Learning to Drive
Learning to Drive
Michael, a feisty young man with Down syndrome hits the road with his scatterbrained brother Red to deliver their mother's ashes to the Grand Canyon. A mysterious event sidetracks Red into a new trajectory while Michael struggles to convince him to teach him how to drive. A road movie like no other!
Michael, a feisty young man with Down syndrome hits the road with his scatterbrained brother Red to deliver their mother's ashes to the Grand Canyon. A mysterious event sidetracks Red into a new trajectory while Michael struggles to convince him to teach him how to drive. A road movie like no other!
In Partnership With
From the Heart Productions
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to contribute cash and loan items - or - Make a contribution by selecting an incentive directly.
Select This Incentive
$10 USD
A Big Ol' THANK YOU in the Extended Credits
See your name on the BIG SCREEN! Of course this precludes you watching our cinematic treat on a cell phone. We're makin' a MOVIE here! Everyone who pitches in $10 or more will be listed in the end credits in the final versions of the released film and on the official website's "Thank You" page!
Claimed: 9 of 'Unlimited'
Select This Incentive
$21 USD
LTD Driver's License
For your help in getting LTD across the finish line, we’ll send you a limited edition “Learning to Drive” Driver’s License via .PDF.
You can choose between “Andy” the inspiration for LTD, or “Michael” the character based on Andy to print or do with as you wish. Just don't try to use it to buy beer. You'll embarrass yourself.
Claimed: 3 of 100
Select This Incentive
$21 USD
"Learning to Drive" - 8"x10" Poster and Desktop BG
In addition to seeing your name in the Thank You credits, we'll send you a printable .PDF of the film's poster (8"x10") for framing and posterity and stuff as well as a .jpg file you can use as your Desktop Background! It'll be like watching a part of the movie on your computer screen. I mean a very short part . . . like 1/24th of a second . . . as if it were on pause.
Claimed: 0 of 100
Select This Incentive
$25 USD
Signed REStevensArt Print!!
Get an archival paper print (up to 8"x10", 12"x12", etc.) of your favorite REStevensArtwork!
Choose from the photorealism paintings at www.yesitsapainting.com, or Drizzlescapes at www.drizzlescapes.com. These archival giclee prints are signed and ready for framing! In addition you'll find your name among the "Thank You" credits on the LTD website and in the end credits!
Claimed: 2 of 100
Select This Incentive
$30 USD
Signed, Limited Edition LTD Poster (8"x10")
If you prefer the REAL DEAL, rather than an emailed file, we will regular mail you a Signed and Numbered, Limited Edition (100) 8"x10" - Learning to Drive poster, Connorgraphed by none other than Connor Long!
You'll also still get your name in the "Thank You" credits and I'll still email you a .PDF of the poster if'n you want!Claimed: 5 of 100
Select This Incentive
$45 USD
Learning to Drive - 12Mo. Calendar
Our 2016, 12 month calendar will feature a different ‘homie with an extra chromie’ for each month; including Andy, the inspiration for our film; Connor, the star of our film; and Caleb, who plays young Michael in LTD. Other months will feature heroes with Down syndrome who’ve helped us get the film done! Additionally, each month will include at least one production still or frame-grab from the making of our film!
If you'd like your favorite Homie with DS featured IN the calendar, just scroll further down for that exciting incentive!
Claimed: 1 of 100
Select This Incentive
$75 USD
Your Personalized LTD Driver's License!!
Here's a SUPER FUN ONE!! Send us your favorite headshot/photo (minimum 450px square), along with the requisite stats and we’ll mail you a printed and laminated, PERSONALIZED “Learning to Drive” Driver’s License, just like the "Andy" and "Michael" licenses offered in a previous incentive.
We'll also email you the same document so you can print and laminate it in the future if you get pulled over and have your LTD license taken away! AND you'll find your name among the 'Thank You's' at the end of the film!
Claimed: 1 of 40
Select This Incentive
$75 USD
Signed "Learning to Drive" Movie Poster (24"x36")
Do you collect movie posters?!? How about regular posters? Or how about anything to do with "Learning to Drive"? Then THIS one's for you! For contributing $75 towards the completion of this fantabulous movie, you'll receive a signed and numbered, limited edition, 24”x36” - "Learning to Drive" Movie Poster; Connorgraphed by award winning star, Connor Long and enthusiastically optimistic filmmaker, Roderick E. Stevens II
We'll also toss in an 8"x10" poster you can give someone as a gift (or fold up real small to keep in your wallet or purse) as well as gleefully include your name in the "Thank You" list during the end credits of the film.
Claimed: 2 of 40
Select This Incentive
$100 USD
LTD Edition REStevensArt Canvas Reproduction!
Have you long - longed for a Signed and Numbered, Limited Edition canvas reproduction of one of Roderick E Stevens' award winning paintings?!?
Any unstretched, medium size canvas reproduction of my photo-realism artwork (per www.yesitsapainting.com) can be yours for helping us finish this here piece of cinematic art! Medium sizes include 16"x24", 12"x36", 20"x20", etc. This includes shipping to anywhere in the United States. International contributors can email me for details on shipping.
And of course you'll get heralded as a hero in the Thank You list at the end of the film and on the website!Claimed: 6 of 30
Select This Incentive
$375 USD
Be Immortalized in the LTD - 2016, 12 Month Calendar
BE A STAR!!! Send us 6-8 of the best pictures of your favorite hero with Down syndrome (must be a parent or guardian able to sign a likeness release on behalf of said model) and we will devote an entire month in our custom, professionally designed and printed, LTD calendar to your celebrity.
Of course you’ll get two copies of the calendar as well! And we'll include your entire immediate family's names in the Thank You credits at the end of the film and on the official LTD website!
Claimed: 0 of 9
Select This Incentive
$500 USD
YOUR STAR in OUR MOVIE!
Imagine seeing your favorite hero with Down syndrome on the big screen! Send us the best high-resolution photograph you have of your celebrity's gorgeous mug (must be a parent or guardian able to sign a likeness release on behalf of said model) and we will include it in the main ‘credit-crawl’ collage at the end of the film.
Picture if you will, as the closing credits are scrolling up the screen on the left, a fun collage of awesome people with Down syndrome will scroll up on the right. YOU or a LOVED ONE could be one of those people!!!
And of course your immediate family's names will be included in the Thank You credits at the very end.Claimed: 0 of 20
Select This Incentive
$950 USD
Your very own Hand-Painted custom REStevensArt Portrait
Ever wanted a hand-painted portrait of yourself or a loved one (including those of the furry, four-legged variety) to hang above the fireplace? I don't mean a photo printed on canvas, I mean the REAL DEAL here!
A custom hand-painted acrylic on canvas portrait of a single subject, based on a high-resolution photo provided by you. This is 50% off the usual rate for award-winning artist REStevens' commissioned paintings and applies to a single-person portrait up to 16”x24”. Additional people and sizes are available at a similar discount.
And of course you get to see your name listed in the Thank You credits at the end of our movie!
Claimed: 1 of 4
Select This Incentive
$2,500 USD
Be a Co-Producer on an Award Winning Film!!!
Now we’re TALKING!!
Be a Co-Producer on an award winning film! Not only will you get the full Co-Producer title including in the end credits, all relevant publicity materials and in the IMDb.com listing, but we will help you coordinate and host a local screening of the film with YOUR NAME on the big screen at a theater in your area!
Of course you can visit the production and will have access to all exclusive, behind-the-scenes materials as a Co-Producer! Want a signed poster? It’s yours! A signed copy of the script? You got it! Wanna ask questions about the process? We're open books (which doesn't mean we have the right answers, but it's better than nuttin') You will also be invited to attend at least one film festival as a member of the production team!!
Claimed: 0 of 4
Select This Incentive
$5,000 USD
BE THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER of an Award Winning Film!!!
You can’t get bigger than this (trust me, I'm a big guy)! Unless you’re Steven Spielberg!
In addition to the full Executive Producer title in the end credit crawl, ON the movie poster and in all relevant publicity materials, as well as the listing on IMDb.com, you will have full access to just about everything in the Learning to Drive universe: scripts, notes, posters, signed memorabilia, production information, etc. You’ll even get to join us for at least one film festival as a member of the production team and be a part of all the ensuing hoopla and celebration that comes with it!
We'll also help you coordinate a theatrical screening in YOUR hometown where you can luxuriate in the celebrity that comes with having your name as EP on an award winning film! :-DJust think! We might even win an Oscar with this puppy!
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Story
About The Project
To get straight to the point my brother Andy, 8 years my junior is a homie with an extra chromie, aka he has Down syndrome.
When our mother found herself on the wrong end of a cancer diagnosis and moved on to more peaceful environs, Andy moved in with my small, young family. Among his other untiring demands my then teenage brother repeatedly begged me to teach him how to drive. I would generally respond with some noncommittal mumbling that implied agreement, but behind which was zero intent. I was so consumed with my own fears for his future that I failed to see the purpose of teaching him how to drive when I was sure driving would not be a part of his daily life. Further, I assumed that there were laws in place automatically excluding him from that group of citizens privileged with the honor of a driver’s license. Maybe I thought part of the MVD application read - “Check here [] if the applicant has Down syndrome: do not proceed to the counter as you are not allowed to have a driver’s license.”
When one of Andy’s advocates pointed out to me that no such absurd law existed, I suddenly realized that the only one keeping him from enjoying the freedom of automotive navigation was me! I felt like an actual tool. With a friend videotaping the event, we piled into our family minivan (this was the 90’s you know) to a sparsely traveled byway and proceeded to educate him in the ways of P-R-N and D. To be honest, he did pretty darn well and we have proof! The reality is, Andy’s coordination, reading and decision-making skills aren’t quite up to the level of making routine, licensed driving a reality for him, but at least he’s gotten to experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel and maneuvering down the road like most of the rest of us.Following is a video we edited together back in the 90's to introduce Andy to new residential support staff that came to work with him. This includes said aforementioned 'driving lessons'! :-D
When my mistaken beliefs were laid bare, I thought “Surely I’m not alone in my ignorance!”, and a screenplay began to blossom. In 1998 I copyrighted my first draft of a feature-length script called Learning to Drive. Over the next decade and a half I wrote 15 more versions as I sought to capture two challenging principles.
First I was ever determined that this would be Andy’s story and not my own. I’ve long observed that even when a movie includes a character with a developmental disability, they are often a supporting character. It is at best difficult and at worst near impossible to grasp the experience of someone with Down syndrome. I know what it’s like to be me; I don’t know what it’s like to be Andy, so how do I write from his POV? This was my biggest challenge and I believe the primary aspect of our project that makes it so unique compared to any other film.Secondly, I feel that the circumstances have drama built into them, so I always sought the humor in the story. There is enough sadness in the world and I prefer to embrace joy where I can. These two cornerstones of the film in my head made getting it out of there and onto paper (or laptop) quite the test.
In August of 2013, I was suddenly struck by the answer to my point of view challenge and new life was breathed into the project. I decided then that I wanted to produce a short film version to help find an audience and show Hollywood what could be possible in a feature length film. Fortunately for us, the script won accolades from two screenplay competitions, we were awarded fiscal sponsorship through the 501(c)3 From the Heart Foundation and an incredibly humbling amount of support came from equipment vendors, restaurant donations and a volunteer crew of seasoned film-industry professionals. The role of Michael, the cinematic incarnation of Andy was enthusiastically portrayed by the award winning actor Connor Long, who also coincidentally has Down syndrome.
Beyond my desire to tell a fun and engaging story, my hope is that we will connect with an audience that comes to better understand not only the capabilities of those with developmental disabilities, but also - and just as importantly - their desires. Many people don't realize that someone like my brother has many of the same dreams and wishes for independence and accomplishment as the rest of us. Additionally, I would love to think that those with disabilities will find themselves inspired and empowered by our film and will push to make their voices heard.
To say the production has been life-changing for many of us is no exaggeration, but that is yet another yarn. There is still much to do on the project, but without a doubt, one of the highlights of my life has been watching Andy call “Action” and “Cut” on set with both his film reflection and a young fella with DS named Caleb who played “Young Michael” for the flashback scenes. I can only hope that when it’s finally finished, the film makes him proud of his brother.
The final film is estimated to run about 30 minutes and everything we have edited together thus far comes to 23 minutes, so we're 80% THERE!!! So close! We just have two scenes left to shoot, plus some inserts, pickups and background plates during our 2nd Unit schedule in January. Clairmont Camera has offered us the same incredible camera package for free that they gave us last year and most of our crew has already signed up to descend on the desert again!
We just need your help to cover the costs of those items we can't get donated, like production insurance, fuel, lodging, expendables, etc.
Check out our fantastic and unique assortment of incentives! And be sure to toss us your suggestions for new incentives if you think of something you'd like to see. And remember SHARE the campaign with everyone you've ever known who has a pulse!
Incentives
Select This Incentive
$10 USD
A Big Ol' THANK YOU in the Extended Credits
See your name on the BIG SCREEN! Of course this precludes you watching our cinematic treat on a cell phone. We're makin' a MOVIE here! Everyone who pitches in $10 or more will be listed in the end credits in the final versions of the released film and on the official website's "Thank You" page!
Claimed: 9 of 'Unlimited'
Select This Incentive
$21 USD
LTD Driver's License
For your help in getting LTD across the finish line, we’ll send you a limited edition “Learning to Drive” Driver’s License via .PDF.
You can choose between “Andy” the inspiration for LTD, or “Michael” the character based on Andy to print or do with as you wish. Just don't try to use it to buy beer. You'll embarrass yourself.
Claimed: 3 of 100
Select This Incentive
$21 USD
"Learning to Drive" - 8"x10" Poster and Desktop BG
In addition to seeing your name in the Thank You credits, we'll send you a printable .PDF of the film's poster (8"x10") for framing and posterity and stuff as well as a .jpg file you can use as your Desktop Background! It'll be like watching a part of the movie on your computer screen. I mean a very short part . . . like 1/24th of a second . . . as if it were on pause.
Claimed: 0 of 100
Select This Incentive
$25 USD
Signed REStevensArt Print!!
Get an archival paper print (up to 8"x10", 12"x12", etc.) of your favorite REStevensArtwork!
Choose from the photorealism paintings at www.yesitsapainting.com, or Drizzlescapes at www.drizzlescapes.com. These archival giclee prints are signed and ready for framing! In addition you'll find your name among the "Thank You" credits on the LTD website and in the end credits!
Claimed: 2 of 100
Select This Incentive
$30 USD
Signed, Limited Edition LTD Poster (8"x10")
If you prefer the REAL DEAL, rather than an emailed file, we will regular mail you a Signed and Numbered, Limited Edition (100) 8"x10" - Learning to Drive poster, Connorgraphed by none other than Connor Long!
You'll also still get your name in the "Thank You" credits and I'll still email you a .PDF of the poster if'n you want!Claimed: 5 of 100
Select This Incentive
$45 USD
Learning to Drive - 12Mo. Calendar
Our 2016, 12 month calendar will feature a different ‘homie with an extra chromie’ for each month; including Andy, the inspiration for our film; Connor, the star of our film; and Caleb, who plays young Michael in LTD. Other months will feature heroes with Down syndrome who’ve helped us get the film done! Additionally, each month will include at least one production still or frame-grab from the making of our film!
If you'd like your favorite Homie with DS featured IN the calendar, just scroll further down for that exciting incentive!
Claimed: 1 of 100
Select This Incentive
$75 USD
Your Personalized LTD Driver's License!!
Here's a SUPER FUN ONE!! Send us your favorite headshot/photo (minimum 450px square), along with the requisite stats and we’ll mail you a printed and laminated, PERSONALIZED “Learning to Drive” Driver’s License, just like the "Andy" and "Michael" licenses offered in a previous incentive.
We'll also email you the same document so you can print and laminate it in the future if you get pulled over and have your LTD license taken away! AND you'll find your name among the 'Thank You's' at the end of the film!
Claimed: 1 of 40
Select This Incentive
$75 USD
Signed "Learning to Drive" Movie Poster (24"x36")
Do you collect movie posters?!? How about regular posters? Or how about anything to do with "Learning to Drive"? Then THIS one's for you! For contributing $75 towards the completion of this fantabulous movie, you'll receive a signed and numbered, limited edition, 24”x36” - "Learning to Drive" Movie Poster; Connorgraphed by award winning star, Connor Long and enthusiastically optimistic filmmaker, Roderick E. Stevens II
We'll also toss in an 8"x10" poster you can give someone as a gift (or fold up real small to keep in your wallet or purse) as well as gleefully include your name in the "Thank You" list during the end credits of the film.
Claimed: 2 of 40
Select This Incentive
$100 USD
LTD Edition REStevensArt Canvas Reproduction!
Have you long - longed for a Signed and Numbered, Limited Edition canvas reproduction of one of Roderick E Stevens' award winning paintings?!?
Any unstretched, medium size canvas reproduction of my photo-realism artwork (per www.yesitsapainting.com) can be yours for helping us finish this here piece of cinematic art! Medium sizes include 16"x24", 12"x36", 20"x20", etc. This includes shipping to anywhere in the United States. International contributors can email me for details on shipping.
And of course you'll get heralded as a hero in the Thank You list at the end of the film and on the website!Claimed: 6 of 30
Select This Incentive
$375 USD
Be Immortalized in the LTD - 2016, 12 Month Calendar
BE A STAR!!! Send us 6-8 of the best pictures of your favorite hero with Down syndrome (must be a parent or guardian able to sign a likeness release on behalf of said model) and we will devote an entire month in our custom, professionally designed and printed, LTD calendar to your celebrity.
Of course you’ll get two copies of the calendar as well! And we'll include your entire immediate family's names in the Thank You credits at the end of the film and on the official LTD website!
Claimed: 0 of 9
Select This Incentive
$500 USD
YOUR STAR in OUR MOVIE!
Imagine seeing your favorite hero with Down syndrome on the big screen! Send us the best high-resolution photograph you have of your celebrity's gorgeous mug (must be a parent or guardian able to sign a likeness release on behalf of said model) and we will include it in the main ‘credit-crawl’ collage at the end of the film.
Picture if you will, as the closing credits are scrolling up the screen on the left, a fun collage of awesome people with Down syndrome will scroll up on the right. YOU or a LOVED ONE could be one of those people!!!
And of course your immediate family's names will be included in the Thank You credits at the very end.Claimed: 0 of 20
Select This Incentive
$950 USD
Your very own Hand-Painted custom REStevensArt Portrait
Ever wanted a hand-painted portrait of yourself or a loved one (including those of the furry, four-legged variety) to hang above the fireplace? I don't mean a photo printed on canvas, I mean the REAL DEAL here!
A custom hand-painted acrylic on canvas portrait of a single subject, based on a high-resolution photo provided by you. This is 50% off the usual rate for award-winning artist REStevens' commissioned paintings and applies to a single-person portrait up to 16”x24”. Additional people and sizes are available at a similar discount.
And of course you get to see your name listed in the Thank You credits at the end of our movie!
Claimed: 1 of 4
Select This Incentive
$2,500 USD
Be a Co-Producer on an Award Winning Film!!!
Now we’re TALKING!!
Be a Co-Producer on an award winning film! Not only will you get the full Co-Producer title including in the end credits, all relevant publicity materials and in the IMDb.com listing, but we will help you coordinate and host a local screening of the film with YOUR NAME on the big screen at a theater in your area!
Of course you can visit the production and will have access to all exclusive, behind-the-scenes materials as a Co-Producer! Want a signed poster? It’s yours! A signed copy of the script? You got it! Wanna ask questions about the process? We're open books (which doesn't mean we have the right answers, but it's better than nuttin') You will also be invited to attend at least one film festival as a member of the production team!!
Claimed: 0 of 4
Select This Incentive
$5,000 USD
BE THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER of an Award Winning Film!!!
You can’t get bigger than this (trust me, I'm a big guy)! Unless you’re Steven Spielberg!
In addition to the full Executive Producer title in the end credit crawl, ON the movie poster and in all relevant publicity materials, as well as the listing on IMDb.com, you will have full access to just about everything in the Learning to Drive universe: scripts, notes, posters, signed memorabilia, production information, etc. You’ll even get to join us for at least one film festival as a member of the production team and be a part of all the ensuing hoopla and celebration that comes with it!
We'll also help you coordinate a theatrical screening in YOUR hometown where you can luxuriate in the celebrity that comes with having your name as EP on an award winning film! :-DJust think! We might even win an Oscar with this puppy!
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Following is a bit of info as well as links for some of our key production personnel.
Producer/Director – Roderick E. Stevens II http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0828737
I spent over a decade lensing more than 25 feature films and countless music videos, commercials and promotional films as a cinematographer before turning my attention to fine art in 2004. During this hiatus the nature of cinematography has changed dramatically with the explosive advances in digital technology, to that end I was excited to turn the photography duties over to my long-time Gaffer so I could focus on Directing this project that is so close to my heart.Director of Photography – Daniel Gonzalez http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1603490
Daniel worked as my Gaffer on numerous productions before stepping up to D.P. In the last three years he has lensed over 20 short films and the last decade has seen him work as Gaffer and/or Lighting Technician on over 60 feature films and television shows including Fast & Furious 7, Captain America: Winter Soldier, Gone Girl, The Muppets, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor, Star Trek, Mad Men, and more.Gaffer – Cass Rasmussen http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1211849/
Cass also served as my Gaffer on numerous occasions during my work as a cinematographer and joyfully stepped in to Gaff for Danny. His electrical department credits are extensive, including all seven seasons of the long running television series, Sons of Anarchy.Key Grip – Tony Whitman http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0926186/
I can only say that Tony’s involvement was an incredible bit of fortune for Learning to Drive. Tony has been gripping since before I was even in grade school and has been the Key Grip on such long running shows as Scrubs, Weeds, Medium, Pretty Little Liars and CSI as well as numerous feature films like Die Hard With a Vengeance. I was thrilled when Tony reached out to me having heard through the grapevine about our project and our search for a Key Grip.Sound Recordist – Greg Cosh http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0181849
Greg has been my go-to sound recordist since some of my first projects as a cinematographer. Over the years I’ve not yet found as courteous, professional and competent a production mixer as Greg listing over 100 credits to his name including Argo, CSI, Underworld: Awakening, Law & Order, Bad Teacher, The Unit and The Salon.
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