From Inspirational to "Wonderful"

The lovely and talented Jessica Webb continues to play iconic American moms.

After recently completing her scenes as Claire's mom Jennifer in Inspiration, Jessica has transitioned into the role of Mary Bailey, the wife of beloved everyman George Bailey in the Stoneham Theatre production of It's a Wonderful Life. The stage adaptation of Frank Capra's classic holiday film has been getting rave reviews... and our Jessica lights up the stage as she lit up the Inspiration set.

"Jessica Webb, in her Stoneham Theatre debut, offers a solid performance as George’s wife, Mary; hers is among the toughest roles to play in the show, as Donna Reed so encapsulated and defined the character in the 1946 film."

-North Shore Sunday review

The entire team at Inspiration and IS Films congratulates Jessica... and wishes a very Happy Holidays to all the friends and supporters who helped our film get its wings! And watch for updates as we move into post-production in 2009.

That's a Wrap!

Inspiration reached a major milestone last weekend as the team completed principal photography. The grueling three-day shoot included many of the key dramatic scenes, with numerous set-ups.

Thanks again to Grace, our talented lead whose star is quickly ascending, and to Jessica and Jonathan for their hard work and dedication in creating this special family. Major props to our tireless crew, who helped make the creative vision happen and who deserve some rest and serious fun. Sincere thanks to Jacob for allowing us to build the world of Inspiration within his own world. And to Hiroki Sugiyama for the beautiful photos.

A star-spangled clapboard slates a kitchen scene.

Grace Brakeman (Claire), Director Jackie Carr, and Jonathan Thomson (Jack) discuss the opening breakfast scene.

Jessica Webb (Jennifer) and Grace Brakeman (Claire) during the dinner table scene.

Director of Photography Jess Dunlap sets up a shot.

A view of Claire's bedroom scene through the monitor.

Jennifer discovers Claire's secret.

Next stop... the editing suite!

More Ink for Inspiration and IS Films

The Angels Behind a Student Project
Industry largesse plays a vital role in 'Inspiration'

Martin Zaharinov majors in directing narrative fiction at Emerson College, but don't underestimate the importance of his minor in leadership and management. Lately he's demonstrating plenty of that important filmmaking skill known as getting it made.

Zaharinov is founder and president of IS Films Inc., a nonprofit intended to help fund student films beyond the normal thesis projects. And he and the IS (Independent Student) team, which includes treasurer Elizabeth Daly and non-student board members Paul Turano and Glen Livolsi, have reeled in some serious bounty for their first production.

Inspiration, filming in and around the city this month, is a roughly 25-minute film with a cast of four, written by Michael Gray Beckett (Emerson '84) and directed by Jackie Carr (an Emerson senior). It's the kind of indie often shot on the most threadbare of shoestrings.

But Zaharinov and company have scored a ton of film-industry largesse to get Inspiration done right: the loan of a complete 35mm camera and equipment package from Panavision (worth low six figures to rent for a few weeks), a film stock grant from Kodak (worth perhaps $3,500), and processing from the FotoKem post-production company that Zaharinov said will probably be worth $30,000 or more.

All this is just the beginning, says Zaharinov, who is credited as executive producer and assistant director. He hopes IS Films will become a producing umbrella that will help many more students realize their filmmaking dreams.

Click here for complete story.

First Weekend Shoot... In the Can

The tireless Inspiration cast and crew wrapped up the first weekend of shooting this past Sunday. As usual, the film gods were watching over us and managed to limit the rain to Saturday night... so both outdoor shoot days were classic autumn in New England. (Whew!)

Thanks to Grace, Abi, Jonathan and Jessica for their patience, professionalism and high spirits doing take after take. And to the crew for an epic amount of work. And to Julie Haberstick for the photos.

And it all happens again next week! The magic of Inspiration continues...

Eat, Drink... and Support Inspiration!

On Wednesday, October 22, the California Pizza Kitchen in Boston's Theater District will donate 20% of sales to Inspiration! All you need to do is print the flyer below and show it to your server or cashier when you place your order. It's a deliciously easy way to help raise funds for an exciting film project.

If you've never tried CPK's outstanding pizzas, salads and sandwiches, October 22 is the perfect time. And if you already know how good CPK's food is, we know you'll be there with a fork in one hand and the Inspiration flyer in the other!

So print the flyer above and take it to the CPK in the CityPlace building at 127 Stuart Street this Wednesday for lunch, dinner, or take-out. Your taste buds will thank you... and we will too!

And a big thanks to California Pizza Kitchen for supporting Inspiration and independent film!!

An Inspirational Cast

After months of outreach, auditions and callbacks, we are excited and proud to introduce the stellar cast of Inspiration. They bring a broad range of acting experience to the project, including some iconic roles in American film and theater.




The cast includes (clockwise from top) Jonathan Thomson (Jack), Jessica Webb (Jennifer), Grace Brakeman (Claire) and Abi Jean-Baptiste (Audrey). They are fast becoming a little family and are busy with rehearsals as we prepare for the first day of shooting on October 24.

Check back for detailed profiles of our shining stars... and more exciting Inspiration news!

Inspiration Highlighted in Emerson Magazine

The October issue of Emerson College Today includes a feature article on Inspiration, IS Films and the student and alumni working to bring the film to life.



Students find 'Inspiration' in film and win major grants
by Christopher Hennessy

A film produced and directed by current Emerson students, with a screenplay penned by an alumnus, has won three major grants, including an equipment grant from Panavision's New Filmmaker Program with an estimated value of $500,000. The filmmakers have also fundraised more than $17,000 to support the production of the film.

The 35mm film, entitled Inspiration, is scheduled to begin shooting late this month and into November. The other grants the film has secured include a Kodak 35mm film stock grant and a Fotokem grant for post-production processing, dailies printing and answer printing.

Click for full article...

Inspiration Draws a Line in the Sand

...Well, actually, in the South End asphalt.

Inspiration Executive Producer Martin Zaharinov and Director of Photography Jess Dunlap proudly display the permits that will mark the location for our outdoor shoot later this month. Kudos and fist bumps to Martin for successfully navigating the Byzantine channels of city hall to acquire these sacred placards!

The Stage Is Set...

The world of Inspiration is quickly coming together as we head toward our upcoming shoot in October/November. Permitting for the outdoor shoots is nearly complete. And the team recently selected an ideal location for the indoor shoot! Behold the domain of Claire and Jennifer and Jack...

For more images of this beautiful space... you'll just have to come see the film! Watch for the premiere early next year. And check back soon for updates on our amazing cast!

It's Official...

...Inspiration is definitely the coolest, most visionary and exciting independent short film project on the Eastern Seaboard. Probably in the United States. And possibly in the world.

Oh... and more official news. IS Films, the production organization behind Inspiration, has formally been granted 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit. This sets the stage for additional IS Films media projects and educational opportunities for students and aspiring filmmakers. It also assures that all donations to Inspiration are tax deductible.

We have only two days remaining on our IndieGoGo fundraising challenge! Please visit our project page and make your official tax deductible donation now!

Thanks for your support... and be sure to watch for more exciting news from Inspiration and IS Films.

Four Days to GoGo... $1000 and Counting

Inspiration has crossed the $1,000 mark in our challenge to raise $1,500 on IndieGoGo. The last week has seen a huge uptick in contributions, and we thank everyone for their support.

But time is quickly running out. We need to raise that last $500 in the next four days. So skip a few mocha-lattes and donate $10 to Inspiration on our IndieGoGo project page. If you can donate more, you can help us reach the target even faster.

This will complete fundraising for Inspiration as activity ramps up. Technical crew positions have been filled and rehearsals have begun. It's an exciting time... but we still need your help for that last $500. Spread the word, share the wealth, and help bring Inspiration to life!

Heading for the $1500 Home Stretch

We’ve passed the halfway mark in our latest IndieGoGo fundraising challenge. But we only have one week left to raise the last $1500 as we head into production. The entire Inspiration team has sent out letters to all our contacts asking them to each donate ten dollars. Higher donations are more than welcome… but if each person contributes just ten bucks we can easily hit the target next week.

So visit our IndieGoGo page right now and make that donation. Quick. Before you forget.

And spread the word to friends, family, the neighbors, your old sorority sisters, that woman you’ve been trading glances with at Starbucks, the guy who cuts the lawn, your mechanic, that weird lady who sells plastic roses out of her old Chevy by the overpass…

Tell everyone to visit the Inspiration project page at IndieGoGo and drop ten dollars on a film that’s sure to be a winner.

Thanks, as always, for supporting Inspiration. It’s been an amazing ride so far… and the best is yet to come!

P.S. And be sure to watch this space for updates on our incredible cast! We are positively Inspired!

Inspiration Spotlight: Executive Producer Martin Zaharinov

What's your background and why do you want to work in film?
I have always had a passion for cinema and films. My father comes from a TV and journalism background. He used to anchor for the news in Bulgaria back in the early 90s and I always enjoyed seeing him on TV and envisioned myself being in his place one day. When the time came for applying to college I asked myself “What do I love to do most in this world?” After a year of deliberation, I decided to apply to film schools. Once I got to Emerson, I quickly realized that I love this school and that filmmaking is what truly makes me happy. I believe it’s what I was always meant to do.

Why did you choose Inspiration to be your first major production?
Inspiration, at a first glance, touched me on a personal level. I could relate to the story in a deep emotional sense, for reasons that I will keep to myself. Upon a second read I found that I really liked the characters, enjoyed the interactions between them, and was drawn into the story. As I was rereading the script, prior to my meeting with the writer, I found myself “watching” the film, seeing the scenes come to life in my mind. I really enjoyed it and I was actively looking for a major project to take on. I knew from the beginning that this will be an enormous challenge and that it will be either all or nothing, and when dealing with absolutes I said to myself: Yes, this is manageable and I can do it!

Explain what the executive producer does on a film.
The Student Executive Producer is the spearhead of any student-produced film. He/she (or they…it is recommended to have at least a couple of Execs) are the people who essentially put the film together from A to Z – the beacon for the rest of the crew to rally around. The EP handles all business issues, assigns responsibilities, and secures the finances for the film. The EP has final say and veto power of any and all decisions on a student-produced film, and is in charge of the entire team.

What are your goals for Inspiration?
Since I started this project, I have been quite vocal about how great I want to make this film, how good of an experience it will be, and how many grants we will be entrusted with. The naysayers rolled their eyes about us getting a Kodak grant. Or Panavision. Or Fotokem. But we got all three. Ninety percent of the things that I set out to do are taking place, and I must admit that I’ve been talking up Sundance since Day 1…

Tell us your five favorite films and why.
I'll give you more than five, since I rank a lot of them equally, but will keep the descriptions brief, deal?

1. The Fountain — I can write a book on why.
2. Beautiful Mind — Great performances, great story, great cast, great team, great interpretation, great mind. I can watch this over and over again, and I think it has one of the best film titles out there.

3. Shawshank Redemption — Amazing! The story is beautiful, the telling of it is even better. Morgan Freeman has always been great in everything he commits to. I don't think that I have ever seen a movie that has drawn me deeper into the world it depicts than Shawshank. By the time the movie is over I don't ever want to leave nor can I ever tell the passage of time when watching this film.

4. Forrest Gump — One of the greatest acting performances of all time. Tom Hanks is spectacular and magic always flows when he works with Zemeckis. Like Shawshank, Gump draws me into a world of running, war, shrimp, ping-pong, and drama that I don't want to leave once the credits roll.

5. Lord of the Rings (Return) — When have you enjoyed yourself more at the movies! Best entertainment ever!

6. The Prestige — Amazing story and cinematography! Nolan kicks ass directing this one. The twist is amazing and the film has one of the best plot structures I have ever seen! Plus I have always had a soft spot for and a fascination with magic!

7. Love Actually — Everyone needs a bit of lovin’…

8. Leon —Loved it as a kid and I couldn't get enough of it! Really hard to come by, but a great movie.

9. Seven Chances - Buster Keaton. Hilarious!

10. The Matrix - FUN!!!

And many more. All film majors have 50 Top Five movies. It just depends on the time of night you ask them the question!

Inspiration Awarded Fotokem Grant

Inspiration continues to receive recognition and support even before we shoot the first frame. We were recently awarded the Fotokem Student Filmmaker Grant. This competitive post-production grant covers the cost of film processing, print dailies, and answer printing and is valued at $10,000. The grant assures that the project will be able to transition seamlessly into post-production work as we get ready to ride the film festival train in 2009!

Kudos to our EP Martin for pulling together another solid grant application. The Fotokem grant is another feather in our cap, which includes the Kodak film stock grant and the Panavision equipment grant. The strength of the project and the production and creative team have helped earn this industry support... and with the addition of our talented cast, to be finalized next week, Inspiration is on target for further accolades.

But we still need to complete our pre-production fundraising. Visit our IndieGoGo page and make a donation of ten dollars or more. The clock is running... Help us reach that final $1500 finish line. Spread the good word about Inspiration, and thanks for supporting independent filmmaking.

Tick, Tick... Ten

The days are ticking down as Inspiration gets closer to our shoot dates later this fall. Time is also ticking on fundraising, as we approach our final target budget figure.

So... we are asking everyone to donate 10 dollars to our IndieGoGo fund drive. We have 16 days to reach our $1500 target, which will complete fundraising for the film. (Whew!)

Ten dollars. Such a small amount. A drop in the bucket. Yet many drops will add up to big success. Larger donations are certainly welcome, but 10 dollars is fine. Just spread the word and watch as those 10s add up to 100s and then 1000s... or 1500, to be precise. Thanks for your continuing support!

And watch this space in the days and weeks to come for the latest Inspiration news, and lots of it. The Fotokem grant, final cast selections, more profiles, crew interviews, more press... it's all good.

But first... go to our IndieGoGo page and make a quick 10 dollar donation. Tick... tick... tick...

Some Serious Equipment

Things are rolling apace now as Inspiration heads into the home stretch before the shoot. Casting is in its final stages, with callbacks set for this week. Watch for cast announcements coming soon!

We're also still a bit giddy over scoring the Panavision equipment grant. This generous 35mm camera package will really help the visuals match the artistry of the story. Click here for details on the complete package.

And of course, we're excited to be closing in on our fundraising goals. Major expenses will be coming up soon, so please help us make this E-Z goal of $1500! Visit the our Indie GoGo page and make your donation today... Make it your one good deed for the summer, and enter the fall with a clean conscience! Thanks for your unwavering support of Inspiration and indy film.

Here We GoGo Again!

Our first IndieGoGo fundraising challenge was such a huge success... we've decided to take a victory lap! As Inspiration moves into final casting, rehearsals, crew interviews and shooting, we need to nail down our budget.

So skip a gin and tonic or that order of fried clams and donate the savings to everyone's favorite indie film project... Inspiration! Just click on the IndieGoGo widget below... sign up if you're a newbie or sign-in if you're already on board... and click Contribute now! on our GoGo page.

Every dollar helps... and is welcome! Thanks for your ongoing support of independent film!

Inspiration Spotlight: Production Designer Rachel Moreau

What's your background and why do you want to work in film?
I was born and raised in suburban Pennsylvania about an hour outside of Philadelphia. With little to do and not much around, movies quickly became a source of everlasting joy. It wasn't until later that it occured to me that film was an actual industry. Movies as a job. Fantastic. Before that moment came I had been preparing for a career in the fine arts, but when it came time to pick a college and a major and a life -- I knew charcoal wasn't going to cut it. The best part about film for me is the world -- the setting, the costumes, the fantasy. That's why when learning about the different aspects of film, I was inherently drawn in the artistic direction -- to production design.

Explain what a production designer does and what they bring to a film.
The production designer is responsible for the visual look of the film. They head the art department, which includes sets, costumes, props, visual effects -- basically everything within the world of the script. They are there to ensure that the director's vision comes to life and is fully created for the screen. A production designer should have a strong sense of design, color theory, practical construction knowledge, and some art and architectural history background. Production design supports a film in the authenticity of the world, its character and story arcs, and ultimately the production designer brings a more style-driven approach to the collaboration.

Why did you want to do production design for Inspiration?
Inspiration is a wonderful opportunity to create the personal spaces of characters whom I feel I know and care about. The people in this story are themselves studiers and makers of art. Their environment is unique in that everything around them is literally up for grabs... for inspiration : ) The world each of them creates is both highly personal and also highly visual. It's exciting to play with color and texture and the personal styles of each character. It's also fun to think of how Claire would put her room together -- nothing is more sacred to a 10 year old girl than her bedroom. The story is so thoughtful in its portrayal of these relationships that it pushes the design to be equally expressive.

What would be your dream film or story to design for?
The most exciting films to design for are ones that take the audience out of their ordinary environment. Period pieces, epics, fantasy worlds -- things that are stylized in such a way that you can really let your imagination run wild. Needlees to say my dream story for the perfect production design situation would probably involve a change in scenery.

Yes We Did! -- GoGo Target Reached

Inspiration hit our $5000 IndieGoGo fundraising target last week. Thanks to everyone who helped us meet the challenge!

Of course, fundraising continues as we prepare for shooting this fall. To make a donation, visit the ISFilms website. Every dollar counts... and is appreciated.

And watch this space for details on upcoming fundraising activities and other Inspiration news.

The Finish Line Is In Sight...

Inspiration is closing in on $4000 in donations... but we have only three days left in our IndieGoGo fundraising challenge!

We need $1200 more. Help us reach the magic number of $5000 so we can bring a magical film to theaters and festivals across America and around the world!

Every dollar counts!! Please visit IndieGoGo today and make a donation to Inspiration.

If it's your first donation, make a big splash in the pool!

If you've already donated, that calls for an encore!

The price of gas has dropped 7 cents in the past week... pass those savings along to Inspiration!

Kodak and Panavision have provided major grants for Inspiration. They love us...

Show us some more love. Make your donation. By Friday. IndieGoGo.

As always, thanks for supporting independent film!

Panavision Comes Through!!

We received the exciting news last week that Inspiration has been granted a Panavision 35mm GOLD Film Equipment Grant! The package includes 10 prime-lenses, 6 super-speed lenses, 20 Filters and Flex Fills... and a $325,000 custom-made Panaflex Film Camera!!! That's a grand total of $500,000 of professional equipment to help make a beautiful film.

The Panavision grant program is extremely competitive. Kudos and stratospheric high-fives to our Executive Producer Martin for putting the grant application together and having the faith and fortitude to go for it. He truly is... Captain Inspiration!!!


We do need to pay shipping costs from LA to Boston for the equipment, so be sure to make a donation to IndieGoGo this week. We still have a long road ahead to the $5000 finish line on Friday. But luck and karma are on our side. Help make Inspiration a success and donate today!

$1500 and Counting...

Inspiration has reached the $1500 mark for our IndieGoGo fundraising challenge! It's an impressive milestone, but we have just over a week to go to hit our $5,000 target.

That's $3,500 in eight days.

Can we do it?

Yes we can!

PBS raises gobs of cash every quarter by airing endless reruns of Riverdance and breaking in every 15 minutes with celebrities who wax poetic about the joy of donating to public television.

Inspiration will spare you the step-dancing... but we do have our own celebrity super-hero endorser...

Captain Inspiration says..

"Make your donation now at IndieGoGo and keep the world safe for independent filmmaking!"

Every dollar counts! Donate to Inspiration today!

First $1000 in the GoGo Pot

Inspiration passed a crucial milestone this week as we crossed that $1000 barrier for our IndieGoGo fundraising challenge. Now we only need to raise another $4000... but we only have two weeks left!!

Click any IndieGoGo link or the widget at right and make your donation today! Our fat cat donors are waiting in the wings to help us make some big jumps toward our goal... but we still need your help! Every donation large and small moves us closer to the $5000 total and to making a great film. So...

1. Give up a few Frappucinos (It's bathing suit weather... Do you really need those extra calories?)

2. Empty out that change jar (There's gotta be 15 bucks in there, at least, right?)

3. Cash in those bottles and cans (That pile in the garage has been bugging you for weeks. You know it has.)

4. Skip the Volkswagen-size nacho platter at Applebee's next Friday. (For rationale, see #1 above.)

5. Shake down the Tooth Fairy (Honestly, the kids will just spend that money on candy and start rotting those fresh new molars.)

... and donate the extra cash to Inspiration. Every dollar counts and is appreciated!

Send along your inspired ideas for raking up loose dollars to support independent filmmaking. And watch for our first donor thank-you list this weekend. Make sure your name is on the next one!

Celebrate Independence by Supporting Independents

With barely three weeks to go until our July 24 deadline, Inspiration is poised to cross the $1000 mark for our IndieGoGo fundraising challenge. We have some very generous donations on deck, waiting to be confirmed... but we need your help to hit that magic $5000 tape at the finish line!

Click on the bold Inspiration in the widget below. On our IndieGoGo profile page, provide a username and email for a really quick and easy sign-up... then click Contribute Now and enter or type in an amount!



Every little donation adds up. So in the spirit of the Independence Day and all that's good and true about American creativity and ingenuity... make your donation to Inspiration today!! Help us cross the $1000 threshold this weekend. And make the world safe for democracy and independent film!!!

Film Stock? Check.

Inspiration has reached a major milestone as we get ready to move into production this fall.

We were one of the first projects this year to be awarded a Kodak grant of 5,000 ft of 35mm film stock. Thanks, Kodak, for helping us create "the times of our life" (for those of you who remember the old 70s jingle... sung by that cocktail crooner Paul Anka).

And our intrepid Executive Producer Martin negotiated a deal on the remaining stock. So now our complete stash of 18,000 ft of film is resting cozy and cool in a refrigerated vault in an undisclosed location somewhere in Massachusetts... ready to capture magic in October.

Next goal... the Panavision grant for a sweet camera package!

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Remember to make your donation to Inspiration at IndieGoGo... We need to raise $5000 by July 24! Skip that frozen latte, margarita or Fouth of July six-pack and put it to something that will bring lasting joy to millions around the world... Inspiration!!

And many thanks to those who have supported us so far! Spread the good word!

Yard Sale Paparazzi Pics

The Inspiration fundraising yard sale was a great success. In fact, it inspired us to hold another in July. Before checking out the glam photo spread below... remember to visit the Inspiration IndieGoGo page and make your donation. Help us meet our $5000 fundraising challenge in the next few weeks!! Thanks for supporting indy film!

People came in waves on the first official day of summer to score cheap stuff and offer donations and words of support. Thanks to everyone who bought something and wished us well!

Our Executive Producer Martin beckoned passersby to check out the goods for sale... including the magical blue fog machine next to him (hmm... did someone buy that? Was Donna Summer in the 'hood that day?) Note the low angle shot... adding to Martin's always imposing physical presence.

Production Designer Rachel and Director Jackie added a dash of high-class retail style in their crisp cotton aprons... with big pockets to hold lots of cash!

IS Films Board Member Glen impersonates The Fonz from Happy Days in a nod to Henry Winkler, one of Emerson's illustrious alumni.

Note the 21st century update to a Polo shirt instead of the Fonz's leather jacket. Ayyyy.

Glen practices for his future coronation as the epic film producer of the 21st century. All he needs is a crown, a handful of Oscars and a Palm D'Or.

Okay... we got a bit punchy toward the end of the day.

Yes... Martin can now officially claim to shedding blood, sweat and tears for Inspiration.

We will never hear the end of it.

Yard Sale Rakes in Cash

Selling treasure, trash and everything in between... the Inspiration yard sale was a rousing success. The team pulled in $682.54. (A big shout-out to the woman who offered up the change in her pocket... that 4 cents could make all the difference!)


Our Executive Producer Martin, Director Jackie, and Production Designer Rachel counted up the spoils... and made plans for a second yard sale next month. Note their awesome Inspiration t-shirts. Visit the Inspiration shop to get your own and help spread the word about the project and IS Films!

More yard sale photos to come (but really, the cash photo is the one that counts!)

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And be sure to visit the Inspiration IndieGoGo site to make your donation. Help us meet the $5000 fundraising challenge by the end of July!

Find Your Inspiration at Our New Shop!!

The Inspiration shop is now up and running. Pick up a t-shirt (or two) and wear it proudly all summer to help spread the word about the film. Click the link below to visit the shop.

Visit the Inspiration Shop

A portion of every sale will go to help finance the making of Inspiration too! So shop early and often! Thanks for supporting independent filmmaking!

IndieGoGo Fundraising Kick-Off!

Fundraising efforts for Inspiration are underway on all fronts. The team has joined with IndieGoGo.com in a challenge to raise $5,000 for the film's production.

It's fast and easy. Click on the bold word Inspiration in the box below and sign-up for IndieGoGo... an e-mail and password are all that's required. Then click on the Contribute Now $ button. For only $50 your name will appear in the film's credits as a supporter. For only $1,000 you can be listed as an Associate Producer!

Every little bit... even $10... helps us reach our goal. So skip a couple of vanilla lattes or mango martinis and contribute the savings to Inspiration. And share our IndieGoGo link with everyone you know!

The team thanks you in advance for supporting Inspiration and independent filmmaking! Now GoGo!!

Inspiration Spotlight: Director Jackie Carr

What's your background and why do you want to work in film?
I am a storyteller through and through. I started in theater because it was more accessible, but I always knew I would end up in film. I've always been drawn to story and myth and been fascinated by the ways in which we pass histories and form realities and escape from our daily lives. Storytelling is such an intrinsic part of human culture and, on top of being the most prolific visual method of storytelling, film also provides the most freedom and realism. I'm a big proponent of realism!

Why did you want to direct Inspiration?
That segue couldn't have been better if I planned it. It was undoubtedly the realistic qualities of the script that drew me to the story and even more to the characters. Though I hate qualifying myself as a "female" filmmaker, the fact that the script deals with three beautifully written female characters was a big draw. More than anything, I loved the way that this very personal story of a young girl and her quest for answers about her father is so reflective of humanity's quest for truth.

What do you want the audience to come away with from seeing the film?
I want audiences to relate to Claire, to understand her questions and take solace in her inspired quest. I think people will find it hard not to internalize her struggle on some level and think of their own questions and seek their own answers. For what is inspiration if not an answer to a question... and as Claire shows us, those answers are never black and white.

What are your three favorite movies... and why?

1. American Beauty
( I usually follow that up with a "need I say more".. but I'll elaborate slightly.) It was the first film that effected me on a profoundly real level, the first time I saw my truth on film.

2. Garden State
Many have critiqued, perhaps it makes me a product of my generation and I'm sure there are plenty of Zach Braff haters out there, but I find Braff's labor of love to be inspiring both dramatically and practically as a fellow filmmaker. Every aspect of the film was relatable, simple and pure. And who doesn't want to believe that love conquers all?

3. I'm gonna go ahead and say Revolutionary Road. Now I know it doesn't come out til later this year, so I haven't seen it yet, but I feel confident reserving this spot for my favorite power couple, Sam Mendes and Kate Winslet. Yes Winslet plays opposite Leo ... again... but really with Mendes directing how can they go wrong? (I of course reserve the right to alter this if my expectations are not met. In which case the third position would hands down go to Little Miss Sunshine... need I say more?)

One Man's Trash... Creates a Treasure of a Film

As part of the comprehensive fundraising campaign for Inspiration, the team is leaving no stone unturned... From the technological savvy of an online donation page on the IS Films web site -- to the decidedly low-tech but always profitable neighborhood yard sale.

We've been collecting donations of everything from baby clothes and antique glassware to artwork and furniture. Our gifted production designer Rachel is even going to create and sell cookies with the Inspiration paint blot on them... a truly inspired idea!

The date has been set for June 21st... And we expect sales at major big-box retailers and Amazon.com to plummet that morning as we fill our coffers. Stay tuned for updates!

Team BBQ

Our Exective Producer Martin hosted a lavish barbecue this weekend for the Inspiration creative and production team.

The party gave everyone on the team a chance to connect and discuss strategies for the film. Okay, actually, we talked a bit about the project, drank beer, dodged errant Frisbees and soccer balls, and debated what to do with a fully stocked fridge that had decided to give up the ghost. Martin also began shooting a micro-short about an iconic white bucket... which will likely bypass theatrical release and go straight to DVD. Or YouTube. Or maybe someone's ipod.

Watch for profiles of the Inspiration team here in the coming weeks as well as the latest updates on fundraising activities and new developments for IS Films.

More Talent for Inspiration

As Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer, we're happy to welcome a new member to our scrappy team of filmmakers. Glen Livolsi has joined the Board of Directors of IS Films, the developer for Inspiration. As a software executive, Glen brings a wealth of marketing knowledge, a fat Rolodex of contacts, and a lifelong personal dream of making films. Of course, IS Films works to make dreams come true, so this is a perfect fit!

Glen has already provided great insights and assistance in planning our fundraising efforts... and will bring much value to Inspiration and IS Films as we move forward. Welcome to the team!

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Lots of other activity underway. More exciting updates in the coming days!

Roaring Out of the Gate

As Memorial Day fast approaches, the Inspiration team is geared up for a whirlwind summer to put a thousand pieces in place and begin shooting the film in late September. But wait.... we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Inspiration is a 23-minute, 35 mm film that follows precocious young Claire's journey of self-discovery through a portrait she is secretly painting. The film is the cornerstone project of IS Films Inc., a Boston-area nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for college and high school students to create, work on and learn about film and media productions.

Inspiration is directed by the vivacious Emerson College BFA candidate Jackie Carr and written by Emerson alum Michael Gray Beckett, based on his short story. The miraculous Martin Zaharinov is Executive Producer and chief bulldog for the ambitious endeavor. A talented posse of creative and producing talent round out the team... and will be introduced over the coming weeks.

Since Martin and Michael first connected at Christmastime, a tremendous amount of work and planning has been underway to get to where we are now... looking forward to weeks of fundraising, location scouting, casting, production design, schmoozing, arm-twisting, negotiating, begging, cajoling, nail biting, caffeine stoking, beer-and-pizza scarfing -- and surely a lot of laughs. And when the dust clears... a beautiful film.

Inspiration was a successful published story that was adapted into a script and now will be transformed into a film. The determination of Claire to learn who she is and what she's capable of is a real-life metaphor for the team as we work to bring this project to fruition. The plan is for a gala premiere in Boston in December and to rock the festival circuit next year. Between now and then, we'll keep you posted on our adventures in independent filmmaking... and our own journeys of Inspiration.