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IronWorx Media-6 Films, 1 Team to Produce Them All

IronWorx Media is determined to produce original narrative content that matters with a focus on diversity and fair media representation.

$1,955
pledged of$26,000 goal
14
0Days Left

Project Description

IronWorx Media is a media collective run by award-winning narrative and documentary filmmaker, Debbie Vu. The "IronWorx" name was inspired by the proverb, "Iron Sharpens Iron". By bringing talented people together and developing our content through collaboration and co-creation, we can create media that makes a huge impact.

The team after a 2-day shoot for Ellie Baker's "Mic Test".

To You from Debbie Vu:

A big part of what we do at IronWorx Media is narrative film production where we write our own original content and produce them for the world to see. 

By gathering local North Carolinian filmmakers, I made it my goal to create a fun, challenging, and efficient filmmaking environment with every project we take on.

As the collective grows,

the more film ideas are born.

We have an ambitious goal of producing 4 short films and completing post-production for 2 other films.

By funding these 6 short films, I want to create filmmaking and acting opportunities for the NC community and beyond.

IronWorx Media team members wanted to produce content that they hoped would launch their careers in the filmmaking industry. By creating strong visuals and sharing powerful stories, these team members will receive national attention and I am confident that these films will receive widespread accolades throughout film festivals around the world.

These creatives will be able to use this content to share with potential employers and other professional filmmakers to secure more work. They are intent on pursuing a full-time filmmaking career so let's help them get to their goals faster!

Many aspiring filmmakers take the leap to either Los Angeles, New York City, or Atlanta to pursue plentiful filmmaking opportunities. But the NC filmmaking community is growing! Support this community to show that NC filmmakers are talented wherever they may be.

Keep filmmaking in NC!

I have identified the four absolute costs that are required to successfully produce a narrative short film. We have to pay for 1) locations and 2) catering to feed the cast and crew because if there's free food, the creatives and talent will come! The third cost is variable. We'd like to provide 3) travel stipends to out-of-town actors. We must extend our reach to ensure high production quality. The fourth expense is for 4) rentals and purchases for art design. Everything you see in the visuals of a film is coordinated by the art department so it's vital to set aside funds for this process.

----

The four projects that are ready to produce are "Medicating and Healing" written and (will be) directed by IronWorx associate Seamus Bestwick, "Fully Focused" written and (will be) directed by Olivia Visser, "While We Were Out" written and (will be) directed by me, and "Our Little Secret" adapted by the screenplay written by Rollin Jewett and (will be) directed by me.

The pitches of the 4 projects ready to produce:

"Medicating and Healing" depicts the perspectives of a schizophrenic and his caretaker who is also his boyfriend and the impact of mental illness on their romantic relationship.

S'Alfrico Watson-Grant, Director of Photography for "Mic Test", will be the DP for Seamus Bestwick's "Medicating and Healing". Photo by Craig Worthington

"Fully Focused" features an intense action-packed drama which follows a deaf female spy who wants to prove to herself that she is qualified for secret missions by challenging the big shot at the agency.

"While We Were Out" gives us a glimpse into different groups of people who share the space of one concert venue/restaurant/bar. This project was written on the mindset of providing acting opportunities to talent across the country.

"Our Little Secret" is the story of an LGBT man whose night is ruined when a masked woman, who has questionable motives, bursts into his beloved condo and "sorta" holds him hostage. 

-----

The two projects that are in post-production are "Roll Pin Punch" written, produced, and directed by me and edited by IronWorx assistant editor Francis Lai and "Mic Test" written by Ellie Baker, directed by me, and edited by Francis Lai. What's left to do is to hire a composer to provide original scoring as well as bring on board a talented professional in developing sound design.

It's a wrap! "Roll Pin Punch" was a thrilling and rewarding experience.

The pitches of the 2 projects ready for post-production:

"Roll Pin Punch" shows us a sparring match between 2 MMA fighters, both women of color, and the pivotal moments that led up to the fight. We see that they have faced homophobia and emotional abuse.

"Mic Test" demonstrates the obvious downsides of being nosy within the workplace. Over the mic system, a theatre tech booth operator overhears something she wished she hadn't. 

A glimpse of our lead actors in "Mic Test". Photo by Craig Worthington.

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN

To produce the four films, we need $10,000. The total goal does not include post-production for these 4 projects.

To fund post-production for these two short films, we must raise $4000.

We'd like to submit all these short films into local, national, and international film festivals. On average, we will enter each film to 20 festivals with an average of $20 for each entry fee. $400 of entry fees X 6 films = $2400.

We would like to set aside 10% of our funds to compensate for the iFundWomen fees which will be approximately = $2600.

We would like to provide exciting and valuable rewards however, since we're a bootstrapping and growing business with limited funds, we will include those costs into the final budget at an estimated $5000-$7000 cost.

Any additional funds will go straight to select crew members and to the post-production budgets for the four short films.

Thank you for being a part of the process, even if it's just reading this or watching our video.

Any sort of publicity is greatly appreciated so if you can't donate, we'd love your social media support. Please post our campaign on your social media and/or directly send our campaign to people who you think could help us.

NOTE: 

In regards to some of the rewards, the digital downloads of the films will be ready within 1.5 years. We'd like to submit the shorts to film festivals and we cannot share the video before we finish the film festival circuit.

CREW BIOS

Seamus Bestwick at his finest.

Hey y'all, my name is Seamus and I'm an up and coming film director and video editor. Because of IronWorx I've been able to grow as a filmmaker by expanding my skills with video editing and writing. Now I'm getting the chance to direct my directorial debut film, "Medicating and Healing" which is a story that hits home for me dealing with a schizophrenic disorder myself. Medicating & Healing will help others see my passion for telling LGBT and mental health based films and how I want to expand on that. Schizophrenia is a disorder that doesn't get the best representation and I want this film to help turn the negative perspective people have of it. This particular media representation has especially been used in horror movies to showcase schiz as this disorder you need to be afraid of. Medicating and Healing shows how schizophrenia works but also showing that the people behind the disorder are good people, they just struggle like everyone else in their own ways.  This film will help launch my film career into living my life as a full time film director. 

Olivia Visser in all her glory.

Hello, my name is Olivia and I am an aspiring filmmaker and director. My film "Fully Focused" was created partially due to a lack of representation of female leads in action films. I've always thought that it is important for women to be portrayed realistically and equally to men in all types of film genres, but especially action genres. Often women are stereotyped or type-casted in the film industry and not given much opportunity to have access to a full variety of roles that allow for exploring different strengths and weaknesses of their characters. In addition, the film brings a representation to the deaf community and in a way that is not stereotypical but rather, realistic. In Fully Focused, the main character explores a range of both internal and physical difficulties, such as being deaf, that she uses to push herself instead of pitying herself. I hope that my film will give people real, legitimate inspiration and strength to face their own challenges and will have a lasting impact on any that watch it.

Debbie Vu at her best.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about what we hope to achieve in the upcoming year. We have so many ideas that we want to manifest.

I started my filmmaking career as a journalism major at UNC (Go TARHEELS!) and fell in love with documentary production. That quickly led to a love for narrative film production. I've been screenwriting since that one and only class I took in college back in 2010. The ability to create a world and all the little people in it is already powerful but then to produce and bring those characters to life, it's addictive. At the IronWorx Media collective, I always encourage my team members to write and develop their ideas. I'm intent on making their scripts become a reality. I figured we have the resources and the connections to professional filmmakers to make it all happen.

We love the art of filmmaking and we hope you will support us in our goals.

The Campaign FAQs

Why are you so confident these films will be screened at film festivals?

I produced my first short film for less than $400 and it was screened at numerous film festivals from Dayton, Ohio to even India. Imagine how many more film festivals our original content can be screened if we have a solid budget. We believe our stories resonate with a wide range of communities. We touch on sensitive topics such as mental illness, domestic abuse, and homophobia. We also want to elevate strong female leads.

Media representation matters and so does our content.

Where is my money going?

You're financing the projects of local NC filmmakers and actors across the country. You're financially supporting the careers of creatives, specifically based in NC rather than the over-saturated filmmaking environment of LA and NYC. We want to bring and keep filmmaking in NC. Come join us in this movement. 

What's a day like on set?

It depends on what you're interested in. There's lights, cameras, sound monitors, art, props, wardrobe, makeup and not to mention, production assistants buzzing around the set to help in any way they can.

If you're shadowing Debbie Vu, you'll see that life as a producer is rooted in strong problem-solving skills. The set would run amuck if it wasn't for the superior skills of the 1st Assistant Director where they're in charge of managing the set. Their biggest tool is time management. They're making sure we get all the shots we need to make a good edit. 

Basically, it's really fun!

You should join us on set because we'll show you a good time. BUT we mean business so professionalism reigns supreme.

What happens in post-production?

When a film has finally been produced, it's time for a specific team of creatives to take it over the finish line. It requires assembly editing, original composition, sound design, and color grading. 

Why won't I get the digital downloads until 1.5 years after the film is finished?!

A big stipulation in submitting films into film festivals is that it can't be shared with the public. Since our intention is to enter these films in a wide array of film festivals, we won't be able to share it with you right away. But know that you'll be amongst the first to see the final result (of course, depending on which reward you'd like to invest in).

What if you don't raise $26,000? How will you allocate the funds?

If we are unable to raise the full $26,000, we will have to fund specific projects based on our priority list until we make our total goal. The first projects that we will fund are "Roll Pin Punch" and "Mic Test" since we're $4800 away from submitting those projects into the film festival circuit. That number includes post-production and film festival entry fees.

Then we will focus on producing Seamus Bestwick's script "Medicating and Healing" and Olivia Visser's script "Fully Focused". Then it's Rollin Jewett's script "Our Little Secret" which has been adapted to film after some gender-bending and adding an LGBT character. And, the final project that will be funded is my script, "While We Were Out".

Where does the extra money go? In your personal bank account?!

No way!

We highly value the leader of our cinematography department so part of whatever we make over the amount will go to the Director of Photography. Any more than that will go to post-production for the four projects we're producing. If we get even more than that (!), it will go to the narrative production funds at IronWorx Media for future projects led by IronWorx team members.

Maya Brooks
10/04/2019
Monetary Contribution
$5
Thomas Gidlow, Skyward Prime
09/25/2019
Social Media Shout Out
$20
Donna Ray Berkelhammer
09/24/2019
Special Thanks in the Credits
$50
Ghast
09/23/2019
Social Media Shout Out
$20
Michael E Pickett
09/23/2019
Social Media Shout Out
$20
09/22/2019
Special Thanks in the Credits
$50
Jeff Hooper
09/22/2019
An "Associate Producer" credit!
$500
Angie Vorhies
09/21/2019
An "Associate Producer" credit!
$500
09/19/2019
Digital Download of 1 of 6 films
$75
08/24/2019
Digital Download of 1 of 6 films
$75
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

2 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Social Media Shout Out

Thank you for your contribution!

You will receive a social media shout out on our Instagram page, we will even post a picture of you if you'd like facial recognition. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

96 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Special Thanks in the Credits

Thank you for your support!

You will be in our credits under the Special Thanks section in all 6 films!

AND you will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

48 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Digital Download of 1 of 6 films

Thank you for being wonderful!

You will receive 1 digital download of any of the six projects of your choosing for your personal viewing.

AND a social media shout-out, and a special thanks credit. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

17 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
Digital Download of all 6 films!

Yippee! Thank you for supporting us in our ambitious endeavors!

You will receive digital downloads of all 6 films!

AND a social media shout-out, special thanks credit, and custom IronWorx shirt. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

20 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
An "Associate Producer" credit!

You're making dreams come true!

You will be bestowed with an Associate Producer credit in all six films.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads, and custom t-shirt. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

7 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
750.00 USD
An "Executive Producer" Credit

Whoa! Look at this big-shot over here!

You will be bestowed with an Executive Producer credit in all six films.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all 6 films, and custom t-shirt. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Editorial Photo Shoot w/ Seamus Bestwick

Wowee! You're amazing! Thank you!

You can be a model for a photo session with talented team photographer Seamus Bestwick. He prefers editorial photo shoots over headshot sessions so it'll be a ton of fun! You will also have an option to get your makeup and hair done on us. Must be local to NC.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all 6 films, custom t-shirt, and Executive Producer credit. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,000.00 USD
Be a Featured Extra!

We're excited to have you join us on set!

Take a step on set and be a part of the film! You will be a featured extra with some screen time so get your acting chops and your lovely face ready.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, Executive Producer credit, must to local to NC. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
3,500.00 USD
Shadow IronWorx Media founder Debbie Vu

Get ready for a good time!

Take one step on set and get addicted! You will have the opportunity to shadow founder Debbie Vu as she takes on her duty as producer (and depending on the project, as director). Get an in-depth look into how a fun, nurturing and efficient set looks like. Use this time to pick her brain about her filmmaking experience and her personal goals and motivations.

AND a social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, and a Executive Producer credit. Must be local to the triangle area in NC. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Durham Private Screening Event

Grace your presence on the red carpet!

You'll be one of the firsts to be invited to a local screening of Roll Pin Punch and 2-year anniversary party for IronWorx Media where you will get a shoutout during the event and be given the VIP star treatment including a walk down the red carpet to your seat and photos with the cast and select crew. Must be local to NC.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, and Executive Producer credit. Must be local to NC. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
7,500.00 USD
Film Festival Experience

You have a special place in all our hearts. Thank you for supporting our dreams!

As we submit our projects to many film festivals, there may be a screening near you! We will let you know when and where the screenings are and you will be invited to the one geographically closest to you. We'll pay for a place for you to stay and cover any admission costs . You will join the IronWorx team as we sweep the film festival circuit.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, and Executive Producer credit. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Durham, NC
Created 1 Campaign
Modern Media

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

2 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Social Media Shout Out

Thank you for your contribution!

You will receive a social media shout out on our Instagram page, we will even post a picture of you if you'd like facial recognition. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

96 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Special Thanks in the Credits

Thank you for your support!

You will be in our credits under the Special Thanks section in all 6 films!

AND you will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

48 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Digital Download of 1 of 6 films

Thank you for being wonderful!

You will receive 1 digital download of any of the six projects of your choosing for your personal viewing.

AND a social media shout-out, and a special thanks credit. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

17 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
Digital Download of all 6 films!

Yippee! Thank you for supporting us in our ambitious endeavors!

You will receive digital downloads of all 6 films!

AND a social media shout-out, special thanks credit, and custom IronWorx shirt. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

20 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
An "Associate Producer" credit!

You're making dreams come true!

You will be bestowed with an Associate Producer credit in all six films.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads, and custom t-shirt. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

7 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
750.00 USD
An "Executive Producer" Credit

Whoa! Look at this big-shot over here!

You will be bestowed with an Executive Producer credit in all six films.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all 6 films, and custom t-shirt. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Editorial Photo Shoot w/ Seamus Bestwick

Wowee! You're amazing! Thank you!

You can be a model for a photo session with talented team photographer Seamus Bestwick. He prefers editorial photo shoots over headshot sessions so it'll be a ton of fun! You will also have an option to get your makeup and hair done on us. Must be local to NC.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all 6 films, custom t-shirt, and Executive Producer credit. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,000.00 USD
Be a Featured Extra!

We're excited to have you join us on set!

Take a step on set and be a part of the film! You will be a featured extra with some screen time so get your acting chops and your lovely face ready.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, Executive Producer credit, must to local to NC. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
3,500.00 USD
Shadow IronWorx Media founder Debbie Vu

Get ready for a good time!

Take one step on set and get addicted! You will have the opportunity to shadow founder Debbie Vu as she takes on her duty as producer (and depending on the project, as director). Get an in-depth look into how a fun, nurturing and efficient set looks like. Use this time to pick her brain about her filmmaking experience and her personal goals and motivations.

AND a social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, and a Executive Producer credit. Must be local to the triangle area in NC. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Durham Private Screening Event

Grace your presence on the red carpet!

You'll be one of the firsts to be invited to a local screening of Roll Pin Punch and 2-year anniversary party for IronWorx Media where you will get a shoutout during the event and be given the VIP star treatment including a walk down the red carpet to your seat and photos with the cast and select crew. Must be local to NC.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, and Executive Producer credit. Must be local to NC. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
7,500.00 USD
Film Festival Experience

You have a special place in all our hearts. Thank you for supporting our dreams!

As we submit our projects to many film festivals, there may be a screening near you! We will let you know when and where the screenings are and you will be invited to the one geographically closest to you. We'll pay for a place for you to stay and cover any admission costs . You will join the IronWorx team as we sweep the film festival circuit.

AND social media shout out, digital downloads of all six films, custom t-shirt, and Executive Producer credit. You will receive IronWorx Swag including an IronWorx pen and sticker.

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward