content and is continuing her education with a focus in Producing.
Schuyler Yager
Schuyler Yager is a 23-year-old Director of Photography who takes pride not only in his skill, but more importantly in his ability to collaborate alongside his Directors to create breathtaking imagery. Originally from Huntington Beach California, Schuyler moved to Sacramento during his Freshman year of high school. It was in high school that he found his passion for filmmaking ultimately starting his school's film club and creating his first Award-winning short film Lemons. Schuyler decided to further pursue his education and passion for film at San Francisco State and during his time there shot numerous films. Two of which, White Castles and The Mind Festers First, were finalists in the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards as well as the New York Cinematography Awards. Now back in Southern California, Schuyler is focused on creating award-winning work as he further develops his craft. He is currently doing freelance work with local creatives as well as working full time with Zach King in his Studio producing social media content.
Jared Trevino
Jared Trevino is a Texas native with extensive training in the performing arts and on screen. What started as a love for singing during Sunday mass has grown into a goal-oriented journey of success in acting. On stage, he's had starring roles in titles such as "Suicide Inc.", "The Shape of Things", and "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie”. Jared is also soon to be seen playing Marcos in "A Cowgirl's Song", a feature film that wrapped this past June. Alongside acting, he's creating original works in the photography world and is exploring his voice as a director. Being a fan of storytelling, he dreams of working with directors like Jean-Marc Vallee, Alex Garland, The Russo Brothers, and Denis Villeneuve as they've created some of his favorite stories. Jared is more than excited to take on the role as Jack Russell in "The Chemists" and can't wait to begin filming with such a hard working team.
Cambrey Watson
Cambrey Watson is a 24 year old actress from the small town of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Cambrey knew she wanted to be an actor at six years old after seeing a high school production of Annie. However, growing up watching the likes of Judy Garland and Lucille Ball, she dreamt of becoming a storyteller on the screen. A life-long love affair with film and storytelling pushed her into pursuing acting as a career. After a year and a half of acting training and preparation after college, Cambrey made the move from small-town Arkansas to Los Angeles. Cambrey’s most recent lead role is in the short film, “My Soul is a Child.” “The Chemists,” directed by Nico Fulton Lavachek, will be her debut in a feature film.
Alex Haug
Alex Haug is an actor who recently moved to LA from London. Alex trained at Celebrity Talent Academy from the age of 8 when he moved to the UK from Germany. Alex's early credits include work with Disney, Youtube and live theatre with productions such as Midsummer's Night Dream. Alex acted throughout university too where he met one of our producers, Mason, where they collaberated on many thesis level short films. Alex has always had a passion for storytelling and this fact has always been apparent. Upcoming for Alex is an original feature length screenplay that has an intended 2022 release which Alex wrote and is starring in. His upcoming role is Calvin Webber in "The Chemists".
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
INTRODUCING...
Why This Story?
"Who are you? What mark will you leave on the world after you're gone? How will you contribute to your art form? So much of The Chemists is about legacy. My great-grandfather, John P. Fulton was a three-time Academy Award winning special effects pioneer, working on movies like The Ten Commandments, Rear Window, The Invisible Man, Breakfast at Tiffany's, White Christmas, and so many more. I find the most inspiration in looking back at my great-grandfather and the legacy he has set up for me to continue. One of the many reasons I wrote The Chemists was to elaborate on this reflection of my family's history with Hollywood and to create a character that struggles with the pressure of not only the continuance of his family's legacy, but also the stomach-churning anxiety of becoming an individual, influential artist.
(John P. Fulton pictured above with his three Oscars for The Ten Commandments, The Bridges at Toko Ri, and Wonder Man)
One of the other main components of this film is the amazing intricacies of acting. Being on so many different sets over the years, I became fascinated with acting as an art form. It’s incredibly nuanced and difficult, but when I talk to the actors I’ve worked with, they all tell me the same thing: 'I wouldn’t want to do anything else.'
So after 9 months of mapping, writing, remapping, and rewriting, I bring you The Chemists: a film about the undying passion artists have for their forms, and the roller coasters we ride every single day trying to make our dreams come true. I ran with the idea about two actors going on a trip to build chemistry together because I know people can learn so much about themselves through these characters. I am looking forward to giving you an inside look into the beautifully complex world of artists!"
- Nico Fulton Lavachek, Writer/Director
Our Target Audience
The Chemists is a story dedicated to dreamers, performers, and all of those who believe in the power of creating your own destiny. The film will explore the complexities of love and loss, of nostalgia and the importance of growth, and encourage audiences everywhere to take your life into your own hands. Not only are these themes written in the script, they have been (and will continue to be practiced) by the team making this movie. This is our collective dream, and we are calling all fellow dreamers to share this legendary and monumental experience together.
Meet the Characters
Jack Russell: Being the talented grandson of award winning Hollywood actress Ruby Russell, Jack has never understood why he still mops floors at a mucky movie theater. Dreaming of becoming an actor himself, Jack tries his hardest with the chances he is given, whether it’s a small short film or the A-List blockbuster that he is being considered for. Dealing with doubt, insecurity, and a towering legacy to carry on, the pressure Jack experiences will either destroy him or compress a beautiful diamond composed of his dreams.
Mae Garyn Parker: After starting her career back in 2009 as the lead of Lucky Lucy, Mae has almost never lived as an “average” person. Everywhere she goes, she is rushed by fans begging her to say the famous one-liner from her show. Trying to break free from her past role as Lucy, Mae is hungry for award worthy roles to prove to the world that she has grown as an artist. Mae fell into drugs to cope, and has been working to become clean. The question is: what is her breaking point?
Calvin Weber: As a rising star in Hollywood, Calvin has gained some respect in the entertainment world. The thing about Calvin is that he is unable to return an ounce of that respect back. Rude, gross, audacious, and impudent, Weber has unfortunately become the studio’s second option behind Jack for this A-list role. Eager for the role, he will do anything to push Jack off track.
Nicole: Almost like an angel from above, Nicole enters Mae’s life at just the right moment. Kind and inclusive, Nicole doesn’t see Mae as a celebrity. In fact, Nicole doesn’t seem to know who Mae is at all. The two women get along well, and prove to Mae that not everyone has an agenda when they are nice to her.
Victor Cross: One of the biggest directors in Hollywood. Victor Cross is a consistent contender at every award show, and never fails to make incredible movies. Comparable to Paul Thomas Anderson, Cross is a living legend who sees something in Jack. His biggest rule is that anyone who acts in his films must have incredibly developed chemistry with each other.
How We'll Do It
Of our $15,000 budget, the largest portion is fees for equipment rentals. Things likes lighting kits, lenses, fancy microphones, cranes, dollies, and monitors. Shooting on weekends exclusively allows us to capitalize on weekend rental rates which are the same as renting for one week day.
The next largest portion is catering. Our crew is working long hours each weekend to help delivery our movie to you, so it's important for us to provide them with healthy, hot, tasty food to keep them fueled and morale high.
We're dedicating a significant portion of our budget to our art department, which includes props, production design, and set dressing. Our goal is to not only make the evironment the characters inhabit feel lived in, but to make the mise en scene visually appealing as well.
While we're fortunate enough to be shooting half of our picture on the professional sound stages at Los Angeles Center Studios, the other half of our film will be shot on location around Southern California. We'll need to pay to book the settings in order to have permission to film.
As more than a few of our characters are Hollywood stars, we need them to look the part. This is why it's essential to have authentic wardrobe to really sell the identity of these characters to our audience.
Like we stated earlier, we're shooting this movie all over SoCal, which means our cast and crew will have to find transportation to set. The least we could do is send them some gas money.
As you pledge, you'll earn incentives. Some of these we have to make, and others will have to be bought. We take seriously your contribution and want you to be well compensated.
The pandemic is still ongoing. We want to make sure our cast and crew are safe and provided with the correct PPE and COVID safety measures.
Lastly, we'll need to acquire general liability insurance in order to protect ourselves and your investment as we make this movie.
How You Can Help
1. Pledging
Take a look at the list of incentives and become a contributor! You could be a member of The Chemists team!
2. Spread the Word
Sending this link of our Seed & Spark campaign to your friends and family increases our site traffic and would greatly help getting our cause out there!
https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-chemists#story
3. Follow on Social Media
Our Instagram page is @thechemists_film! By following us, you'll have access to seeing our whole team, any updates on the film, and behind the scenes photos!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $1,500
Permits are required in order to film in certain locations!
Catering
Costs $3,000
We want to serve our cast and crew great meals to keep everyone happy and healthy.
COVID Safety
Costs $285
COVID Safety Guidelines require us to provide Personal Protective Equipment for our Cast & Crew.
Set Decoration
Costs $1,700
We want the environments in this movie to feel real!
Wardrobe
Costs $975
Our characters need to look the part!
Transportation
Costs $840
To pay for gas and rides for our cast and crew.
Equipment
Costs $3,900
We will need to rent some of our equipment and gear!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Nico Fulton Lavachek
Lavachek is a 22-year-old filmmaker from Coronado, California who has spent his life so far continuing his family’s legacy. His accolades include being selected at the Austin Film Festival at just 17 years old, getting accepted into the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), and winning numerous awards for each of the three films that he has made so far. After studying film production at Emerson College and Hussian College LA, Nico is assembling his knowledge and connections to bring his audiences a new experience that he guarantees nobody has ever witnessed before.
Mason Bosworth
Mason Bosworth, 23, is a globetrotting visionary. Born in Guam, he has lived in five states and three countries, including Italy and England. Everywhere he goes, he filters life through the two lenses on either side of his nose and channels it back out again in the form of analogue photography, motion pictures, or the written word.
A graduate of San Francisco State University's School of Cinema, Mason has acted in over a dozen short films, written a dozen more, and directed four. His most recent film, A Trip to the Store, was an international production that was awarded Best Director at Indyfilmlibrary.com's 2020 awards showcase. He has shot over twenty-five hundred 35 millimeter photographs, and has written for university publications on two different continents.
Now living in Los Angeles, Mason works in film production, on such projects as FX's American Crime Story: Impeachment and Marvel Studio's Eternals.
Mason's ultimate goal is to be able to pay the bills as a nomadic creative, continuing to explore the world and tell stories through writing, photographs, and motion pictures.
Maddison Lafferty
Maddison Lafferty is a 22-year-old filmmaker from Salt Lake City, Utah and Vancouver, Washington. Maddison grew up as a competitive dancer and did that for almost 20 years. She moved to Los Angeles, California at 19 and started off at Hussian College LA as a Comercial Dance major. During her Freshman year, she began producing a Youtube Series and fell in love with filmmaking. She soon switched majors to Film and Digital Content and is continuing her education with a focus in Producing.
Schuyler Yager
Schuyler Yager is a 23-year-old Director of Photography who takes pride not only in his skill, but more importantly in his ability to collaborate alongside his Directors to create breathtaking imagery. Originally from Huntington Beach California, Schuyler moved to Sacramento during his Freshman year of high school. It was in high school that he found his passion for filmmaking ultimately starting his school's film club and creating his first Award-winning short film Lemons. Schuyler decided to further pursue his education and passion for film at San Francisco State and during his time there shot numerous films. Two of which, White Castles and The Mind Festers First, were finalists in the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards as well as the New York Cinematography Awards. Now back in Southern California, Schuyler is focused on creating award-winning work as he further develops his craft. He is currently doing freelance work with local creatives as well as working full time with Zach King in his Studio producing social media content.
Jared Trevino
Jared Trevino is a Texas native with extensive training in the performing arts and on screen. What started as a love for singing during Sunday mass has grown into a goal-oriented journey of success in acting. On stage, he's had starring roles in titles such as "Suicide Inc.", "The Shape of Things", and "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie”. Jared is also soon to be seen playing Marcos in "A Cowgirl's Song", a feature film that wrapped this past June. Alongside acting, he's creating original works in the photography world and is exploring his voice as a director. Being a fan of storytelling, he dreams of working with directors like Jean-Marc Vallee, Alex Garland, The Russo Brothers, and Denis Villeneuve as they've created some of his favorite stories. Jared is more than excited to take on the role as Jack Russell in "The Chemists" and can't wait to begin filming with such a hard working team.
Cambrey Watson
Cambrey Watson is a 24 year old actress from the small town of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Cambrey knew she wanted to be an actor at six years old after seeing a high school production of Annie. However, growing up watching the likes of Judy Garland and Lucille Ball, she dreamt of becoming a storyteller on the screen. A life-long love affair with film and storytelling pushed her into pursuing acting as a career. After a year and a half of acting training and preparation after college, Cambrey made the move from small-town Arkansas to Los Angeles. Cambrey’s most recent lead role is in the short film, “My Soul is a Child.” “The Chemists,” directed by Nico Fulton Lavachek, will be her debut in a feature film.
Alex Haug
Alex Haug is an actor who recently moved to LA from London. Alex trained at Celebrity Talent Academy from the age of 8 when he moved to the UK from Germany. Alex's early credits include work with Disney, Youtube and live theatre with productions such as Midsummer's Night Dream. Alex acted throughout university too where he met one of our producers, Mason, where they collaberated on many thesis level short films. Alex has always had a passion for storytelling and this fact has always been apparent. Upcoming for Alex is an original feature length screenplay that has an intended 2022 release which Alex wrote and is starring in. His upcoming role is Calvin Webber in "The Chemists".