We're taking on one of the most celebrated stories of H.P. Lovecraft from a modern-day Jewish perspective. Lovecraft, old bigot that he was, is probably rolling in his grave! But his themes of existential cosmic horror still resonate, so we pay tribute to his work while subverting it.
We're taking on one of the most celebrated stories of H.P. Lovecraft from a modern-day Jewish perspective. Lovecraft, old bigot that he was, is probably rolling in his grave! But his themes of existential cosmic horror still resonate, so we pay tribute to his work while subverting it.
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Story
About The Project
THE PLOT
Charlie has earned himself a scholarship to study the history of the paranormal at the prestigious Miskatonic University. Before semester begins, however, he needs to find a place to live for the summer, away from his unsafe family situation. Finding a cheap apartment on the mysterious Rue D'Auseil, he becomes fascinated with his neighbor Erich Zann, a mute musical savant who's escaped from both the Holocaust and, if rumors are to be believed, from the infamous Arkham Sanitarium. Captivated by his music, Charlie tries to learn what he can about Erich's history. What he uncovers will forever warp his understanding of the universe.
THE FILM
The horror in the works of H.P. Lovecraft generally rests on two different premises. One is the existential horror of living in a bizarre and uncaring universe, a theme which continues to resonate. The other premise is that people who aren't Anglo-Saxon are scary. So how do a couple of Jewish filmmakers adapt the work of a writer who was considered abhorrently racist and anti-Semitic even by the standards of the 1920s? His short story "The Music of Erich Zann" provides an exciting opportunity for a modernized adaptation. The story's ambiguity, which is one of its strengths as a piece of fantastic horror, provides ample opportunities for exploration both as a low-budget filmmaker and as a writer looking to develop character in ways that both enhance Lovecraft's timeless themes and subvert his troubling ones. Old Howard Philips might be rolling in his grave over all this, but what horror fan doesn't love scary moving corpses?
THE CAMPAIGN
To pay talented actors and pull off the mix of digital and practical effects we need for our 8-10 minute film, we're looking to raise at least $5,000. This will get us through production and take us into post-production. Those who contribute will be treated to an advanced look at the film. For higher donation levels, we're offering all sorts of treats: walk-on parts, the opportunity to design a monster for the climax, even a snake puppet used by Neil Gaiman in the director's previous short film, "The Making of a Superhero Musical." Those who are unable to donate have the opportunity to follow the project for behind-the-scenes updates and release information.
Incentives
$1
Social Media Shout-Out
A public thank-you on the social media of your choice (Twitter, Facebook, and/or Tumblr).
$10
See It Early
See the film streaming before its official release, plus a social media shout-out
$20
Credit!
A "thanks" credit in the film, plus early streaming and social media shout-out
$30
HD Download!
Get an HD download of the film, plus a "thanks" credit and social media shout-out.
$50
Own It on DVD!
Get the film on DVD, plus the HD download, a thanks credit, and social media shout-out
$75
The Music of Erich Zann
Recieve an early download of the film's soundtrack, plus the DVD and HD download of the film and thanks in the credits and on social media
$100
Walk-On!
For those who can make it to the Boston/Cambridge area in July (date TBD, travel costs not provided), you get to appear in the film! Plus a "special thanks" credit, soundtrack, DVD, download, and social media shout-out
Claimed: 1 of 10
$200
Snake Puppet Worn By Neil Gaiman!
A one of a kind gift: the snake puppet worn by Neil Gaiman in "The Making of a Superhero Musical"! Plus a "special thanks" credit, soundtrack, DVD, download, and social media shout-out
Sold Out!
$1,000
Maker of Monsters!
You must love monsters, right? So how cool would it be for you to design a monster? We'll give you co-producer credit and include your design in the movie (designs subject to approval). Also you get the soundtrack, DVD, download, and social media shout-out
Claimed: 0 of 5
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$1
Social Media Shout-Out
A public thank-you on the social media of your choice (Twitter, Facebook, and/or Tumblr).
$10
See It Early
See the film streaming before its official release, plus a social media shout-out
$20
Credit!
A "thanks" credit in the film, plus early streaming and social media shout-out
$30
HD Download!
Get an HD download of the film, plus a "thanks" credit and social media shout-out.
$50
Own It on DVD!
Get the film on DVD, plus the HD download, a thanks credit, and social media shout-out
$75
The Music of Erich Zann
Recieve an early download of the film's soundtrack, plus the DVD and HD download of the film and thanks in the credits and on social media
$100
Walk-On!
For those who can make it to the Boston/Cambridge area in July (date TBD, travel costs not provided), you get to appear in the film! Plus a "special thanks" credit, soundtrack, DVD, download, and social media shout-out
Claimed: 1 of 10
$200
Snake Puppet Worn By Neil Gaiman!
A one of a kind gift: the snake puppet worn by Neil Gaiman in "The Making of a Superhero Musical"! Plus a "special thanks" credit, soundtrack, DVD, download, and social media shout-out
Sold Out!
$1,000
Maker of Monsters!
You must love monsters, right? So how cool would it be for you to design a monster? We'll give you co-producer credit and include your design in the movie (designs subject to approval). Also you get the soundtrack, DVD, download, and social media shout-out
Claimed: 0 of 5
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Reuben Baron - Director/Writer
Reuben Baron was a quarterfinalist in the WeScreenplay International Screenwriting Competition for his feature screenplay "GameBros". While at Bard College, he wrote and directed the short film "The Making of a Superhero Musical" and somehow got Neil Gaiman to agree to act in it. He does freelance writing for myanimelist.net under the username HoyvinGlavin64.
Miriam Olken - Producer
A serious movie nerd, Miriam has worked at various companies in Boston as an office contractor for years and volunteers at film festivals when she can. She is also producing the short film "Protocol" and recently started writing movie reviews for BRIO Studio and Shaded Areas.
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Kevin Lynch - Composer
Kevin plays guitar for the DOOOOM rock group Vos. He's acted in and composed for Reuben's previous short films.
Joe Lemieux - Special Effects
Among other indie projects, Joe has done effects work and prop design for the splatter comedy Veil of Blood, designs for the cartoon Infinite Santa 8000, and the screenplay for the upcoming romcom The Stoop. He's at work on an original Lovecraft-inspired zombie film called Creeping Paralysis.
Isaac Zerkle - Actor (Charlie)
Isaac Zerkle is a junior at Wellesley College majoring in Theater and Women's & Gender Studies. His most recent acting roles include Malvolio (Twelfth Night) and Richard (Lion in Winter). In his spare time he enjoys rock climbing, taking care of his plants, and imagining the destruction of the gender binary.Mick Cusimano - Actor (Erich Zann)
Mick Cusimano is an actor, filmmaker, cartoonist, poet, manager of the Harvard Art Museums, and "Professor of Surrealism." His work has played at festivals from Spike and Mike's to Cannes. He's excited to take the role of Erich Zann in our film.
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