GRIPPED

Who Are We?

'GRIPPED' is the first feature production from newly established London based film company Desert Flower Pictures. The goal of Desert Flower Pictures is to develop original ideas and new talent and get them recognised within the independent film industry. We are a group of dedicated individuals, with experience in various areas of media and film production, who wish to produce feature films that showcase fresh and upcoming talent in all areas.

Between us, and the support of others we have worked and liaised with over the past several months, we have established a strong working/creative relationship and the foundations of what we hope will be a successful production company.

Story

'GRIPPED' tells the story of 4 individuals - each of whom have one thing in common that links them, yet, despite their paths crossing at several points, are unaware of it. Each character is living with a personal fear that effects and disrupts their lives - revealing the struggles they endure and false fronts they put on in their on-going battles with the inner demons that torment them. 'Fear' itself is also manifested as a presence who appears in each character's story in order to control and manipulate each of their fears for his own means.

The story of each character highlights the origins and motivations of their fears, the lengths they go to in order to cope, including extreme measures in some cases, and ultimately how they attempt to deal with the issues they have.

Impact

With this story we wanted to use a central theme that was universal, something that everyone could identify with in one way or another. Unfortunately, especially in recent times, the concept of fear is something that most people can relate to in some shape or form.

The story showcases the varying levels that fear can take within a group of distinctly different characters and the drama that comes from how fear is dealt with. We aimed to develop a script that was both engaging and created a sense of shared experience for the audience. Intentions Once pre-production/post-production has been completed, we intend to have showings at local independent cinemas and submit it to film festivals next year. We have already identified several film festivals that our film would be suitable for entering and have been contacted for submission.

Desert Flower Pictures have also begun creating a network of communication with associates via Facebook, Twitter and other media sources in order to generate interest in the project. The feedback and responses we already have so far has been incredible. This has made all the difference for our company just starting out. We are hoping the buzz that we have created on this feature, will also help us to forge ahead and continue future projects and productions.

Costs/How Can You Help

Desert Flower Pictures have been in pre-production for several months already on this feature and in that time we have laid a majority of the groundwork and preparations needed in place ahead of the filming schedule, which we are aiming to begin after full rehearsals in April/May. We have already completed phases of pre-production, having produced a strong script, completed storyboards and shotlists, assembled a talented group of cast and crew who are already working on and preparing their relevant areas and secured locations. Now we are preparing for rehearsal and filming schedules this is the point where we need additional support and some financial backing in order to push forward with production out goings and costs. We need funding for the basic essentials of production, which will help the filming schedule run as smoothly as possible.

The areas in which we need expenses covered are:

.Travel costs for cast and crew

.Location rental costs

.Insurance for equipment

.Food/catering for location filming

.Rental on extra filming equipment needed - Cameras, Tracking, Jib, etc

.Press/media costs

This is where YOU come in! Any financial support from anyone willing to contribute would be greatly appreciated and would help get this project finished to the standard that we have already been working towards for several months. All funding acquired will go 100% towards production costs and promotion. The rewards for contribution are listed on this page, so if you would like to be involved in helping this project to completion then please donate, no matter how little. A little goes a long way. How Else You Can Help You can also support us by spreading the word of Desert Flower Pictures and "GRIPPED" to anyone and everyone you think would be interested in us and our work. Contact details are available below and we would like to hear from you. All feedback is welcomed.

The Team

Carlton Morgan
An experienced producer with a strong background in music production, Carlton attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School before focusing his talents towards work in the music industry - including promotion and events management for successful artists and venues. Now an established producer in music and video production, he continues to develop and promote new talent in London.
Carlton is currently using his production skills as a co-director of Desert Flower Pictures.

Lissia Fraser
A creative media art professional, Lissia has a strong technical background in film, animation and fine art. Graduating with a degree in Film and Visual Communications from London Guildhall University and an MA in Computer Animation and Digital Art from Bournemouth University. Her work experience has included art-based projects in the community, as well as commercial projects in the film and television industry.
She continues to work as a practising freelance artist – currently lending her artistic and creative abilities as co-director of Desert Flower Pictures.

Jamie Brown
London based actor with extensive stage and production experience, Jamie is a graduate with a BA Combined Honours degree in English/Theatre Studies from South Bank University and The Central School of Speech and Drama, who continued his training at The Bridge Theatre Training Company for 2 years – attaining a Diploma in Acting upon graduating.
Jamie is now combining his acting and writing skills with his knowledge and experience of performance and production as a co-director of Desert Flower Pictures.