Teddy Boy is the first feature from Colorado based filmmaker, Sean J.S. Jourdan, one that they are currently trying to finance through the crowd-funding site, Kickstarter.
The story follows a married couple, Jakob and Helene, who’s marriage is under pressure following the death of their son, a pressure that is ratcheted up when the couple become involved with a young tennis player who comes to stay with them. This sets us up for a clash of egos as the two men vie for Helene’s attention, a battle which comes to a head when a sailing trip goes awry and the three of them have to struggle through the Colarado wildnerness to survive. Also, Mountain Lions and sex.
With a story reminiscent of Roman Polanski’s first feature, Knife In The Water, and some early success with the script at a number of film festivals, there’s precedence to suggest this ambitious team may have a little gem on their hands.
But potential’s not enough, this film needs cash! They’ve set a Kickstarter target of $33,333 to raise by April 16th. So far, they’re doing pretty well, and as of 30th March they were $20,000 to the good, a hefty chunk of scratch, but admittedly with some work to do to reach the $33k target.
In their favour is pretty slick pitch campaign, with a video featuring the director, his wife and their baby daughter, presenting this labour of love with the aid of some rather attractive watercolour paintings illustrating key moments from the film. Featuring the whole family in the pitch might turn off some people, but it emphasises how personal this project is. Aside from the inspiration coming from a moment the couple had to together, and aside from the fact that every film is personal to the maker, this couple are putting in $30k of their own savings to realise this passion project.
You can find more details of the film on their site, and view the Kickstarter campaign too. And if you like it, bung ‘em a few quid and support a truly independent filmmaker.
