The life of a struggling young woman takes a surprise turn when a troubled teen finds her private video journal. This project is being developed as part of an initiative to contribute to a more widespread dialogue on mental health.
The life of a struggling young woman takes a surprise turn when a troubled teen finds her private video journal. This project is being developed as part of an initiative to contribute to a more widespread dialogue on mental health.
in partnership with
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Story
About The Project
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
A few years ago, I started blogging again for the last time. I say this because I had made several attempts before, starting and stopping and then starting and stopping again. Without going too far into specifics, all previous attempts to write publicly in a sustain way failed because I wasn't ready to be authentic. There was a lot I still had to work through as a person before I could really be myself, whether when writing online or even in life. Up until recently, whenever I bumped up against that truth, I cut my losses and shut down.
But things have been different this time.
My journey back into online personal writing coincided with the almost spur-of-the-moment decision to make Multiverse, my recently completed short film about an agoraphobic young woman who braves a night out in New York City and is confronted by an increasingly isolating series of strange events. The production of that film, in addition to some changes I've made in my life in recent years, finally brought me to a place where I realized I could really begin connecting with other people, as myself.
Still, sometimes -- and I don't think I'm unique in this as a writer or even as a young American who grow up in a hyper-connected era -- I am nonetheless left feeling like it's easier to express myself and connect, at least initially, online rather than in person. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing, depending on where we all place our own particular thresholds.
I was able to begin really connecting with people, after living too many years bouncing between periods of isolation and abandon, by slowly expressing myself to myself in my personal writing. Similarly, I feel like Multiverse provided a huge boost to my development as a more complete and authentic person. In collaborating with my cast and crew to produce something so deeply personal, I found myself drawn closer to the world.
This new project, The Videoblogs -- in many ways its the story of my journey back into the world after a stretch of years that weren't completely unhappy but were punctuated by long stretches of confusion, anxiety and depression. While I've always been an optimist at bottom, it's also the first story I've attempted to tell that doesn't originate completely from a cynical or fatalistic standpoint.
I feel like there's a lot to this story that could hopefully get people talking about some important subjects, particularly the importance of engaging in a more widespread dialogue about mental health as well as the potential positive applications of using new communications technologies for personal expression. I'd love for you to join me and the entire Videoblogs team on our journey.
Michael
Writer + Filmmaker
@MichaelDiBiasio
mdibiasio.comIncentives
$5
The Biblioblog
A paperback copy of Michael's novelette, a Night Alone in My Dread.
$10
The Digital Videoblog
A digital download of The Videoblogs.
$20
The Videoblogs Video Disc
A DVD and a digital download of The Videoblogs.
$25
The Four Legged Videoblog
We will deliver a short videoblog message from Wendy (cat) or Zelda (dog), via YouTube and other social media channels. We take no responsibility for what they say. A digital download of The Videoblogs.
$30
The Rhode Island Vlog
Ticket to a private screening in Michael's hometown of Rhode Island. Includes Q&A with Director and Lead Actor. Includes a DVD and a digital download.
$40
The Frameable Playable Videoblog
A printed production photo signed by the Writer/Director and the Main Cast. Also, a DVD and a digital download of The Videoblogs.
$50
New York City Premiere Private Screening
Ticket for one to the NYC Premiere of The Videoblogs. Screening to include a Q&A with the Writer/Director and Main Cast. Includes a DVD to take home.
$100
The Creditable Videoblog
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs under Special Thanks. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD.
$250
Associate Co-Producer of Vlogs
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs as an Associate Co-Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and a big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
$500
Co-Executive Producer and Juror of Vlogs
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as a Co-Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and a big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performers.
$1,000
Executive Producer and Juror of Vlogs
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as an Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performers.
$2,000
The Videoblog Hot Dog
Michael and Rebecca will buy you dinner at a New York City hot dog eatery of your choice. Must be local to NYC or willing to travel. Or we will mail some New York hot dogs to you. May not go well but we can still try it.
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as an Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performer.
$5,000
Grand Supreme Videoblog
Michael will dedicate his next full-length project (film/book/etc.) to you.
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as an Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performer.
Unlimited big high-fives for the rest of your life, and beyond, if/when we see you.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
The Biblioblog
A paperback copy of Michael's novelette, a Night Alone in My Dread.
$10
The Digital Videoblog
A digital download of The Videoblogs.
$20
The Videoblogs Video Disc
A DVD and a digital download of The Videoblogs.
$25
The Four Legged Videoblog
We will deliver a short videoblog message from Wendy (cat) or Zelda (dog), via YouTube and other social media channels. We take no responsibility for what they say. A digital download of The Videoblogs.
$30
The Rhode Island Vlog
Ticket to a private screening in Michael's hometown of Rhode Island. Includes Q&A with Director and Lead Actor. Includes a DVD and a digital download.
$40
The Frameable Playable Videoblog
A printed production photo signed by the Writer/Director and the Main Cast. Also, a DVD and a digital download of The Videoblogs.
$50
New York City Premiere Private Screening
Ticket for one to the NYC Premiere of The Videoblogs. Screening to include a Q&A with the Writer/Director and Main Cast. Includes a DVD to take home.
$100
The Creditable Videoblog
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs under Special Thanks. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD.
$250
Associate Co-Producer of Vlogs
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs as an Associate Co-Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and a big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
$500
Co-Executive Producer and Juror of Vlogs
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as a Co-Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and a big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performers.
$1,000
Executive Producer and Juror of Vlogs
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as an Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performers.
$2,000
The Videoblog Hot Dog
Michael and Rebecca will buy you dinner at a New York City hot dog eatery of your choice. Must be local to NYC or willing to travel. Or we will mail some New York hot dogs to you. May not go well but we can still try it.
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as an Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD and big high-five if/when we next see you in person.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performer.
$5,000
Grand Supreme Videoblog
Michael will dedicate his next full-length project (film/book/etc.) to you.
Your name will appear in the credits for The Videoblogs and on IMDb as an Executive Producer. Includes a digital download of the film and a DVD.
Also, you have the option of serving on the Jury for "Phase 2", our upcoming user-generated video contest for young filmmakers and performer.
Unlimited big high-fives for the rest of your life, and beyond, if/when we see you.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Michael DiBiasio
Writer and DirectorMichael is a Writer/Director based in New York City. He grew up in Cranston, RI. In addition to his work on the The Videoblogs, Michael has written and directed three short films, helped produce a fourth, and is developing several feature-length screenplays and one dramatic TV pilot. His work has appeared on his desk and in his head and, occasionally, on a big screen in front of nice people. He blogs regularly and existentially, about writing, independent film, social justice, and other fun topics, at his web site:http://www.mdibiasio.com. Michael is also active on The Twitter (@MichaelDiBiasio).
Michael lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids who aren’t kids at all (really just a dog and a cat). He recently wrote a short book.
Rebecca De Ornelas
Creative Producer and Lead ActorRebecca is super excited to be producing her third film and first feature! She's been on the acting train for quite a while now, working most recently with Alice Spivak's OnTheRoadRep and on some crazy videos with The Motel Staff. She is looking forward to working on this amazing project (especially Phase Two!) with these amazing people at this amazing point in her life. Check out more amazing stuff on her website at www.rebeccadeornelas.com.
Clara Peterson
Supervising ProducerClara is an independent Producer and Writer in New York City. She currently works full time producing virtual events for the live streaming start-up, Watchitoo, and spends her free time working on independent films and web content. You can find her essays, stories and ever-enlightened commentary here and here.
Zach Nading
Associate ProducerZach Nading has a degree in Playwriting from Slippery Rock University. He currently creates sketch comedy via The Motel Staff YouTube page. The 26 year old Actor/Writer hopes to make it as a Best Boy Grip someday.
Alex Hollock
Associate ProducerAlex is half of the comedic YouTube duo, The Motel Staff. Aside from comedy, Alex is an Actor from Pittsburgh, PA. You can find him killing or being killed on Discovery ID.
Emily Laue
Consulting Producer, Production ManagerEmily Laue has worked on both coasts as a Producer, Production Manager, Director and Actor. After obtaining a BFA in Theatre in Vancouver, BC, she went on to focus primarily in production work on feature and short films and music videos. Emaily has since worked in Seattle, Vancouver and Los Angeles and now lives and works in New York.
Liam Billingham
Consulting ProducerLiam Billingham is a filmmaker and theatre director based in Brooklyn, NY. He directed the award-winning one-woman show 'Human Fruit Bowl,' and his most recent short film 'Future Perfect' has played all over the USA. He's thrilled to be helping his pals Michael and Rebecca on The Videoblogs. You can see some of his work and get updates at liambillingham.com.
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