Marie
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
"Marie" is a character piece exploring a decrepit world where one's vulnerability is scorned for expressing identity. Following the lives of two strangers - one, a wounded prostitute, and the other being a forlorn elderly man as they unearth a genuine connection in their past tragedies.
Marie
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,800 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
29 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
"Marie" is a character piece exploring a decrepit world where one's vulnerability is scorned for expressing identity. Following the lives of two strangers - one, a wounded prostitute, and the other being a forlorn elderly man as they unearth a genuine connection in their past tragedies.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"I'd like to meet tonight. Off the freeway as soon as you get out of the city. At the motel. Room six."
Marie is a sex-worker who has grown isolated after endless nights of working the street corner while exsisting as prey to the sleazy, decrepit low-lifes who take advantage of her vulnerable circumstance. It's what she must do to survive the unforgiving nature of the concrete jungle.
One night, while in the middle of preparing for another evening of beckoning from hungry junkies, she receives a call from a stranger requesting to see her in the outskirts of the city, at a rustic motel. She follows through with the request.
At the motel, she awaits outside by the room, and at the sound of the aging door opening, her eyes widen at the sight of an elderly man - the stranger - who goes by the name of Joe. He invites her into the room, and she accepts. While inside, Marie is skeptical of the old man's intentions. However, over the awkward pauses and his gentle nature, she soon realizes that the lonely elder is searching for friendship and understanding rather than pleasure.
The emotional rollercoaster that these two characters experience both in the journey and their eventual encounter is the core of this film.
On set of a previous project "Meanwhile... Outside the Bank" (2020)
As a filmmaker, I am attracted to stories that explore character themes as a means to structure an over-arching narrative. I feel that many of the best movies around tend to stem from a basis where a person's choices, even sacrifices, ultimately influence the situation they're having to fight through.
"Marie" carries weight with this context in mind. A bleak, but, heartwarming transformation of identity and one's willingness to be vulnerable is the consistent through line whenever I and my creative team further develop the visual language for this film.
We're wanting to treat these characters as a gardner would with a new set of roses. To nurish and set them in an environment that allows them to blossom into something greater than the sum of its parts. I want to make this movie as a means to portray these perspectives, and cast a path for the audience to emotionally connect with a story they normally wouldn't identify with.
Location scouting for "Marie"
Currently, we're in the budding stages of pre-production. As you can see above, we're in the middle of location scouting! Casting is underway, and our team is beyond ecstatic by the immense pool of talent that have already expressed interest in the story of "Marie."
Here’s how your contributions will help! The production of this film will take place in June of 2022. With a four-day shoot in the Los Angeles area ahead of us, the funds raised from this campaign will ensure:
- Pay our exceptional crew and fitting locations
- Cover purchases for food
- Well-equipped Art department
- Equipment rentals and set safety
You can view a breakdown of our spending on the following pie chart:
STRETCH GOALS
$10,000 to $15,000
We will be able to cover some essential costs that await us once “Marie” has completed production. These include:
- Festival submissions
- Music rights
- Screening and publicity costs
- Additional post production expenses including color grading and sound design
An overview of our stretch goal spending can be seen in the chart below:
We're in need of any help you can bestow on this wonderful project, and the team is grateful for any consideration.
For your generous support, we are offering rewards/tiers at certain donation levels:
$5 - A personal thank you and social media shoutout.
$15 - Digital Teaser Poster.
$25 - Digital Lookbook.
$50 - Behind the Scenes Portfolio.
$75 - Signed Digital Script and Online Screening w/Special Thanks Credit.
$100 - Access to special features, including a BTS documentary and blooper featurette.
$250 - "Associate Producer" credit w/Blu-Ray copy of film that includes never-before-seen special features including director's commentary. Digital package is also available.
$500 - "Executive Producer" credit with access to rough cut of the film - join the team effort and make this film a reality!
$1,000 - Invitation to private screening and a meet and greet with all cast and crew.
$2,000 - Join us in the festival circuit!
(for $1,000 and $2,000 rewards, flight and lodging accommodations are not included)
All donations attain to one goal in mind, to make this film a reality. We would love to bring you along for the ride!
For anyone feeling courteous enough to donate a greater value than what we have listed. Please send us an email at: [email protected]
If you are unable to contribute financially:
That’s okay! If you share the passion we have for sharing stories like Marie’s, you can still contribute by spreading the word. Even by sharing the link of this film's page can better the chances of making this campaign a success.
Here's the link for your convenience: www.seedandspark.com/fund/mariefilm
Sharing our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook will help us get the word out about the project and help make it a reality.
Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark. It’s completely free. By doing this, we have the potential access to a number of perks and services that can support the production.
Thank you so much for your help, we are so excited to share this film and the experience of making it with you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rehearsal Space
Costs $100
To prepare the cast for the intense shoot ahead, we need a comfortable, safe and spacious setting!
The Crew
Costs $2,350
Our crew is putting so much into this film already, and we need to pay them for their hard work!
Set Safety/Insurance
Costs $500
A safe set is our highest priority. Cleanliness, insurance and the welfare of cast and crew.
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $350
Can't work on an empty stomach! Well, you can, but it's not preferable.
Art/Costume/Make-Up Purchases
Costs $850
In order for the film to come to life, our art, costume and make-up departments need resources!
Extra Equipment Rentals
Costs $400
We have a hefty shooting plan, and our camera crew needs a boost for all the heavy lifting!
Miscellaneous Location Costs
Costs $550
Locations are a big piece of our spending, yet one of the most important!
Festival Spending
Costs $500
We need to get "Marie" out there, and we'll need your help to do so!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
AUSTIN RODGERS
WRITER/DIRECTOR
Austin Rodgers is a writer/director hailing from Portland, Oregon, but currently resides in Los Angeles. He started making films at a young age after witnessing many classics such as "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982) and "Goodfellas" (1990). Manned with a modest camcorder and an overwhelming need to tell stories, he began to learn the A-B-C's of filmmaking. Since then, he has directed a multitude of short films, comedic sketches and documentaries including "Budz" (2020) and the forthcoming "Opening Night" (2022). He genuinely loves the impact that movies can have on audiences across the world, each taking away their own perception and emotional revelation. On the side, you can find him killing it at the grill.
TYLER WALDEN
PRODUCER
Tyler Walden is a filmmaker born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and is now based in Los Angeles. His work as a writer/director includes multiple short films, like the comedy "The Sales Pitch" (2021) and the science fiction drama "Present Day" (2022), which will be entering festivals this year. As producer on many other projects, more often than not films directed by Austin Rodgers, he has worked on Hollyshorts Film Festival Selection "Budz" (2020), "Opening Night" (2022) and the upcoming short "Marie" (2023). With various production experience across over 40 films, Tyler continues to write, direct and produce in the city of angels.
DAVID JIMENEZ
FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Born in Mission Hills, CA. on July 4th, 1989. David was raised in North Hollywood, CA. He is an award-winning producer and director and is also a former Marine Infantryman and an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. David also worked in a mental health center for 4 years before going to the New York Film Academy in Burbank, CA where he graduated in May of 2020.
MICHAEL LIU
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Tianyu "Michael" Liu is a Chinese cinematographer from Beijing, now living in Los Angeles. He has a multitude of work spanning short and feature-length films, serving as DP for Austin Rodgers' last three projects: "Budz" (2020), "Opening Night" (2022) and the upcoming "Marie" (2023). If not behind the camera, Michael would be knee-deep in Ghost of Tsushima (2020), Elden Ring (2022) or whatever the latest open-world game may be.
CATERINA PICCARDO
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Caterina Piccardo was born in Genoa, Italy in 1992 and, ever since childhood, has had a special inclination toward the creative world of figurative arts. After traveling around Europe as production designer of various theatre companies, she moved to Los Angeles in 2017, where she has dove deep into the film industry. Her vast resume is home to over 50 film credits as production designer, including five feature films as of 2022.
MARCOS PUGLIESE
CASTING DIRECTOR
Marcos Pugliese is a filmmaker originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but has had experience all around the globe. He has worked both in the music and entertainment industry, but recently he has directed some short films (La Bella Necropoli, Ragna rök, Baldur) and is currently developing a couple of his own projects. If not behind the camera Marcos is someone who always brings a good laugh.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"I'd like to meet tonight. Off the freeway as soon as you get out of the city. At the motel. Room six."
Marie is a sex-worker who has grown isolated after endless nights of working the street corner while exsisting as prey to the sleazy, decrepit low-lifes who take advantage of her vulnerable circumstance. It's what she must do to survive the unforgiving nature of the concrete jungle.
One night, while in the middle of preparing for another evening of beckoning from hungry junkies, she receives a call from a stranger requesting to see her in the outskirts of the city, at a rustic motel. She follows through with the request.
At the motel, she awaits outside by the room, and at the sound of the aging door opening, her eyes widen at the sight of an elderly man - the stranger - who goes by the name of Joe. He invites her into the room, and she accepts. While inside, Marie is skeptical of the old man's intentions. However, over the awkward pauses and his gentle nature, she soon realizes that the lonely elder is searching for friendship and understanding rather than pleasure.
The emotional rollercoaster that these two characters experience both in the journey and their eventual encounter is the core of this film.
On set of a previous project "Meanwhile... Outside the Bank" (2020)
As a filmmaker, I am attracted to stories that explore character themes as a means to structure an over-arching narrative. I feel that many of the best movies around tend to stem from a basis where a person's choices, even sacrifices, ultimately influence the situation they're having to fight through.
"Marie" carries weight with this context in mind. A bleak, but, heartwarming transformation of identity and one's willingness to be vulnerable is the consistent through line whenever I and my creative team further develop the visual language for this film.
We're wanting to treat these characters as a gardner would with a new set of roses. To nurish and set them in an environment that allows them to blossom into something greater than the sum of its parts. I want to make this movie as a means to portray these perspectives, and cast a path for the audience to emotionally connect with a story they normally wouldn't identify with.
Location scouting for "Marie"
Currently, we're in the budding stages of pre-production. As you can see above, we're in the middle of location scouting! Casting is underway, and our team is beyond ecstatic by the immense pool of talent that have already expressed interest in the story of "Marie."
Here’s how your contributions will help! The production of this film will take place in June of 2022. With a four-day shoot in the Los Angeles area ahead of us, the funds raised from this campaign will ensure:
- Pay our exceptional crew and fitting locations
- Cover purchases for food
- Well-equipped Art department
- Equipment rentals and set safety
You can view a breakdown of our spending on the following pie chart:
STRETCH GOALS
$10,000 to $15,000
We will be able to cover some essential costs that await us once “Marie” has completed production. These include:
- Festival submissions
- Music rights
- Screening and publicity costs
- Additional post production expenses including color grading and sound design
An overview of our stretch goal spending can be seen in the chart below:
We're in need of any help you can bestow on this wonderful project, and the team is grateful for any consideration.
For your generous support, we are offering rewards/tiers at certain donation levels:
$5 - A personal thank you and social media shoutout.
$15 - Digital Teaser Poster.
$25 - Digital Lookbook.
$50 - Behind the Scenes Portfolio.
$75 - Signed Digital Script and Online Screening w/Special Thanks Credit.
$100 - Access to special features, including a BTS documentary and blooper featurette.
$250 - "Associate Producer" credit w/Blu-Ray copy of film that includes never-before-seen special features including director's commentary. Digital package is also available.
$500 - "Executive Producer" credit with access to rough cut of the film - join the team effort and make this film a reality!
$1,000 - Invitation to private screening and a meet and greet with all cast and crew.
$2,000 - Join us in the festival circuit!
(for $1,000 and $2,000 rewards, flight and lodging accommodations are not included)
All donations attain to one goal in mind, to make this film a reality. We would love to bring you along for the ride!
For anyone feeling courteous enough to donate a greater value than what we have listed. Please send us an email at: [email protected]
If you are unable to contribute financially:
That’s okay! If you share the passion we have for sharing stories like Marie’s, you can still contribute by spreading the word. Even by sharing the link of this film's page can better the chances of making this campaign a success.
Here's the link for your convenience: www.seedandspark.com/fund/mariefilm
Sharing our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook will help us get the word out about the project and help make it a reality.
Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark. It’s completely free. By doing this, we have the potential access to a number of perks and services that can support the production.
Thank you so much for your help, we are so excited to share this film and the experience of making it with you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rehearsal Space
Costs $100
To prepare the cast for the intense shoot ahead, we need a comfortable, safe and spacious setting!
The Crew
Costs $2,350
Our crew is putting so much into this film already, and we need to pay them for their hard work!
Set Safety/Insurance
Costs $500
A safe set is our highest priority. Cleanliness, insurance and the welfare of cast and crew.
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $350
Can't work on an empty stomach! Well, you can, but it's not preferable.
Art/Costume/Make-Up Purchases
Costs $850
In order for the film to come to life, our art, costume and make-up departments need resources!
Extra Equipment Rentals
Costs $400
We have a hefty shooting plan, and our camera crew needs a boost for all the heavy lifting!
Miscellaneous Location Costs
Costs $550
Locations are a big piece of our spending, yet one of the most important!
Festival Spending
Costs $500
We need to get "Marie" out there, and we'll need your help to do so!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
AUSTIN RODGERS
WRITER/DIRECTOR
Austin Rodgers is a writer/director hailing from Portland, Oregon, but currently resides in Los Angeles. He started making films at a young age after witnessing many classics such as "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982) and "Goodfellas" (1990). Manned with a modest camcorder and an overwhelming need to tell stories, he began to learn the A-B-C's of filmmaking. Since then, he has directed a multitude of short films, comedic sketches and documentaries including "Budz" (2020) and the forthcoming "Opening Night" (2022). He genuinely loves the impact that movies can have on audiences across the world, each taking away their own perception and emotional revelation. On the side, you can find him killing it at the grill.
TYLER WALDEN
PRODUCER
Tyler Walden is a filmmaker born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and is now based in Los Angeles. His work as a writer/director includes multiple short films, like the comedy "The Sales Pitch" (2021) and the science fiction drama "Present Day" (2022), which will be entering festivals this year. As producer on many other projects, more often than not films directed by Austin Rodgers, he has worked on Hollyshorts Film Festival Selection "Budz" (2020), "Opening Night" (2022) and the upcoming short "Marie" (2023). With various production experience across over 40 films, Tyler continues to write, direct and produce in the city of angels.
DAVID JIMENEZ
FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Born in Mission Hills, CA. on July 4th, 1989. David was raised in North Hollywood, CA. He is an award-winning producer and director and is also a former Marine Infantryman and an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. David also worked in a mental health center for 4 years before going to the New York Film Academy in Burbank, CA where he graduated in May of 2020.
MICHAEL LIU
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Tianyu "Michael" Liu is a Chinese cinematographer from Beijing, now living in Los Angeles. He has a multitude of work spanning short and feature-length films, serving as DP for Austin Rodgers' last three projects: "Budz" (2020), "Opening Night" (2022) and the upcoming "Marie" (2023). If not behind the camera, Michael would be knee-deep in Ghost of Tsushima (2020), Elden Ring (2022) or whatever the latest open-world game may be.
CATERINA PICCARDO
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Caterina Piccardo was born in Genoa, Italy in 1992 and, ever since childhood, has had a special inclination toward the creative world of figurative arts. After traveling around Europe as production designer of various theatre companies, she moved to Los Angeles in 2017, where she has dove deep into the film industry. Her vast resume is home to over 50 film credits as production designer, including five feature films as of 2022.
MARCOS PUGLIESE
CASTING DIRECTOR
Marcos Pugliese is a filmmaker originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but has had experience all around the globe. He has worked both in the music and entertainment industry, but recently he has directed some short films (La Bella Necropoli, Ragna rök, Baldur) and is currently developing a couple of his own projects. If not behind the camera Marcos is someone who always brings a good laugh.