West of the New Kansas
Columbus, Georgia | Film Short
Drama
This project supports regional actors and filmmakers and also supports Historic Westville, a living history museum focused on the Chattahoochee Valley during the 19th century. Funds raised over our budget will be donated to "Shoot Film, Not Guns" and increase the funds paid to our cast and crew.
West of the New Kansas
Columbus, Georgia | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,863 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
64 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This project supports regional actors and filmmakers and also supports Historic Westville, a living history museum focused on the Chattahoochee Valley during the 19th century. Funds raised over our budget will be donated to "Shoot Film, Not Guns" and increase the funds paid to our cast and crew.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
West of the New Kansas.
Logline: A profoundly divided family with everything to gain or lose, comes together to present their arguments for the fate of mankind.
A recent, and profound moment with my son in the fall of 2022 brought to mind a question for me that I can't shake; When does a child's innocence become weaponized? On a scorching hot Georgia October afternoon, in the fall of 2022, my four-year-old son and I wandered into a church at Historic Westville in Columbus, GA. My son began to pretend "preach". I sat alone amongst the vacant pews and listened to him spontaneously speak of shadows and light and good and bad and Heaven. I wept.
As we do not attend church on anything of a regular basis, I was stunned at his words. It got me to assess the intuitive nature of humans to reflect on good and bad and the purity of our innocent selves before we come to be inoculated by the meaning of religion, what its meaning is, and how we use religion to serve our purposes.
Photo: Interior, church. On location at Historic Westville in Columbus, GA. Photo courtesy Dan Quigley.
After our time in the church we wandered across a meadow to the "Wood Shop". He paused at the steps and then made his way into the shop and scanned the old tools from simpler times.
These moment with my son launched an internal dilemma of how to protect and prepare him to handle the polarizing and wearing (and warring) perspectives that barrage nearly every facet of public discourse. Out of this was borne the story of "West of the New Kansas".
"West of the New Kansas" is not written as a means to sway viewers towards or against religion, but rather this is an investigation of the effects of learned religion portrayed through the character studies of two brothers, separated by choices and time, that cross paths in a small border town in America's west as settler's explored America. A tense film shot in the manner of a play this is a reflection as the increasing divisions between cultures, political parties, communities, countries, etc. and the impact within families and humanity as we push agendas for the control of mankind and our reflections of ourselves.
Photo: On location at Historic Westville. Photo courtesy of Ginger Steele.
Two men, "Wood-worker" and "False preacher" (Jesus and Satan) discuss the progress of mankind and the impact our decisions have on each other and the world. Over the course of a sunset, night, and sunrise, the two brothers reflect on their purposes, and their fates, against the backdrop of humanity's expansion across the continents. "Mary", mother, sister, wife, mirage, savior, flower, sword, and comfort, appears throughout the film and presents kindred and fearless support to the "Wood-worker".
What is the tone of West of the New Kansas (movies similar in feel/look).
"There Will be Blood" 2007. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
"The Thin Red Line" 1998. Directed by Terrence Malik
"Silence" 2016. Directed by Martin Scorsese
Cast: John Conway "False Preacher", Nick Dante Carta "Wood Worker", Jade Malka "Mary". Please check out the "Meet the Cast" video on the "Team" page to hear from our incredible cast!
Photo: Cast of "West of the New Kansas" on location. Photo courtesy of Dan Quigley.
Extended Director's Statement: For more thoughts from the director Andy Carpenter on how his four-year old son was the genesis for this project and the project's significance, please watch the video below.
Location: "West of the New Kansas" is fortunate to be able to film at Historic Westville in Columbus, Georgia. not far from the Chattahoochee River. We hope to transport the viewer into America's past by showcasing this beautiful and authentic setting. Special thanks to Julian Singer, the Executive Director of Historic Westville. https://westville.org/
What has our team done so far to make "West of the New Kansas" a stand out project?
- Our team has reviewed been working hard already. In the early spring our team met with the cast on location at Historic Westville where we conducted rehearsals with the actors, blocking, lighting and sound tests, and wardrobe fitting.
- Each actor has input into their dialogue and creating authentic characters. It has been incredible to work with them on developing their parts with their valuable insight as performers.
- We intend to film this as a "moving play" and following the actors as they move through the unique environment. Planning this is essential, and Paul Rowe and Dan Quigley have been instrumental in guiding this piece.
- Kenny Gray has worked on our "Behind the Scenes" footage.
- Our excellent art department (Ginger Steele) is working on wardrobe and making a custom garment for Jade Malka.
- We are very fortunate that an original score by Tao Zervas, who has original scores in movies that have been filmed in North America and Europe.
What will happen to "West of the New Kansas" when it is finished (and where can you see it)?
- "West of the New Kansas" will be rolled out in several stages:
- A private showing will be held on location at Historic Westville when the film is complete. The actors and crew will be on hand for a moderated Q&A.
- This will have the added benefit of bringing exposure to Historic Westville.
- The film will be submitted to movie festivals on an national and international scale.
- Access to the film will be available to donors at the designated level.
- The movie will be made available online on YouTube and Vimeo. (Late 2023)
- The actors and crew will be able to promote their work on IMBD and other platforms to increase their credits and marketability.
- Youth Participants in the regional anti-violence film initiative, "Shoot Film, Not Guns" will be presented with an opportunity to learn from this process and a a portion of any additional funds made over our campaign goals will be donated to that program.
What does your contribution help us do?
Your contribution will help make this project come to life and we are all grateful for any assistance provided!
Myself as the writer/director will not be compensated, and our AD and DP will be compensated minimally at their own request. This will ensure that the majority of your contribution will go toward our excellent actors, crew, our stellar music composer, location budget and post-production.
"West of the New Kansas" social media sites: These two sites are where your personalized social media shout-outs will go!
To donate please visit the link below and click the "Make A Pledge" button!
https://seedandspark.com/fund/west-of-the-new-kansas#community
"Like", "Follow" and SHARE "West of the New Kansas" on the Strong Land Creative Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/stronglandcreative
The West of the New Kansas team is grateful for your support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Historic Westville - Location rental fee. https://westville.org/
Costs $940
Our project would not be possible without this location. Rental fee pays for staff and insurance.
Crafty (aka FOOD) maybe even homemade berry crisp?
Costs $439
Filming will be in July. In GA. Without AC. We'll be cranky. Food and water will keep us from dying.
Cast
Costs $2,570
Without the cast, we'll have a travel documentary on Historic Westville.
Camera Department
Costs $1,640
Includes crew pay and equipment rentals.
Art Department
Costs $890
This is a period piece. We need wardrobe, props, and definitely Ginger D. Steele
Crew
Costs $915
All costs associated with crew outside of the Camera Dept, i.e. Sound!
Insurance
Costs $500
In case someone loses a finger. Or a camera lens cap.
Post-Production
Costs $590
The final touches on picture and sound.
Festivals
Costs $290
Festivals!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
PRODUCTION
Andy Carpenter - As Director, Screenwriter and Producer. After the birth of his only child, Andy transitioned from a career working with families struggling with substance abuse issues, to focus on creative efforts. An award-winning painter, live-edge furniture maker, and author in fiction and non-fiction, Andy's main focus is on screenwriting and has achieved success with multiple screenplay options, contest placements including Austin Film Festival, an international film festival win, and multiple shorts in production. Andy is dedicated to producing content that challenges and transforms the characters he creates and the viewers that find his work. Learn more about Andy at strongland.live.
Andy currently has one short, "Consent' in post-production, a feature in pre-production, and is in the planning stages of a TV series.
Paul Rowe - Paul Rowe as Associate Director. Paul is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer out of Columbus, GA with notables in Austin, Page, Save the Cat!, StoryPros, and more. As an enthusiastic supporter of the local filmmaking community, he is also a founding member of Columbus State University's Rankin Screenwriter's group, Columbus Film Bar and co-founder of Fountain City Fright Fest genre film festival.
Dan Quigley - Director of Photography and Producer. Dan is a director/producer based in Atlanta, GA. He specializes in creating brand identity content for businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations. In addition he currently serves as a video producer and photographer for Gwinnett Technical College. Dan has a passion for filmmaking and in the past year (2022-2023) has been a part of nearly fifteen different independent filmmaking projects,
Ginger Steele - Ginger as Art Director- Ginger was raised in a military family, grew up in Columbus, and a CSU alumni. She worked in radio before finding her true passion of the film industry in the Art Department as an onset dresser, decorator, coordinator, and prop’s assistant. Since then she has expanded her talents as a Production Designer and Art Director on short films. “The collaboration of cast and crew will reveal this enlightening story and creating visual experiences. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9093585/
Aaron Whitmoyer - As Sound Mixer. Aaron is an Atlanta Georgia based filmmaker and artist, and a Savannah College of Art & Design and Georgia Film Academy alumni. He has worked in the art department on several films/series in the Atlanta area and Columbus Georgia including Disney+ shows, Wandavision and The Falcon and Winter Soldier (props 2020), the soon-to-be-released indie feature, Jesse’s Gift (art director and sound 2023), A Unicorn for Christmas (sound 2022), and Level 34 (prop maker 2021). He is also a behind-the-scenes photographer for Consent, Jesse’s Gift, Reflections, and The Light of Pip. When not making films, Aaron is active in The Atlanta Collage Society and is making fine art mixed media collages.
Kenny Gray - As 1st AC 1st Assist Camera. Kenny is Director of the Columbus State University Rankin Arts Photography Center, in Columbus, Ga. His work is held in private and public collections, including the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. Kenny's short multi-media film, Light Leaks, was nominated for Best Underground Film at the Way Down Film Festival in 2016; he wrote and directed a short film, Romeo, which was screened at Way Down in 2018. He was recently Director of Photography for a horror short, The Operator, currently in post-production.
Payton Metcalf - As 2nd Assistant Camera Payton is an aspiring Director and Cinematographer studying Film at Auburn University. Having previously served as Director of Visual Media for Auburn's University Program Council (UPC) while also working as a freelance photographer and videographer for Student Involvement, she is constantly seeking unique ways to capture and market events. Through filmmaking, Payton hopes to cultivate connection, inspire community, and share the beauty of the world we live in.
Jenn Rowe - As Sound Assist. Jenn is a Columbus, GA local and an aspiring filmmaker, writer, and amateur photographer. She has worked on four short films as Production Assistant and Sound Assistant and is working on the script for her first short film.
SCORE/MUSIC
Tao Zervas - Music/Score. NYC based film composer Tao Zervas has created a number of scores for feature films, documentaries, shorts, web series, mixed media projects as well as written and produced music for TV and other commercial media. In addition Tao has composed and performed his music as a solo artist as with bands Summer Suspiria and Soulpusher as the principal songwriter, producer and guitar player.
https://taozervas.com/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2014076/
Meet the cast of "West of the New Kansas".
Jade Malka - "Mary"
Atlanta, GA.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12112742/
https://jademalka.com/
John Conway - "False Preacher"
Atlanta, GA./Nashville, TN.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4729182/
Nick Dante Carta - "Wood Worker"
Newnan/Atlanta, GA.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13852655/
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
West of the New Kansas.
Logline: A profoundly divided family with everything to gain or lose, comes together to present their arguments for the fate of mankind.
A recent, and profound moment with my son in the fall of 2022 brought to mind a question for me that I can't shake; When does a child's innocence become weaponized? On a scorching hot Georgia October afternoon, in the fall of 2022, my four-year-old son and I wandered into a church at Historic Westville in Columbus, GA. My son began to pretend "preach". I sat alone amongst the vacant pews and listened to him spontaneously speak of shadows and light and good and bad and Heaven. I wept.
As we do not attend church on anything of a regular basis, I was stunned at his words. It got me to assess the intuitive nature of humans to reflect on good and bad and the purity of our innocent selves before we come to be inoculated by the meaning of religion, what its meaning is, and how we use religion to serve our purposes.
Photo: Interior, church. On location at Historic Westville in Columbus, GA. Photo courtesy Dan Quigley.
After our time in the church we wandered across a meadow to the "Wood Shop". He paused at the steps and then made his way into the shop and scanned the old tools from simpler times.
These moment with my son launched an internal dilemma of how to protect and prepare him to handle the polarizing and wearing (and warring) perspectives that barrage nearly every facet of public discourse. Out of this was borne the story of "West of the New Kansas".
"West of the New Kansas" is not written as a means to sway viewers towards or against religion, but rather this is an investigation of the effects of learned religion portrayed through the character studies of two brothers, separated by choices and time, that cross paths in a small border town in America's west as settler's explored America. A tense film shot in the manner of a play this is a reflection as the increasing divisions between cultures, political parties, communities, countries, etc. and the impact within families and humanity as we push agendas for the control of mankind and our reflections of ourselves.
Photo: On location at Historic Westville. Photo courtesy of Ginger Steele.
Two men, "Wood-worker" and "False preacher" (Jesus and Satan) discuss the progress of mankind and the impact our decisions have on each other and the world. Over the course of a sunset, night, and sunrise, the two brothers reflect on their purposes, and their fates, against the backdrop of humanity's expansion across the continents. "Mary", mother, sister, wife, mirage, savior, flower, sword, and comfort, appears throughout the film and presents kindred and fearless support to the "Wood-worker".
What is the tone of West of the New Kansas (movies similar in feel/look).
"There Will be Blood" 2007. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
"The Thin Red Line" 1998. Directed by Terrence Malik
"Silence" 2016. Directed by Martin Scorsese
Cast: John Conway "False Preacher", Nick Dante Carta "Wood Worker", Jade Malka "Mary". Please check out the "Meet the Cast" video on the "Team" page to hear from our incredible cast!
Photo: Cast of "West of the New Kansas" on location. Photo courtesy of Dan Quigley.
Extended Director's Statement: For more thoughts from the director Andy Carpenter on how his four-year old son was the genesis for this project and the project's significance, please watch the video below.
Location: "West of the New Kansas" is fortunate to be able to film at Historic Westville in Columbus, Georgia. not far from the Chattahoochee River. We hope to transport the viewer into America's past by showcasing this beautiful and authentic setting. Special thanks to Julian Singer, the Executive Director of Historic Westville. https://westville.org/
What has our team done so far to make "West of the New Kansas" a stand out project?
- Our team has reviewed been working hard already. In the early spring our team met with the cast on location at Historic Westville where we conducted rehearsals with the actors, blocking, lighting and sound tests, and wardrobe fitting.
- Each actor has input into their dialogue and creating authentic characters. It has been incredible to work with them on developing their parts with their valuable insight as performers.
- We intend to film this as a "moving play" and following the actors as they move through the unique environment. Planning this is essential, and Paul Rowe and Dan Quigley have been instrumental in guiding this piece.
- Kenny Gray has worked on our "Behind the Scenes" footage.
- Our excellent art department (Ginger Steele) is working on wardrobe and making a custom garment for Jade Malka.
- We are very fortunate that an original score by Tao Zervas, who has original scores in movies that have been filmed in North America and Europe.
What will happen to "West of the New Kansas" when it is finished (and where can you see it)?
- "West of the New Kansas" will be rolled out in several stages:
- A private showing will be held on location at Historic Westville when the film is complete. The actors and crew will be on hand for a moderated Q&A.
- This will have the added benefit of bringing exposure to Historic Westville.
- The film will be submitted to movie festivals on an national and international scale.
- Access to the film will be available to donors at the designated level.
- The movie will be made available online on YouTube and Vimeo. (Late 2023)
- The actors and crew will be able to promote their work on IMBD and other platforms to increase their credits and marketability.
- Youth Participants in the regional anti-violence film initiative, "Shoot Film, Not Guns" will be presented with an opportunity to learn from this process and a a portion of any additional funds made over our campaign goals will be donated to that program.
What does your contribution help us do?
Your contribution will help make this project come to life and we are all grateful for any assistance provided!
Myself as the writer/director will not be compensated, and our AD and DP will be compensated minimally at their own request. This will ensure that the majority of your contribution will go toward our excellent actors, crew, our stellar music composer, location budget and post-production.
"West of the New Kansas" social media sites: These two sites are where your personalized social media shout-outs will go!
To donate please visit the link below and click the "Make A Pledge" button!
https://seedandspark.com/fund/west-of-the-new-kansas#community
"Like", "Follow" and SHARE "West of the New Kansas" on the Strong Land Creative Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/stronglandcreative
The West of the New Kansas team is grateful for your support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Historic Westville - Location rental fee. https://westville.org/
Costs $940
Our project would not be possible without this location. Rental fee pays for staff and insurance.
Crafty (aka FOOD) maybe even homemade berry crisp?
Costs $439
Filming will be in July. In GA. Without AC. We'll be cranky. Food and water will keep us from dying.
Cast
Costs $2,570
Without the cast, we'll have a travel documentary on Historic Westville.
Camera Department
Costs $1,640
Includes crew pay and equipment rentals.
Art Department
Costs $890
This is a period piece. We need wardrobe, props, and definitely Ginger D. Steele
Crew
Costs $915
All costs associated with crew outside of the Camera Dept, i.e. Sound!
Insurance
Costs $500
In case someone loses a finger. Or a camera lens cap.
Post-Production
Costs $590
The final touches on picture and sound.
Festivals
Costs $290
Festivals!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
PRODUCTION
Andy Carpenter - As Director, Screenwriter and Producer. After the birth of his only child, Andy transitioned from a career working with families struggling with substance abuse issues, to focus on creative efforts. An award-winning painter, live-edge furniture maker, and author in fiction and non-fiction, Andy's main focus is on screenwriting and has achieved success with multiple screenplay options, contest placements including Austin Film Festival, an international film festival win, and multiple shorts in production. Andy is dedicated to producing content that challenges and transforms the characters he creates and the viewers that find his work. Learn more about Andy at strongland.live.
Andy currently has one short, "Consent' in post-production, a feature in pre-production, and is in the planning stages of a TV series.
Paul Rowe - Paul Rowe as Associate Director. Paul is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer out of Columbus, GA with notables in Austin, Page, Save the Cat!, StoryPros, and more. As an enthusiastic supporter of the local filmmaking community, he is also a founding member of Columbus State University's Rankin Screenwriter's group, Columbus Film Bar and co-founder of Fountain City Fright Fest genre film festival.
Dan Quigley - Director of Photography and Producer. Dan is a director/producer based in Atlanta, GA. He specializes in creating brand identity content for businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations. In addition he currently serves as a video producer and photographer for Gwinnett Technical College. Dan has a passion for filmmaking and in the past year (2022-2023) has been a part of nearly fifteen different independent filmmaking projects,
Ginger Steele - Ginger as Art Director- Ginger was raised in a military family, grew up in Columbus, and a CSU alumni. She worked in radio before finding her true passion of the film industry in the Art Department as an onset dresser, decorator, coordinator, and prop’s assistant. Since then she has expanded her talents as a Production Designer and Art Director on short films. “The collaboration of cast and crew will reveal this enlightening story and creating visual experiences. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9093585/
Aaron Whitmoyer - As Sound Mixer. Aaron is an Atlanta Georgia based filmmaker and artist, and a Savannah College of Art & Design and Georgia Film Academy alumni. He has worked in the art department on several films/series in the Atlanta area and Columbus Georgia including Disney+ shows, Wandavision and The Falcon and Winter Soldier (props 2020), the soon-to-be-released indie feature, Jesse’s Gift (art director and sound 2023), A Unicorn for Christmas (sound 2022), and Level 34 (prop maker 2021). He is also a behind-the-scenes photographer for Consent, Jesse’s Gift, Reflections, and The Light of Pip. When not making films, Aaron is active in The Atlanta Collage Society and is making fine art mixed media collages.
Kenny Gray - As 1st AC 1st Assist Camera. Kenny is Director of the Columbus State University Rankin Arts Photography Center, in Columbus, Ga. His work is held in private and public collections, including the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. Kenny's short multi-media film, Light Leaks, was nominated for Best Underground Film at the Way Down Film Festival in 2016; he wrote and directed a short film, Romeo, which was screened at Way Down in 2018. He was recently Director of Photography for a horror short, The Operator, currently in post-production.
Payton Metcalf - As 2nd Assistant Camera Payton is an aspiring Director and Cinematographer studying Film at Auburn University. Having previously served as Director of Visual Media for Auburn's University Program Council (UPC) while also working as a freelance photographer and videographer for Student Involvement, she is constantly seeking unique ways to capture and market events. Through filmmaking, Payton hopes to cultivate connection, inspire community, and share the beauty of the world we live in.
Jenn Rowe - As Sound Assist. Jenn is a Columbus, GA local and an aspiring filmmaker, writer, and amateur photographer. She has worked on four short films as Production Assistant and Sound Assistant and is working on the script for her first short film.
SCORE/MUSIC
Tao Zervas - Music/Score. NYC based film composer Tao Zervas has created a number of scores for feature films, documentaries, shorts, web series, mixed media projects as well as written and produced music for TV and other commercial media. In addition Tao has composed and performed his music as a solo artist as with bands Summer Suspiria and Soulpusher as the principal songwriter, producer and guitar player.
https://taozervas.com/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2014076/
Meet the cast of "West of the New Kansas".
Jade Malka - "Mary"
Atlanta, GA.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12112742/
https://jademalka.com/
John Conway - "False Preacher"
Atlanta, GA./Nashville, TN.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4729182/
Nick Dante Carta - "Wood Worker"
Newnan/Atlanta, GA.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13852655/