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The Film
The Shade explores the cruel and often fatal effects the dark side of our capitalist system has on people across the financial spectrum. It follows the perspective of two men, each separated by the expanse of America, but nevertheless tethered by the jackboot of the recent Wall Street crisis. Facing foreclosure and besieged by thoughts of desperation, they each take drastic measures in confronting their fates.
The Genesis
Though our film is a work of fiction, it is derived from an undeniable, punishing truth. It does not seek to, nor would it ever attempt to explain how this "truth" metastesizes into the leap in mindset some Americans have adopted in dealing with their respective financial woes. Moreover, it does not judge. Rather, it contemplates their situations with a sense of pathos and yearning for a reasonable solution. The way some of our countrymen have taken to tackling said troubles is a sad affair, and one that confounds the understanding. About a year ago, I came across an article that chronicled a rash of incidents in which people facing foreclosure, or who found themselves completely ruined by the machinations of Wall Street, chose to end their lives and the lives of those around them. It was a devastating read and something I could not let go of. The more I thought about it, the less sense each and every one of those tragedies made to me, and it ultimately kept bringing me back to this central question: what is it about us, our society, and by extension America, that compels people to not only end their lives, but that of their loved ones as well? These tragic events are symptomatic of a larger, corrosive problem, one that seems to have become more and more entrenched in the collective psyche of America, and one which once upon a time came to be known as the American Dream. A dream that's clearly been supplanted by a waking nightmare. And this, ultimately, is what The Shade seeks to shine a spotlight on. It is an elegy for a part of the American soul that has long been buried under a false promise.
Why We Need You
Production on the first half of the film was completed late last summer in northern New Jersey, and we now seek to complete the second half in Los Angeles. With your help, the funds will be allocated toward covering the end of production, as well as post-production; from securing our DP, Gaffer, and Sound Recordist during the former, and a Sound Designer, and color correction during the latter. This has been a passion project not just for me, but for all those involved. From our stellar cast on the east coast, among them acclaimed, award winning actors George Katt and Meissa Hampton, whose heartfelt performances you can see in the provided clip; to our equally fantastic performers on the west coast who await their turn at completing our story; to our dedicated crew with whom nothing would be possible; and our friends and family who have been supportive every step of the way. As things go, the funds will also be appropriated toward the making of dvd copies, film-related paraphernalia, and eventual festival entries. As such, your contribution would not only help deliver the film from it's conception, but deliver it to its latent place in the world as well.
Other Ways You Can Assist
If you happen to believe in the film as much as we do, and wouldn't mind spreading the word about it, by all means do so! You'd be helping us out tremendously and our gratitude would be immesurable!
Team on This Campaign:
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Harold JimenezWriter/Director
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M DiazProducer / UPM
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Klemen NovakActor
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Yuri AlvesProducer
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Meissa HamptonActress
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Matthew KrauseActor
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Chris RiquinhaActor