"Our Tides" Film Pitch Deck

Putting this out into the universe because I need all the help I can get.

Several years ago, I contemplated suicide. If that makes you feel uncomfortable, good. That’s the point. I didn't go through with it, and I don’t believe I ever would. I'm too afraid of death. But the thought crossed my mind more than once, and not in a lighthearted way. I seriously contemplated it, and it scared the shit out of me.

Those thoughts transformed into an ongoing photographic series of mine called “Suspended.” That series turned into a pseudo-script I jotted down in my phone’s notes app. Those notes evolved into a longer script influenced by many of my favorite writers and artists. And that script will hopefully become a feature-length, avant-garde film. It’s been in my head for years. I know what I want done, how it will look, feel, and be seen. I'm confident in my vision—but I need help.

I managed to convince an awesome producer to join this project, but we still need more people. We are going raw on this, and because I have such a refined vision and script, we believe we can make it happen in a relatively short amount of time. So, I’m putting the pitch deck out into the world, hoping to attract the right people to be part of this project. There's a lot I don’t know right now, but I do know it’s going to be stellar. I’m going to put my heart into it, and I'm confident it will be beautiful and unique. I want people alongside me who are like-minded and feel the same.

If you’re still reading this, here is what I know and need:
— I’ll be directing and handling cinematography (I’m not opposed to having a 2nd cinematographer present for guidance, we just need to have the same vision)
— Our short list of locations to create the film in are Ireland, Scotland, Maine, Pacific Northwest, or France. There needs to be fog and rain and there needs to be an older style house that doesn’t give away a modern or specific time period.
— The entire script is narration. There isn’t any dialogue between characters. The actor chosen must be able to convey what I want entirely in a visual form. There is sound, but it’s of things like walking in a forest, running water, walking around. Sound is important to me.
— Roles we know we need… lead she/they/them (age doesn’t matter, more ambiguity is desired), supporting he/they/them (this is a small role in just one scene and we believe we have this part, but it depends on who is chosen for the lead), DP, 1st AC, Gaffer, PA, sound engineer, editor (I will be a part of the editing process as well). If you are part of the film, at the very minimum you’ll have a free trip and place to stay because we are shooting in the place we decide to rent. Depending on how much we can raise, we are hoping to pay for all roles as well, I just cannot guarantee it this early in this endeavor. But believe me, it’s a goal. I respect artists time and will do my best to make it happen. As of right now, this is all being financed and handled by myself.

Moving on—I wasn’t sure how to present this, as the pitch deck is 21 pages. Rather than directing you away from this newsletter, I’ve included the pitch deck for the film below. If, after viewing it, you feel you can help in any way (cast or crew), please respond to this newsletter, leave your email in a comment, or email me directly at michaelashsmith@gmail.com. I plan to start a Kickstarter or some form of fundraising soon, but I wanted to have a cast and crew largely in place before doing so.

If you’re still reading this, thank you. I appreciate you. A quick shout out goes to Patrick Alex who did most of the design for the deck, I just did minor tweaking. Thank you Patrick and please go check out his amazing design work!

The following is the “Our Tides” (working title) Pitch Deck…

Here is a direct link to view it on my website which you can share. Or you can share this Substack. It’s up to you. Any encouragement, guidance, or advice is greatly appreciated.