The Scarlet Thread
by Terri Smith
Terri Smith
Follow
The Scarlet Thread
by Terri Smith
Terri Smith
Follow
My dream of writing and directing my first film is happening after years of directing live theatre and being a script supervisor. My directorial debut is a personal story of loss, shame and redemption. My hope for this film is to help others come out from behind their wall of shame from addiction.
My dream of writing and directing my first film is happening after years of directing live theatre and being a script supervisor. My directorial debut is a personal story of loss, shame and redemption. My hope for this film is to help others come out from behind their wall of shame from addiction.
-
Story
Mission Statement
As a seasoned woman, no longer the age of most first time directors, this film will have a cast/crew that is multi-ethnic and diverse in age and orientation. Our protagonist is a woman in her forties and the majority of the supporting roles are women, high school students and people of color.About The Project
I have been a lover of movies my entire life. All genres and types--whether on the big screen or small. I first began working in films as a Script Supervisor (sort of a stage manager, but for films) many years ago. I was proud to be part of the I.A.T.S.E. 161 NYC union for several years. I worked on low budget independent films and top-notch commercials. However, with a family move to the west coast, my working on films dwindled down to zero.
Jump 15 years later, and a local director took a chance on me, to dust off my Script Supervisor skills. Let me tell you there is nothing more exciting than getting behind that camera and watching the action going on in front of you. I didn't even mind the 15 hour days. Working with Loretta Devine and Jeremy Ray Valdez was a real treat.
Then a new dream began. Could I actually write and direct my own film? My first thought was, "I'm too old!" With the encouragement and support of others, I decided to try it anyway.
I wrote The Scarlet Thread in a matter of just a couple of days (but I've been working on it and developing it for two years). It's a story about a professional upper-class woman who has a gambling addiction. It's a story that is very loosely based on my own life. After much research, to try and understand this addiction, I found out that gambling affects people of all ages, economic status, and stations in life. While men were once the majority of addicts, women are now climbing in equal numbers of those who are addicted. Women who face life struggles such as divorce, isolation, anxiety, and depression, are more likely to pick up an addiction, especially gambling.
The Scarlet Thread team, cast, and crew are a multigenerational, ethnically diverse group of people--led by mostly women in each production department.
This is an important story that needs to be told. We accept and understand the hardships and struggles of those that are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We have compassion and understanding. When it comes to a gambling addict, she's told, "Just don't go." It's time for women and men to come out from behind the wall of shame, find out they are not alone, and to know there is help for them.
What will I do with this film once it's completed?
My desire is to share this film, as a public service announcement, to reach Gamblers Anonymous, women's groups, and other organizations to reach others who struggle with this addiction. Also as I share this short film at film festivals, I will be able to share my story, in hopes that it will touch others.
Incentives
$10
Online--Script Read--with Key Actors
To everyone who donates, $10 or more between now and Monday, May 4th, you will be able to join the live broadcast of our script read with our two main actors. This read-through will take place in May. It'll be a great way to meet our actors, ask questions, and learn how you can be part of the filming of The Scarlet Thread.
$10
Scarlet Shout-out
$10 is great. Every bit helps.
I will shout you out on social media!
Claimed: 3 of 125
$15
Scarlet High Five
$15 is more than deserving of a virtual high five--so I will shout you out and do so with a gif or emoji to make the world smile.
$25
Digital Poster
$25 is so awesome that I will email you a digital poster of the movie! Of course, you'll get all the incentives leading up to this amazing gift of $25.
Claimed: 2 of 50
$50
Scarlet Video Shout Out to Social Media
$50 will get you all the previous incentives and I'll shout out via a video on social media to let the world know how awesome you are!
$100
Scarlet Credit
If you give $100, you will be listed in the credits with my SPECIAL THANKS for making this film happen---plus all the other incentives!
Claimed: 11 of 50
$250
Scarlet Set Visit
If you give $250 you can come to a day of filming. You'll get special treatment onset. You can dine at our crafts table, sit next to the director for a couple of takes, and meet our cast and crew. You must be available during July 6-9. You can still give even if you can't make it :)
Claimed: 2 of 3
$500
Scarlet Script
You'll get a signed copy of the front of the script, framed, and mailed to you with my utmost thanks for giving! All the other incentives apply.
Claimed: 0 of 25
$1,000
Scarlet Set
Come on set as a VIP. Shadow the film crew, watch how things are done--we might even let YOU call ACTION!
All other incentives are open to you as well!
Claimed: 0 of 5
$2,000
Co-Producer
You are a co-partner, a co-producer in this film. You'll have your name on IMDB, the coveted credit all aspiring movie makers are trying to build.
All other incentives apply.
$4,000
Executive Producer
The EP credit is for the funders who give the most! You will be credited as EXECUTIVE PRODUCER and get all the other incentives. You'll always get the "credit" for making this film possible and be invited to all our red carpet and screening events (transportion/lodging not included).
Claimed: 0 of 2
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Online--Script Read--with Key Actors
To everyone who donates, $10 or more between now and Monday, May 4th, you will be able to join the live broadcast of our script read with our two main actors. This read-through will take place in May. It'll be a great way to meet our actors, ask questions, and learn how you can be part of the filming of The Scarlet Thread.
$10
Scarlet Shout-out
$10 is great. Every bit helps.
I will shout you out on social media!
Claimed: 3 of 125
$15
Scarlet High Five
$15 is more than deserving of a virtual high five--so I will shout you out and do so with a gif or emoji to make the world smile.
$25
Digital Poster
$25 is so awesome that I will email you a digital poster of the movie! Of course, you'll get all the incentives leading up to this amazing gift of $25.
Claimed: 2 of 50
$50
Scarlet Video Shout Out to Social Media
$50 will get you all the previous incentives and I'll shout out via a video on social media to let the world know how awesome you are!
$100
Scarlet Credit
If you give $100, you will be listed in the credits with my SPECIAL THANKS for making this film happen---plus all the other incentives!
Claimed: 11 of 50
$250
Scarlet Set Visit
If you give $250 you can come to a day of filming. You'll get special treatment onset. You can dine at our crafts table, sit next to the director for a couple of takes, and meet our cast and crew. You must be available during July 6-9. You can still give even if you can't make it :)
Claimed: 2 of 3
$500
Scarlet Script
You'll get a signed copy of the front of the script, framed, and mailed to you with my utmost thanks for giving! All the other incentives apply.
Claimed: 0 of 25
$1,000
Scarlet Set
Come on set as a VIP. Shadow the film crew, watch how things are done--we might even let YOU call ACTION!
All other incentives are open to you as well!
Claimed: 0 of 5
$2,000
Co-Producer
You are a co-partner, a co-producer in this film. You'll have your name on IMDB, the coveted credit all aspiring movie makers are trying to build.
All other incentives apply.
$4,000
Executive Producer
The EP credit is for the funders who give the most! You will be credited as EXECUTIVE PRODUCER and get all the other incentives. You'll always get the "credit" for making this film possible and be invited to all our red carpet and screening events (transportion/lodging not included).
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Terri Smith (Writer/Director) after directing many live theatre performances and on set film experineces, Terri is debuting with her first original short film.
Jessica Musgrave (Producer) is a Bay Area native who produces all sorts of media content including film, animation, corporate and music videos. She manages production and coordinates contracts with SAG-AFTRA and has worked on both large film screening and festival events with BraveMaker.
Tony Gapastione (Producer) is a writer/director/producer who also is the executive director of the Bay Area nonprofit BraveMaker empowering brave storytellers and supporting emerging filmmakers.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers
