Treason
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Comedy, Drama
TREASON is a dark comedy about the danger and absurdity of American politics, right when we need it most. After a celebrated run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, we're ready to bring our story to the rest of America, to rally and inform the voting public before the 2020 election.
Treason
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
42 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
TREASON is a dark comedy about the danger and absurdity of American politics, right when we need it most. After a celebrated run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, we're ready to bring our story to the rest of America, to rally and inform the voting public before the 2020 election.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
On a desert ranch, Grant Wilson rules a made-up nation through empty shows of power and ridiculous propaganda, with his family as his only subjects. When his son takes the mission too far and his daughter questions everything, Grant fights for control in the face of family, country, and reality.
Taking inspiration from the family drama of Arthur Miller and the gallows humor of Martin McDonagh, TREASON explores the toxicity of our current political and social climate, a heightened state of absurdity and tension that threatens every level of American society.
Stage Production
Produced as a 60-minute play for the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival, TREASON had seven performances and over 85% tickets sold. Featuring an original score by Eric Cannata and Francois Comtois of Young the Giant, the production received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. We're bringing back most of the same cast, and our composers are providing a film score as well as original songs.
“An extremely sharp, skillfully written dark comedy…easily one of the best shows I have seen on stage in recent history.” -Mike Reyes, Mike-Check.com
“Dives straight into the dark heart of our current political moment...highly recommend.” -Audience review
“A smart, clever, and creative take on tyranny and ignorance…a delight to watch.” -Audience review
Why Now?
Next year is one of the most important elections in American history, and we need culturally engaged art to rally the liberal base, sway moderates to the left, and connect with conservatives on a human level. With a film like TREASON, we can reach across the aisle emotionally, through narrative and allegory rather than direct debate.
We had a great experience on stage, and it was an invaluable way to workshop our story, but to make a larger cultural impact and reach voters across America, we need to turn TREASON into a film. We will release it by October 2020 at the very latest, and plan to hold screenings and Q+A sessions wherever we can, concentrating on swing states and teaming up with local campaigns.
By contributing to this project, you have an opportunity to make your voice heard, to bring awareness and understanding to the cultural conversation, when America needs it most.
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Our Plan
We will have a 12-day shoot this November in Joshua Tree, and after finishing post-production in early 2020, we will submit TREASON to spring and summer festivals with the hope of a fall theatrical release.
Every dollar you donate will be put directly on screen:
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After reaching our goal of $15,000, we will have enough for a proper production.
If we can reach our stretch goal of $25,000, we will increase crew salaries and have a post-production budget.
If we reach our second stretch goal of $30,000 or above, we will start planning a nationwide tour of TREASON, holding screenings and Q+As before the 2020 election to mobilize voters, focusing on swing states and competitive Senate races.
Thank you for your time, your interest, and hopefully your support. Together, we can make a cultural difference and help move America in the right direction.
Performance footage provided by Fringe TV
Performance photos by Annie Lesser
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,300
Booking fees for the house, bar, and other key shooting locations.
Production Design
Costs $1,500
Funding for our set design, props, and costuming.
Catering
Costs $2,500
Everyone needs to eat, right?
Camera Rental
Costs $3,600
A RED DRAGON and a full kit.
Sound Crew/Equipment
Costs $3,600
Studio quality sound with top-of-the-line gear.
Contingency
Costs $1,500
Something's going to come up, we just know it.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Eric DePriester- Writer/Director
Eric is the founder of Bear Elegance Productions and lives in North Hollywood with his dog Kobe. His fiction and poetry have appeared in Ragazine, The 34th Parallel, On the Rusk, Five on the Fifth, and Stereo-Man 3D. Previously, he edited a travel guidebook in Vietnam, curated movie collections for Google, and reviewed live music for Monster Fresh.
Eric Cannata + Francois Comtois- Composers
As members of Young the Giant, Eric and Francois have released four albums of energetic indie rock and performed across the globe. Eric and Francois also play in American Pets, where they showcase a looser side of their songwriting.
Dalia Vosylius- Actor (Candice Wilson)
A proud native of Los Angeles, Dalia grew up in a tight-knit Lithuanian community and is a veteran of the stage, screen, and ice hockey rink. When she’s not on stage this summer, you might catch her at a Dodgers game. For more information and her full credits, visit daliav.com.
Emma Center- Actor (Savannah Wilson)
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Emma is a recent graduate of UT Austin with a BFA in Acting. She was recently recognized by the Austin Critics Table and The International Christian Film Festival. She is the founder and Director of The Spotlight Project LLC, an inclusive children’s musical theater summer program. Emma also writes and composes original music.
Colby Rummell- Actor (Kyle Wilson)
Colby has won Inland Theatre League awards for his performance of Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast” and the Artful Dodger in Oliver (ITL Founders Award). He also has a BA in Business Entertainment from CSU Fullerton, and past favorite roles include Lucas Beineke, Link Larkin, and Ryan Evans. Isaiah 40:31. colbyrummell.com
Ra Hanna- Actor (Raymond Henry)
When not playing a law abiding, home renovating citizen, Ra can usually be found playing pool. You may have seen him in “Nowhere To Hide" starring Judy Norton, or as Nacim Bismilla on OZ for HBO. Between rounds of pool, Ra is probably commentating billiards matches ESPN style for his company On The Wire Creative Media or manipulating vinyl across the USA.
Henry Parizek- Producer
Henry is a producer, writer, director, and actor from Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a BA in Creative Writing, Henry packed his things and moved to LA. He has directed, produced, written, and composed for many projects through the film company 'Two Steps to the Left.' This last summer, he wrote and starred in the award-winning play 'GEORGE.' as a part of Hollywood Fringe Festival 2019.
Miriam Randolph- Assistant Director
Miriam is an actor, director, writer and producer from Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Theatre Arts, she gathered her things and headed to Twinkle Town. She is a member of the Los Angeles and Iowa based production company Two Steps to the Left. This past summer, she directed and starred in GEORGE., a play that was a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2019 and winner of the Encore Producer's award. She also starred in the mini series ERRANDS, currently on Amazon Prime. She's an occasional cook and occasional songwriter, and she's thrilled to be a part of the crew for TREASON. This story carries an important message, and it's so important that its message is heard.
Chase Carson- Script Supervisor
Chase is a writer, director, photographer, and Director of TV & Film Development at TwoStepsToTheLeft Productions. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa's Cinema program and studied at the University's renowned writer's workshop program. Since then, he has done technical stage work for the award winning play "George." and is directing several new TwoSteps productions. He is glad to be working with the Bear Elegance team on the feature film TREASON.
Ryan Conlon- Digital Imaging Technician
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Ryan is a film and video editor from the suburbs of Chicago. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Cinema and English. Since then, he has been working with Two Steps to the Left Productions as an editor for a variety of different projects, including the feature film They Said to Get Better (2017), the online mini-series Errands (2019), and the upcoming short film Kiss the Star (2020). He also worked as a set designer/crew member for George., a stage play featured in the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Julia Weisberg and Fernando Cordero Caballero- Directors of Photography
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Julia started filmmaking in her early 20's, developing passions in directing and cinematography. She studied at Loyola Marymount University film school with a focus in screenwriting. She believes stories are powerful teaching tools for empathy, something she believes we need now more than ever.
An up-and-coming director, Fernando grew up in Orcutt, CA, where he had access to film programs at his high school and the nearby Community College that helped to encourage his interests and nourish his talents. Fernando’s growing body of work can be seen on MTV, MTVU, and VHI, and his company Industrialism Films is quickly gathering interest from music managers, labels, and production companies.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
On a desert ranch, Grant Wilson rules a made-up nation through empty shows of power and ridiculous propaganda, with his family as his only subjects. When his son takes the mission too far and his daughter questions everything, Grant fights for control in the face of family, country, and reality.
Taking inspiration from the family drama of Arthur Miller and the gallows humor of Martin McDonagh, TREASON explores the toxicity of our current political and social climate, a heightened state of absurdity and tension that threatens every level of American society.
Stage Production
Produced as a 60-minute play for the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival, TREASON had seven performances and over 85% tickets sold. Featuring an original score by Eric Cannata and Francois Comtois of Young the Giant, the production received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. We're bringing back most of the same cast, and our composers are providing a film score as well as original songs.
“An extremely sharp, skillfully written dark comedy…easily one of the best shows I have seen on stage in recent history.” -Mike Reyes, Mike-Check.com
“Dives straight into the dark heart of our current political moment...highly recommend.” -Audience review
“A smart, clever, and creative take on tyranny and ignorance…a delight to watch.” -Audience review
Why Now?
Next year is one of the most important elections in American history, and we need culturally engaged art to rally the liberal base, sway moderates to the left, and connect with conservatives on a human level. With a film like TREASON, we can reach across the aisle emotionally, through narrative and allegory rather than direct debate.
We had a great experience on stage, and it was an invaluable way to workshop our story, but to make a larger cultural impact and reach voters across America, we need to turn TREASON into a film. We will release it by October 2020 at the very latest, and plan to hold screenings and Q+A sessions wherever we can, concentrating on swing states and teaming up with local campaigns.
By contributing to this project, you have an opportunity to make your voice heard, to bring awareness and understanding to the cultural conversation, when America needs it most.
Our Plan
We will have a 12-day shoot this November in Joshua Tree, and after finishing post-production in early 2020, we will submit TREASON to spring and summer festivals with the hope of a fall theatrical release.
Every dollar you donate will be put directly on screen:
After reaching our goal of $15,000, we will have enough for a proper production.
If we can reach our stretch goal of $25,000, we will increase crew salaries and have a post-production budget.
If we reach our second stretch goal of $30,000 or above, we will start planning a nationwide tour of TREASON, holding screenings and Q+As before the 2020 election to mobilize voters, focusing on swing states and competitive Senate races.
Thank you for your time, your interest, and hopefully your support. Together, we can make a cultural difference and help move America in the right direction.
Performance footage provided by Fringe TV
Performance photos by Annie Lesser
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,300
Booking fees for the house, bar, and other key shooting locations.
Production Design
Costs $1,500
Funding for our set design, props, and costuming.
Catering
Costs $2,500
Everyone needs to eat, right?
Camera Rental
Costs $3,600
A RED DRAGON and a full kit.
Sound Crew/Equipment
Costs $3,600
Studio quality sound with top-of-the-line gear.
Contingency
Costs $1,500
Something's going to come up, we just know it.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Eric DePriester- Writer/Director
Eric is the founder of Bear Elegance Productions and lives in North Hollywood with his dog Kobe. His fiction and poetry have appeared in Ragazine, The 34th Parallel, On the Rusk, Five on the Fifth, and Stereo-Man 3D. Previously, he edited a travel guidebook in Vietnam, curated movie collections for Google, and reviewed live music for Monster Fresh.
Eric Cannata + Francois Comtois- Composers
As members of Young the Giant, Eric and Francois have released four albums of energetic indie rock and performed across the globe. Eric and Francois also play in American Pets, where they showcase a looser side of their songwriting.
Dalia Vosylius- Actor (Candice Wilson)
A proud native of Los Angeles, Dalia grew up in a tight-knit Lithuanian community and is a veteran of the stage, screen, and ice hockey rink. When she’s not on stage this summer, you might catch her at a Dodgers game. For more information and her full credits, visit daliav.com.
Emma Center- Actor (Savannah Wilson)
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Emma is a recent graduate of UT Austin with a BFA in Acting. She was recently recognized by the Austin Critics Table and The International Christian Film Festival. She is the founder and Director of The Spotlight Project LLC, an inclusive children’s musical theater summer program. Emma also writes and composes original music.
Colby Rummell- Actor (Kyle Wilson)
Colby has won Inland Theatre League awards for his performance of Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast” and the Artful Dodger in Oliver (ITL Founders Award). He also has a BA in Business Entertainment from CSU Fullerton, and past favorite roles include Lucas Beineke, Link Larkin, and Ryan Evans. Isaiah 40:31. colbyrummell.com
Ra Hanna- Actor (Raymond Henry)
When not playing a law abiding, home renovating citizen, Ra can usually be found playing pool. You may have seen him in “Nowhere To Hide" starring Judy Norton, or as Nacim Bismilla on OZ for HBO. Between rounds of pool, Ra is probably commentating billiards matches ESPN style for his company On The Wire Creative Media or manipulating vinyl across the USA.
Henry Parizek- Producer
Henry is a producer, writer, director, and actor from Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a BA in Creative Writing, Henry packed his things and moved to LA. He has directed, produced, written, and composed for many projects through the film company 'Two Steps to the Left.' This last summer, he wrote and starred in the award-winning play 'GEORGE.' as a part of Hollywood Fringe Festival 2019.
Miriam Randolph- Assistant Director
Miriam is an actor, director, writer and producer from Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Theatre Arts, she gathered her things and headed to Twinkle Town. She is a member of the Los Angeles and Iowa based production company Two Steps to the Left. This past summer, she directed and starred in GEORGE., a play that was a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2019 and winner of the Encore Producer's award. She also starred in the mini series ERRANDS, currently on Amazon Prime. She's an occasional cook and occasional songwriter, and she's thrilled to be a part of the crew for TREASON. This story carries an important message, and it's so important that its message is heard.
Chase Carson- Script Supervisor
Chase is a writer, director, photographer, and Director of TV & Film Development at TwoStepsToTheLeft Productions. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa's Cinema program and studied at the University's renowned writer's workshop program. Since then, he has done technical stage work for the award winning play "George." and is directing several new TwoSteps productions. He is glad to be working with the Bear Elegance team on the feature film TREASON.
Ryan Conlon- Digital Imaging Technician
Ryan is a film and video editor from the suburbs of Chicago. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Cinema and English. Since then, he has been working with Two Steps to the Left Productions as an editor for a variety of different projects, including the feature film They Said to Get Better (2017), the online mini-series Errands (2019), and the upcoming short film Kiss the Star (2020). He also worked as a set designer/crew member for George., a stage play featured in the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Julia Weisberg and Fernando Cordero Caballero- Directors of Photography
Julia started filmmaking in her early 20's, developing passions in directing and cinematography. She studied at Loyola Marymount University film school with a focus in screenwriting. She believes stories are powerful teaching tools for empathy, something she believes we need now more than ever.
An up-and-coming director, Fernando grew up in Orcutt, CA, where he had access to film programs at his high school and the nearby Community College that helped to encourage his interests and nourish his talents. Fernando’s growing body of work can be seen on MTV, MTVU, and VHI, and his company Industrialism Films is quickly gathering interest from music managers, labels, and production companies.