Synopsis:

Charlie Birger was a Prohibition Era gangster and became the last man to be publicly hanged in Illinois in 1928.  Throughout the 20s, he was one of the most powerful men in the "Little Egypt" area, extending from East St. Louis west and south to the river borders of Southern Illinois.  Through his bootlegging and illegal gambling network, Charlie became a wealthy man who was seen as a generous friend to the poor and was described by one journalist as a "knight of another sort."  Charlie was also known as a man you didn't cross.  His empire was one born of machine gun justice.  He was responsible for scores of murders and his war with The Shelton Gang turned Southern Illinois into a blood stained battle field.  He was able to elude the law time and time again...until the murder of Joe Adams, the mayor of West City.  Perhaps Charlie can best be summed up by one of his quotes:  "I've killed men...but never a good one."

While Charlie was awaiting his execution, he unsuccessfully attempted to commit suicide.  We examine the events of Charlie's last night on earth, when he is visited by someone...or something...in his cell.  Will this mysterious stranger offer a way out?  Does he offer redemption?  Or can a man of Charlie's nature ever truly be redeemed?

About The Project:

NEVER A GOOD ONE is a short tale of gothic American horror that takes a speculative/supernatural look at real life gangster Charlie Birger on the night before his hanging.  Production will begin in late September, 2011 in Bellingham, Washington.   Through a combination of dramatic character development and realistic visual effects, the audience sees a man struggling to confront the sins of his past, his sense of identity and his own mortality.  Most importantly, the viewer is forced to face these demons within him/herself and learns that there is always a chance of redemption.  Ultimately, it is a story of hope.

The mysterious visitor is revealed to be a demon intent on convincing Charlie to commit suicide, thereby securing a place in Hell for yet one more soul.  The stranger's true demonic form will be revealed through a combination of special effects makeup, cable controlled mechanics and computer generated visual effects.  The effects team includes Langley West, who has provided practical and visual effects to independent features, shorts, television and web content, and Ivan Owen, who specializes in the fabrication of chainmail, custom armor and mechanically controlled devices of his own design.

A unique combination of rural American history and supernatural storytelling, NEVER A GOOD ONE is a product of passion stemming from the writer's desire to share the stories of his childhood.  The first in a series, it serves as an introduction to a world of rustic storytelling; the fabric of American myth.  Readers of the script have described it as a gothic "Twilight Zone" episode, while others have described it as "Twin Peaks meets Tales From The Crypt."  While it stands alone as an original story, it also opens the door onto an anthology series that introduces an entire universe of alternate supernatural history.

The Impact

NEVER A GOOD ONE is taking advantage of the rich talent pool that makes up the lively independent filmmaking community of the Pacific Northwest.  From local actors to crew members from local production companies, everyone involved is a valued member of a team.  We hope to continue this trend with other films, ultimately providing a regular outlet for the local independent film community.  Additionally, as the first in a series, NEVER A GOOD ONE is leading toward the formation of a website where all types of artists can display their work; be it illustration, writing, music or film.  The TALES OF LITTLE EGYPT project seeks to set up a universe and all are invited to add to it.  Even though it is based around a central, semi-fictional location, LITTLE EGYPT serves as a surrogate for any place in America where tales of the strange are told.  Every state in the nation has it's own Little Egypt. 

Despite being an intensely personal project, NEVER A GOOD ONE has captured the imagination of several.  For example, the alternative country band The Woodbox Gang liked the script and has agreed to provide the music for the film.  The songs used were written specifically about Charlie Birger's life. 

Great effort is being taken to provide an accurate depiction of life in 1920s rural America.  Costumes, props, vehicles...all must be accurate.  Even though the story is essentially a fantasy, the audience can only believe it if the world in which it occurs is real.  This further requires the involvement of a number of local people and businesses. 

It is with the combined efforts of all these people in mind that the filmmakers will be taking the film to festivals and using it as a calling card to secure support for further projects.  They intend to demonstrate that one need not go to Hollywood to make good films and tell compelling stories.  Ultimately, we seek to educate, entertain and enlighten.

Support

We are excited by the concept of crowd funding, because it gives YOU the chance to become part of the filmmaking process.  By giving support, you become part of the team, every bit as important as the director and crew.  We hope this gives you a sense of ownership:  it is your film as much as it is ours.  Everyone who contributes will receive some type of recognition and special gift.  (Make sure to check out our Perks List!)  Our goal of $5,000 will cover the cost of production and ensure the quality of the project.   

Specifically, we need funds to build sets, construct the creature effects, obtain props and rent equipment.  Additionally, we would like to compensate the actors and crew for their hard work.  Without your support, the film will still be made but the quality will suffer.  Our goal is to make the best film possible, which can only happen with your involvement.  Any contribution, no matter how small, will help greatly.  Every dollar raised will help to make your movie the best it can be.  

Other Ways You Can Help

There are a number of other ways you can help.  The more the word gets out, the better chances we have of reaching our goal.  Please share this with as many people as possible, whether it's through social networking sites, word of mouth, email, etc.  This is one case where the old adage "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" is certainly true.  The more you share this with others, the squeakier our wheel gets.  The more noise we make, the greater the chances of making this dream become a reality.  Thank you for your support, your time and your attention.  We look forward to showing your movie to the world.