Charley Nathans

CREW CALL — The Calm Before the Storm

De Stilte Voor De Storm / The Calm Before The Storm Short Fiction Film | Philosophical / Sociological Drama | Mosaic / Ensemble Film Logline Amid uncertain times, the inhabitants of a castle are thrown into turmoil by the sudden arrival of a messenger. The Film Rumours begin to spread among the castle's inhabitants. Whispers, hurried footsteps, people rushing through the corridors looking for information. The only thing anyone knows is that a messenger has arrived. A messenger carrying news that cannot wait until morning. Slowly, the realisation sets in that tonight may be the last night of their normal lives. Fear, anger and despair begin to take hold. What should they do? What can they do? Yet while some are consumed by panic, others continue along their usual routines. The horses still need to be fed. The dishes still need to be cleaned. And a group of night guards, having acquired a small barrel, decides to drink and toast to life. The night passes. The sun rises, and life goes on. But for most of them, the tension of this night is far from over. The next messenger is already at the gate. Why make this film? With De Stilte Voor De Storm (The Calm Before the Storm), we look at society on a small scale, and at the visible and invisible threats that surround us. How do people respond when their ordinary lives suddenly become uncertain? How do they support one another, how do they turn against one another, and how do they continue living when nobody knows what the next day will bring? Set in 1297, the questions at the heart of the film are not bound to a particular time or place. By placing different perspectives within one community alongside each other, the film becomes a mosaic of the different ways people respond to uncertainty. Looking For We are currently expanding the core team and are looking for makers in, among others: DOP We want to bring a stylised cinematic world to life. With focus on movement of the crowd and the smaller details of the individual. We want to create impactfull images that fit the weight of the story. (Do let us know if you have experience with night shoots, and if you are able to operate a steadicam (not a recuirement)). Art Direction We are looking for someone who can create a believable historical environment with limited resources. The focus will be on the people and costumes (those have already been taken care of), while carefully chosen props and elements of the environment can further strengthen the world of the story. This will not be a complete reconstruction of how things looked historically; instead, we want to bring this deliberate stylistic choice to life together with the art department. Gaffer Light and shadow are important storytelling tools in this film, and we are looking for someone who knows how to work their magic with light. Close collaboration with the DOP will be important in giving the different spaces and perspectives their own atmosphere. If you are more interested in working as Best Boy? We'd also love to hear from you! Sound Technician Sound plays a major role in strengthening the world and experience of this story. We want the different perspectives to be felt not only visually, but maybe even more through sound, Both diegetically and non-diegetically. Production Management We are looking for someone who can help maintain an overview of planning, communication and practical execution during the shoot, bringing structure and calm to the set. Cast / Background Coordination We are looking for someone to coordinate background performers and actors during the shoot, making sure they know what is expected of them while allowing the rest of the crew to focus on the set and scenes. Do you have another specialisation that you feel could contribute to the project? Don't hesitate to get in touch; we would love to hear your ideas! Lenght: 10 - 15 minutes Location: The main location will be the Castle Tower of IJsselstein. Period: Filming is planned for the second half of November. Production will take 3-4 days. Payment: This is an unpaid student production. However, we will discuss any unforeseen costs and travel arrangements. Language: The film will be spoken in Dutch, but English-speaking crew members are very welcome. Send your application to: [email protected] In your application: Please tell us what you picture yourself doing and add a showreel or portfolio (or other way to show earlier work). We hope to hear from you soon!

Diemen, NL

Announcement

Jo-Ann Horst

Production company or producer wanted

TRIGGER WARNING: De Zwarte contains mature and intense themes, including trauma, addiction, mental health issues, paranoia, violence, and crime. LOG LINE A psychological thriller series about an underworld man with PTSD, addiction, and paranoia who tries to rebuild his life when he becomes a father, but is ultimately caught up by his past through the legacy he leaves behind. I am the creator and writer of De Zwarte. De Zwarte is my first standalone, independent writing project: a fantasy and drama series with a dark, psychological, and character-driven approach. Fantasy is interwoven with drama, family ties, trauma, addiction, complex characters, and the unique role of two wolves within the story. Now that the manuscript is ready, I want to further develop the project towards professional production and sale. I am therefore looking for a producer or production company that identifies with the story and the world of De Zwarte. Someone who sees potential in the combination of psychological thriller, drama, fantasy, and the special significance and role of the two wolves within the story. For me, collaboration does not mean giving up control of my story. As the creator and writer, I want to remain involved in the creative development and important decisions regarding the project. I am open to professional expertise, guidance, and new perspectives, while preserving the core and vision of De Zwarte. Please note: This concerns exclusively finding professional partners, such as a producer or production company, to further develop De Zwarte and potentially realize it. Casting for potential actors and actresses is not yet on the agenda. Are you a producer or production company that resonates with the story, world, and vision of De Zwarte? Then I would love to get in touch with you. You can email [email protected], and who knows, maybe we'll speak soon!

Ijmuiden, NL

Announcement

Marieke Rodenburg

Director Henriette Pimentel at Beeld en Geluid.

Special screening and conversation with filmmaker Marieke Rodenburg and writer Esther Shaya about archival research and the representation of the progressive educator, champion of women's suffrage, and resistance hero Henriëtte Henriquez Pimentel. As director of the nursery opposite the Hollandsche Schouwburg, she saved countless Jewish children from deportation during the Second World War. Who was this woman? How were the filmmakers able to paint a personal picture of her life before the war with barely available audiovisual archival material of herself? In 2022, Marieke Rodenburg made the documentary *Directrice - Henriëtte Henriquez Pimentel*. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Pimentel becoming director of the crèche on Plantage Middenlaan in Amsterdam. In the years leading up to the war, she put her innovative educational ideas into practice there. Shortly before Pimentel reached retirement age, the Second World War broke out. Henriëtte Pimentel was murdered in Auschwitz on September 17, 1943. The documentary tells Pimentel's life story, from the period before the war to wartime, during which she became a key extra in saving Jewish children. After the screening, Marieke Rodenburg and Esther Shaya will engage in a conversation with researcher Anne Margot van der Baan. They will discuss the (audiovisual) archival research, the representation of historical women such as Pimentel, and the impact of gender bias on historiography. Why, for example, did Pimentel's resistance work become less well known than that of Walter Süskind? There is only one moving image of Pimentel in the nursery. How were the filmmakers able to give a voice to Pimentel through available archives from Beeld & Geluid, among others? And to her innovative ideas regarding education and care for children, inspired by, among others, pedagogue Fröbel and progressive women around her. Admission is free, please register via the website.

Amsterdam, NL

Announcement
NL / EN
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