Josie Montano
Straitjackets, Salami & a Shortage of Sanity!
Brisbane
Film & Video

The Great Escape ... Italian Style

AU$3,140
of $5,000 stretchyrs ago
Successful on 13th Jul 2020 at 1:00PM.

The Great Escape … Italian Style is a short film based on a one-act play The story takes place and unfolds within Nonno Giacobbo’s car. They have collected Jake, who with help from his mother Maria, has just escaped from the mental health institution ‘Casa De Sanitarium’. His grandparents assumed he was on holiday and they had just picked him up from a hotel named after a saint. They are oblivious to the fact that he is still wearing a straight-jacket and instead compliment him on his new dress style.

Image: Josie & family holding a prop at the performance of her play


A typical ten minute car ride with his grandparents can mean a slow poke drive with Italian music blaring, a picnic as well as multiple stops to enjoy views or forage for mushrooms – stretching out for hours. Mother and son can’t seem to convey the message to the Nonni that today there is an urgency to get the hell out of there. An error of comedies ensue in the ‘car ride from hell’ where anything goes - including straight-jackets, salami sticks, a seismic event and saints. Is Jake’s Great Escape a success or have the chaotic Italians managed to change the dynamics and rules, and foiled the end result? (Inspired from a true car ride. Yes, really!)

Image: Filming the trailer



WRITER/CO-DIRECTOR STATEMENT


Hi, I'm Josie Montano - writer, co-director & co-producer of The Great Escape Italian Style (TGEIS) - We, (myself and the production team) are looking to fund the production of this Italian comedic short film script. 

Image: Production Team meeting: L to R - Arryn Leigh Cox (Co-Director, Co-Producer); Josie Montano (Writer, Co-Director, Co-Producer); Amy Langdon (Assistant Director; Izzy Folland (Assistant Director).


A Comedy of Errors is a perfect way to describe this short-film. The phrase is generally used to describe a situation so full of mistakes and problems that it actually becomes comical. The Great Escape Italian Style (TGEIS) is based on a one-act play I wrote many years ago. Seeing it play out on stage demonstrated that it was also very suited to the world of film. TGEIS is semi-autobiographical, and based on a real car trip experienced with my son as a teen and his Nonni (my Italian parents). A typical ten minute car ride with Italian grandparents can turn into a slow poke drive with multiple stops stretching out for hours.  


Most Italo-Australians can identify with my characters. They are the foundations of a traditional Italian ‘casa’ ie: A nonno and nonna who because of their long-term struggles of settling in an unknown country have held onto their culture and traditions for dear life and live in their Little Italy bubble. Then we have the adult child, generally first generation Australian, who sits between their parents & their own children, the sandwich generation – embarassed by their culture growing up, yet fiercely defensive of it at the same time. Finally the grandchild – with already a generation gap and communication challenges between them, they see their nonni as harmless aliens who aren’t to be taken seriously. Their nonni see their grandchildren as the futures they never had, the fruits of their migration sacrifices – and therefore feel they have the right to smother them.  


In the first half of my life I wanted to discard anything to do with my cultural upbringing, and yet now the older I become the more I yearn to become closer to my heritage, to share the stories of my parents generation. Over my creative writing years I have discovered a pattern whereby I tend to stereotype my characters into three generational boxes. Yet this has been therapeutical not only for me but for my fellow ‘sandwich’ generation. We deal with our awkwardness, embarassment and shame of being migrant children who are trying to fit into the Australian way of life … with humour. Laughing about ourselves and our culture is the best medicine.


Italians are a joyous, festive yet hard working and passionate people – and I hope I have been able to respectfully deliver a hilarious dramedy whilst also peeling back some layers that expose the struggles of all three generations.


- Josie Montano, Writer/Co-Director/Co-Producer www.booksbyjosie.com.au


Image:  The real Nonna & Nonno with their salami. Josie's parents inspired the story,


p.s. So excited to be working with young and upcoming filmmaker Arryn Leigh Cox. As a child, Arryn was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and his special interest is all things film. Coincidentally, under the pseudonym of 'Josie Santomauro' I also write & present on the topic of Autism and look forward to co-directing & co-producing my script with this talented young man.


Script Testimonial:- "Very visual, hilarious and energetic. The script is great and with great acting, from the over the top to the deadpan, it will work." by Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarollii, Senior Lecturer in Social Diversity in Health & Education, Deakin University.


Budget Overview

Projected Expenditure:-


  •    Project and production costs;        
  •    Marketing and promotion costs;        
  •    Administration;      
  •    Salaries, fees, allowances;        
  •    Logistical and travel costs.        


We have 3 potential budgets we can work with:-


1. $5,000

This budget allows a minimal cast and crew, and relies on sets, catering, props etc to be donated.



2. $10,000

This budget allows for a sizeable cast and crew with funding towards locations, catering, props etc.



3. $15,000

This budget allows for a maximum cast and crew with excess funds for national and international festival entries.



No Reward

I choose to have no reward for my pledge.

6 chosen

Grazie

We give you our heartfelt thanks for any monetary help, therefore we say it in Italian ... 'Grazie del Cuore' with a shoutout/mention on our facebook page.

6 chosen

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Tanti Grazie

We thank you so much that we will list your name in the film CREDITS as a Pozible supporter & give you a shoutout on our FB page!

3 chosen / 97 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Una Copia

Own a digital copy of the short film once available (post film festival rounds)as well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. Nb:Image not representative of final product

2 chosen

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Tazza Di Grazie

We thank you with a souvenir photo mug (with an image from our film) as well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product)

9 chosen / 21 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

The Manifesto!

We thank you with a souvenir film poster autographed by the main cast. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product)

2 chosen / 28 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Scritta D'oro

The Golden Script! You receive a signed final draft copy of the script from the writer (who is also exec.producer & co-director), with a personal thank you note! As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image may not be representative of final product)

1 chosen / 3 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

The Big Salami

If you love to be silly, this non-speaking walk on role is for you! Without revealing the script, we need one/two people to dress as a human-sized stick of salami for a short scene. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor & for your role as a 'Salami'! Nb:Image not representative of final product

0 chosen / 1 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Il Padre

If you're a budding actor or always wanted to be a 'man of the cloth', this non-speaking extras role is for you! Without revealing the script, we need a Catholic priest for our Village scene. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor & for your role as our 'Padre'! Nb:Image not representative of final product

0 chosen / 1 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Premiere V.I.P

Walk the red carpet! Dress up, meet & mingle with our cast & crew & feel like a star. Includes exclusive tickets & bubbly for 2 guests to attend the premiere of our film. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product) Recommended for residents of SE Qld

3 chosen / 7 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Mona Lisa

Photoshoot with a local Brisbane photographer valued at $150. Make it serious, funny, we can help it be Italian village themed or just of your famiglia, a headshot etc - your choice! As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product) Recommended for residents of SE Qld & includes photoshoot only.

2 chosen / 2 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Vuoi Ballare?

Learn to dance with an Australian Ballroom champion/TV dance celebrity (Ch 7 DanceBoss). Valued at $150. Includes: 2hr Dance class for 2 persons within the comfort of your own home or at a dance studio or hall. nb: a choice of ballroom, latin, tap, jazz (sorry no hiphop) As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Physically available to those living in SE Qld or via zoom & Image not representative of final product)

1 chosen / 3 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Vino e Pizza Salute!

Intimate table setting (no more than 6 guests) Q&A session (with our writer/directors about all things film). Wine & pizza at Funkateers Pizzeria, Chermside. Our treat for you and a friend! Plenty of opportunity to chat 1on1. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product) Recommended for residents of SE Qld.

0 chosen / 3 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Lights, Camera, Action!

Are you interested in film making, or just curious as to what happens behind the camera/scenes? Have you ever wanted to hold the 'clapperboard' and yell out 'cut'? Here's your opportunity! Only 2 opportunities available. You will be a guest on our working set, have lunch with the cast and crew, and sit back and watch the film magic unfold on one of our designated filming days. p.s. yes we WILL let you hold the clapperboard ;-)

0 chosen / 2 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

"The Consigliere" Bronze Sponsor

Become one of our three bronze sponsors and not only hold a prestigeous credit in the film, but receive 2 tickets to the premiere.

1 chosen / 2 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

"The Don" Silver Sponsor

Become one of our only TWO silver sponsors and hold a prestigeous credit in the film. Plus, you and your +1 will be our V.I.P guests at the film premiere.

1 chosen / 1 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP Lights, Camera, Business

Become a corporate sponsor & we will add your business name and logo in the credits. Plus, you and a +1 will be our V.I.P guests at the film's premiere. (Nb:Image not representative of final product)

0 chosen / 6 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

"Il Capo" The Capitalist

Become our highest reward benefactor & we will be indebted to you forever in our film. Your name/business logo will be showcased in the credits as 'Il Capo'. And if you are in Brisbane, you and +1 will be our V.I.P guests at the film's premiere in 2021. (Nb:Image not representative of final product)

0 chosen / 1 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Village People

Be a background extra for 1960 Village flashback, & spend half day on set.Don't worry if you don't look Italian-hair, make-up & costumes will take care of that! As well as a credit in the movie as not only a 'villager' but a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product) *minors are to be accompanied by their parents/guardians*

4 chosen / 0 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Famoso

We will name 1 of our 2 police characters after you-which will be displayed on their uniform. eg: Constable Smith / Sergeant Jones. Your surname is a surety & all attempts to include full names will be made. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product)

2 chosen / 0 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Caffè e cannoli

Intimate setting (no more than 6 guests) Q&A session (with our writer/directors about all things film) over coffee & cannoli at Gerbinos Italian Bakery, Asghrove. Our treat for you and a friend!Plenty of opportunity to chat 1on1. As well as a credit in the movie as a Pozible sponsor. (Nb:Image not representative of final product) Recommended for residents of SE Qld

3 chosen / 0 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

Walk on Part!

Only ONE role available! Be a part of our film by being cast in a scene as one of our police officers. You will be provided with costume, make-up and a movie credit in the film. Don't worry if you don't have acting experience, not only will we direct you but it's a non-speaking role. (Nb:Image not representative of final product) Recommended for residents of SE Qld as travel expenses are unable to be reimbursed.

1 chosen / 0 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20

"The Godfather" Gold Sponsor

Become our ONE & ONLY GOLD sponsor and hold a prestigeous credit in the film. Plus, you and your +1 will be our V.I.P guests at our film premiere. And there's more.... you are invited to visit our working set, have lunch with the cast and crew, sit back and watch the film magic unfold on one of our designated filming days.

1 chosen / 0 available

Est. delivery is Dec 20