The Last Light short film campaign launches

I am thrilled to be DPing a short film later this month called The Last Light. My partner LIsa Cooper is producing the film, which is directed by Jennifer Cummins, whom we met because of the 48 Hour Film Challenge earlier this year. The screenplay was written by Persephone Vandegrift, a talented Seattle writer. Here’s the synopsis:

Karen is a hard-working single mother of two girls, Hanna, 14, and Becca, 6. When the unthinkable happens and Becca’s young life is tragically cut short, Karen faces her fears and searches Becca’s room for the redemption and forgiveness she desperately needs. If we have a light to guide us, we can always find our way home.

THE LAST LIGHT is a story about finding light in the darkest of moments. Grief is a natural emotion, but sometimes it lasts too long. Forgiving oneself and accepting what life delivers is the biggest step toward managing grief. THE LAST LIGHT will inspire not only those who are currently in pain, but also those with loved ones who need help.

This is a film made by women, who fill all but one of the key positions, leaving me as the token male. That’s intentional, because the film is aimed at the Women in Film competition in Vancouver, BC, which requires it. I’m honored to be included. Here’s more about the crew.

Jennifer Cummins (Director) has directed and produced documentaries for Sunsports, ABC News, KelbyTv.com, and KelbyTraining.com. Jennifer has also worked with companies such as Turner Broadcasting, Carnival Cruiselines and Kelby Media Group. Most recently, Jennifer jumped feet first into Seattle’s 48 Hour Film Project where she directed, produced and edited MAN AND A VAN. She is also an avid portrait photographer and founder of www.blueedgephoto.com. Inspired by Gandhi’s quote: “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will,” Jennifer has a passion for telling stories of inner strength and overcoming hardships to inspire the soul.

Persephone Vandegrift (Writer) debuted her first mytho/supernatual play, TWO, back in 1996. Since then she’s written several plays that have been performed nationally. Her first feature, DEATH OF A MORTAL WOMAN, has won several screenwriting awards. Her award-winning short script turned film, ALL THINGS HIDDEN, is about to hit the festival circuit. Another feature, THE WATER KING, is currently in development. Check out Seph’s work: www.persephonevandegrift.webs.com.

Lisa Cooper (Producer) With a background in the visual arts, as well as her corporate experience at Amazon, Lisa has an uncompromising ability to deliver on budget and on time. She produced BEYOND NAKED, a recipient of the “Best Documentary” award at Seattle’s STIFF Festival 2013. She most recently wrote and directed a short film called MR FAMOUS, an Audience Choice award winner in the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project. She partners with Dan McComb at Visual Contact.

Dan McComb (Director of Photography) is an award-winning photojournalist, with publication credits including “Time” and “Newsweek.” This experience is the foundation of his current work as a documentary filmmaker. His first feature-length film, BEYOND NAKED, received the “Best Documentary” award at Seattle’s STIFF Festival in 2013. His short films THE COFFINMAKER and THE METALSMITH are recent Vimeo Staff Picks. He partners with Lisa Cooper at Visual Contact.

Catherine Grealish (Composer) is a composer for film, media and live performance who has experience in a wide range of music genres. A multi-instrumentalist, she is a classically and jazz trained singer, and also plays violin, piano, and guitar. Her piano piece Remember Me is featured in our video.

We’re raising money for this film with an IndieGoGo campaign, which launched yesterday. I can’t believe how fast this film has picked up support. It was 50 percent funded within a couple of hours of launch. I’ve never seen a campaign do that well right out of the gate. We still have a ways to go to get fully funded, of course, and for that we need your help. If you’ve ever been touched deeply by grief, please considering supporting this film.

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