Aquarians
Aquarians
by Michael McGuire
Michael McGuire
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Supporting AQUARIANS is an opportunity to help make an independent film from an accomplished film producer in a rarely-seen corner of the country. You'll be helping to tell a story unique to the people and culture of the wintry Northwoods with themes that resonate universally. Come create with us!
Supporting AQUARIANS is an opportunity to help make an independent film from an accomplished film producer in a rarely-seen corner of the country. You'll be helping to tell a story unique to the people and culture of the wintry Northwoods with themes that resonate universally. Come create with us!
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Story
About The Project
Welcome to the Seed and Spark campaign for AQUARIANS, a feature-length film by Michael M. McGuire to be filmed on location in the snow-blanketed lands of the upper Midwest, in January 2016! Your interest and support of this project will directly put pages onto the screen. Pages described by the late Oscar-winning filmmaker Seth Winston as "“awesome…surprising... a really good film. The characters are strong, the dialogue is excellent, the story moves well.” Pages written to create a unique, surrealistic but relatable film from an area rarely depicted in American cinema, from a team of skilled and creative professional filmmakers. A film that dares to peek at what's behind the masks we wear, and confront the confusion that pulls us off the paths we're meant to walk in life.
The funding goal represented by our wishlist on this site accounts for a small portion of our overall budget, but each donation counts. Your dollars will buy us time on location, food for our cast and crew, lights for our sets, and lenses for our camera. And you'll be rewarded, not just with the satisfaction of knowing you helped create a motion picture that will survive indefinitely, but with tangible treats our team is gathering and creating to show our deep appreciation for your contributions.
I've spent a decade refining the screenplay for AQUARIANS because it's a story that won't let me go. There's a mystery in a man of the faith: the compulsion to dedicate oneself to a higher power has inspired and befuddled me for years. My observations of clergy (full fledged and those in training) have given me the opinion that, faith and calling aside, there are a number of deep emotional reasons one might pursue the cloistered life. Guilt is a powerful emotion that is woven into the mantras of the Catholic church, and an emotional premise that offers itself to a story. In ours, a young man setting out on the path to priesthood must face a dramatic conflict between carrying a burden that binds him to his faith, or confronting and overcoming his guilt and therefore absolving himself of the need to live by his vows.
But this isn't a film about religion. It's about two brothers. Two young men (and a young woman) who experienced a powerful loss, and due to the inabliity to process and let go of their grief, went down different paths beset by the same emotional burdern. It's about finding out who we are - or at least who we aren't - so that we can take steps forward in life. And it's about a moment in human history where the stifling conventions of old dogmas are being phased out, and new rules are being written. And about the revelation that we can write those rules for ourselves.
I grew up in an isolated, blue-collar river town. Football, hunting, bars. A place where kids go snowmobiling when school's closed, and are allowed to ditch class altogether if they are going deer hunting. A place where the winters can be the most brutal and the most beautiful things you'll ever experience. And every year, after months of a deep freeze, the ice starts to melt. Similarly, the unique dynamic of brotherhood comes with a lot of heightened emotions, crazy fights, daring adventures, and joyous moments. But that bond can become frozen. And melting it can take time. And a little fire.
Aquarius is the sign of the water-bearer, and of the astrological age we have entered. Water is the giver of life, the purifying force, that with which we bless ourselves. And so this film is set in January, when Aquarius begins, when water is frozen. But when it's mixed with fire, it takes these two young men underneath, and cleanses them of their guilt, their delusions, and their former selves.
In making AQUARIANS, I hope to share a story that can be appreciated by a Minnesotan truck driver as much as a New York film critic. We are making a film that is formal but not flashy, truthful, visually distinct, with compelling performances that capture a unique place and culture, while speaking to viewers from all walks of life. And I'd love you to be a part of it.
Incentives
$10
Your generosity will be acknowledged with a postcard of original AQUARIANS artwork sent to your home, signed by the filmmaker with our sincerest thanks.
$25
Upon completion of the film, you will receive a private link to stream the finished film of AQUARIANS in your own home!
$50
Your kindness will yield a special postcard of our original artwork, a private digital link to the completed film, and a shout out of praise and gratitude on our social media channels, as well as on-screen credit in the thank you section of our film's end credits!
$100
Your contribution to our project will get you a hand-signed postcard of original AQUARIANS artwork, a private digital link to the film, a social media shout-out, and distiguished on-screen credit in the "thank you" section of our end credits, and a DVD copy of the finished film!
$250
These generous souls will receive an original artwork postcard, a private link to the film, social media props, your name in the "thank you" section of our screen credits, and a limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray copy of the film, signed by the filmmaker.
$500
Donors at this level will receive a limited edition, one-of-a-kind AQUARIANS mermaid "fishing lure" medallion, a limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray copy of the film, and a prominent position in our movie's "Thank You" credits.
Additionally, these contributors will be included on an exclusive email list to receive notifications about news, special events, and screenings of AQUARIANS as they develop, as well as an invitation to visit during the production (or post production) of the film!
Claimed: 4 of 25
$1,000
These big fish will swim upstream with the filmmaking team and be invited to an exclusive private screening of AQUARIANS once the film is complete, along with a limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray disc, a note of "Special Thanks" in our movie's credits, and an official one-sheet (poster) signed by cast and filmmakers.
And of course, these benefactors will be included in our exclusive event list and invited to visit the set during filming, as well as a private meet-and-greet with the cast and crew!
$2,000
A film set on the Wisconsin-Michigan border should celebrate the local culture. And what better way than to attend a classic annual event with the film's director: Courtesy of two generous backers, the select patrons who contribute at this level will join writer/director Michael McGuire at Lambeau Field in Green Bay (travel costs not included) for the November 15 matchup of the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions!
In addition, your significant contribution will include all of the perks and privileges granted at the $1,000 level.
Please note that the tickets to the November game are limited to the first three (3) donors at this level!
Claimed: 0 of 3
$10,000
The rare invidual who contributes at this level to the success of AQUARIANS will join the inner circle of artists and supporters who have come together to create this special film. He or she shall be invited to our private cast-and-crew meet and greet while receiving an AQUARIANS mermaid medallion, limited edition Blu-Ray, official one-sheet, but most importantly be considered an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER of this film with such credit included prominently in the end credits of the film.
Claimed: 0 of 3
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Your generosity will be acknowledged with a postcard of original AQUARIANS artwork sent to your home, signed by the filmmaker with our sincerest thanks.
$25
Upon completion of the film, you will receive a private link to stream the finished film of AQUARIANS in your own home!
$50
Your kindness will yield a special postcard of our original artwork, a private digital link to the completed film, and a shout out of praise and gratitude on our social media channels, as well as on-screen credit in the thank you section of our film's end credits!
$100
Your contribution to our project will get you a hand-signed postcard of original AQUARIANS artwork, a private digital link to the film, a social media shout-out, and distiguished on-screen credit in the "thank you" section of our end credits, and a DVD copy of the finished film!
$250
These generous souls will receive an original artwork postcard, a private link to the film, social media props, your name in the "thank you" section of our screen credits, and a limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray copy of the film, signed by the filmmaker.
$500
Donors at this level will receive a limited edition, one-of-a-kind AQUARIANS mermaid "fishing lure" medallion, a limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray copy of the film, and a prominent position in our movie's "Thank You" credits.
Additionally, these contributors will be included on an exclusive email list to receive notifications about news, special events, and screenings of AQUARIANS as they develop, as well as an invitation to visit during the production (or post production) of the film!
Claimed: 4 of 25
$1,000
These big fish will swim upstream with the filmmaking team and be invited to an exclusive private screening of AQUARIANS once the film is complete, along with a limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray disc, a note of "Special Thanks" in our movie's credits, and an official one-sheet (poster) signed by cast and filmmakers.
And of course, these benefactors will be included in our exclusive event list and invited to visit the set during filming, as well as a private meet-and-greet with the cast and crew!
$2,000
A film set on the Wisconsin-Michigan border should celebrate the local culture. And what better way than to attend a classic annual event with the film's director: Courtesy of two generous backers, the select patrons who contribute at this level will join writer/director Michael McGuire at Lambeau Field in Green Bay (travel costs not included) for the November 15 matchup of the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions!
In addition, your significant contribution will include all of the perks and privileges granted at the $1,000 level.
Please note that the tickets to the November game are limited to the first three (3) donors at this level!
Claimed: 0 of 3
$10,000
The rare invidual who contributes at this level to the success of AQUARIANS will join the inner circle of artists and supporters who have come together to create this special film. He or she shall be invited to our private cast-and-crew meet and greet while receiving an AQUARIANS mermaid medallion, limited edition Blu-Ray, official one-sheet, but most importantly be considered an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER of this film with such credit included prominently in the end credits of the film.
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Michael M. McGuire (writer, director) as been a professional storyteller for fifteen years, working as an actor, writer, director and producer. Award-winning feature films Michael has produced, such as ELECTRICK CHILDREN, A HOLIDAY HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, and GUADALUPE THE VIRGIN have played at major international film festivals, in theaters, and on television around the world. He most recently completed the action-thriller CAMINO, wrapped the comedy UNDERWATER UPSIDE DOWN, and will soon release the coming-of-age film, SUMMER OF 8, starring Carter Jenkins, Shelley Hennig, and Matt Shively. In addition, he recently accepted the position of Production Executive with SpectreVision, a production company founded by actor Elijah Wood.
As a writer and/or director, Michael has created award-winning theatre and short films. And as a performer, Michael acted in numerous regional and NYC-based theatre productions, playing leading roles in Master Harold and the Boys, The Three Musketeers, and Henry IV Part I, among others. Onscreen, Michael performed principal roles in LAW & ORDER: SVU and the History Channel’s hit series, BREAKING VEGAS, as well as the teen romantic comedy 16-LOVE.
Michael holds a B.A. in History and Theatre from the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, as well as an M.F.A. from the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife, Melissa.
Marina Stabile (Producer) most recently co-produced season two of the MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY web series for Warner Bros. and served as the UPM on BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY, starring Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan and Jane Fonda. Other recent projects include the teen rom-com 16-LOVE and the forthcoming thriller TURQUOISE produced through her company, Act Four Productions.
Marina’s AFI graduate thesis film, “The Response,” won the BAFTA/LA Student Award and was a regional finalist for the Student Academy Awards. Previously, Marina produced documentaries for the United Nations, and worked at major production companies. She holds a BA in Film and International Relations from USC as well as an MFA in Producing from the American Film Institute.
Ben Fritz (Producer, Assistant Director) is a Wisconsin native dedicated to filmmaking. Ben has worked with Michael McGuire as an assistant director on GUADALUPE, ELECTRICK CHILDREN, and various TV and web commercials.
Ben’s career has evolved from playing small roles on soap operas (GENERAL HOSPITAL, Y&R) to writing, directing, and producing, including the web series “Cynthia Watros Gets Lost,” starring the Emmy winning actress, for which he was nominated as “Best Director” at the 2013 Indie Series Awards in New York City.
Ben’s understanding of story, his connection to the culture of the Upper Midwest, and his relationship with Michael make him an ideal collaborator on AQUARIANS.
Elizabeth Van Dam (Production Designer) began her film career in production and music videos. After relocating to Los Angeles from Minneapolis to pursue narrative film design with a deeper focus, she earned her MFA in production design at the American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI) where she was awarded both the Robert Boyle and Jack Oakie Memorial Merit Scholarships for Excellence in Production Design.
Beth has since designed several feature films, web series, short films, commercials, and many music videos. Her prior work spanned from event design to new media collaborative work—for which she was an artist-in-residence at the world-renowned contemporary art museum, the Walker Art Center; a drummer in various groups, a fine arts painter, a costume designer, and she continues to be an avid bicyclist and yogini. Her production design and fine arts work can be seen at www.bethvandam.com.
Tyler MacIntyre (Editor), originally from Alberta, Canada, is a graduate of Ryerson University with an MA in Media Production as well as the AFI Conservatory (MFA in Film Editing, 2010). He has worked for the past ten years in many production and post-production roles for both the Canadian and American companies, primarily as an editor, director, and writer, including several editing projects with AQUARIANS writer/director Michael McGuire. Tyler has been mentored by several industry professionals including celebrated director/author Peter Bogdanovich, and legendary producer and Academy Award winner Roger Corman, which helped shape his passion for creating films with a unique voice. Tyler is currently in post-production of his feature film directing debut, the comedic horror film, PATCHWORK.
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