Wil Kelly's 1st Feature Film "Queen Takes Bishop"

Film Synopsis) My film is called Queen Takes Bishop. It's a character piece about a sex-worker named Sarah who takes a call from a philosophy professor named Ben. Ben invites her to his motel room and claims he simply wants to play chess and get to know her on a personal level. He's very mysterious and has been living as a hermit for many years. A philosophically rich and emotionally complex story reveals itself through their dialogue over the next 90 minutes.

Topics discussed include: Aristotle, Zen Buddhism, the nature of reality, Nietzsche, poetry, the nature of God, Existentialism, Post-Modernism, gender identity, Anaïs Nin, societal pressures, solitude, sexuality, and much much more. For those unfamiliar with any of these topics, they are presented in an approachable and exciting way.

This story isn't only for people who love philosophy. It's ultimately about the simple beauty and love for life we often find ourselves missing as we rush around in our day-to-day lives. I double-majored in Philosophy and Film, so this project will be the synthesis of my two passions.

Director Bio) After graduating film school, making six short films, writing seven feature-film screenplays, working on four Bruce Willis movies, and working for Richard Linklater, I've decided it's time to make my first feature film. I've been on the filmmaking path since I was thirteen, when I started writing my first screenplay after I saw Superbad.

For the past year and a half I’ve been working as a personal Art Assistant for the Academy Award nominated director, Richard Linklater. His works include School of Rock, Boyhood, Dazed and Confused, Waking Life, Slacker, and Before Sunrise. Rick has been staying up to date with the film, giving advice where he sees fit, and is one of our first big backers.

My latest film The Bag is currently being entered into film festivals. If you would like a sneak peek, please reach out.

My previous short films, Addison and Two Thousand Dollar Friend have screened at several festivals around the country, including the Nashville Film Festival, and the Portland Comedy Festival.

I feel pretty darn ready to finally make a full-length movie, and I would love your support if you have the interest and means.

Cast

Sarah: Natalie Joy

Ben: Darren Benjamin

Crew

Director: Wil Kelly

Cinematographer: William McClatchey

Gaffer: Manuel Lagos, Jr.

Assistant Director & Producer: TBD

Assistant Camera & Grip: TBD

Production Assistant: Jake Martinez

Location Sound: Kenzie Slottow, Jahné Zachary

PROGRESS UPDATE)

We are slated to begin shooting in late March.

The two lead (and only) characters in the film have already been cast and rehearsals are taking place twice a week until the shoot begins.

Your donation will go towards paying the actors, crew, location owners, caterers, props, wardrobe, lodging, travel, and equipment rentals.

See donation benefits here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zhqNPfBTJYobPNE-J1SIcQ6gkePMad8H/view?usp=sharing

The goal with this project is to simplify the production so that we can focus on the creativity of the film. Working mainly in two locations and with two actors will give us ample time and energy to make the best film we possibly can. I’ve been working with the cinematographer and gaffer from this crew for 8 years, and with our combined educations and professional experience, we really think we can make a truly excellent film.

Thank you for your time and interest in this project!

Best,

Wil Kelly