doKtor (Doctor K)
A$10,175
of $10,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 8th Nov 2014 at 8:15PM.
'doKtor' is a short expressionist horror centred around an ancient man who's awake during surgery, triggering an hallucination, but also an allusion of a disturbing new reality.
You are welcome to Like 'Doctor K's Facebook Page
Arie Hirsh - Director's Statement
Over a quarter a century ago a doctor, who’s surname was Kafka, telephoned me to tell me that I had at best two years to live. I survived, but countless others with the same condition perished.
Today I ask myself what does it feel like to be a survivor? I’m grateful, yet also feel guilt and remorse, a need to face the emotional and physical cost incurred in order for me to remain alive. Many long-term survivors feel the same way.
To view it in a broader context, no matter how civilised people want to portray themselves, I think that our need to survive and thrive continues to be brutal and amoral. I want to explore this ethical quandary with a compelling socio-political film.
People in wealthy nations tend to be long-term survivors; we have abundance; food and life saving medicines, yet seem blind to the poorest nation’s people as they suffer, starve and die. In Australia, those that seek asylum are locked up in prison camps offshore, like criminals, under conditions that are kept secret. The majority of us are inclined to deliberately ignore the pain and psychological damage it creates for these men, women and children.
I believe that this act of conscious dissociation does something harmful to our collective psyche. Consequently I've written ‘Doctor K’ to try and to lift a metaphorical mirror for the audience’s collective subconscious.
‘Doctor K’ is the most demanding yet critical story that I've ever written. It is a continuation of my development as a creative person, and a logical extension of the types of films I have been involved. I am remarkably fortunate to have a crew of dedicated and talented professionals wanting to work with me on this film.
And with your generous support along the way, we will complete it.
Today I ask myself what does it feel like to be a survivor? I’m grateful, yet also feel guilt and remorse, a need to face the emotional and physical cost incurred in order for me to remain alive. Many long-term survivors feel the same way.
To view it in a broader context, no matter how civilised people want to portray themselves, I think that our need to survive and thrive continues to be brutal and amoral. I want to explore this ethical quandary with a compelling socio-political film.
People in wealthy nations tend to be long-term survivors; we have abundance; food and life saving medicines, yet seem blind to the poorest nation’s people as they suffer, starve and die. In Australia, those that seek asylum are locked up in prison camps offshore, like criminals, under conditions that are kept secret. The majority of us are inclined to deliberately ignore the pain and psychological damage it creates for these men, women and children.
I believe that this act of conscious dissociation does something harmful to our collective psyche. Consequently I've written ‘Doctor K’ to try and to lift a metaphorical mirror for the audience’s collective subconscious.
‘Doctor K’ is the most demanding yet critical story that I've ever written. It is a continuation of my development as a creative person, and a logical extension of the types of films I have been involved. I am remarkably fortunate to have a crew of dedicated and talented professionals wanting to work with me on this film.
And with your generous support along the way, we will complete it.
Bios of Key Crew
Arie Hirsh - Screenwriter and Director
Arie started filming with a super-8 movie camera at the age of ten, often gathering his family and friends to make mini-productions; making genres such as disaster films, martial arts, and horror. Those early creative collaborations sparked his boundless passion for film making. In his 20s Hirsh audaciously made humanist documentaries about the most controversial subjects of the time. Among many others projects, there is the documentary about the refuge for ostracised and homeless people with HIV and AIDS; a film about the trailblazing Prostitute's Collective of Victoria; and the confronting documentary about the bashing and multiple murders of Sydney’s gays and lesbians in the early 1990s. However a few years later, Arie had fallen seriously ill, forcing him to focus on his recovery for quite a long time. Upon his fortunate return to health, he made ‘Gem’ a multi-award winning short film, then moved to Amsterdam for love and to start life afresh.
By 2005 Hirsh earned a scholarship for the prestigious screen writing course at Amsterdam’s Binger Filmlab, and on returning to Sydney he received the postgraduate diploma in screen writing at Australian Film Television and Radio School, gaining a high distinction in the genre 'Horror'.
On graduating, Arie chose to collaborate other filmmaker’s ideas in both short and long-term projects. Among many roles, he was co-writer for Max Hemming’s short, ‘Wanderlust’; script editor and contributing writer for Ben Mathews multi-award winning short ‘Emily’, and producer for Gregg Hacket’s award winning short ‘Macadamia’.
Hirsh is in an exceptional position as a trained screenwriter who is also an intrepid producer and director. This dexterity proves invaluable for working with the many screen professionals who he knows well, to which he provides his own unique understanding of filmmaking's role to communicate the essence of the story. An intimidating unblinking eye for the lens, Arie Hirsh is keen to reveal what's been fermenting in his brain by creating ‘Doctor K’. ariehirsh.com
Michi Marosszeky - Cinematographer
Michi is a cinematographer and a director who has spent the past twenty years developing her career in the film industry. Starting as a clapper loader in the camera department on an ABC mini-series, Michi moved through the ranks over the years to work on many larger films, local and international, such as Terrence Malick’s ‘The Thin Red Line’, Alex Proyas’ ‘Dark City’, also ’Stealth’ & ’Ghost Rider’ Michi also worked on numerous short films including 'Macadamia', produced by Arie Hirsh. In 2011 she graduated from the Australian Film Television and Radio School receiving a Graduate Diploma in Cinematography and a Graduate Certificate in Screen Culture. Michi directed and shot ‘Third Time Lucky’, an autobiographical documentary about cancer, which was broadcast internationally on the Australia Network.
She also completed the first episode of ‘Woven Threads’, and is currently working on the second episode. This project is particularly close to her heart as both her parents were refugees and she was raised within an immigrant family. michimarosszeky.com
Simon Njoo – Editor
Simon began his film editing career in Paris in 1995 where he spent twelve years learning his craft as an assistant to some of France’s most distinguished editors, working on independent films d’auteur, studio films, documentaries and feature trailers. During his time there he collaborated films such as Pierre Salvatori’s ‘Apres Vous’ and ‘...Comme Elle Respire’ (White Lies), Michel Blanc’s ‘Mauvaise Passe’ (The Escort), and John Malkovich’s ‘The Dancer Upstairs’.
He returned to Australia in 2005 to continue cutting at prestigious edit houses, Guillotine and Method Studios in Sydney, and at the start of 2014, Simon opened an independent shop, 'One Egg is Enough'. His aim is to bring quality editorial to all projects he’s invited to collaborate, to ensure that the best of his work is always centred on accompanying the director in the realisation of their vision.
Credited titles include Alex Holmes’ award winning ‘Ali & the Ball’, Gideon Obarzanek and Edwina Throsby’s award winning ‘Dances Like Your Old Man’, Scott Otto’s ‘Greg’s First Day’ and Jennifer Kent’s feature length psychological thriller ‘The Babadook’, Winner Best Editor, Australian Film Critic's Circle 2014, Nominated Best Editing, AACTA Awards 2015. oneeggisenough.com
Robert O’farrell - Art Director
Robert O’Farrell has been working as a graphic designer and creative director for more than twenty years. After graduating from Monash University he relocated to Sydney where he has been working with the arts community and corporate sector since 1991. His experience includes design and art direction for major communications programs for some of Australia’s leading companies, including: Telstra, Australia Post, Network TEN, St George Bank, Holden, CSR and Boral Limited.
Robert’s creative dexterity is well known among his peers. For example, he was the founding art director for the the Sydney Fringe Festival from 1995-99. Since 2007 he's been DJ for radio 2SER with his shows ‘Beat Connection’, and ‘Set Phasers to Stun’. He has also worked with Arie Hirsh as titles designer for the award winning film, ‘Gem’.
In addition Robert has worked for Penrith Regional Gallery, 'Performance Space', Dame Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Casula Powerhouse and Australian Centre for Photography in Paddington.
Arie started filming with a super-8 movie camera at the age of ten, often gathering his family and friends to make mini-productions; making genres such as disaster films, martial arts, and horror. Those early creative collaborations sparked his boundless passion for film making. In his 20s Hirsh audaciously made humanist documentaries about the most controversial subjects of the time. Among many others projects, there is the documentary about the refuge for ostracised and homeless people with HIV and AIDS; a film about the trailblazing Prostitute's Collective of Victoria; and the confronting documentary about the bashing and multiple murders of Sydney’s gays and lesbians in the early 1990s. However a few years later, Arie had fallen seriously ill, forcing him to focus on his recovery for quite a long time. Upon his fortunate return to health, he made ‘Gem’ a multi-award winning short film, then moved to Amsterdam for love and to start life afresh.
By 2005 Hirsh earned a scholarship for the prestigious screen writing course at Amsterdam’s Binger Filmlab, and on returning to Sydney he received the postgraduate diploma in screen writing at Australian Film Television and Radio School, gaining a high distinction in the genre 'Horror'.
On graduating, Arie chose to collaborate other filmmaker’s ideas in both short and long-term projects. Among many roles, he was co-writer for Max Hemming’s short, ‘Wanderlust’; script editor and contributing writer for Ben Mathews multi-award winning short ‘Emily’, and producer for Gregg Hacket’s award winning short ‘Macadamia’.
Hirsh is in an exceptional position as a trained screenwriter who is also an intrepid producer and director. This dexterity proves invaluable for working with the many screen professionals who he knows well, to which he provides his own unique understanding of filmmaking's role to communicate the essence of the story. An intimidating unblinking eye for the lens, Arie Hirsh is keen to reveal what's been fermenting in his brain by creating ‘Doctor K’. ariehirsh.com
Michi Marosszeky - Cinematographer
Michi is a cinematographer and a director who has spent the past twenty years developing her career in the film industry. Starting as a clapper loader in the camera department on an ABC mini-series, Michi moved through the ranks over the years to work on many larger films, local and international, such as Terrence Malick’s ‘The Thin Red Line’, Alex Proyas’ ‘Dark City’, also ’Stealth’ & ’Ghost Rider’ Michi also worked on numerous short films including 'Macadamia', produced by Arie Hirsh. In 2011 she graduated from the Australian Film Television and Radio School receiving a Graduate Diploma in Cinematography and a Graduate Certificate in Screen Culture. Michi directed and shot ‘Third Time Lucky’, an autobiographical documentary about cancer, which was broadcast internationally on the Australia Network.
She also completed the first episode of ‘Woven Threads’, and is currently working on the second episode. This project is particularly close to her heart as both her parents were refugees and she was raised within an immigrant family. michimarosszeky.com
Simon Njoo – Editor
Simon began his film editing career in Paris in 1995 where he spent twelve years learning his craft as an assistant to some of France’s most distinguished editors, working on independent films d’auteur, studio films, documentaries and feature trailers. During his time there he collaborated films such as Pierre Salvatori’s ‘Apres Vous’ and ‘...Comme Elle Respire’ (White Lies), Michel Blanc’s ‘Mauvaise Passe’ (The Escort), and John Malkovich’s ‘The Dancer Upstairs’.
He returned to Australia in 2005 to continue cutting at prestigious edit houses, Guillotine and Method Studios in Sydney, and at the start of 2014, Simon opened an independent shop, 'One Egg is Enough'. His aim is to bring quality editorial to all projects he’s invited to collaborate, to ensure that the best of his work is always centred on accompanying the director in the realisation of their vision.
Credited titles include Alex Holmes’ award winning ‘Ali & the Ball’, Gideon Obarzanek and Edwina Throsby’s award winning ‘Dances Like Your Old Man’, Scott Otto’s ‘Greg’s First Day’ and Jennifer Kent’s feature length psychological thriller ‘The Babadook’, Winner Best Editor, Australian Film Critic's Circle 2014, Nominated Best Editing, AACTA Awards 2015. oneeggisenough.com
Robert O’farrell - Art Director
Robert O’Farrell has been working as a graphic designer and creative director for more than twenty years. After graduating from Monash University he relocated to Sydney where he has been working with the arts community and corporate sector since 1991. His experience includes design and art direction for major communications programs for some of Australia’s leading companies, including: Telstra, Australia Post, Network TEN, St George Bank, Holden, CSR and Boral Limited.
Robert’s creative dexterity is well known among his peers. For example, he was the founding art director for the the Sydney Fringe Festival from 1995-99. Since 2007 he's been DJ for radio 2SER with his shows ‘Beat Connection’, and ‘Set Phasers to Stun’. He has also worked with Arie Hirsh as titles designer for the award winning film, ‘Gem’.
In addition Robert has worked for Penrith Regional Gallery, 'Performance Space', Dame Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Casula Powerhouse and Australian Centre for Photography in Paddington.
We will keep you updated throughout the process
Thank you for reading this page. Please donate by clicking the "Support Project" button on the top of this page so that our talented troupe can turn 'Doctor K' into cinematic reality.
We also would be grateful if you could share this project with friends or family who are perhaps interested in being philanthropic.
THANKS AGAIN!
SPONSORS!
We are proud to announce that we have a bunch of sponsors for 'Doctor K' they are not only a boost to the film, but to all our hearts as well.
Thank you Metro Screen, for the Jump Start support!
Thank you Craig Deeker of The Gingerbread Man, his generous help during post production will be a life saver for our film.
Thank you Panavision for the vital Macro lenses.
These wonderful sponsors are helping out with the fundraiser, a big thank you :-)
Plus thank you James P Gilmour and Annie Lee of Fu Manchu Restaurant.
More sponsors to come...
Thanks to Lights to Party!
And Little Birdie Studios.
Thank you Metro Screen, for the Jump Start support!
Thank you Craig Deeker of The Gingerbread Man, his generous help during post production will be a life saver for our film.
Thank you Panavision for the vital Macro lenses.
These wonderful sponsors are helping out with the fundraiser, a big thank you :-)
Plus thank you James P Gilmour and Annie Lee of Fu Manchu Restaurant.
More sponsors to come...
Thanks to Lights to Party!
And Little Birdie Studios.
The Actors
Kevin Clayette
Kevin Clayette is French Mauritian raised in New Caledonia. At the age of 18 he moved to Sydney to pursue his dream to be an actor and signed up for an intensive two years Bachelor of Performance studies at the Australian Institute of Music. At AIM - Dramatic Arts he learnt many skills from luminaries such as Jason Langley, Kyle Rowling, and Scottie Witt. Ranging from acting for the camera to stage Combat, it was there that he discovered a love for Physical Theatre. He’s also an Advanced Screen Acting Module graduate, Actors Centre Australia (ACA). On stage he has performed for productions such as ‘Chekov in Hell’, ‘Akio!’, and ‘Under MIlkwood’. Kevin is currently focused on a screen acting career because his future ambition is to one day tell great stories on the big screen, to inspire millions.
Albert T. Goldingay
Albert is an accomplished actor of the theatre and Screen. Born in England, he was performer and instructor at the ‘Old Rep’ (Old Birmingham Repertory Theatre), before Immigrating to Australia. Albert has performed diverse rolls on the stage and the screen. His stage repertoire includes ‘The Merchant of Venice’, ‘KIng Oedipus’, ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Under Milkwood’, to name just a few. On Television he has appeared in such popular series such ‘G.P’, ‘Son’s & Daughters’ and ‘Rake’ He’s been in numerous advertisements and has been a Stand-up Comedian for a number of years as well as performing numerous Variety Shows. Not least he’s generously lent his talents for short films, and is particularly looking forward to performing in our Futuristic Horror short film.
Kevin Clayette is French Mauritian raised in New Caledonia. At the age of 18 he moved to Sydney to pursue his dream to be an actor and signed up for an intensive two years Bachelor of Performance studies at the Australian Institute of Music. At AIM - Dramatic Arts he learnt many skills from luminaries such as Jason Langley, Kyle Rowling, and Scottie Witt. Ranging from acting for the camera to stage Combat, it was there that he discovered a love for Physical Theatre. He’s also an Advanced Screen Acting Module graduate, Actors Centre Australia (ACA). On stage he has performed for productions such as ‘Chekov in Hell’, ‘Akio!’, and ‘Under MIlkwood’. Kevin is currently focused on a screen acting career because his future ambition is to one day tell great stories on the big screen, to inspire millions.
Albert T. Goldingay
Albert is an accomplished actor of the theatre and Screen. Born in England, he was performer and instructor at the ‘Old Rep’ (Old Birmingham Repertory Theatre), before Immigrating to Australia. Albert has performed diverse rolls on the stage and the screen. His stage repertoire includes ‘The Merchant of Venice’, ‘KIng Oedipus’, ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Under Milkwood’, to name just a few. On Television he has appeared in such popular series such ‘G.P’, ‘Son’s & Daughters’ and ‘Rake’ He’s been in numerous advertisements and has been a Stand-up Comedian for a number of years as well as performing numerous Variety Shows. Not least he’s generously lent his talents for short films, and is particularly looking forward to performing in our Futuristic Horror short film.
How The Funds Will Be Used
Funds raised will help pay for some production costs, such as the gaffer, stock, insurance and the catering. It will also fund the all important post-production stage of the film, along with its marketing and distribution.
'Doctor K' will be edited by the talented Simon Njoo, (‘The Babadook’, ‘Third Time Lucky’, ‘The Painted Veil’). During the edit we'll create a number of special effects (VFX) along with the colour grade of the final edit thanks to Craig Deeker of The Gingerbread Man. We’ll utilise the talents of the sound designer, composer and sound editor, enhancing the ambiance of this futurist horror film.
Once the film is polished and ready, our baby will be sent out into the big wide world. We will market and distribute it creating quality production stills, flyers, posters, a press-kit and website essential for film festivals, distributors and exhibitors. Initially, we will submit ‘Doctor K’ to International Film Festivals, such as, Cannes, Rotterdam, Berlinale, Sundance, along with the Australian festivals to garner the widest possible audience for the film.
We are very keen to explore the most innovative ways to market and distribute this film so that it has the opportunity to reach a larger audience by utilising the most effective new media options as well as creating our own.
'Doctor K' will be edited by the talented Simon Njoo, (‘The Babadook’, ‘Third Time Lucky’, ‘The Painted Veil’). During the edit we'll create a number of special effects (VFX) along with the colour grade of the final edit thanks to Craig Deeker of The Gingerbread Man. We’ll utilise the talents of the sound designer, composer and sound editor, enhancing the ambiance of this futurist horror film.
Once the film is polished and ready, our baby will be sent out into the big wide world. We will market and distribute it creating quality production stills, flyers, posters, a press-kit and website essential for film festivals, distributors and exhibitors. Initially, we will submit ‘Doctor K’ to International Film Festivals, such as, Cannes, Rotterdam, Berlinale, Sundance, along with the Australian festivals to garner the widest possible audience for the film.
We are very keen to explore the most innovative ways to market and distribute this film so that it has the opportunity to reach a larger audience by utilising the most effective new media options as well as creating our own.
The Challenges
'Doctor K' will be visually expressionistic, illustrating emotions that objects and events arouse. Mood is created with contrasting and striking lighting effects as well as unsettling extreme macro close-ups. There are two narratives for the film, the operating theatre with the old man reminiscing, and his hallucination of the young refugee, stylistic contra to the other. One is visceral and claustrophobic, the other dreamlike and oblique in a world that’s menacing and changeable.
It will be shot in a sound studio, a space that gives absolute control for our talented cinematographer Michi Marosszeky, myself and crew. Most essential props will have a 'Terry Gilliam inspired' style (‘Brazil’ and ‘12 Monkeys’), and the set will be predominantly built from used materials that can be bought and adapted for the film's set. Art Director, Robert O’farrell has already begun creating and building the props and set pieces months before production.
The director thrives on the collaborative process with skilled crafts people, because continual and inventive refinement to the last edit will make ‘Doctor K’ the heartfelt 21st Century Expressionist film he passionately knows it will be....one that is powerful enough to endure within the audiences' minds long after seeing it.
It will be shot in a sound studio, a space that gives absolute control for our talented cinematographer Michi Marosszeky, myself and crew. Most essential props will have a 'Terry Gilliam inspired' style (‘Brazil’ and ‘12 Monkeys’), and the set will be predominantly built from used materials that can be bought and adapted for the film's set. Art Director, Robert O’farrell has already begun creating and building the props and set pieces months before production.
The director thrives on the collaborative process with skilled crafts people, because continual and inventive refinement to the last edit will make ‘Doctor K’ the heartfelt 21st Century Expressionist film he passionately knows it will be....one that is powerful enough to endure within the audiences' minds long after seeing it.
The Medical Student
Every dollar counts! A "Thank You" on our social media pages and on the final credits of the film PLUS a digital copy of our best production still sent to you.
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Dec 14
The Operations Nurse
A "Big Thank You" on our social media pages PLUS a "Thank You" credit in the film's credit role PLUS 2 digital copies of our best productions stills sent to you.
10 chosen
Est. delivery is Feb 15
The Doctor
A "Big Thank You" on social media, and in the film's credit roll PLUS 1 signed digital print of the production still PLUS 1 digital prints PLUS 1 digital/DVD copy of the film sent to you.
12 chosen / 88 available
Est. delivery is Feb 15
The Geneticist
In appreciation, all of the above, ("Thank You" credits, production stills, digital/DVD copy) PLUS a framed copy of a storyboard image PLUS a choice between a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates PLUS an invitation to the cast and crew's wrap party.
8 chosen / 92 available
Est. delivery is Feb 15
The Immunologist
In great appreciation, all of the above ("Thank You" credits, pictures, wine or chocolate, digital/DVD copy, framed storyboard image) PLUS a copy of the official film poster sent to you PLUS an invitation for two to 'Doctor K's cast and crew screening and party afterwards.
5 chosen / 15 available
Est. delivery is Mar 15
The Brain Surgeon
In immense appreciation! An "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER" credit in the film's credit roll PLUS all of the above, ("Thank You" credits, pictures, digital/DVD copy, both the wine and chocolate, framed storyboard image, poster, screening and party) PLUS an invitation to visit during the film's production and have lunch with the cast and crew.
2 chosen / 8 available
Est. delivery is Mar 15
The Immortal Genius
In eternal gratitude! An "EXECUTIVE PRODUCER" credit in the film's final credit roll PLUS your business or company logo on the end credits and social media pages PLUS all of the rewards above PLUS a framed official poster of the film PLUS a bottle of champagne PLUS an invitation for two to the film's most prestigious and glamorous red carpet film event.
1 chosen / 4 available
Est. delivery is Mar 15