By: Addison Wylie

Back when I was writing for Film Army, I would occasionally get requests from filmmakers to review their short films.  Davide Melini and Rob Comeau were two of those people, and CrowdFUNding has reunited me with them.

Melini – an Italian filmmaker with a fascination for  faith – and Comeau – a Canadian moviemaker with an eye for style – strike different chords with their work.  It’s awesome to see these two haven’t stopped thinking of the next project, and are willing to give crowdfunding a chance to accumulate a budget for their latest tale.

First, let’s focus on Davide Melini’s campaign for Deep Shock – a return to Italian giallo:

Deep Shock attempts to pay tribute to the Italian film genre called “giallo”, as in 2014 its 50th anniversary will take place.  The title of this project is inspired by the most famous horror movies of two of the most important Italian directors: Dario Argento (Deep Red) and Mario Bava (Shock).

It is a short film that mixes thriller atmospheres with horror cinema arguments.  The goal is to recreate the magic and true intrigue from some movies from the 70s, adapting them to the technical evolution and development that this genre has experienced all along.

We are trying to raise 3,000 Euros, which is traditionally a modest amount to fund an entire short film.  We need to pay for all the equipment, provide food and travel expenses, cover post-production costs, as well as pay for the makeup/prosthetic effects that will be featured in the film.

Visit Davide Melini’s Indiegogo page for more details.

My Two Cents:

I’ve seen Melini’s The Puzzle and The Sweet Hand of the White Rose and was truly only impressed by the latter.  I watched The Puzzle first and felt there were a lot of loose ends and an overall lack of comprehension.  With The Sweet Hand of the White Rose, he had put an end to my quibbles.  It was a freaky short film that showed lots of improvement and skill behind the camera.

I know Davide can show more growth with Deep Shock.  However, I’m aware that a tribute towards a particular genre can walk a thin line between being an original homage and acting as a copycat of the filmmaker’s influences.  Melini has to be careful.

I have high hopes for Melini.  He’s off to do great things.  All he needs is that appreciative support from fellow movie lovers.

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Now, onto Rob Comeau’s short film The Date:

My name is Rob Comeau and I am an indie film director.

I am looking to raise $3,000.00 for my short film, THE DATE. (Working Title)

This is a flexible campaign, meaning that if I do not raise the full $3,000.00 by the 30 days given, I will use whatever money is raised to make this movie happen!  It just comes down to sacrificing a few things, but the film will be made no matter what!

The film is going to be shot at The Keg Restaurant in Newmarket, Ontario with a cast & crew of 10 people.  I am currently trying to lock some superb talent on board, so depending on the amount of money raised — I can hire the right people!  If not I will have to get creative and work it out.

Visit Rob Comeau’s Indiegogo page for more details.

My Two Cents:

Outside of professionally critiquing Comeau’s films, I’ve admired the filmmaker’s hutzpah.  He’s always working and when his endurance isn’t focused on directing his own narrative feature, he’s dedicating his time to planning other projects.

His directorial eye is sharp and he’s shown he can direct actors with ease.  The fact that he’ll be working with DIY Shakespeare’s James Evans has me excited already.

It’s been a slow climb to success for Comeau.  Personally, I think it’s because the filmmaker has been working with unripened material.  His film’s have an impressive slickness to them, but the scripts (written by other people) have either been wannabes of other movies, or include unconvincing characters.

With The Date, Comeau will pen the screenplay.  This is a first for him, but this is a step in the right direction.  This offers a new challenge for Rob, and packs the promise of a project with more tonal control.

His Indiegogo blurb is vague, but have trust in Rob Comeau.

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All italicized statements regarding ‘Deep Shock’ and ‘The Date’ are provided from their respected crowdfunding sources.  Wylie Writes is not responsible for funds attached to these productions and we do not hold any accountability.

This project is that of the filmmakers.  Use your own discretion.