So, you're making a movie in New Hampshire…
Yes, it's true.
My wife, Cara Consilvio, wrote, is presently producing and will direct "C.I.T." a short film. I am the Executive Producer, as well as storyboard artist and head cheerleader for this effort. We are producing the film through our company Hup! Productions.
Anybody who has had the privilege of working with Cara, understands that she is a natural director. Of course, she is prepared, organized and focused. I think most people see those qualities in her, and rely on her as an excellent producer. You know you can count on Cara to deliver.
Cara also has a designer's eye for composition, a dancer's sense of rhythm and a passion for telling stories from a woman's point of view. This is more important than one would think, because even though some of the early masters of filmmaking were women; 51% of our population has minimal representation behind the camera.
Last year, at Chautauqua Opera, Cara directed in their Young Artist Scenes Program, she's back as guest director for the scenes this year. A scene she directed from Carmen stands out for me. It's the final scene when Don José confronts, then kills (spoiler alert) Carmen ("C'est toi! C'est moi!"). I have seen several versions of that scene, traditionally, the director's and audiences empathy is with Don José – the wronged lover who abandoned the righteous path.
Cara played it differently. Her Don José was a crazed stalker, who couldn't deal with a break-up. His murderous rage, was irrational. Cara's empathy and the audience's lay with Carmen, who was trying to get out of a bad situation with a man who was past reason alive.
In C.I.T., Cara reimagines a true story, using her talent as a storyteller and her unique point of view. Sarah (Emily Vere Nicoll) and Lizzie (Laura Kiser) are best friends, who for the past ten years have wanted to be counselors. A summer birthday means that 17-year-old Sarah has to be a C.I.T. and 18-year-old Lizzie gets to be a counselor. This is a significant difference in status and pay.
The film begins before the camp session begins. Sarah is begrudgingly resigned to her fate and she and Lizzie are committed to having a great summer filled with swimming, hiking, manual labor and horses.
Their plans change when the camp's Director, Elana (Renée Bang Allen), calls Sarah into her office and tells her some life-altering news about Lizzie. This news is confidential and Sarah has to keep the secret for the full day that they will be working together.
How will Sarah make it through the day without telling Lizzie this secret? How will she carry the knowledge that whatever she does, she can't save her friend from tragic circumstances?
We are investing in this film because we believe in Cara's talent and in our team. Our friend, and Cara's Man of Honor, Greg Emetaz is our DP, our AD is a multitalented dynamo named Kat Croft. This is very exciting!
Our project is on Indiegogo. Support and/or share it! Be a part of something great! We have already been blessed with such wonderful support from our community. Thank you!
