The Last Fool
New York City, New York | Film Short
Thriller, Film-Noir
Far-right extremism is on the rise. This story confronts the problem through a unique perspective, the Tarot, raising big questions about love, hate, justice, and religion.
The Last Fool
New York City, New York | Film Short
Thriller, Film-Noir
5 Campaigns | New Jersey, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,845 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
20 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Far-right extremism is on the rise. This story confronts the problem through a unique perspective, the Tarot, raising big questions about love, hate, justice, and religion.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In "The Last Fool," we confront the magnetic pull of infamy and the root causes of extremist hate, all within the context of the Tarot. Employing the visual language of film noir and a sound design that challenges convention, the narrative stays with you long after it's over.
The room has its own heartbeat and our visual style will reflect that. This heartbeat progressively increases until we reach cardiac arrest.
We will use low-key lighting to create a sense of mystery and shadows. The lighting will be strategically placed to emphasize the characters' faces, capturing their expressions and adding depth to their emotions. Harsh contrasts between light and shadow will heighten the suspenseful atmosphere.
The color palette will be desaturated, focusing on cool tones such as blues and grays, to convey a sense of isolation, detachment, and psychological unease. Hints of warmer tones may be sparingly used to create visual contrast during pivotal moments or to symbolize inner turmoil.
The framing will play a crucial role in building tension and revealing character dynamics. Wide shots will be employed to establish the oppressive environment, while close-ups will intensify the characters' emotional states and amplify their inner struggles. Off-center compositions, asymmetrical framing, and high-angle shots will add to the tension and visual unease further disorienting the audience and keeping them on edge.
The Wrong Man (1956)
To enhance the suspense and maintain a sense of urgency, we will use dynamic camera movements. Extreme Close Ups (ECUs) will create a sense of tension, and erratic handheld shots will convey heightened anxiety, violence, and unease. Smooth and controlled dolly shots can be used to emphasize significant revelations or moments of realization.
Inspired by legendary sound designer Richard King, our film will take an impressionistic approach and our sound mix will track the subjective experience of the characters. Here is a great video by Thomas Flight, which beautifully explains the impact of this approach:
This is the directorial debut of Ernest Anemone (Family Affair, Anything It Takes). He is not only an award-winning writer but also an ordained minister, actor, and professional tarot card reader. Their last film premiered at the Academy Award-qualifying Provincetown International Film Festival and continues to win awards. Max MacKenzie (Law & Order: SVU, Hunters, Just Say Goodbye) is a Scottish-American actor and producer born in Highland Park, Illinois, and raised in Newton, Massachusetts. After attending the renowned program at Stagedoor Manor within his first year of discovering acting, Max graduated high school from The Winchendon School the following year in May 2016. Max has been active as both an actor and producer in the industry since 2016.
- Why us? Before retraining as an actor, Ernest Anemone spent nearly a decade as a criminal defense attorney working with children and young adults, many of whom were violent offenders. He realized the system was good at finding problems but terrible at responding to them. Ernest and Max are both experienced actors and experienced producers who have helped bring countless creative visions to life.
- Why this? Every human being has within them the potential for great acts of beauty and terrible acts of violence. Stories allow us to explore those harsh realities in less threatening ways. If we do not explore them and make conscious choices, we become vulnerable to unwanted influences. We intend to use this film as a jumping off point for facilitated community dialogue.
- Why now? Social media has done nothing but polarize and divide us. It is easy to hate abstract ideas of people but people do not exist as abstract ideas. To truly know a person, we need to be in dialogue with them. Dialogue, unlike discussion, leaves both parties with changed hearts if not changed minds. This is what the world needs now more than ever.
We are currently in pre-production and actively scouting locations. With plans to begin shooting in early next spring, every step we take now is crucial and we can't do it without your financial support.
The funds from this campaign will go directly into securing our location, paying our crew a fair wage, and covering all the other essentials that will make this film a reality.
Your support is more than just a contribution to a film; it's a commitment to the message we're trying to convey. As we move forward, we'll keep our backers updated on every milestone.
Reaching our initial goal will allow us to complete the film, but exceeding it will let us make it even better. Here's what we can accomplish with additional funding:
$15,000 - Enhanced Post-Production
With this extra funding, we can invest in higher-quality post-production services, including color grading and sound design, to ensure the film looks and sounds its best.
$18,000 - Film Festival Submissions
Reaching this goal will allow us to submit the film to more prestigious film festivals, increasing its visibility and potential for awards.
$20,000 - Community Screenings
At this level, we can organize community screenings in select cities, allowing us to engage with audiences in a more personal setting and discuss the social issues the film addresses.
$25,000 - Educational Outreach
With this amount, we can develop educational materials to accompany the film and distribute them to schools and community organizations, amplifying the film's impact.
$30,000 - Behind-the-Scenes Documentary
This stretch goal will enable us to produce a short behind-the-scenes documentary that dives into the making of the film and the social issues it explores.
We are proudly partnering with
If you or someone you love needs help exiting a life of violent extremism, please visit www.lifeafterhate.org
This problem does not have a single solution. However, as communities, we can come together to reflect on its root causes and develop impactful changes through dialogue and deliberation. And everything begins with a story. Support our story and help us start a conversation. More information about our work can be found at: www.projectmyvoice.org
Exclusive Offer for Little Red Tarot members
As part of our collaboration, Little Red Tarot readers will receive an exclusive offer for our "Tarot for Change" guide. To receive your exclusive promo code, make sure you're subscribed to the Little Red Tarot newsletter.
Share Your Story: #TarotForChange
We invite you to share your personal stories about how tarot has empowered you to face social issues.
How to Participate:
- Share your story on social media using the hashtag #TarotForChange.
- Include the link to our Seed&Spark campaign to help spread the word.
- Win a Signed Poster and Get Featured: The most compelling stories will not only be featured on our website but will also be entered for a chance to win a signed poster from our film.
Your stories are catalysts for change. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a larger conversation that could inspire others to take meaningful action.
The more we share, the louder our collective voice becomes. Let's use this partnership as a platform to discuss, dissect, and confront the social issues that matter to us most.
Sharing the link to our campaign with your network can make a big difference. Below are some sample texts you can use to spread the word on social media. Feel free to use them as they are or personalize them to reflect your voice.
I believe in the power of storytelling to create change. That's why I backed 'The Last Fool'. Take a look and consider joining us! #TheLastFoolFilm #LifeAfterHate #TarotForChange
I just backed 'The Last Fool', a film taking a stand against hate. Join me in supporting this important project! #TheLastFoolFilm #LifeAfterHate #TarotForChange
The Last Fool' is more than just a film; it's a message of hope and unity. Proud to support it and I urge you to check it out! #TheLastFoolFilm #LifeAfterHate #TarotForChange
Every share, tweet, and post brings us closer to our goal. Let's unite against hate and make "The Last Fool" a reality.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $3,500
The perfect location is crucial for this film because it intensifies emotions, symbolizes limitations, and deepens the characters struggle.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Nutritious meals and snacks are essential for physical and mental health on set.
Cast & Crew
Costs $3,200
Fair and timely cast/crew payments are crucial for a harmonious production. They reflect professionalism, motivate the team, and ensure a qu
Equipment Rentals
Costs $3,000
Reliable equipment rentals are essential. They guarantee technical excellence and elevate production value.
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,500
Seamless makeup and wardrobe are vital for authenticity. They enhance characters, enrich storytelling, and elevate the film's visual appeal.
Festival Costs
Costs $1,200
This is crucial for the success and visibility of our project. Festivals help us gain exposure to a larger audience.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Ernest Anemone
Writer / Director / Lead
Ernest Anemone is a writer, actor, and producer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Anemone moved to New Jersey and practiced law for many years before retraining as an actor and becoming a professional facilitator. In addition to his numerous film and commercial roles, he played the teacher in Family Affair (2023), an award-winning comedy short which he also wrote and developed into a series. Family Affair premiered at the Academy Award-qualifying Provincetown International Film Festival.
Max MacKenzie
Producer / Lead
Max MacKenzie is a Scottish-American actor born in Highland Park, Illinois, and raised in Newton, Massachusetts. After attending the renowned program at Stagedoor Manor within his first year of discovering acting, Max graduated high school from The Winchendon School the following year in May 2016. Max has been active in the industry since 2016.
Stephen Szmed
Director of Photography
Originally hailing from the plains of Kansas, now in Brooklyn, at 13, Stephen picked up a camera, started making films with his friends, then never really stopped.
After attending Emerson College, Stephen’s love of image making grew deeper and continued his pursuit of being a cinematographer with a diverse body of work.
Stephen views cinematography as equal parts art and science, and loves to spend extensive time in prep constructing a visual language and aesthetic principles according to each story.
Björn Bauer
Title & Marketing Design
Björn was born in Nürnberg, Germany in 1980. At 8 years old, he moved with his family to the Philippines and spent the rest of his childhood in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Malaysia. He has been drawing for as long as he can remember, as nearly everything that
interested him became inspiration for an image. He moved to Oklahoma in 2000, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelors in Fine Art and Education in 2005. Holding his first solo exhibit at IAO gallery in Oklahoma City in 2006, he continued to regularly show his work, along with teaching high school art for twelve years. In 2019 he earned his MFA in painting from the University at Albany in New York, and now lives in Munich, Germany, where he continues his work in painting and illustration.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In "The Last Fool," we confront the magnetic pull of infamy and the root causes of extremist hate, all within the context of the Tarot. Employing the visual language of film noir and a sound design that challenges convention, the narrative stays with you long after it's over.
The room has its own heartbeat and our visual style will reflect that. This heartbeat progressively increases until we reach cardiac arrest.
We will use low-key lighting to create a sense of mystery and shadows. The lighting will be strategically placed to emphasize the characters' faces, capturing their expressions and adding depth to their emotions. Harsh contrasts between light and shadow will heighten the suspenseful atmosphere.
The color palette will be desaturated, focusing on cool tones such as blues and grays, to convey a sense of isolation, detachment, and psychological unease. Hints of warmer tones may be sparingly used to create visual contrast during pivotal moments or to symbolize inner turmoil.
The framing will play a crucial role in building tension and revealing character dynamics. Wide shots will be employed to establish the oppressive environment, while close-ups will intensify the characters' emotional states and amplify their inner struggles. Off-center compositions, asymmetrical framing, and high-angle shots will add to the tension and visual unease further disorienting the audience and keeping them on edge.
The Wrong Man (1956)
To enhance the suspense and maintain a sense of urgency, we will use dynamic camera movements. Extreme Close Ups (ECUs) will create a sense of tension, and erratic handheld shots will convey heightened anxiety, violence, and unease. Smooth and controlled dolly shots can be used to emphasize significant revelations or moments of realization.
Inspired by legendary sound designer Richard King, our film will take an impressionistic approach and our sound mix will track the subjective experience of the characters. Here is a great video by Thomas Flight, which beautifully explains the impact of this approach:
This is the directorial debut of Ernest Anemone (Family Affair, Anything It Takes). He is not only an award-winning writer but also an ordained minister, actor, and professional tarot card reader. Their last film premiered at the Academy Award-qualifying Provincetown International Film Festival and continues to win awards. Max MacKenzie (Law & Order: SVU, Hunters, Just Say Goodbye) is a Scottish-American actor and producer born in Highland Park, Illinois, and raised in Newton, Massachusetts. After attending the renowned program at Stagedoor Manor within his first year of discovering acting, Max graduated high school from The Winchendon School the following year in May 2016. Max has been active as both an actor and producer in the industry since 2016.
- Why us? Before retraining as an actor, Ernest Anemone spent nearly a decade as a criminal defense attorney working with children and young adults, many of whom were violent offenders. He realized the system was good at finding problems but terrible at responding to them. Ernest and Max are both experienced actors and experienced producers who have helped bring countless creative visions to life.
- Why this? Every human being has within them the potential for great acts of beauty and terrible acts of violence. Stories allow us to explore those harsh realities in less threatening ways. If we do not explore them and make conscious choices, we become vulnerable to unwanted influences. We intend to use this film as a jumping off point for facilitated community dialogue.
- Why now? Social media has done nothing but polarize and divide us. It is easy to hate abstract ideas of people but people do not exist as abstract ideas. To truly know a person, we need to be in dialogue with them. Dialogue, unlike discussion, leaves both parties with changed hearts if not changed minds. This is what the world needs now more than ever.
We are currently in pre-production and actively scouting locations. With plans to begin shooting in early next spring, every step we take now is crucial and we can't do it without your financial support.
The funds from this campaign will go directly into securing our location, paying our crew a fair wage, and covering all the other essentials that will make this film a reality.
Your support is more than just a contribution to a film; it's a commitment to the message we're trying to convey. As we move forward, we'll keep our backers updated on every milestone.
Reaching our initial goal will allow us to complete the film, but exceeding it will let us make it even better. Here's what we can accomplish with additional funding:
$15,000 - Enhanced Post-Production
With this extra funding, we can invest in higher-quality post-production services, including color grading and sound design, to ensure the film looks and sounds its best.
$18,000 - Film Festival Submissions
Reaching this goal will allow us to submit the film to more prestigious film festivals, increasing its visibility and potential for awards.
$20,000 - Community Screenings
At this level, we can organize community screenings in select cities, allowing us to engage with audiences in a more personal setting and discuss the social issues the film addresses.
$25,000 - Educational Outreach
With this amount, we can develop educational materials to accompany the film and distribute them to schools and community organizations, amplifying the film's impact.
$30,000 - Behind-the-Scenes Documentary
This stretch goal will enable us to produce a short behind-the-scenes documentary that dives into the making of the film and the social issues it explores.
We are proudly partnering with
If you or someone you love needs help exiting a life of violent extremism, please visit www.lifeafterhate.org
This problem does not have a single solution. However, as communities, we can come together to reflect on its root causes and develop impactful changes through dialogue and deliberation. And everything begins with a story. Support our story and help us start a conversation. More information about our work can be found at: www.projectmyvoice.org
Exclusive Offer for Little Red Tarot members
As part of our collaboration, Little Red Tarot readers will receive an exclusive offer for our "Tarot for Change" guide. To receive your exclusive promo code, make sure you're subscribed to the Little Red Tarot newsletter.
Share Your Story: #TarotForChange
We invite you to share your personal stories about how tarot has empowered you to face social issues.
How to Participate:
- Share your story on social media using the hashtag #TarotForChange.
- Include the link to our Seed&Spark campaign to help spread the word.
- Win a Signed Poster and Get Featured: The most compelling stories will not only be featured on our website but will also be entered for a chance to win a signed poster from our film.
Your stories are catalysts for change. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a larger conversation that could inspire others to take meaningful action.
The more we share, the louder our collective voice becomes. Let's use this partnership as a platform to discuss, dissect, and confront the social issues that matter to us most.
Sharing the link to our campaign with your network can make a big difference. Below are some sample texts you can use to spread the word on social media. Feel free to use them as they are or personalize them to reflect your voice.
I believe in the power of storytelling to create change. That's why I backed 'The Last Fool'. Take a look and consider joining us! #TheLastFoolFilm #LifeAfterHate #TarotForChange
I just backed 'The Last Fool', a film taking a stand against hate. Join me in supporting this important project! #TheLastFoolFilm #LifeAfterHate #TarotForChange
The Last Fool' is more than just a film; it's a message of hope and unity. Proud to support it and I urge you to check it out! #TheLastFoolFilm #LifeAfterHate #TarotForChange
Every share, tweet, and post brings us closer to our goal. Let's unite against hate and make "The Last Fool" a reality.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $3,500
The perfect location is crucial for this film because it intensifies emotions, symbolizes limitations, and deepens the characters struggle.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Nutritious meals and snacks are essential for physical and mental health on set.
Cast & Crew
Costs $3,200
Fair and timely cast/crew payments are crucial for a harmonious production. They reflect professionalism, motivate the team, and ensure a qu
Equipment Rentals
Costs $3,000
Reliable equipment rentals are essential. They guarantee technical excellence and elevate production value.
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,500
Seamless makeup and wardrobe are vital for authenticity. They enhance characters, enrich storytelling, and elevate the film's visual appeal.
Festival Costs
Costs $1,200
This is crucial for the success and visibility of our project. Festivals help us gain exposure to a larger audience.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Ernest Anemone
Writer / Director / Lead
Ernest Anemone is a writer, actor, and producer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Anemone moved to New Jersey and practiced law for many years before retraining as an actor and becoming a professional facilitator. In addition to his numerous film and commercial roles, he played the teacher in Family Affair (2023), an award-winning comedy short which he also wrote and developed into a series. Family Affair premiered at the Academy Award-qualifying Provincetown International Film Festival.
Max MacKenzie
Producer / Lead
Max MacKenzie is a Scottish-American actor born in Highland Park, Illinois, and raised in Newton, Massachusetts. After attending the renowned program at Stagedoor Manor within his first year of discovering acting, Max graduated high school from The Winchendon School the following year in May 2016. Max has been active in the industry since 2016.
Stephen Szmed
Director of Photography
Originally hailing from the plains of Kansas, now in Brooklyn, at 13, Stephen picked up a camera, started making films with his friends, then never really stopped.
After attending Emerson College, Stephen’s love of image making grew deeper and continued his pursuit of being a cinematographer with a diverse body of work.
Stephen views cinematography as equal parts art and science, and loves to spend extensive time in prep constructing a visual language and aesthetic principles according to each story.
Björn Bauer
Title & Marketing Design
Björn was born in Nürnberg, Germany in 1980. At 8 years old, he moved with his family to the Philippines and spent the rest of his childhood in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Malaysia. He has been drawing for as long as he can remember, as nearly everything that
interested him became inspiration for an image. He moved to Oklahoma in 2000, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelors in Fine Art and Education in 2005. Holding his first solo exhibit at IAO gallery in Oklahoma City in 2006, he continued to regularly show his work, along with teaching high school art for twelve years. In 2019 he earned his MFA in painting from the University at Albany in New York, and now lives in Munich, Germany, where he continues his work in painting and illustration.