Where's Gramps? is the story of a young boy who doesn't understand the concept of death. Few films, if any, have explored the effects of losing a family member and what that does to children psychologically. We hope to bring awareness to the grief one feels after a beloved person's passing.
Where's Gramps? is the story of a young boy who doesn't understand the concept of death. Few films, if any, have explored the effects of losing a family member and what that does to children psychologically. We hope to bring awareness to the grief one feels after a beloved person's passing.
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Story
Mission Statement
This woman-driven short film is being produced by Parker Pictures, a disabled, woman-owned company that makes invisible stories visible. Every woman on this project has experience the loss of a family member at one point in their lives, and we hope to bring awareness to the struggles of grief.About The Project
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?
Incentives
$10
THANK YOU!!!
From all of us on the Where's Gramps? team, thank you so much for donating to our campaign!
With this perk we will give you a social media shout out! Why? Because you are amazing!
Claimed: 6 of 1000000
$25
Project Download, Script, and Digital Postcard!
Want to see the final cut of the film? Read the script? And have a digital postcard from Seaside, OR? This perk is for you!
By pledging to our campaign, you will receive an HD Digital Download of the final project, a download of the script, and a digital postcard!
$50
Behind the Scenes!
Want something more personal from our project (besides all the amazing perks listed above)? How about exclusive access to Behind the Scenes photos and videos from the set as we're shooting?
At the end of each day of production, we will send you photos (and if we have any, videos) from the shoot. So you get real time updates as we film!
$75
Something to Snack On...
Would you like to have a little something special from the town of Seaside? How about some sweets from Phillips Candies, a Seaside staple since 1897!
Choose either a bag of salt water taffy or 10 unique chocolates from this cute candy shop, and we'll have it shipped to your door!
We will reach out to request further details after the purchase of this perk!
Claimed: 5 of 50
$100
Personal Creative Consultation
Hey Filmmakers!
Need someone to help with copyrighting/copyediting, to read your script, provide script coverage, or want to chat through production logistics with?
With this perk you will receive a 30 minute consultation with Caroline Parker Boyd, the producer of Where's Gramps? and Founder of Parker Pictures to help guide you through your creative process.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$150
A Stylish Addition!
We have a unique vision for this project: a mix of Ben Richardson cinematography with a little bit of Wes Anderson-style style thrown in. That being said, we have a great digital lookbook from our location scout that is sure to grab your attention.
There's a reason we consider this a magical tale of childhood grief, and the tone of our project is something to behold.
Claimed: 1 of 100
$250
Something To Thumb Through...
Love all the other perks, but want something more? How about a physical lookbook for our project?
You will be able to see our vision of grief through a child's eyes, and the beautiful location of Seaside, Oregon. One look at this old town by the sea will want you begging to see the final cut of our film.
We will reach out to request further details after the purchase of this perk!
Claimed: 2 of 50
$500
Just A Peak...
Looking for a real experience? We will be live streaming one of our last pre-production meetings prior to the shoot, and would love to have you attend!
We will get into the nitty gritty details of our production and you will get to see how the sausage is made (so to speak).
Claimed: 1 of 50
$1,000
A Step Up!
Do you want to have a bigger role in our project?
Become an Associate Producer and you will receive a credit on our film, plus an HD Digital Download of the final cut and script, and access to the Live Stream of our final Production Meeting prior to the shoot.
Claimed: 1 of 3
$2,500
Just A Little Bit Further...
Looking for a leg up in the industry? Or just want to help support our project?
Become a Co-Producer and receive the perks above plus a credit on our film.
Claimed: 1 of 3
$5,000
The Executive Suite
By becoming a VIP on our project, you will receive all the perks listed above plus travel and accomodations in Seaside, Oregon while we shoot the film.
Come see what it's like to be on a real film set, and once the project is complete, you will receive updates on film festival submissions and acceptances! And of course, a credit on the film itself.
Claimed: 2 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.
$10
THANK YOU!!!
From all of us on the Where's Gramps? team, thank you so much for donating to our campaign!
With this perk we will give you a social media shout out! Why? Because you are amazing!
Claimed: 6 of 1000000
$25
Project Download, Script, and Digital Postcard!
Want to see the final cut of the film? Read the script? And have a digital postcard from Seaside, OR? This perk is for you!
By pledging to our campaign, you will receive an HD Digital Download of the final project, a download of the script, and a digital postcard!
$50
Behind the Scenes!
Want something more personal from our project (besides all the amazing perks listed above)? How about exclusive access to Behind the Scenes photos and videos from the set as we're shooting?
At the end of each day of production, we will send you photos (and if we have any, videos) from the shoot. So you get real time updates as we film!
$75
Something to Snack On...
Would you like to have a little something special from the town of Seaside? How about some sweets from Phillips Candies, a Seaside staple since 1897!
Choose either a bag of salt water taffy or 10 unique chocolates from this cute candy shop, and we'll have it shipped to your door!
We will reach out to request further details after the purchase of this perk!
Claimed: 5 of 50
$100
Personal Creative Consultation
Hey Filmmakers!
Need someone to help with copyrighting/copyediting, to read your script, provide script coverage, or want to chat through production logistics with?
With this perk you will receive a 30 minute consultation with Caroline Parker Boyd, the producer of Where's Gramps? and Founder of Parker Pictures to help guide you through your creative process.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$150
A Stylish Addition!
We have a unique vision for this project: a mix of Ben Richardson cinematography with a little bit of Wes Anderson-style style thrown in. That being said, we have a great digital lookbook from our location scout that is sure to grab your attention.
There's a reason we consider this a magical tale of childhood grief, and the tone of our project is something to behold.
Claimed: 1 of 100
$250
Something To Thumb Through...
Love all the other perks, but want something more? How about a physical lookbook for our project?
You will be able to see our vision of grief through a child's eyes, and the beautiful location of Seaside, Oregon. One look at this old town by the sea will want you begging to see the final cut of our film.
We will reach out to request further details after the purchase of this perk!
Claimed: 2 of 50
$500
Just A Peak...
Looking for a real experience? We will be live streaming one of our last pre-production meetings prior to the shoot, and would love to have you attend!
We will get into the nitty gritty details of our production and you will get to see how the sausage is made (so to speak).
Claimed: 1 of 50
$1,000
A Step Up!
Do you want to have a bigger role in our project?
Become an Associate Producer and you will receive a credit on our film, plus an HD Digital Download of the final cut and script, and access to the Live Stream of our final Production Meeting prior to the shoot.
Claimed: 1 of 3
$2,500
Just A Little Bit Further...
Looking for a leg up in the industry? Or just want to help support our project?
Become a Co-Producer and receive the perks above plus a credit on our film.
Claimed: 1 of 3
$5,000
The Executive Suite
By becoming a VIP on our project, you will receive all the perks listed above plus travel and accomodations in Seaside, Oregon while we shoot the film.
Come see what it's like to be on a real film set, and once the project is complete, you will receive updates on film festival submissions and acceptances! And of course, a credit on the film itself.
Claimed: 2 of 5
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Barri Chase
DIRECTOR
Barri Chase is an American director of mixed Indigenous descent who has used her platform to showcase indigenous perspectives and incite conversations on equality. She is an award-winning writer/director and producer of the feature motion picture The Watchman's Canoe, which is currently available on Amazon Prime. In August of 2022, she was awarded a directors lab and mentoring program through a collaboration of A24, Netflix, Portland Art Museum and The National Endowment for the Arts.
Currently, she is working with Helen Mirren in Montana on a the new television series 1923, that also stars Harrison Ford. Barri was highlighted as one of the top 7 female producers and directors to keep your eyes on, alongside Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling:
https://www.yeahflix.com/talented-female-directors/
Caroline Parker Boyd
PRODUCER
Caroline Parker Boyd is the Founder of Parker Pictures, which is based in Brooklyn, New York. She is a graduate of the Columbia University Film MFA Creative Producing program and has worked on several short films during her time there. Caroline is an epileptic entrepreneur, independent producer, and disability advocate.
Those with disabilities are not helpless and can make a difference in cinema and television. There are actors and filmmakers with various disabilities out there, but the majority of them are ignored by Hollywood. She focuses on making invisible stories visible.
Emily Rued
WRITER & ACTRESS
Emily Rued is a Los Angeles based screenwriter, actress, and licensed psychotherapist. Emily has studied acting all over Los Angeles and the Bay Area, including A.C.T., Berkeley Rep, The Beverly Hills Playhouse, Lesly Kahn Studios, Stan Kirsh Studios, UCSB, iO West, and BGB. She is currently in pre-production for her award winning feature film script Good Grief, where she is starring and Emmy Winner Jaclyn Bethany is directing. Shooting will take place in Los Angeles this summer.
Some of Emily's many screenwriting accolades include the Grand Jury Best Feature Screenplay - Sherman Oaks Film Festival, Best Narrative Screenplay - LA Under the Stars Film Festival, Best Drama and Best Horror Screenplays - Los Angeles Film Awards, Quarterfinalist - Scriptapalooza Film Festival, Top 10 - Crimson Screen Horror Fest, and Official Selection - Beverly Hills Film Festival.
Emily is very excited to work with Caroline and Barri on Where's Gramps? and bring the character of Jess to life in this important story. A lot of us just aren't taught how to grieve, or how to even talk about grief, especially to kids. Jess is a loving mom that just keeps saying all the wrong things about the death of her father to her son, who was very close to him. By trying not to upset him, she ends up confusing him and preventing him from grieving. In my work as a therapist, I have seen how difficult it is for kids 5-8, when they are in the magical thinking stage of development, to grasp death when it's not talked about directly, and how painful that can be.
Justin Giddings
EXPERT ADVISOR
Justin Giddings is a classically-trained actor who got tired of waiting for permission to be creative and turned to filmmaking to continue his exploration of the human condition. His films have won multiple festivals around the globe and have received international distribution with companies like Gaiam TV and Gunpowder & Sky. He's also an international speaker & teacher on crowdfunding having raised nearly $9 million for indie film projects through his company The Kickstarter Guy.
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