'No Loitering, Please' a Grand Rapids short film

SYNOPSIS:

Simeon, a comic book shop owner, discovers Jane, a homeless woman, loitering in the back of his shop directly after closing up one night. While initially he attempts to get her to leave, the two of them bond over similar interests and form an easy friendship.

ABOUT:

No Loitering, Please is a dramatic comedy set locally in Grand Rapids, MI. It is being written and directed by Caleb Michael LaClear, a fourth year film student at Grand Valley State University. This film will deal with the societal issue of homelessness, which while incredibly prevalent in the United States as a whole, is accentuated even further by the harsh and freezing winters of Grand Rapids. It will premiere at the 2024 GVSU Spring Film Showcase, and will be submitted for consideration to film festivals across the country.

As a team, we are determined to make a film that is deeply tied to the city and culture of Grand Rapids, which we plan on doing several ways -

1. We will be shooting in a local comic shop (exact location not yet determined),

2. Hiring multiple real homeless citizens as extras in the film, as well as providing them with a meal.

3. Most importantly, the exceeds from this fundraiser that we do not need for the production of the film will all be going to a local homeless shelter or organization*

*We have decided to partner with the Bagged Lunch Crew, a small non-profit student-ran organization that provides the homeless of Grand Rapids with meals and other important provisions.

MEET THE TEAM:

Writer/Director - Caleb Michael LaClear

Caleb is a 4th year film student at Grand Valley State University, and this is his second outing as a Writer/Director, his first being 'Nolan the Forest-Dwelling Samurai' (2023). Caleb is native to Farmington, New Mexico, where he spent his childhood years in very close proximity with a large homeless population. Outside of his life as a filmmaker, he is a musician and thus will be composing the score for this film, as he does for all of his and some others' work. This film is incredibly close to Caleb's heart, and he has already been working tirelessly to get it made the right way.

Producer - Rachel Rossini

Rachel Rossini is a Producer, Audio Engineer, and Singer. She will graduate from GVSU in April 2024 with a Bachelor of the arts in Vocal Performance and Film/Video Production. She has worked as a foley artist and voice actress in Joel Potrykus’ short film Unemployees and edited the pilot episode of The Charvelle’s pilot episode of her series title ‘Sweetness’. She has produced several other short films and commercials. She looks forward to this new project which she hopes will help the underserved homeless population in Grand Rapids.

Director of Photography - Kaela Sherk

Kaela is in her fourth year at Grand Valley State University studying film and video. She has always been passionate about photography and videography, creating her own videos for social media since she was a teenager. Since beginning college, she has had numerous experiences as a Director of Photography and video editor, including as the Director of Photography on Nolan the Forest-Dwelling Samurai (2023). She currently works at Grand Valley as a digital studio technician, where she assists with filming and editing educational videos for faculty.

Production Designer - Andrew Schreur

Andrew is a Zeeland, Michigan native. He is currently a Senior in Grand Valley State University's Film and Video Production Program. He specializes in Animation, Scriptwriting, and Production Design. He is an animation intern for Grand Valley's Grand Path Project. Andrew previously worked as a Production Assistant on Nolan the Forest-Dwelling Samurai (2023). When he's not making movies, he likes spending time hiking with his dog, Jaina.

Assistant Director - Ben Bruce

Ben is a filmmaker and actor from Wixom, MI. He has been on countless GVSU projects as a Director of Photography, Production Assistant, and many various roles, including acting. Ben is dedicated and excited to bring the best of his abilities to No Loitering, Please to help fully realize the potential of the project.

+ Many other highly appreciated crew members

MISSION STATEMENT:

As a crew, we are not only setting out to simply make a good short film; We are setting out to raise awareness for an issue near and dear to our hearts, while uplifting those who historically have been neglected. Without a significant change in representation and attitudes regarding people in unfortunate situations, they will continue to be neglected.

While our team is dedicated to making this film as great as we can, it will not be possible if we lack the funding required to pay our actors, feed the cast and crew, buy props, and many other expenses. If you are interested in helping our cause, any contribution big or small would be met with much gratitude.

Thank you so much,

-The entire crew of No Loitering, Please.