The Fantastical Life of Max
Donation protected
My name is Cecil Houser. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder related to sexual abuse from someone whom was supposed to be a care provider for me as a child. I have been haunted by this event my entire life. The remnants of this event have shaped my life through boughts of depression, thoughts of suicide and self-deprecation. The manifestation of this event has become more intense as I get older and I now take medicine prescribed by my psychiatrist to help with anxiety allowing me to function day to day.
I am however very blessed to have the support of a loving wife and two beautiful daughters. In addition, I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to complete a college education currently working to complete a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Film.
This movie concept is something that started as the dream of a child. Although it has some autobiographical content, the movie is filled with the fantastical imagination of a ten year old boy and his journey to find himself. Thank you for taking some time to look at this page and to consider becoming a collaborator on this project.
THE ASK:
I am working to raise the funds to create my thesis film entitled "The Fantastical Life of Max". Drawn from my childhood, Max is a 10 year old boy who has lost his father at a very young age, and who's mother works very hard to provide a stable home for Max on her own. Max however is a bit socially awkward and shy which creates a challenge for him with most of his peers. In short Max is an outcast, he is bullied and mocked for his inability to connect. Max, however, is a beautifully talented artful boy who creates fantastic worlds from his dreams with the help of his father's collection of movie stories from the 80's. Max's closest friend is a movie projectionist named Henry who provides Max with an escape from his bullying peers by giving him a theatrical oasis in which to allow his mind to be free. Henry and Max bond as they escape into worlds of wonder from the collection of movies left behind by Max's father. As Max is continually met with mockery and bullying, he must find the courage to find his way ultimate standing up for himself to provide closure to his once timid boyish life bringing reality to his own creations.
This story mimics many of the films which I found solace in as a child. The movie will be a tribute to anyone whom has ever felt alone, hurt or scared because they were thought to be different.
THE FUNDS:
The money raised will be used for preproduction, production and post-production costs. Because making a movie is never a small endeavor, it is in the best interest of the filmmaker to collaborate with very skilled crews to accomplish the best Cinematic experience they can deliver. This means hiring the most talented people for key positions on the crew. In addition to having a great crew, a movie production requires great production design, great costume design and great locations. This movie will employ all of the above. We will be running production in three states (Ohio, Pennsylvania). The funds will cover all production costs including travel, equipment, talent and crew with the exception of festival entires and distribution which I plan to cover once the movie has wrapped.
TIMELINE:
I am currently preproduction phase with story breakdown, concept art and scripting. Also, I am in the process of pre-casting looking at possibilities for each of the main characters. There are alot of set designs and pieces that will be in play once we have locked down our final few locations. This is where time becomes a challenge. Currently, I have 5 locations locked with two pending. It is my goal to be in production no later than the beginning of August 2019 which means casting needs to be done by February along with set and costume design so that going into march we can have our first read-through rehearsal.
This means all funds need to be raised by August 12, 2019 in order to begin production. Having the support for funding this movie means a life's dream for me as it draws from my own experiences reflecting upon how a child deals with overcoming abuse, loneliness and doubt. I strongly believe this movie will have a profound impact on anyone who views it. Because of the timing of the movie, I really feel this will be a great way to discuss what is often left in the shadows, behind locked doors in an otherwise shame-filled past. For me its time to open that door and have a conversation. One that will give hope and peace to those who feel the burden of pain from someone else's selfish actions.
In making this movie, I am finally giving a voice to the child who never really had the opportunity to be a child. Not only does your contribution help a beautiful visual creation, but it also aids in mending the broken heart of a middle-aged man who desires to leave a legacy of perseverance for his children.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this as a worthy cause. Your help will certainly make all the difference in the world.
Warmest Regards
Cecil
I am however very blessed to have the support of a loving wife and two beautiful daughters. In addition, I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to complete a college education currently working to complete a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Film.
This movie concept is something that started as the dream of a child. Although it has some autobiographical content, the movie is filled with the fantastical imagination of a ten year old boy and his journey to find himself. Thank you for taking some time to look at this page and to consider becoming a collaborator on this project.
THE ASK:
I am working to raise the funds to create my thesis film entitled "The Fantastical Life of Max". Drawn from my childhood, Max is a 10 year old boy who has lost his father at a very young age, and who's mother works very hard to provide a stable home for Max on her own. Max however is a bit socially awkward and shy which creates a challenge for him with most of his peers. In short Max is an outcast, he is bullied and mocked for his inability to connect. Max, however, is a beautifully talented artful boy who creates fantastic worlds from his dreams with the help of his father's collection of movie stories from the 80's. Max's closest friend is a movie projectionist named Henry who provides Max with an escape from his bullying peers by giving him a theatrical oasis in which to allow his mind to be free. Henry and Max bond as they escape into worlds of wonder from the collection of movies left behind by Max's father. As Max is continually met with mockery and bullying, he must find the courage to find his way ultimate standing up for himself to provide closure to his once timid boyish life bringing reality to his own creations.
This story mimics many of the films which I found solace in as a child. The movie will be a tribute to anyone whom has ever felt alone, hurt or scared because they were thought to be different.
THE FUNDS:
The money raised will be used for preproduction, production and post-production costs. Because making a movie is never a small endeavor, it is in the best interest of the filmmaker to collaborate with very skilled crews to accomplish the best Cinematic experience they can deliver. This means hiring the most talented people for key positions on the crew. In addition to having a great crew, a movie production requires great production design, great costume design and great locations. This movie will employ all of the above. We will be running production in three states (Ohio, Pennsylvania). The funds will cover all production costs including travel, equipment, talent and crew with the exception of festival entires and distribution which I plan to cover once the movie has wrapped.
TIMELINE:
I am currently preproduction phase with story breakdown, concept art and scripting. Also, I am in the process of pre-casting looking at possibilities for each of the main characters. There are alot of set designs and pieces that will be in play once we have locked down our final few locations. This is where time becomes a challenge. Currently, I have 5 locations locked with two pending. It is my goal to be in production no later than the beginning of August 2019 which means casting needs to be done by February along with set and costume design so that going into march we can have our first read-through rehearsal.
This means all funds need to be raised by August 12, 2019 in order to begin production. Having the support for funding this movie means a life's dream for me as it draws from my own experiences reflecting upon how a child deals with overcoming abuse, loneliness and doubt. I strongly believe this movie will have a profound impact on anyone who views it. Because of the timing of the movie, I really feel this will be a great way to discuss what is often left in the shadows, behind locked doors in an otherwise shame-filled past. For me its time to open that door and have a conversation. One that will give hope and peace to those who feel the burden of pain from someone else's selfish actions.
In making this movie, I am finally giving a voice to the child who never really had the opportunity to be a child. Not only does your contribution help a beautiful visual creation, but it also aids in mending the broken heart of a middle-aged man who desires to leave a legacy of perseverance for his children.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this as a worthy cause. Your help will certainly make all the difference in the world.
Warmest Regards
Cecil
Organizer
Cecil Houser II
Organizer
Athens, OH