SHOWCASE

About SHOWCASE

Hello friends and family! I hope you all have found some fun and stayed cool this summer! As for me, I now have just one semester left at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and will be wrapping up my B.F.A. in film and television. I have pursued a writing-directing concentration within the program and to complete the degree, will produce a 20-30 minute long thesis film. After a multi-round pitching process, my script was one of the few out of my advanced directing class to be selected for production by the Tisch board… **About the Film** Set against the backdrop of New York City, our story delves into the depths of perception and jealousy within the mind of a young, neurotic writer. When this writer attends the showcase of his actress girlfriend, he quickly becomes consumed by suspicion and paranoia. As he watches her perform alongside her undeniably talented (and handsome) scene partner, his mind spirals into a web of doubt, leading him to question if she is cheating on him. _Showcase!_ explores the fragile nature of relationships and the power of our own insecurities. But it doesn’t take itself too seriously! Along with the drama there is a healthy dose of slapstick comedy and self-mockery. Linked here is the **Showcase!** pitch deck which provides more details! [Pitch Deck](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Qy4jb1zH5gHoOzo6XiOFqBtx6S2BMj7vYkfKA_p7BXg/edit?usp=sharing) I have assembled a dedicated team of collaborators to help realize this film. My producer, Maria Quezada, and my longtime cinematographer (cameraman) Liam Podos have been involved in preparation with me for some time. Having our film approved for production was very exciting, but now comes the hard part…actually making the thing! That’s where all of YOU come in… **Why We Need Your Support** At NYU, we have access to industry grade equipment as well as the insight and support of top-notch professors and advisors. We will aim to maximize these resources, but have come to realize that **Showcase!** will require more monetary support to be brought to life. To augment the funds we’ve saved up and the allotment provided by NYU, we are seeking to raise an additional **$7,000** to cover the production costs of this film, ensuring we can bring our vision to the screen with the highest quality. Your generous contributions will directly impact the success of this project, allowing us to assemble a talented cast, secure essential filming locations, and purchase props and costumes. Every dollar raised will go towards creating an immersive and emotionally resonant experience for audiences. **Feeding the People!** Oft overlooked amidst all the fancy lights and hullabaloo of film production are some of our more basic needs. Between our rather large cast and crew, there will be a lot of people working on set, and they need to eat! In order to best tell this story, we need to ensure the well-being of all of the talented people who are devoting their time and effort to it. A substantial portion of our budget will be allocated to providing nourishing meals for our hardworking team, fueling their energy and creativity.  **Wallace Shawn** To help garner some interest in the film, we have fixated on the idea of stunt casting. We are hoping to cast an established, C-List (or thereabouts) actor with some notoriety to play the small role of our protagonist’s codgy writing professor. Wallace Shawn is our “white whale” of sorts. You might recognize him as Vizzini in **The Princess Bride**, the voice of Rex in **Toy Story**, or more recently for his role in CBS’ **Young Sheldon.** He’s an accomplished performer that would lend our film some gravitas and charm. We have connected with his representation and will soon reach out about his availability. We wouldn’t require much of Mr. Shawn’s time, but will likely have to compensate him with scale for his services. Your contributions will go a long way toward bringing Wallace Shawn (or an actor of similar stature) aboard! **How You Can Make a Difference** By supporting **Showcase!** you become an essential part of our filmmaking journey. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will have a significant impact on our ability to tell this compelling story and provide a platform for emerging talent in the industry. **Incentives** **$15 – Scout Tier** You’re joining the funding crew as a SCOUT. You are all about locations and ensure that the **Showcase!** team has somewhere to shoot by granting us the funds for permits and location agreements. To show our thanks, the SCOUTS will receive: - A special thanks in the film’s credits! - A digital download of Collin’s annotated script. **$50 – Driver Tier** You’re joining the funding crew as a DRIVER. You help us rent trucks to move equipment, and car insurance to keep the crew moving. Without you, no one can go anywhere! To show our thanks, the DRIVERS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tier AND… - A funny poem on a topic of your choosing (can be anything. Really, **anything**) handwritten by our “protagonist” **$75 – Stylist Tier** You’re joining the funding crew as a STYLIST. You help us to acquire all the hair and makeup supplies needed to make our actors look even prettier than they already are. To show our thanks, the STYLISTS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - A digital download of a photo package featuring concept art and a behind-the-scenes look at the production. **$100 – Actor Tier** You’re joining the funding crew as an ACTOR. You help us to keep all of our talented actors well and fairly compensated. To show our thanks, the ACTORS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - A signed headshot and the annotated script of a cast member of your choosing. These are the promising young actors of the next generation! - IF YOU HAPPEN to be in New York at the time of shooting, an invite to set to appear in the film as an extra. (The showcase needs an audience.) **$250 – Chef Tier** You’re joining our funding crew as a CHEF. No one can work without being fed, and you are the providers that keep us going. Yes Chef! To show our thanks, the CHEFS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - A **Showcase!** poster signed by all members of the cast. **$300 – Costumer Tier** You’re joining the funding crew as a COSTUMER. Every shirt, tie, dress and jacket is thanks to you. To show our thanks, the COSTUMERS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - The ability to vote on certain clothing items that the characters will wear in the film. (Polls to come) **$500 – Artist Tier** You’re joining our funding crew as an ARTIST. Without you, there would be no set design, and sets are what make movie magic. To show our thanks, the ARTISTS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - A glossy hard copy zine featuring concept art for the film, the script, other writing of Collin’s that informed the process, his director’s notebook, transcribed interviews with members of the crew (and hopefully Wallace Shawn) and more! - YOUR NAME featured somewhere in the set design. There are a number of books, scripts and other places that appear on-screen that could feature your name or a name of your choosing! **$700 – Producer Tier** You’re joining our funding crew as a PRODUCER. The producer is a big wig that helps the entire production to function. To show our thanks, the PRODUCERS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - A PRODUCED BY credit early in the credits scroll. - The ability to vote on a number of key creative decisions. (polls to come) - A **Showcase!** prop of your choosing (hopefully) signed by Wallace Shawn. **$1,000 – Executive Producer Tier** You’re joining our funding crew as an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER. Your support will allow us to make a massive leap forward in our campaign. This is an incredibly generous pledge and we do not take it lightly. You’re a straight-up baller and we bow down to you. To show our thanks, the EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS will receive: - All of the incentives of the previous tiers AND… - An EXECUTIVE PRODUCER credit that appears first in the credits scroll following the key creatives. - An early digital screening of the film before anyone else. - A one on one meeting with Collin (via Zoom or in person) to discuss process and production. - An invite to be on set if you so please. - Access to any production materials you like. - Really anything else pertinent that you can think of. This is an incredibly generous contribution. This film will be shot in October, and you will likely be able to get your first looks at it by the beginning of 2024! All contributors will receive an invite to a special screening of the film as well as digital access to it when it is completed. Already at $7000? Please still consider making a pledge! Our stretch goal for this film is $10,000—which encompasses more advanced lighting and cinema rigs, better location rentals, and funding for advanced post-production services. If you are not able to make a monetary pledge at this time, know that your love and enthusiasm has helped me to reach this station and I am forever grateful. You can share this page with others and continue to follow our progress! **Our Vision Beyond the Film: Industry Exposure and Future Endeavors** Short filmmaking is not an endeavor typically driven by financial returns, and I don’t anticipate a substantial yield here. With **Showcase!** my ultimate goal extends beyond the immediate project. I aim for it to compete in renowned film festivals, leveraging the exposure gained to propel our careers forward and lay the foundation for future endeavors. By supporting **Showcase!,** you become an essential part of my journey to demonstrate my talents on a larger stage. Your contribution will help my team and I make this film the best it can be which in turn will open doors, create connections, and provide opportunities for me to embark on even more ambitious projects down the road. Thank you so much for your support. We are incredibly excited to welcome you to the **Showcase!** family 🙂 Much love, Collin and the **Showcase!** Team