An actor working on a project to shoot a film in South Holland has launched an online campaign to raise £2,000 to help make his dream a reality.
Steph Genovese is the writer, producer, director and lead actor in action-thriller Dishonoured, which is set to start filming in and around Spalding, Holbeach and Boston in the coming months.
Before he can get the cameras rolling, Steph, of Holbeach, desperately needs to raise £2,000 to cover the cost of insurance costs and some props.
So far his campaign on Kickstarter – the world’s biggest funding platform for creative projects – has raised £653.
Backers have until 9.30pm on Sunday to support Dishonoured which will be made entirely in the local area, by local residents and volunteers.
“The idea is to create a film using only artists and crew from the South Holland area. All the cast and crew are giving their time voluntarily to allow this film to be produced.
“Our costs revolve around insurance, props we sadly cannot blag for free, hall hire, and transportation, and we would also like to be able to provide the cast and crew with refreshments during days of filming if we are lucky enough to secure this amount,” explained Steph, who has already invested around £3,000 of his own money in the project.
In return for sponsorship, backers will receive rewards if the target is met – the first 500 to pledge £5 will receive a postcard signed by the cast while the first 100 to give £10 will have their name added to the end credits.
For a £150 pledge there is the chance to name a lead character and for £500 you can land a speaking role in the film without having to audition.
Steph, who has worked as an extra and on shows including Sky Atlantic’s Fortitude and the forthcoming Pan movie starring Hugh Jackman, decided to write his own movie to give himself a break and help others get involved in the industry locally.
As well as landing the services of professionals including cameramen, Steph is also due to start auditioning around 200 hopefuls soon – once he has paid for the insurance costs.
If the target isn’t met he will have to pay the fees himself, but says this may hold up production. Dishonoured is the story of John Venonesser, a former UK secret services agent who was dishonourably discharged after disobeying a direct order from Downing Street.
He is left with nothing, and after becoming a recluse for several years is forced out of retirement when his only friend mistakenly gets sucked into the world of a viscous mob renowned for human trafficking, slavery and forced prostitution.
nTo make a pledge visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/799331197/dishonoured