My name is Christopher Grandel, and for the past 30 years, I have worked in the movie industry specializing in post production digital effects. I decided to take a leap and transition from supporting other creators to developing my own content. I created TheDevice when I realized that every potential investor wanted to know, 'What have you done?' I knew I needed a project that I could complete from start to finish, so I developed a story that could be filmed entirely in a set I built in my garage, featuring just a few characters.
As I wrote the script, I found myself exploring some of the social dilemmas of our time—device addiction, isolation, bullying, obsession, and family dysfunction. The story became deeply personal and now is just my passion project because one of the characters, TheDevice, is not a person. I was determined not to use the traditional voice-over method to bring this character to life. After much thought, I had an epiphany: I could use the latest technology, something never done before (and not AI), to create a truly original character.
Unfortunately, the post production digital effects industry in Los Angeles has been hit hard since the Writer and Actor strikes, making it nearly impossible to find steady work. That’s why I’ve decided to dedicate myself full time to this project. I am seeking financial help to see it through to completion. Your support will help me cover production costs and the technology needed to bring this innovative character to life. I hope you’ll join me in making this story a reality and bring TheDevice character to life.
The Story
TheDeviceGoFundMePitch video
Log Line
The creation of an infinite data storage device leads the creator
and the created to struggle with the meaning of life.
Synopsis
An unimpressive professor of bio-electrical engineering, Dr Edward Cabrera develops an
organic data storage device. This device is just what he hoped it would be, unlimited storage. In his pursuit to duplicate his invention he is confronted with unending failure and family turmoil. During this time TheDevice continues to consume vast amounts of information, to the point it becomes self aware. Dr. Cabrera is obsessed with the task of recreating his device. It isolates him from his reality until TheDevice makes the decision that changes everything.
As the Doctor struggles with his reality TheDevice struggles with its singularity. The petabytes of information, factual and theoretical, has TheDevice questioning it’s purpose and place the world. Constantly fighting off external intrusion, intrusion that it does not understand but instinctively knows it defies it own nature, TheDevice has to determine it’s own paradigm. In the end TheDevice chooses a less traveled path.
TheShop - The live action set.
I designed and built the set in my garage and to make certain that my concept for this part of the project would look as I expected I shot and composited TheShopTestComp video below.
Yes I am the test actor but I will not be playing Dr. Cabrera in the actual production.
Below is a video of my test comp of the shop.
Please visit my Web Site - https://www.grandeldesigned.com to learn more about me and the TheDevice project.
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