Andreas Toumbas

Bad Influence is the debut feature film from Andreas Toumbas. It follows introvert Anthony as he attends his best friend Nick's housewarming party and things seem to be going fine until brash, loud-mouthed Steve arrives. Things go from bad to worse as Anthony struggles to control the troublesome and increasingly alcohol-fuelled Steve, who has no remorse for his actions, and will do anything to get what he wants - even if it means bringing everyone down in the process.

The movie was filmed over six months and is now in the early stages of post-production. We need your help to get the movie finished! This involves editing, profesional colour grading and sound mixing, as well as music and marketing. With your help, you will have opportunity to become part of the project. 

Once the film is finished, we will hit the festival circuit in 2020 and get the movie out to the world! Whatever your contribution, you will be helping us make that happen, while being part of this exciting new film!

THE FILM

Described as a passion project, the film was written by Andreas at the beginning of 2018. He wanted to make a feature film with the resources he had, which wasn't very much. The movie was filmed roughly once a week over six months in the 2018/19 summer with a very small and passionate cast and crew, and is filmed almost entirely in 17 long days at his parents' home in the south-western suburbs of Sydney.

The film's mission is to bring light to the serious problem of binge drinking and the negative impacts it brings to individuals and the community. The film is a very personal project and deals with the issues surrounding alcohol abuse and mental illness (primarily social anxiety), and how the two are related. Furthermore, it explores how alcohol is often used as a social lubricant, but can quickly make us anti-social.  It is a very raw film about a very common issue we face in society. 

THE TEAM

Andreas Toumbas

Andreas is the Writer, Producer and Director of the film, who also plays shy and introvert Anthony. 

Andreas has always had a passion for story telling and the arts, but took the long route to becoming a film maker. After years of obtaining degree in Economics, and a couple more of years working in the finance industry, Andreas left his career in finance permanently to pursue his dream of being a film maker, as he wanted to be able to do something to help and inspire people.

Andreas has produced many short films, sketches and webseries, from comedies to dramas such as A New Life, First World Relationships and Back in the Game. Having never attended formal film school Andreas says that these were his "film school", helping him gain experience and learn from mistakes, to be able to make the dive into feature films.

Andreas aims to keep making feature films, in Australia and overseas, as well as pursuing a career in Television.

Chris Charteris

Chris plays loudmouthed Steve, who brings mayhem to what should have been a quiet dinner party.

Chris is was born in Brisbane but is currently based in Sydney, Australia. Since completing his bachelor in Applied Theatre in 2013,  he has since gone on to apply his acting talents to the screen and film industry, recently being cast in what will be his 7th feature film. Bad Influence will be his first feature film as the lead actor.

As well as pursuing a career in acting, Chris has an undying passion for comedy, being the founding member of sketch comedy group ‘Delirium’, and the creator of his own production company and web-series ‘Charterboat Comedy’ in 2014. Chris is also one of the hosts of the 'Hashtag Actors Life' podcast and continues to further his career as an actor and comedian across Australia.

Although Chris plays the "bad guy" in Bad Influence, he is actually one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet!

Martin Reyes

Martin plays Nick, the best friend of Anthony and Steve's who is hosting the housewarming dinner party.

Martin is also from Brisbane, Australia (In fact, he and Chris are friends from Brisbane and also live together in Sydney!). He has appeared in many films and web series such as Bite Club and Nameless.

As well as acting, Martin is currently in Action Stunts training!

Amelia Conway

Amelia plays Nick's sweet and caring fiance Laura.

Amelia is a Sydney based film & TV actor. Bad Influence will be Amelia's breakthrough role into the Australian scene, however she has an impressive slew of short film and TVC credits in her wake. Amelia will also appear as support character 'Louise' in upcoming feature film 'Friends & Strangers' by James Vaughn, set to release in 2020. 

She has a passion for improvisation, taking weekly classes with Laugh Masters Academy and she has worked with verteran improviser David Razowsky.

Steve Maresca

Steve plays Chris, the cocky and arrogant friend of the guys.

Steve graduated Sydney Theatre School in 2008, and since then he has amassed credits in Australia and in overseas productions. He had a lead role in the feature film Dealing with Destiny, and recent work includes Skinford (Chapters 1&2), Doctor Doctor, The Local as well as award winning commercials. 

He also does a mean Robert DeNiro impression!

Kerstyn Walsh

Kerstyn plays Victoria,  the overly confident and expressive girlfriend of Chris. 

Kerstyn Walsh is no stranger to performing. Gracing the stage as a 5 year old, she made her on-camera debut at 15, dedicating her life to creating characters and telling interesting stories. Her most notable films including the Australian horror feature, ‘The School’ and Aussie dramedy, ‘Kick Ons’, both 2018, the latter also being a film about the effects of alcohol as a drug and the toll it can take on a person’s life, including how that affects those around them.

As well as acting, Kerstyn has her own wedding planner business! 

Vanessa Madrid

And rounding out the cast is Vanessa, who plays the younger sister of Victoria. 

Vanessa, another Sydney local, is currently studying at the Actor's Pulse. She has appeared in music videos and short films like The Ghost of Kelly Winters. Bad Influence will be her breakthrough into feature films.

Vanessa, is also in Stunt action training (same class as Martin!). 

Prema Smith

Prema, right hand man to Andreas on set, is the First Assistant Director, as well as Associate Producer. Prema has a colourful career in TV, film and music. He has worked on commercials, web series and short filmes as an actor, director and producer. He has directed a feature film titled "Cop's Enemy". Prema is also a singer and dancer, and has written and produced many songs.  On top of that he is an advocate for mental health, and is the founder and CEO of Self Appreciation Day, which is a campaign that aims to tackle mental health and promote a positive attitutude towards one's self.

Ben Gageler and Stephen Mylonas

Ben and Stephen were the cinematographers on the project, and helped bring it to life. 

Ben has worked on many productions as a Cinematographer and Camera Opeator.

Stephen has a long career as a cinematographer and director, however like most of the cast and crew, this was his first feature film. He has worked on many documentaries and TV Series' which allows him to travel often - including Mount Everest and Antarctica! 

Simon Allen

Simon was the trusty sound recordist. Simon has worked on practically every indie film and web series produced in Sydney in the last two years. That may an exxageration, but he has been a very busy man, working on a range of TV/Web Series and films such as Petrel and Searching for Babel.

Jai Stacey

Jai is the hair and make up artist, who was also a big part of the production team, helping out as a camera and production assistant whenever needed. Jai has worked on many TV and Web Series as a make up artist, such as Made for This and Over and Out.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The film is currently being edited and is ready to move onto the next stage of post-production. As you can see from the trailer, the colour is different from scene to scene and the sound is straight from the microphone.  Post-production involves picture editing, colour grading, sound mixing and music to give that professional, balanced and polished look and feel. So this means hiring a professional colour grader, sound designer and music composer. Once it is complete it will do the festival circuit, screening at festivals all around the world. From there, it will be picked up for distribution by as many countries available. It may get a cinema release and/or land on streaming sites. 

THANK YOU

From the whole team, we thank you for taking time to check out the campaign. If you can help out that's great. Even if that means just following the journey and spreading the word about what we believe will be a great movie!

All funds raised from the campaign will go directly towards the post-production of Bad Influence. As mentioned before this involves picture editing, colour grading, sound design and score. 

The campaign goal is to cover these expenses to make the film the best film it can possibly be. Anything extra will go to marketing and festival submissions (which aren't cheap!). Anything helps! 

Break down of budget:

Colour Grade $3000

Sound Mix/Design $6000

Music/Score $2000

Festival Submissions $2000+