HOOP DREAMS 3D

Hello, it's Liam, Eytan, and Kathleen. We're all typing, sharing the keyboard, each of us taking a third. Thank you for taking the time to read, we’re extremely excited to share Hoop Dreams 3D with you.

A little context: Hoop Dreams 3D is the sequel to Hoop Dreams 2, a mockumentary short film Liam and Eytan made in 2020 about “Liam,” a 25-year-old man with no athletic ability who embarks on a quixotic quest to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA. Click here to watch Hoop Dreams 2.

In Hoop Dreams 3D, we pick up with Liam’s story as he embarks on a new venture – acting. The experience of being on camera during Hoop Dreams 2, coupled with the impassioned response it received (3 comments on Vimeo) has convinced him his true destiny is to be an actor. Lack of experience or training be damned, the dramatic mask beckons. One of the biggest differences from Hoop Dreams 2 is that the character of Eytan will step out from behind the camera. As time has passed and this is their second collaboration, their relationship has deepened. If Hoop Dreams 2 was about Liam, Hoop Dreams 3D is about Liam and Eytan. Adding a central relationship adds a new dimension to the film. It brings different kinds of comedy and challenges that – on top of the jokes, bits, comedic set pieces, and story we have written – have us extremely excited about making this movie.

Beneath the initial comedy of the premise itself, we are particularly excited to take on the challenges of making a sequel. Not only do we think it’s funny to apply the current Hollywood logic of sequels and remakes to our independent short film, but also we are genuinely motivated by the artistic pursuit – we’ve thought critically about how to expand upon HD2 in terms of scope, style, and story in ways that realizes the potential of returning to these characters. Hoop Dreams 3D is a different world, a different documentary style, and a different kettle of fish for both the characters of Liam and Eytan and the three of us as writers and directors and producers.

The response to Hoop Dreams 2 was very positive – besides our write-up in Vulture, it got a lot of positive feedback from many people both inside and outside the entertainment industry. It has been and continues to be an extremely effective example of our work and has led to real opportunities. Hoop Dreams 3D represents a meaningful culmination for the three of us. We’ve all worked so hard to build a strong entertainment and comedy community that is enthusiastic about our work and excited to see what we do next. For Kathleen, that's been her work at Comedy Central and Fair Harbor Productions and producing live comedy shows. For Eytan and Liam it's been working in writer's rooms, interviewing for writing jobs, and being active in the comedy community. All of our work dovetails to put us in a position where Hoop Dreams 3D can lead to meaningful next steps in our careers.

We're proud to have made Hoop Dreams 2 for as little money as possible, and we're taking that same approach to Hoop Dreams 3D. Not only do we genuinely abhor waste and needless spending, but also we believe keeping the budget to the minimum actually makes the final product better. It engenders creativity, problem-solving, a lack of ego and a hard-working attitude that brings the best out of everyone. It's important to us to make something in this spirit while still being able to meet the necessary expenses that are required to make a short film ethically. Our budget reflects the bare minimum of filmmaking: reserving locations, recording sound, and paying our cast and crew for their time and labor over the course of our 3 day shoot spanning June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd. This will make the difference in creating a product that is impressive, legitimate, professional, and stands out.

If you’re receiving this link it’s because you are family, a friend, or someone we thought would be invested in helping us. There truly aren’t enough words to capture the depth of gratitude we would feel if you would help us make this movie. The three of us do this work because we care so deeply about making comedy. It’s what gives us purpose and it drives us. We work so hard to do it, this project is extremely meaningful to us, and your partnership and support makes it even more special.

We are hoping to keep this fundraiser shared amongst friends rather than on social profiles (at least initially), but please feel free to pass along to anyone you think would be interested in contributing!

Thank you again,

Kathleen, Liam, and Eytan