Chasing Unicorns: Silicon Valley the European Way
by Tallifornia Ltd
Tallifornia Ltd
Follow
Chasing Unicorns: Silicon Valley the European Way
by Tallifornia Ltd
Tallifornia Ltd
Follow
A fun movie about the tech world — told through the eyes of a female founder from Europe, trying to make it in Silicon Valley. If we hit our goal, we show the movie for free to 5 000 high school students.
A fun movie about the tech world — told through the eyes of a female founder from Europe, trying to make it in Silicon Valley. If we hit our goal, we show the movie for free to 5 000 high school students.
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Story
Inclusion Statement
“Chasing Unicorns” approaches the male-dominated tech world through the eyes of a female founder. Main character, production designer, co-producer and editor are female, number of actors are a minority, and almost all cast & crew are international.About The Project
Hi. We are Rain and Tõnu.
In 2016, we made a guerilla-style full length feature film “Chasing Ponies”, a road-movie about European students selling books door-to-door in the US, based on a real-life book-sales program. Rain wrote the script, we flew in to Nevada with 8 more people and tried to get everything shot before our flight back home. Had no clue what we were doing, didn't know where will be filming or who else will be acting. After 20 days of full-on hustling and learning by doing (and a year of post-production) the film successfully ran in all Estonian cinemas and is now available online.
“I like to make movies that are fun and educational, about the worlds that I’m intimately familiar with. I want the movie to teach something new, but in a way that it’s also entertaining to watch.”
Rain, an Estonian tech entrepreneur turned film-maker.
"I'm into movies that are fast-paced and with original concept or idea. When this is in place, a film becomes fun. To reach global audience from a small country, such as Estonia, approaching things differently is a necessity."
Tõnu, a door-to-door salesman turned suit salesman turned film producer.
"Chasing Unicorns" is our second feature together. We have finished principal photography, post-production is in full force and a cinematic release date is set for September 2019.
"Chasing Unicorns" is a fast-paced, fun movie about two European startup founders trying to make in Silicon Valley. We interviewed more than 30 founders, tech employees and investors from Europe and US, and collected a number of fun and educational stories and insights, that became the backbone of this script.
This movie is for you if:
- you work at a startup or know someone who does.
- you like HBO’s "Silicon Valley" and want more of it, but different.
- you want to learn about startup world but in a fun way.
(The movie is 50% in English, 50% in Estonian with English subtitles throughout, so it's very accessible for a global audience).
We made a film about startups in a startup-like way, using a small and agile crew. Among them, one of the most acclaimed nature cinematographers in Estonia who is called to duty whenever a movie needs a shot of an elk, a bear or a lynx. In our movie, he applied similar drive to capturing tech investors. Our co-producer had formerly produced a movie in the Official Selection at Cannes and Official Entry for Academy Awards. Our composer is a cult indie musician, expert record archive crate digger and popular radio show host all in one, etc. (Find out more about our crew on the "Team" page.)
Our cast is a mix of talented Estonian and Hollywood actors:
Liisa Pulk
Liisa has over 10 years of experience acting on stage and screen, including award-winning TV show "ENSV" (2010-2019) and recently "Firelily"(2018). "Chasing Unicorns" is her first lead role in a feature film.Henrik Kalmet
Henrik's acting repertoire shows no limits - from solo stage performances to TV ads to running a theatre with friends. One of the most prolific creatives players in Estonian acting scene. Recent feature films include "1944"(2015), "The Dissidents"(2017) or as an assistant director "In the Crosswind"(2014)Johann Urb
Based in LA, Johann has been in the industry for some time. He's played a part in "Zoolander"(2001), "The Hottie & the Nottie"(2008), "2012"(2009) and "Firelily"(2018) in addition to TV shows "CSI: Miami", "Californication" and "Eastwick".Rogelio Douglas Jr
A man of many talents. From being a resident singer at Quincy Jones’s Q’s Lounge in Dubai to pop hits like "Lemon Fight - I got time for you" to films like "Whiplash"(2014) or "Straight Outta Compton"(2015). From more known TV series Rogelio has acted in "Parks and Recreation", "Key and Peele" and "Orange Is the New Black".
1. If you like fast-paced, fun movies with a point in it, this is it. You get to be one of the first to see the film, you help to get it made and you get some cool rewards in return. Ever heard of an unipigeon? Now you will.
2. YOU CAN HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Yes, supporting helps to get the film produced, but you are also helping to spread the entrepreneurial mindset to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
How?
Simple. If we hit our goals, we give away 5000 FREE DIGITAL COPIES OF THE MOVIE to high school students in Estonia and elsewhere. We will add on video commentary of film-makers with top startup entrepreneurs from Estonia and Silicon Valley and make it accessible to any school, student or teacher who is interested in using this as a resource. A spark of inspiration for the new generation of doers and makers.
Pledge now to help pay it forward!
Incentives
$10
"Friends Family and Fools"
You get: BIG THANK YOU.
You are here to support us. Or maybe you are curious, what will happen with the film once it’s ready. Great! When funding a start-up, this level of funding is called FFF and is fundamental boost of energy that has started many world changing ventures. We will keep you posted with the progress of the film and you’ll receive a magnificent digital poster to your email.$25
"Incubator"
You get: DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM.
Incubator level is like a warm hug or a friendly handshake full of confidence and approval that sets start-ups off to an independent life to achieve great things. By supporting us, you are doing exactly that. In exchange of your good will you can skip the commute to the the cinema, save from popcorn and drinks and watch the movie on your own terms on your own screen whenever you feel like watching it. Sweet deal!$50
"Accelerator"
You get: POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.
Accelerator is like a shot of adrenaline in start-up world. By you. To us. It is mysterious experience, yet totally legal.
As a thank you, you will get a beautiful postcard with movie artwork by famous Estonian artist Kaido Ole. Delivered to you physically by a pigeon with a horn — unipigeon. You obviously won’t see the mythical creature yourself, but you will receive a postcard delivered by that creature. And handwritten by one of the actors to you (or your chosen one!). If you want to be smart about it, make sure the postcard gets framed afterwards.
Also included: DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK.$100
"Angel Round"
You get: INVITATION TO MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO.
Angel is a mystical creature in start-up world. They put money in ventures they really believe in. This is perfect shot for you to do your first angel investment.As a reward for your angel investment you will get to dress up, be the first to see the movie on big screen, grab some snacks and drinks with the crew, get pics with the actors. It’s a spectacle you don’t want to miss. You will get the invitation to the Premiere in Tallinn, Estonia (September 12, 2019) or a special screening in San Francisco (California) or Singapore later in the Fall of 2019 — whichever works for you.*
You will also get a special Angel Investor Stock Certificate signed by startup founders Õie & Tõnu.
Also Included: DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.* transport to premiere is not covered.
$300
"Seed Round"
You get to: SCREEN THE MOVIE AT YOUR TEAM OR COMPANY EVENT.
Seed round means a significant contribution to the success of a start up. It is like breath of fresh air for hackers who have not seen the sunlight for a year. By choosing that option you must know the importance of a good head start and would liked to share it also with your people.
You’d like to use the messages about entrepreneurial spirit, facing adversity etc to inspire others in your company or organization. You value teambuilding events and you want to create someting special for your special company. You want to inspire everbody in your team to go after big goals with a mentality of a unicorn-building start-upper. You decide the time & place (anytime from October 2019), we deliver the movie link with a special digital poster & video greeting to you and your organization from director or one of the actors.
Also Included: INVITATION TO THE MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO + DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + STOCK CERTIFICATE + POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.$1,200
"Venture Capital Round"
You help to: SUPPORT TALLIFORNIA STARTUP EDUCATION PROJECT & MAKE THE MOVIE AVAILABLE FOR FREE FOR 300 STUDENTS.
This is getting serious. Serious in terms of investment and impact being made with it. Venture Capitalists are not dealing with small change, they are looking at the bigger picture and this is definitely it.
For the first time ever, together with Back to School Foundation and other kind partners, we’re making the movie available for free to watch for high-school students in Estonia and elsewhere.
The special version of the movie will be accompanied by a video by director & experienced startup founders who put the events depicted in the movie into the context of building a startup company in the real world. It will also have a live Q&A session (in person or via skype) in selected schools.
Also Included: CHANCE TO SCREEN THE MOVIE FOR YOUR TEAM + INVITATION TO THE MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO + DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + STOCK CERTIFICATE + POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.Claimed: 5 of 20
$5,000
"Private Equity Round"
You get to: BE THE MAIN SPONSOR OF TALLIFORNIA STARTUP EDUCATION PROJECT BY MAKING THE MOVIE AVAILABLE FOR 2500 STUDENTS.
This is the big league. To be part of something special. The ROI of this investment is making waves years later. That’s a gift that keeps on giving and truly is making a world a better place. With your help.
Also Included: CHANCE TO SCREEN THE MOVIE FOR YOUR TEAM + INVITATION TO THE MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO + DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + STOCK CERTIFICATE + POSTCARD BY UNIPIGEON.Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
"Friends Family and Fools"
You get: BIG THANK YOU.
You are here to support us. Or maybe you are curious, what will happen with the film once it’s ready. Great! When funding a start-up, this level of funding is called FFF and is fundamental boost of energy that has started many world changing ventures. We will keep you posted with the progress of the film and you’ll receive a magnificent digital poster to your email.$25
"Incubator"
You get: DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM.
Incubator level is like a warm hug or a friendly handshake full of confidence and approval that sets start-ups off to an independent life to achieve great things. By supporting us, you are doing exactly that. In exchange of your good will you can skip the commute to the the cinema, save from popcorn and drinks and watch the movie on your own terms on your own screen whenever you feel like watching it. Sweet deal!$50
"Accelerator"
You get: POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.
Accelerator is like a shot of adrenaline in start-up world. By you. To us. It is mysterious experience, yet totally legal.
As a thank you, you will get a beautiful postcard with movie artwork by famous Estonian artist Kaido Ole. Delivered to you physically by a pigeon with a horn — unipigeon. You obviously won’t see the mythical creature yourself, but you will receive a postcard delivered by that creature. And handwritten by one of the actors to you (or your chosen one!). If you want to be smart about it, make sure the postcard gets framed afterwards.
Also included: DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK.$100
"Angel Round"
You get: INVITATION TO MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO.
Angel is a mystical creature in start-up world. They put money in ventures they really believe in. This is perfect shot for you to do your first angel investment.As a reward for your angel investment you will get to dress up, be the first to see the movie on big screen, grab some snacks and drinks with the crew, get pics with the actors. It’s a spectacle you don’t want to miss. You will get the invitation to the Premiere in Tallinn, Estonia (September 12, 2019) or a special screening in San Francisco (California) or Singapore later in the Fall of 2019 — whichever works for you.*
You will also get a special Angel Investor Stock Certificate signed by startup founders Õie & Tõnu.
Also Included: DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.* transport to premiere is not covered.
$300
"Seed Round"
You get to: SCREEN THE MOVIE AT YOUR TEAM OR COMPANY EVENT.
Seed round means a significant contribution to the success of a start up. It is like breath of fresh air for hackers who have not seen the sunlight for a year. By choosing that option you must know the importance of a good head start and would liked to share it also with your people.
You’d like to use the messages about entrepreneurial spirit, facing adversity etc to inspire others in your company or organization. You value teambuilding events and you want to create someting special for your special company. You want to inspire everbody in your team to go after big goals with a mentality of a unicorn-building start-upper. You decide the time & place (anytime from October 2019), we deliver the movie link with a special digital poster & video greeting to you and your organization from director or one of the actors.
Also Included: INVITATION TO THE MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO + DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + STOCK CERTIFICATE + POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.$1,200
"Venture Capital Round"
You help to: SUPPORT TALLIFORNIA STARTUP EDUCATION PROJECT & MAKE THE MOVIE AVAILABLE FOR FREE FOR 300 STUDENTS.
This is getting serious. Serious in terms of investment and impact being made with it. Venture Capitalists are not dealing with small change, they are looking at the bigger picture and this is definitely it.
For the first time ever, together with Back to School Foundation and other kind partners, we’re making the movie available for free to watch for high-school students in Estonia and elsewhere.
The special version of the movie will be accompanied by a video by director & experienced startup founders who put the events depicted in the movie into the context of building a startup company in the real world. It will also have a live Q&A session (in person or via skype) in selected schools.
Also Included: CHANCE TO SCREEN THE MOVIE FOR YOUR TEAM + INVITATION TO THE MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO + DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + STOCK CERTIFICATE + POSTCARD DELIVERED BY AN UNIPIGEON.Claimed: 5 of 20
$5,000
"Private Equity Round"
You get to: BE THE MAIN SPONSOR OF TALLIFORNIA STARTUP EDUCATION PROJECT BY MAKING THE MOVIE AVAILABLE FOR 2500 STUDENTS.
This is the big league. To be part of something special. The ROI of this investment is making waves years later. That’s a gift that keeps on giving and truly is making a world a better place. With your help.
Also Included: CHANCE TO SCREEN THE MOVIE FOR YOUR TEAM + INVITATION TO THE MOVIE PREMIERE FOR TWO + DIGITAL COPY OF THE FILM + MOVIE SOUNDTRACK + STOCK CERTIFICATE + POSTCARD BY UNIPIGEON.Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
WRITER-DIRECTOR - Rain Rannu
Rain has been involved with tech companies over 15 years. His second feature film is based on true stories from 30+ interviews with Estonian tech entrepreneurs. His first feature film "Chasing Ponies"(2016) was shot guerilla-style during 20 days in USA. Rain is also the writer-director of the first Estonian VR-short movie "Beqaa VR" (2018).
CINEMATOGRAPHER - Ants Tammik
Ants is up-and-coming Estonian filmmaker who made himself a name with a documentary "A Fragile World"(2016). Since then he has been involved with cinematorgraphy in some of the biggest productions coming out of Estonia like "The Little Comrade"(2018), "Phantom Owl Forest"(2018) and "Truth and Justice"(2019).
ART DIRECTOR - Katrin Sipelgas
Multitalented Katrin's been in the industry for a some time. "Chasing Unicorns" is her 7th feature film, other works include critically acclaimed films "Ghost Mountaineer" (2015) and "The Dissidents"(2017)
COMPOSER - Janek Murd
As a musician Janek started in the 90's as a guitarist in a legendary indie-band followed by a period of electronic sound in various forms and formats. He is one of the hosts of a weekly radio show "Eesti Pops" that is digging deep to discover the hidden old or new gems of Estonian music scene. He was also the composer in "Zero Point"(2014).
CO-PRODUCER - Aet Laigu
Experienced writer-producer for many films that have been official selections at multiple international film festival, including Tribeca Film Festival. Among others, she produced "Magnus" (2007, official selection at the Cannes Film Festival) and "Mother" (2017, Estonia’s official entry for Academy Award consideration).
PRODUCER - Tõnu Hiielaid
Co-founder of Tallifornia, an indie film production company from Tallinn, Estonia. Also one of the producers of "Chasing Ponies"(2016).
EDITOR - Moonika Põdersalu
Since her first feature film as an editor, "Chasing Ponies" (2016), she has been involved in some of the biggest productions coming out of Estonia like "Phantom Owl Forest"(2018), "Truth and Justice"(2019) or "Firebird"(2020).
SOUND DEPARTMENT - Markus Andreas
Markus started lurking around sets with a boom mic already before high school. After loads of shorts and features , including"The Most Beautiful Day" (2015), "Bad Hair" (2019), "Chasing Ponies"(2016), "The Real Life of Johannes Pääsuke" (2019) and many more, Markus is continuing being the student of the game by starting MA studies in National Film & Television School, UK.
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