“NIGHT OWL” – SEOUL STORIES – BUDGET FUNDRAISER

-- ABOUT 'NIGHT OWL - 올빼미' --

Night Owl is the story of a Maltese expat on his last night in Seoul. He’s extremely hesitant to come home - can he even call it home any longer? He is anxious and uncertain about his future in Malta, and ends up impacting the relationship with an ex and a number of friends.

It will all boil down to a crucial decision he’ll have to take by the end of the short, and how he comes to terms with his own fears and anxieties, and ultimately, with himself.

NIGHT OWL will be the first short movie featuring Maltese dialogue shot in Seoul, South Korea, and will also feature songs by Djun, Kym Pepe, 1905, Michael Azzopardi and Eddie Fresco.

-- ABOUT THE CREATOR --

Hi! I am Franco Rizzo, a 35-year-old indie filmmaker from the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. I moved to Korea not only to experience living abroad in a different culture, but also to turn my dream of making movies into reality.

-- ABOUT SEOUL STORIES --

With Seoul Stories, I want to provide a different way to look at, reflect on Seoul and the people living in it, Korean and foreigner.

It also serves as a challenge for me to keep improving on my filmmaking skills, experimenting with different genres and styles for portraying different narratives.

Most of the time, this was done with the bare minimum of resources, almost close to none.

Yet my team and I worked hard to the best of our abilities. Our efforts were not in vain:

One of the Seoul Stories short movies, #seoulsearching, was featured at the 20th Gwanghwamun International Short Film Festival. It also stands the chance to be shown at Pinewood Studios as part of the First-Time Filmmaker Sessions.

This means IT'S TIME TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

For the next project, NIGHT OWL, I'm going to hire a team of professionals as cast and crew. It will also be the first time I will adopt a PAY EQUITY POLICY, that is:
ALL CAST AND CREW ARE GOING TO BE PAID EQUALLY.

The total budget will be spent as follows:

- €6000: cast + crew (9 members in total)
- €2000: music rights
(NIGHT OWL will use five songs from Maltese artists who will get paid for the use of their tracks)
- €1500: food + transport
- €1500: equipment rental
- €1000: personal accommodation costs and bills

FULL DISCLOSURE

Next month I might end up homeless. I don't mind not getting paid for this project, but any help for me to have a roof over my head during the shoot would be greatly appreciated. Hence the inclusion of that in the budget.

SHOULD THE GOAL BE SURPASSED, PART OF THE EXTRA DONATIONS WILL GO TO THE RICHMOND FOUNDATION.

Thanks so much for being part of this adventure and I look forward so much to showing you the end result!

MORE REWARDS TO BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FUTURE

-- THE CAST --

RENÉE SIMONE

Renée Simone is a Liberian-American artist from New Jersey, USA now based in Seoul.

She has been featured in Korea Times as both a model and a contributing writer to Black in Asia: A Spills Story Anthology. She has appeared in commercials, TV shows, and radio programs.

WOO YEON SEO

Woo Yeon Seo is a Korean actress constantly working on movies and, being an indie movie lover, she has great interest in making independent movies. Amongst Yeon Seo's credits, she has appeared in the Netflix K-drama Hellbound, and also appeared in the movie Kim Ji-young: Born 1982.

Always playing her given roles to the best of her capabilities, Yeon Seo looks forward to being part of this project!

MATTHEW CESAREO

Matthew says

“I'm always excited to work with Franco, as I think not a lot of people share his keen eye and passion for filmmaking. He has a unique flair and style which make his projects distinguishable. I love what he's been up to in South Korea so I am glad to be involved in one of these projects.”

KIM JUNGSUN

This will be her third short film as an actress. Having visited Malta, 6 years ago. She feels strongly feel for the main character as she remembers not wanting to leave Malta herself to go back home. Jungsun believes anyone who ever travelled and lived abroad will easily relate to it.

PARK SINYOUNG

Sinyoung relates

“I went to high school and university in Canada. I was so into acting, I changed my major to Theater. After graduating, I returned to Korea because I wanted to act in my native language.

After many new, different experiences, it was time for me to really pursue my career in acting, so I started classes over again. I know this project is a great opportunity for me, so I’m going to do my very best!

Give us lots and lots of support!”

MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!