The Giving Box is a short film about true happiness and what it means to share that joy with others. At a time when our world seems filled with turmoil and discontent, we could all use a heartfelt film that celebrates joy and sharing.
The Giving Box is a short film about true happiness and what it means to share that joy with others. At a time when our world seems filled with turmoil and discontent, we could all use a heartfelt film that celebrates joy and sharing.
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Story
Mission Statement
In The Giving Box, happiness recognizes no labels. As such, our cast represents a mix of ages, genders, races, and social classes. Our crew includes several women who work full-time in media, as well as local youth who we've invited to gain hands-on filmmaking experience.About The Project
A stranger arrives in a small town with a mysterious box. In a series of encounters with the locals, he pulls from the box items that make people happy: music, food, art, memories, etc. But, a jealous orphan steals the box, only to find that she can’t make it work. The stranger teaches the orphan the secret of true happiness, and they both receive their most sought-after gifts.
Based loosely on the Zen koan “What is hidden inside the empty box,” The Giving Box is a meditation on what brings us true happiness and what it means to share that joy with others. Like all Zen riddles, this one has no answer. Or, maybe it has infinite answers; one for each of us. You decide.
Why This Now?
Sometimes we need a reminder about happiness. Especially these days. I was at a film festival one weekend, and it occurred to me that all of the films I saw were full of despair, discontent, and tragedy. Harrowing documentaries detailing war and bigotry. Narrative features about sad, disconnected people. Shorts full of animated violence. Of course, the evening news is no better.
Don't get me wrong, I love films full of real-life drama. I applaud documentaries that unflinchingly expose the underbelly of our society. But, I feel the time is right to tell a simple, joyful story that celebrates our spirit of sharing and wonder.
My hope is that The Giving Box will remind viewers that, no matter how troubling things appear, the true nature of happiness remains in our hearts.
What Kind of Film Is It?
The Giving Box contains no dialogue, but rather relies on action, emotion, and music to tell its story. We're using Balkan gypsy music for the score. We're shooting in the idyllic, waterside village of Fairhope. I certainly didn't set out to do so, but now it seems I'm making an Eastern-European art film...straight out of lower Alabama.
Who Am I? (not another Zen koan)
I've spent my entire career creating content. Print, digital, video, whatever. These days I run a video production company and produce the national TV show Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. I wrote, directed, and produced a documentary about Orange Beach, Alabama, titled Life Is Better Here. I produced and directed a 24-part travel series called Southern Journeys, which explores the food, music and people of the Gulf Coast. I've produced scores of commercial projects for companies of all sizes. I've written 75% of several feature films still hidden in a desk drawer. This is the first time I've worked with live birds.
Finally...
Tim Arnold and I have been talking about making movies since we looked like this...
That was 30 years ago. I went this way, and he went that way. Life happened in between. The talking never stopped, but we never got around to making those movies together.
Now Tim has returned to the South, and the talking has taken on a different tone. It's time to make those boyhood dreams reality. I'm thrilled that Tim jumped on board the moment I commited to making The Giving Box. Thanks, brother. I hope this the first of many collaborations to come.
Thanks for reading this far down the page. And, thanks for your support. I hope you will find as much joy in this project as I do.
Incentives
$10
Your Greatest Desire
A unique social media shout out to bring you joy. Just tell us what you would pull from The Giving Box if you had the chance, and we'll make your wish come true (on social media, that is). Your support makes us happy. Now...what makes you happy?
$25
Link to the Film
Get your own link to The Giving Box, as soon as we have our first film fest premiere. And...a special social media shout out.
$50
Cupcakes
Actress Sophia Kirtland, who plays The Orphan, is also a budding baker. Sophia will bake you one dozen cupcakes FROM SCRATCH. You pick the flavor. Locals only; cupcakes don't travel well. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 6 of 10
$50
All the Credit(s) You Deserve
If you've always wanted to be up on the big screen, now's your chance. We'll list your name in the SPECIAL THANKS section of the film credits. And...a social media shout out and a link to the film.
$100
Extra! Extra!
Come join the fun as an extra in one of the film's pivotal scenes. Even better...you get to bang a drum and make noise. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Sold Out!
$250
Premiere Party
Join us in Fairhope, Alabama. Meet the cast and crew. Eat, drink, and be merry. Enjoy some Southern hospitality. Includes entry, food and drinks for you and a guest. Transportation and lodging not included. Anticipated party date: September 2018. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 6 of 10
$250
Aren't You Super!
Be a superhero. Actor Nathan Smith, who plays The Stranger, is also an accomplished artist. His one-of-a-kind SuperU portraits turn you - or anyone you want - into the superhero or comic character of your choice. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
$600
Light Saber (yeah...really)
Truly a one-of-a-kind item. Assistant Cameraman Benji Graham is also a Level 6 Jedi Weapon Master (aka killer prop maker). Here's your chance to own a real light saber. Description from Benji: "It's a saberforge chosen hilt with a custom install presented in a custom collectors box. The saber runs a nano biscotte v4 sound board. 3D printed chassis. Deep blue LED with white flash on clash. 3 different sound fonts preloaded and mute mode. Premium speaker. It has an 3.7v 18650 lithium ion rechargeable smart battery and charger. 2.1 mm recharge port. Comes with a blade and allen key to remove blade." If you understand all of that, then you need to grab this unique item while you can. (Valued at $450) And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$750
Skoda Photo Shoot
A 3-hour photo shoot with Director of Photography Kris Skoda. Portrait, business, personal...whatever you want. Max 3 locations and 4 hours edit time. (Valued at $750) And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$2,000
Associate Producer
Take advantage of this great opportunity to be a part of a special short film. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and two invites to the Premiere Party (transportation not included).
Claimed: 0 of 1
$4,000
Co-Producer
You are a big kahuna. We love you! And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and two invites to the Premiere Party (transportation not included).
Claimed: 0 of 1
$5,000
The Box & Executive Producer
Yeah...the actual black box that was used in filming The Giving Box. There's only one like it in all the world. Signed by the cast and crew. The ultimate keepsake from an extraordinary experience. You'll also be named Executive Producer. And, earn our eternal gratitude. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and two invites to the Premiere Party (transportation not included).
Claimed: 0 of 1
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Your Greatest Desire
A unique social media shout out to bring you joy. Just tell us what you would pull from The Giving Box if you had the chance, and we'll make your wish come true (on social media, that is). Your support makes us happy. Now...what makes you happy?
$25
Link to the Film
Get your own link to The Giving Box, as soon as we have our first film fest premiere. And...a special social media shout out.
$50
Cupcakes
Actress Sophia Kirtland, who plays The Orphan, is also a budding baker. Sophia will bake you one dozen cupcakes FROM SCRATCH. You pick the flavor. Locals only; cupcakes don't travel well. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 6 of 10
$50
All the Credit(s) You Deserve
If you've always wanted to be up on the big screen, now's your chance. We'll list your name in the SPECIAL THANKS section of the film credits. And...a social media shout out and a link to the film.
$100
Extra! Extra!
Come join the fun as an extra in one of the film's pivotal scenes. Even better...you get to bang a drum and make noise. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Sold Out!
$250
Premiere Party
Join us in Fairhope, Alabama. Meet the cast and crew. Eat, drink, and be merry. Enjoy some Southern hospitality. Includes entry, food and drinks for you and a guest. Transportation and lodging not included. Anticipated party date: September 2018. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 6 of 10
$250
Aren't You Super!
Be a superhero. Actor Nathan Smith, who plays The Stranger, is also an accomplished artist. His one-of-a-kind SuperU portraits turn you - or anyone you want - into the superhero or comic character of your choice. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
$600
Light Saber (yeah...really)
Truly a one-of-a-kind item. Assistant Cameraman Benji Graham is also a Level 6 Jedi Weapon Master (aka killer prop maker). Here's your chance to own a real light saber. Description from Benji: "It's a saberforge chosen hilt with a custom install presented in a custom collectors box. The saber runs a nano biscotte v4 sound board. 3D printed chassis. Deep blue LED with white flash on clash. 3 different sound fonts preloaded and mute mode. Premium speaker. It has an 3.7v 18650 lithium ion rechargeable smart battery and charger. 2.1 mm recharge port. Comes with a blade and allen key to remove blade." If you understand all of that, then you need to grab this unique item while you can. (Valued at $450) And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$750
Skoda Photo Shoot
A 3-hour photo shoot with Director of Photography Kris Skoda. Portrait, business, personal...whatever you want. Max 3 locations and 4 hours edit time. (Valued at $750) And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and a Special Thanks listing in the credits.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$2,000
Associate Producer
Take advantage of this great opportunity to be a part of a special short film. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and two invites to the Premiere Party (transportation not included).
Claimed: 0 of 1
$4,000
Co-Producer
You are a big kahuna. We love you! And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and two invites to the Premiere Party (transportation not included).
Claimed: 0 of 1
$5,000
The Box & Executive Producer
Yeah...the actual black box that was used in filming The Giving Box. There's only one like it in all the world. Signed by the cast and crew. The ultimate keepsake from an extraordinary experience. You'll also be named Executive Producer. And, earn our eternal gratitude. And...a social media shout out, a link to the film, and two invites to the Premiere Party (transportation not included).
Claimed: 0 of 1
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Chad Kirtland - Writer, Director
As the VP of Production at 3 Echoes Productions in Mobile, Alabama, Chad serves as a producer of the nationally syndicated TV show Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford and has produced scores of commercial videos for national clients. Chad wrote, directed and produced the documentary Life Is Better Here, which chronicles the history of Orange Beach, Alabama. He also produced and directed the 24-part online travel series Southern Journeys. Chad serves as the marketing director for the Fairhope Film Festival, a role he has held since the event began six years ago. When not obsessing about video, Chad refurbishes vintage guitar pedals, chases speckled trout, and grows tomatoes. He also makes a mean gumbo.
Tim Arnold - Producer
A "jack of all trades" in the film world, Tim has been an editor, producer, director and writer (even sometimes actor). Leaving college with an engineering degree, he spent 15 years in Hollywood as a journeyman/freelance editor and a self-taught filmmaker. His short film Great Poets Die… premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and won the Best New Orleans Film Award at the New Orleans Film Festival. Tim now lives in Auburn, Alabama, with his wife and two sons and a horse named Chivo.Kris Skoda - Director of Photography
Kris, a Mobile, Alabama-based director of photography, has been working in film and video for nine years. Kris has worked on a variety of film, TV and commercial projects, including the feature films Convergence, Raiders! the Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made, Nigel and Oscar VS the Sasquatch, Full Moon Inc, and Infinity Girls. He has also worked a number of short films, commercials and music videos.
Dusty Bias - Assistant Director
Dusty has written and directed several feature films. His debut, Prairie Love, garnered critical acclaim at Sundance. And, his most recent feature, The Great and the Small, won the Audience Choice Award at the Sonoma Film Festival and is currently in distribution. Dusty lives near the Gulf of Mexico, just in case he needs to escape quickly. He hopes to one day be recognized for his talents as an exotic dancer.
Nathan Smith - Actor, The Stranger
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Nathan recently co-starred on Syfy’s MISSISSIPPI RIVER SHARKS as Sherriff Hurley and the 2nd season finale of PREACHER; as well as, MURDEROUS AFFAIRS. In the upcoming movie release QUAL HOLLOW, he plays Sheriff Landon, one of the lead characters. He’s enjoyed a reoccurring spot on American Horror Story: Freakshow as The Lion Tamer and appeared on TV shows like CBS’s ZOO. Nathan has done stunts in movies such as RAGE with Nicolas Cage, PERFECT WEAPON, and USS INDIANAPOLIS. When he’s not acting on screen, he enjoys voice-acting for commercials and narrations. He’s also a comic artist who illustrates the story for Inverse Press’s Last Ride for Horsemen… a steampunk version of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Sophia Kirtland - Actor, The Orphan
Sophia is a fourth-grader with many interests. In addition to acting, she plays violin, does gymnastics, and bakes. Her dream is to compete on Food Network's Kids Baking Championship. After that, she plans to become a doctor.
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