"Bootstraps" Thesis Film

The Story

The world of “Bootstraps” is an unforgiving and confusing space to navigate. Kirsten, a young actress who finds herself amidst a surreal play production, is guided along by an abusive director and his assistant, Peter. The longer she stays, the more unclear her role in the production becomes and her sense of her own identity.

 

 

Why We Need Your Help

“Bootstraps” is my thesis film project. The idea and script have been in the works for over two years. As the screenwriter, director, and producer, this film has been the focus of my academic, professional, and creative life for quite some time. That being said, “Bootstraps” is not my first short film but is definitely the largest and most elaborate. Even though this is a film made within a University curriculum, the scope and nature of the project are no different than a standard independent film production. Part of that is because of the limited funding from the university itself as this is one of the first semesters that this thesis film course is being offered. That also means that the rest of the funding has been provided by myself.

 

 

 

 

One aspect of this production that is important to me is not cutting corners and lowering standards just because we are students with a limited budget. We currently have a cast and crew of over twenty members, some of which are not affiliated with my university. There are certain labor and production standards that should be maintained on any set, especially one of this size. These include payment for cast and crew, transportation and food coverage, COVID protection resources, and proper safety equipment and insurance for rental equipment. With those standards come significant additional costs that have been a major hurdle for this production, not only in the midst of a global pandemic but also limited school funding.

 

 

 

 

With this crowdfunding campaign, the goal is to be able to help pay for production costs that are essential to maintaining a professional environment throughout and maintaining current film production practices and standards in general. With any contributions, we will be able to help pay for essential resources throughout the production process. This film has been not only one of the most satisfying projects of my career thus far but also a major stepping stone for the future. With your help, we can make this possible at the highest quality.

 

Sadly, as production continues to expand and the project becomes more complex, the realities of the cost of production become much more apparent. There are guarantees with this production that are unique to it being a University-related project. By the end of the semester, the film will have to be completed and won’t remain in production hell.

 

It would mean a lot to Joshua and the cast and crew of Bootstraps if you could help us in any way. We understand that not everyone can financially contribute, but you can still be a great help by sharing this project. A special thanks in the credits of the film will be added for anyone who give large donations!

 

Many thanks from Joshua Skrinner and the Bootstraps crew and cast!