Logline:

A young child wanders a small, seaside town's streets in search of the answer to the pressing question: Where’s Gramps?

SYNOPSIS:

Where’s Gramps? is a family-friendly short film, done in the whimsical style of Wes Anderson. 

Set in charming Seaside, Oregon, Where’s Gramps follows the journey of a young child as he (or she) wanders the town’s streets in search of the answer to their pressing question: Where’s Gramps?

A must-see for adults and children alike, Where’s Gramps? explores loss, grief, and healing through the perspective of a young child. Filled with love, whimsy, and hope, the film serves as a reminder for people of all ages that, no matter where our loved ones have gone, their memory will forever remain in our hearts, and in the people and places that remind us of them.

The story revolves around a young child who looks to his grandfather, or as they call him, "Gramps," as a father figure. Being raised by a single mother is difficult, and being with Gramps, whether it's performing magic or exploring the town, is their form of escape. Riding the Tilt-A-Whirl or bumper cars, playing the local arcade game Fascination, or putt putting through a game of mini golf is what keeps the child going.

Growing up as a gifted child is often isolating, and they tend to cling to family members and few friends, which let's their naivete get the better of them. When their mother, Jess, tells the child that Gramps is gone, the child doesn't understand where he went. They look around the town for Gramps, remembering the good times they had together. At the funeral, they finally find Gramps, but realize he is truly gone. 

What begins as a magical jaunt with Gramps becomes a story of a child's fantasy, that quickly brings the them back to reality. 

The style of filming for Where’s Gramps, has an aesthetic, narrative methodology of Wes Anderson with the wonder of the film's Amélie and Hugo.

Wes Anderson films are known for their eccentricity and unique visual and narrative styles. Symmetrical framing in shot reverse shot is a crucial part of this style. Unlike a traditional tracking shot, the camera creeps
along to lend subjectivity to the characters while the concept of time slowly recedes into the background.

Hugo is a magical movie directed by Martin Scorsese, and the only family-friendly film he has made to date. The film has a unique perspective of an orphan searching for an old French illusionist, toymaker and director, Georges Méliès, and the journey of finding him. Hugo has a sense of wonder to it that engages the audience, young and old, alike. 

Whether it's through a donation here on Seed & Spark, sharing this fundraiser on social media, or sending it to folks with whom this project might resonate with, we can’t do this without you!

Your donation will help us pay for casting, equipment rentals, cast and crew, travel, accomodations, and of course, production design to make this film a true work comparable of Wes Anderson's unique style.

We want to make this family-friendly film as a way for audiences and children alike to understand that remembering those we've lost is a way for them to live on. Even though their passing is heartbreaking, it's the memories we have of family and friends that matters.

With you're involvement, we have a chance to tell a story that has yet to be told.

Thank you for being a part of this special project! And please follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Director's Statement

It is rare to find a story that moves me emotionally, in a good way. Where’s Gramps? did just that when I read the script. It is a gem of a story about the experience of loss and grief through the eyes of a child, and once that realization kicks in, it can be devastating. One of my specialties is working with child actors to pull performances and make them shine. And that will be a necessity on this project.

The stunning locations we have found in Seaside, Oregon, have further led me to embrace directing the story. The locations are timeless, quirky and magical. 

Where’s Gramps? will have a feel of drama mixed with a touch of magical realism allowing me to once again become a storytelling conductor, interweaving plot, behaviorism, and startling imagery into a filmic symphony. 

Please join us on this exciting journey!

-Barri Chase, Director of Where's Gramps?