Help Me Make TREASURE HUNT
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Miles. This is the fundraiser for my short film, TREASURE HUNT, a mockumentary adventure about the lost treasure of Dutch Schultz.
Please enjoy this short concept trailer to get a feel for the project.
CONCEPT TRAILER
If you like what you just watched, please consider contributing to this fundraiser.
SYNOPSIS
MILES COHEN (21M) wants to make a docu-series pilot on the Dutch Schultz treasure legend, determined to have his own TV show upon graduating college. Helping him are his girlfriend, LAURYN CHARLIAH (22F), an aspiring TV producer; his childhood friend, RAY STOCKIN (23M), an experienced hiker; and a ragtag crew of fellow film students.
After they stumble upon A REAL LIFE TREASURE MAP, Miles turns the documentary into an earnest SEARCH FOR THE LOST TREASURE.
Miles may be following in the footsteps of Schultz, but not how he thinks, as he loses sight of his responsibility to the people he loves in pursuit of a treasure that may or may not exist.
Will he BEAT the GOLD MADNESS, or DOOM himself to the BEER BARON’S FATE?
INCENTIVES
TREASURE HUNTER - $10
Join us (metaphorically)!
TREASURE HUNTER LEVEL DONORS GET:
- Shoutout on Instagram
- Ninety years of good luck
GANGSTER - $50
The National Crime Syndicate was the high table of crime, attended by the likes of Al Capone, "Bugsy" Siegel, Lucky Luciano... and, of course, our man, Schultz.
GANGSTER LEVEL DONORS GET:
- Shoutout on Instagram
- Personal thank you email from the director
- The right to call yourself a "gangster level donor"
LULU - $100
Bernard "Lulu" Rosenkrantz was the Dutchman's chauffeur, bodyguard, and right-hand man. Who's idea didja think it was to bury that fortune, anyhows?
LULU LEVEL DONORS GET:
- Shoutout on Instagram
- Personal thank you video from the director
- Private screening link to the finished film
- The right to call yourself "Lulu". I guess that's not as cool....
DEWEY - $500
Thomas E. Dewey was the special prosecutor tasked with cracking down on the mob in New York. He later became the state governor. Yeah, he was a pretty big deal.
DEWEY LEVEL DONORS GET:
- Shoutout on Instagram
- Personal thank you video from the director
- Private screening link to the finished film
- High quality digital package of select pre-production materials (storyboards, concept art, etc.)
- Invitation to the premiere screening
- Associate Producer credit
- A bid for the 1948 U.S. Presidential Election
SCHULTZ - $1000
Be the man himself.
SCHULTZ LEVEL DONORS GET:
- Shoutout on Instagram
- Personal thank you video from the director
- Private screening link to the finished film
- High quality digital package of select pre-production materials (storyboards, concept art, etc.)
- Private link to behind-the-scenes featurette
- Invitation to the premiere screening
- Executive Producer credit
- My undying gratitude
HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED
These funds will be used for:
- Transportation, food, and lodging for the crew
- Equipment purchases and rentals
- Production design
- Post-production
- Festival fees
WHY THIS STORY?
Why do I want to make a short film about a dead gangster and his treasure? Because, at its heart, Schultz's story is the story of unchecked fantasy, and Miles's story is the same.
I believe that ambitions and dreams are beautiful, bright, shining things that have the potential to make the world a better place. But the gleam of a distant dream can blind you to the people and things right in front of you.
If you chase a dream with total abandon, you might not notice those you trample underfoot… until it's too late.
I am making this film as a cautionary tale for myself, but also for anyone who has ever been tempted to chase a fantasy forever.
I hope it helps. I also hope it's funny.
Sincerely,
Miles
Co-organizers (2)
Miles Cohen
Organizer
New York, NY
Lauryn Charliah
Co-organizer