Funding for Feature Film about PTSD
ABOUT THE FILM:SYNOPSIS: LEESA TAYLOR suffers from PTSD due to an abusive relationship. She seeks help from DR. THOMAS WOLPE, a psychiatrist that specializes in a new form of prolonged exposure therapy called the "MNEMOSYNE TECHNIQUE." This form of therapy has patients re-live and re-experience memories in order to confront the source of their trauma.
Here are the talented actors who have been cast!
Emily Hill as Leesa Taylor:
Daniel De Lange as Martin Jacobs:
Liam Bobersky as Jared Clark:
Jessica Breda as Alex Luna:
Naomi Pandolfi as Carla Kyle:
Kevin Winebold as Thomas Wolpe:
Pooya Mohsni as Jean Wolpe:
ABOUT ME:
My name is Brett Kodama and I'm starting my fourth and final year at The School of Visual Arts, majoring in their BFA Film and Video program. I've made two films each year, each one being more complex and better made than those that came before. The lengths varied from five minutes to twenty-two minutes.
Here is a teaser for my latest film:
The whole film can be found on my Vimeo page
MY GOAL / WHY THIS MATTERS:
My goal with this film is to do something realistically depicting the side effects that come from domestic violence and sexual abuse cases. It's loosely based on someone I know, which is where the idea originates from.
For this reason, I wish to deal more with the aftermath of what happens because I feel that it is often overlooked, especially in the media. Cases of sexual abuse and rape seem to lose impact and presence once the abuser is caught, or put in jail, etc. This is not the case for the victim, as something as traumatic as being abused stays with you for a very long time. Even when I was discussing this premise with others, they often were more focused on the immediate aftermath (the abuser being caught, the abuser being put in jail), and not so much the lasting psychological damage the person has to endure.
The subject matter is one that I think is very relevant in today's culture, and it's something that should be addressed in some shape-or-form.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES:
While SVA provides us with equipment, we are expected to get the funds to cover all other expenses that go into our film. This includes paying for: locations, permits, insurance, transportation, food for actors/crew, storage for equipment, etc.
While I do have some money saved up from working, I do not want to find myself limited in funds on such an important project. Locations can cost upwards of $500+, and that's a lower estimate and for only having the location for a couple of days. Renting out transportation/getting transportation to move equipment (if I use a taxi) would average around $50 each way based on the current locations I have established. Renting out a truck to move large props would cost much more, not to mention the cost of renting the props themselves. In addition, there are even more expenses to be considered during the post-production process.
I want to be able to represent my point-of-view to the best of my abilities, and know that I put everything into this project that I possibly could.
WHEN THIS WILL BE SEEN:
The finished film will be screened next May (or April) at the SVA Theater on 23rd street between 8th and 9th Avenue as part of the senior thesis show.
It goes without saying that anyone who donates will be mentioned in the end credits.
Thank you so much! - Brett Kodama
