Persephone - A short film.

Persephone is an original concept short film, inspired by Greek mythology, about the forbidden love between a dancer and a piano player. Forbidden because, after tragedy, they no longer occupy the same world. Only the strongest love can cross this darkest of thresholds...

THE CAST:

Greek-African American artist Krystal White. (Me) The lead and executive producer of Persephone.

I have grown up in San Francisco, the Mediterranean, and London, and find myself back in California to focus on one thing that has definitely remained a constant in my life: my love for film.

I can't tell you how honored I feel to have such great talent already getting involved with my project, joining me on this mission to create this beautiful story that has been inspired by a part of my heritage - Greek mythology - and by the emotional struggles and fears that make us human, and the hope and faith in love that makes us strong.

Greek-Australian Louis Mandylor will be taking Persephone into his hands as director. And I am excited to say that he will also be my co-star, as Jack Aidoneus. Louis is the energy that is driving this film forwards. Yes, he is the guy who tells the groom to say, "Eho tria archidia!" ("I have three balls!") on My Big Fat Greek Wedding... but he is also an award-winning filmmaker, and I am lucky to have him at the helm of this film.

And the woman who played our favorite Greek mother! Golden Globe nominee Lainie Kazan has graciously agreed to come onboard as Margot Hererra - Persephone's friend and mentor.

THE WRITER:  And the talented man who has woven Persephone into a beautifully engaging script, is New Zealand-based Peter Lancett. Writing mostly for television now, Peter is a novelist and literary editor, and author of the award-winning Dark Man series of illustrated books.

THE CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Canadian Nadeem Soumah, our Director of Photography, recently completed work on Buried Treasure, directed by Leslie Hope (24, The River), and a stylized high concept film called Elwood, directed by Louis Mandylor. This man does magic with the Red Epic camera. Which is what we're shooting with!

PRODUCER & FIRST AD:  Jesse Collver made his first movie at the ripe young age of 8, starring his Star Wars action heroes. He has since produced multiple projects, directed two of his own shorts, and worked on CSI: NY.

THE MISSION:  To create an emotionally and visually captivating film that tells a unique forbidden love story, that will not only be a story you can relate to, but one that will leave you with hope. And to create a film that will be worthy of festivals around the world.

THE BUDGET:  We have a lot of people offering their incredible talent (performance, special effects, music etc) to this project for free. For the love of filmmaking and because of their faith in this project, for which I am beyond grateful. We still have to pay for costumes, props, a really great crew, post-production costs and editing, permits, catering... But, I'm lucky. Because with the amazing team I'm gathering.. with $15,000 this film will look like it cost a million!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:  This movie is not for profit. It is fuelled purely by the desire to tell a beautiful story. This film is the very definition of a "passion project". Hence why we seek YOUR support (and not financing from production companies).

I am grateful for every ounce of support this project receives, and I promise to do my best to keep gathering a formidable and talented team to really make this a powerful and special short film.

All my best,

Krystal White

"First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination." Napoleon Hill

PERSEPHONE IS IN THE PRESS!!!!!

• Krystal gave an interview with OpenBeast and talked about Persephone. "OpenBeast is the largest independent interview source, devoted to achievement stories on inspirational personalities."
  
• The Greek Star, (the oldest continuously published Greek newspaper in the US & voice of Chicago's Hellenic Community since 1904), posted an article about Krystal and Persephone.
• The Ekathemerini, Greece's main national daily newspaper, publishes an article on Krystal and Persephone.
  

SOME OF THE (COSTLY) ESSENTIALS THAT GO INTO MAKING A MOVIE:

Pre-Production:

• Production Paperwork Printing Expenses
• Posters

Production:

• Camera Rental (complimentary!)
• Costumes
• Props
• Art Dept/Set Dressing
• Exterior Locations
• Interior Locations - $0 (complimentary!!!)
• Craft Service
• Catering
• Insurance
• Permits
• Transportation

Post Production:

• Sound Mix
• Score
• Visual Effects
• Postcards
• Festival Submission Fees
• Domain Registration
• Site hosting
• DVD copies

Crew:

• Director
• Director of Photography
• 1^st AC
• 2^nd AC
• Gaffer
• 1^st AD
• 2^nd AD
• Art Department
• On Set Sound
• Scripty
• DIT
• Makeup/Hair
• Key Grip
• BB Grip
• Wardrobe
• PA
• Extras!

(I am lucky to not have to include director fees or interior location and camera rental fees..)

These flags represent where our support, contributions, and team members are coming from so far!