I'm Banksy - Short Film
A$9,375
of $8,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 24th Dec 2015 at 11:54PM.
The short film “I’m Banksy” is written and directed by Eddy Bell and produced by Lib Kelly & Catherine Williams. It is currently in the pre-production stages. We are putting together our team together to shoot in December, and we need your help to get it off the ground! The film will be entered into festivals worldwide when it is completed in January.
SHORT SYNOPSIS:
In the lead up to the European launch of the Banks Cheese corporation, 8 year old Global Warming Alarmist, Raymond Banks starts a name and shame campaign against the family company. After an underwhelming response from his parents, he enlists a drug addicted model with a grudge to bare as his lawyer, and lodges a case in the civil court. With a preliminary hearing set for ten days time, the case is not expected to be successful but it certainly does raise some interesting questions about environmental liability. - "I’m Banksy"
WHY THIS STORY IS SO IMPORTANT:
"I’m Banksy" has a strong social and environmental message in the film. Raymond is trying to show the consequences of global warming on future generations. Even though the "I’m Banksy" script takes place in a world focused on climate change and that’s the central location of the film, the film is actually about a little boy who is struggling to find a way to tell his parents that he is scared. Structurally and thematically it’s about communication. Throughout the whole film, all the characters are talking, they’re all sending messages and creating, but are any of them connecting? At the end of the film when Raymond’s parents finally start to process his message, their own one liner becomes our main theme “It’s not enough just to hear in this world, you have to listen.”
Even though Raymond, the main character is 8 years old, this film has wide audience appeal. The film is about family, love, the environment, social justice and communication. This film has an important social setting of global warming but at its core is a human story, about a boy struggling to tell his parents that he is scared of the future that may not include them. Essentially this is a coming-of-age film, Raymond is discovering his mortality and the mortality of his parents, this moment of discovery is one that everyone goes through.
‘Miserere’ by The Cat Empire has been an inspiration for I"’m Banksy" and now features at the end of the script. Miserere translates to have mercy and the song goes from this sombre theme to a huge build at the end that goes something like “Whoahh ...Long live living, if living can be this...” We think it’s a pretty amazing parallel for Raymond’s journey to hope and The Cat Empire have agreed to have the song featured in the film.
You can hear the full song here:
SHORT SYNOPSIS:
In the lead up to the European launch of the Banks Cheese corporation, 8 year old Global Warming Alarmist, Raymond Banks starts a name and shame campaign against the family company. After an underwhelming response from his parents, he enlists a drug addicted model with a grudge to bare as his lawyer, and lodges a case in the civil court. With a preliminary hearing set for ten days time, the case is not expected to be successful but it certainly does raise some interesting questions about environmental liability. - "I’m Banksy"
WHY THIS STORY IS SO IMPORTANT:
"I’m Banksy" has a strong social and environmental message in the film. Raymond is trying to show the consequences of global warming on future generations. Even though the "I’m Banksy" script takes place in a world focused on climate change and that’s the central location of the film, the film is actually about a little boy who is struggling to find a way to tell his parents that he is scared. Structurally and thematically it’s about communication. Throughout the whole film, all the characters are talking, they’re all sending messages and creating, but are any of them connecting? At the end of the film when Raymond’s parents finally start to process his message, their own one liner becomes our main theme “It’s not enough just to hear in this world, you have to listen.”
Even though Raymond, the main character is 8 years old, this film has wide audience appeal. The film is about family, love, the environment, social justice and communication. This film has an important social setting of global warming but at its core is a human story, about a boy struggling to tell his parents that he is scared of the future that may not include them. Essentially this is a coming-of-age film, Raymond is discovering his mortality and the mortality of his parents, this moment of discovery is one that everyone goes through.
Meet the cast
LEON FORD - KEN BANKS
Leon Ford is an actor and writer who has worked in many television, film and theatre productions. Recently he starred in the television shows Puberty Blues, The Moody’s and Offspring and the films Ruben Guthrie and Beneath Hill 60. As well as appearing in some of Australia’s biggest TV mini series including Gallipoli, Devil’s Playground, Anzac Girls, The Pacific and Changi. In addition to acting, he is also both a director & screenwriter. In 2010, Ford wrote and directed the movie "Griff the Invisible", starring Ryan Kwanten and premiering at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.
ALISON BELL - LEANNE BANKS
Alison has worked in television, documentary, film and theatre. She is best known for her performances on the ABC TV series Laid, for which she was nominated for an AACTA Award and in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Doubt, for which she won a Helpmann Award.
GERALDINE HAKEWILL - CASEY ENGLISH
Geraldine Hakewill graduated from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and has starred in television, film and theatre. She is best known for her roles in the films Wasted on the Young (2010), Ad Nauseam (2014) and Careless Love (2012). In 2013 Geraldine starred as Wendy in the Belvoir St production of Peter Pan and in 2014 she performed in the Bell Shakespeare production of Tartuffe.
Leon Ford is an actor and writer who has worked in many television, film and theatre productions. Recently he starred in the television shows Puberty Blues, The Moody’s and Offspring and the films Ruben Guthrie and Beneath Hill 60. As well as appearing in some of Australia’s biggest TV mini series including Gallipoli, Devil’s Playground, Anzac Girls, The Pacific and Changi. In addition to acting, he is also both a director & screenwriter. In 2010, Ford wrote and directed the movie "Griff the Invisible", starring Ryan Kwanten and premiering at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.
ALISON BELL - LEANNE BANKS
Alison has worked in television, documentary, film and theatre. She is best known for her performances on the ABC TV series Laid, for which she was nominated for an AACTA Award and in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Doubt, for which she won a Helpmann Award.
GERALDINE HAKEWILL - CASEY ENGLISH
Geraldine Hakewill graduated from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and has starred in television, film and theatre. She is best known for her roles in the films Wasted on the Young (2010), Ad Nauseam (2014) and Careless Love (2012). In 2013 Geraldine starred as Wendy in the Belvoir St production of Peter Pan and in 2014 she performed in the Bell Shakespeare production of Tartuffe.
Music
‘Miserere’ by The Cat Empire has been an inspiration for I"’m Banksy" and now features at the end of the script. Miserere translates to have mercy and the song goes from this sombre theme to a huge build at the end that goes something like “Whoahh ...Long live living, if living can be this...” We think it’s a pretty amazing parallel for Raymond’s journey to hope and The Cat Empire have agreed to have the song featured in the film.
You can hear the full song here:
How The Funds Will Be Used
As well as investing our own money, we are looking to raise $8,000 to help cover the costs involved in making "I'm Banksy".
Our team is amazing, many of them are volunteering on this project. But there are still many expenses that need to be covered to get this film off the ground.
Production design is key to the success of this film, so we’re putting aside a big portion of our budget to make it as good as it can be. The film is so visual with art, photography and graffiti a major part of the design so much of the money we raise is going directly into the frame.
The funds raised will cover the cost of locations - we are hiring a photography studio, courtroom in the Balmain courthouse, the home of the Banks family and permits to film on the street throughout Surry Hills, St Peters, Newtown and White Bay
The money will also go to equipment, costumes, catering, props, travel expenses and paying our amazing cast.
We appreciate your help immensely - any donation will help us make this film a reality.
Our team is amazing, many of them are volunteering on this project. But there are still many expenses that need to be covered to get this film off the ground.
Production design is key to the success of this film, so we’re putting aside a big portion of our budget to make it as good as it can be. The film is so visual with art, photography and graffiti a major part of the design so much of the money we raise is going directly into the frame.
The funds raised will cover the cost of locations - we are hiring a photography studio, courtroom in the Balmain courthouse, the home of the Banks family and permits to film on the street throughout Surry Hills, St Peters, Newtown and White Bay
The money will also go to equipment, costumes, catering, props, travel expenses and paying our amazing cast.
We appreciate your help immensely - any donation will help us make this film a reality.
The Challenges
One of the biggest challenges we face is casting our 8 year old lead actor Raymond. We have already got such an amazing cast attached and now we are in the process of looking for a young actor who can bring the role to life. We are working with acting coaches and casting agents to find the perfect fit for our film.
The Banksy team is working around the clock to make this film happen but another challenge is timing, we are on track to start shooting on the 10th of December but films are a massive undertaking and there is plenty for us to achieve in the few weeks we have left.
Finally we can not thank you enough for your support no matter how big or small. This film could not get made without your help. You are officially apart of the I'm Banksy team and we will keep you updated with the progress of the film on our facebook page
The Banksy team is working around the clock to make this film happen but another challenge is timing, we are on track to start shooting on the 10th of December but films are a massive undertaking and there is plenty for us to achieve in the few weeks we have left.
Finally we can not thank you enough for your support no matter how big or small. This film could not get made without your help. You are officially apart of the I'm Banksy team and we will keep you updated with the progress of the film on our facebook page
FRIENDS OF BANKSY
We’ll be forever grateful for your support! In return we’ll let the world know how awesome you are on the official I’m Banksy Facebook page
0 chosen
Est. delivery is Dec 15
MAD PROPS!
You have helped us rent key props in the film including a trumpet for the music montage scene. Private digital link of finished film, you’ll be one of the first people to see I’m Banksy. You will receive a private link to the finished film after its premiere (the film will not be viewable anywhere else during its festival run)
8 chosen
Est. delivery is Apr 16
ROLL CREDITS!
For you generous support you will be able to see your name up in lights. You will receive the above PLUS have your name appear up on the big screen in amongst our thank-you credits.
15 chosen
Est. delivery is Jan 16
KILLER COSTUMES!
You have helped us buy amazing costumes for our actors – including the crucial gas mask worn by Raymond throughout the film. You will receive the above rewards PLUS a private digital link of the finished film & access to Eddy’s previous films.
5 chosen
Est. delivery is Apr 16
DESIGNER DECOR!
With your amazing contribution you’ve helped us dress our set with amazing artworks from local urban artists. You will receive the above rewards PLUS we’ll send you a copy of the script.
4 chosen
Est. delivery is Apr 16
SAY CHEESE!
You have made the dream of Eddy’s to include another a cow in his film a reality… the cow will feature in the Banks family cheese photo shoot. You will receive the above rewards PLUS the opportunity to visit the set (and if you want you can even be an extra)! Please note travel and accommodation costs not included – we are filming in Sydney and would love to see your pretty face there.
3 chosen
Est. delivery is Dec 15
LOCATION LOCATION!
Your generous donation has gone towards the key location in the film, the courtroom where Raymond sues his parents. You will receive the above rewards PLUS a script-editing workshop with the creative team of I’m Banksy.
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Apr 16
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! You’d made this film happen, you will receive the above rewards PLUS you are now an official sponsor of I’m Banksy and we will include your logo in our credits or for individuals an Associate Producer Credit.
3 chosen
Est. delivery is Apr 16