A summer’s day on Dortmund’s bikeways will bring them together.
This is the self-hosted, data-secure German video in 360p mini resolution.
The full 2K splendour can be found on Youtube, Facebook and Instagram.
“The Phoenix Connection”
(working title)
A summer’s day in the year 2027 in Westphalia’s metropolis told in 90 minutes, shot without any tricks but with great scenery as well as lots of movement. The indie feature tells a story of alienation and community, AI, self-discovery, deprivation and joy – and a couple crossing each other’s paths again and again.
a film from our neighbourhood
The wilful sequence of sometimes more, sometimes less everyday encounters carries us through transformed steel plants and the valley of river Emscher. Along real routes on urban bikeways are many panoramas begging to be filmed.
You’ve never seen the city like this before!
And can you think of another cycling film off the top of your head?
please support our film
Our project isn’t eligible of film funding, thus we rely on private investments. With your support, the film will become even better!
What are the bare minimum costs?
If we want to pay halfway fairly, we’ll need at least 50.000 €:
◆ 2.000 € for sets
◆ 8.000 € for music
◆ 20.000 € for actors
◆ 20.000 € for camera, sound, editing
The screenwriting, directing and producing are not yet included.
For comparison: A 90-minute TV crime movie costs 1.000.000 €.
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Why not a classical crowdfunding with perks?
Because it’s more complicated and expensive than you think!
Imagine you gave €100 on a platform for a film DVD + printed screenplay in reward. The payment services pinch off 3-5 % and the crowdfunding platforms up to 10 %. What’s more, the revenue board wants to profit as well (up to 27 % VAT in Europe) because the small perks turn an apparent donation into a commercial purchase.
In the end, the campaign will receive mere 50-55 € and toil away on paper work.
Do you find that efficient?
That’s why we suggest, that e.g. you give €50 without a return and thus taxfree
out of generosity and knowing that you support the realisation of a lifelong dream. Later, you’ll be able to buy DVD + screenplay for €35 and you’ll still have saved €15! Treat yourself with it — or top up your donation! ;-)
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How will we show our appreciation?
Every donation supports our labour of love and we’ll include you in our prayers. Donations of 88+ € get you official thanks in the end credits, if you like.
If you’re fortunate enough to bring in larger sums, please contact us beforehands, we could talk about you becoming an executive or co-producer.
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crowdfunding
support with Paypal
via GoFundMe campaign
donate directly with
SEPA, Apple & Google Pay
send crypto
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ETH
Sol
BnB
Ada
cast & crew wanted
This project is looking for a team for filming in Dortmund till early September. The allowance is coupled to the crowdfunding:
• up to 30K: min. 13 €/h
• at 40K: min. 17 €/h
• at 50K: min. 21 €/h
Profit-sharing could be negotiated for those with primary responsibility.
cast
“The Phoenix Connection” might be shot in German & English – or English only.
The roles’ names, ages, genders or ethnicities are of little importance.
overview of roles wanted
STARRING
Maria
takes us thru the day
• older than 25
• quite sporty
• bikes
• might sing
days: 8-9
Gregor
fond of living & of Maria
• older than 25
• artist
• bikes
• sings
days: 8-9
Shaman
connects & councels
• spiritual ancher
• authentically different
• sings
days: 4
Paule
Gregor’s pal drives a car
• drivers license necessary
• sings (need not be good)
days: 2-3
Enid
crosses our path several times
• jogs
• might sings
days: 3-4
SUPPORTING
Thilo
Maria’s ex is a yuppy and not very nice
days: 2-3
Cleo
this friend of Paule rollerskates
days: 2-4
Sandra
this friend of Paule freaks out
days: ½
Anton
meets the shaman
days: 1-2
Marlon
Anton’s friend
days: ½ or 2
Ace
jams with Gregor
• plays drums, didgeridoo, loops or so
days: ½ or 2
widower
lonesome and disputatious
days: ½ or 2
concierge
welcomes a party guest
days: ½
2 choir members
say a couple lines
days: ½
2 security staff
eager to maintain order
days: ½
EXTRAS
smombie
walks like a ghost
days:½
aerobic class
15-20 participants with 2-3 one-liners
days: ½
silent disco
30 dancers with headphones
days:½
hotline voice
10 lines
tablet voice
34 lines
solo entertainer
• plays keyboads, guitar,, loops or so
• dispensable
days: ½
crew
• camera (15-18 days)
• drone camera (2-3 days)
• sound (13-16 days)
• maybe lighting (13-16 days)
• editing & mastering
If you are practised teams of e.g. camera–sound–light, you’re very welcome.
It’s possible to split shooting days between several camera- or sound people.
pre-production impressions of
“The Phoenix Connection” (wt)
about the filmmakers
Martin Wolkner
author, director, producer, co-editor
• has an M.A. in English, German and Film Studies
• film critic, subtitler and novelist
• founder and manager of Filmfest homochrom, once 2nd-largest queer film festival in Germany
• producer of 80 videos from Litfest homochrom
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