Found The Short Film

"Found" The Short Film

Film Synopsis

Eric, an 11-year old boy who recently lost his father, confronts a homeless veteran named Max in a park. Despite his formidable appearance, Max is quite friendly and they quickly form a unique bond. Max, a former college instructor, teaches Eric valuable life lessons through ancient Greek philosophy. But their friendship is quickly jeopardized by Max’s severe mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Eric is able to break through the stigmas associated with Max despite his overprotective mother and judgemental friend. This heartfelt story is sad but inspirational, aimed at shedding new light on the plight of the homeless and mentally ill.

Project Status

The team is currently in post-production having secured all finances thanks to donors and grants. "Found" commitment was always to continue raising money.

We launched an "In Demand" Campaign that will run through the year to support mental health, veterans and those homeless. Found film is still engaging in costs for submission to festivals, and enhancements, and pledges are also welcome towards the film.

We are under a Fiscal Sponsorship with "From The Heart Productions", which means that any monetary donations qualify as charitable contributions under the U.S Tax Code for a tax deduction.

Director’s Statement

“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.” - Plato

Many people avoid getting too close to homeless people thinking they are lazy, mentally unstable, or asking for money just to get drugs or alcohol. I received my undergraduate degree in sociology and studied the stigmas placed on mental issues, poverty, social outcasts, and similar topics.

I once volunteered in a soup kitchen thinking I could help those in need, but I left feeling empty inside, realizing that a single meal or tip jar won’t help anyone with severe depression, anxiety, or other disorders. For veterans, 10% of men and 19% of women are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Overall, an estimated 25% of the homeless population suffers from severe mental illness.

Tone & Style

Found is a heartfelt dramatic story about courage, acceptance, and human interaction while exploring homelessness, mental health, and social degradation. The film draws a fine line between reality and delusion as it relates to mental health.

The visions that haunt Max are at the forefront of the story. The tone will be somber and suspenseful despite most of the scenes being shot outdoors during daylight.

The style will be expressionistic, focusing on visual cues to express the emotional experiences of Max’s chaotic world and Eric’s apprehension.

Characters

ERIC PLATO

An 11-year old boy, only child, still mourning his father’s death. He is curious but cautious. Kindhearted and forgiving. Eric befriends a homeless man, Max, who teaches him valuable life lessons through ancient Greek philosophy. Eric’s dad used to quote Plato to him (since that is their last name). Max quickly fills the void of a father figure so Eric ignores his mother’s orders to avoid him. Eric wants to help Max since he too feels lonely and unappreciated.

MAX WILKIRSON

A homeless veteran hiding from the world. He suffers from both post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia. Quiet, reserved and paranoid but highly intellectual. He taught ancient Greek philosophy at universities after leaving the army, but lost his job after lashing out at visions of ghosts and dead soldiers. His wife of 20 years also left him. He avoids talking to others who either fear him or taunt him. Yet he finds trust in a curious young boy named Eric who gives him new inspiration in his love for teaching.

TANYA PLATO

A widowed mother, Tanya is a lawyer, stressed by her job and having to raise her son Eric alone. She is extremely overprotective of Eric despite never spending enough time with him. Tanya is also a bit of a snob, judgmental about others that don’t live up to her standards.

She loved her husband before he passed away and has no interest in dating anyone new. She believes she is self-sufficient enough to raise Eric alone. She wants the best for him but doesn’t realize she is slowly pushing him away.

JOEY GREEN

Best friend to Eric. He is 11 years old and has no siblings. Joey is spoiled by his parents as an only child, a pretentious brat who always gets his way. He constantly teases

Eric thinking that it’s all in good fun, but is easily offended when others tease or correct him. He is very athletic and excels in sports. Doesn’t care about academics and has no goals in life.

Meet The Team

Writer & Director, Steve Wieclaw

Producer, Jules Gonzalez Velazquez

Steve is an award winning filmmaker based in Miami. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he received his undergraduate degree in sociology. After long careers as both a touring musician and corporate business analyst, he finally pursued his passion for

storytelling and completed film school with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Filmmaking. His past films include Agua Eterna (2021) and Nonstop (2020).

Website: www.hermitcrabfilms.com

Instagram: @steve.wieclaw

Mobile: +1 (786) 690-3564

Email: steve@hermitcrabfilms.comImdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12275979/

Producer, Jules Gonzalez Velazquez

Latin, veteran, producer with a diverse background spanning production, editing, broadcast, and business acumen with undergraduate psychology studies. Mentored directly by industry leaders, she has honed her skills across multiple formats collaborating with top actors like Andy Garcia (The Godfather III), Frank Grillo(Lamborghini, Copshop” , Mekhi Phifer( “Paid In Full)“(Lights Out”) and Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo (“The Equalizer”)(“London Has Fallen”) as well as Emmy and Oscar winners like Tarell Alvin McCraney( “Moonlight”).

Website: www.skytransmedia.com

Instagram/Facebook: @skyheartmedia

Email: jules@skytransmedia.com

Executive Producer, Miguel Parga

Producer, Jules Gonzalez Velazquez

Associate Producer, Laly Neazoa

Miguel currently teaches acting, directing, writing and editing at New York Film Academy in Miami Beach. He has directed 21 short films, many of which have been in festivals all over the US. His first novel Blood Laws was published in 2013 by Anaphora Literary Press and is available on Kindle and the iBook Store. Also available is his recent book on Filmmaking: 10 LESSONS THEY WON'T TEACH YOU IN FILM SCHOOL.

Website: www.miguelparga.com

Instagram/Facebook: @migueleparga

Imdb: www.imdb.com/name/nm1836726/

Associate Producer, Laly Neazoa

Producer's Assistant Alicia Ramcharran-Black

Associate Producer, Laly Neazoa

Laly is a Communications graduate with a specialization in Audiovisual Production, born and raised in Venezuela. She has worked as a freelancer on a wide range of video production and audiovisual editing projects, which has allowed her to develop strong skills in editing and content creation for various media platforms. Currently, she is working as an associate producer for the short film "Alberta and the Possum," contributing to the creative and logistical development of the project.

Website:https://lalysportfolio.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @lalycneazoa

Producer's Assistant Alicia Ramcharran-Black

Alicia Ramcharran-Black, originally from Georgetown, Guyana, moved to South Florida in 1998. At 17, she worked at Hollywood Video, where she discovered her passion for film, and was promoted to Store Director. She has a strong background in higher education, holding a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration. Alicia continued her passion for film through various roles, including being an extra in a student film and acting in short films. Since 2017, she has been working at the New York Film Academy, where she is a registrar.

Director Of Photography, Sergio Gallego

Producer's Assistant Alicia Ramcharran-Black

Sergio is a Miami based cinematographer

with years of experience shooting narrative

short films and music videos while dabbling

in film photography and processing. With a

filmic style and perspective fueled by many

unique influences, he plans to bring the

story of Found to life.

Website: www.sergiogallegofilm.com

Instagram: sergiogallegofilm

Meet The Cast

CHARLES EDWIN POWELL as Max

Charles is a Long Island, NY based SAG actor. With over 70+ IMDb credits, he has worked alongside award winning actors and directors such as Sir Richard Attenborough, Paul Schrader, Jon Cassar, Nick Nolte, Pierce Brosnan, Joe Mantegna, Daniel Roebuck and Neve Campbell just to name a few.

Charles currently has two feature films set to premier this year (“Hi.” and “Stream”) as well as one currently streaming on Amazon (“Silent Night In Algona”).

Instagram: @CharlesEdwinPowell

IMDb:www.IMDB.me/CharlesEdwinPowell

LANDON PARKER as Eric

CHARLES EDWIN POWELL as Max

Landon is a 12-year-old actor known for his determination, passion, and reliability in commerials and film productions. He has experience in print, runway, commercials, theater, and green screen. He recently shot a pilot series called “The Bizarre Events at Hellman Elementary”.

With a wide range of motion and adaptability to different environments, Landon seamlessly transitions between roles, captivating audiences with his performances. Landon is committed to honing his craft and making a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.

Instagram: @landb_brothers

IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm15063067

MARGERY LOWE as Tanya

DANIEL RAPOPORT as Joey

Margery is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. She is the recipient of a Tyrone Guthrie Award, Carbonell Award, Silver Palm Award and was named New Times Best Actress, Broadway World Best Actress, Florida Weekly Best Actress and The Wall Street Journal named her performance in "The Belle Of Amherst" Best Theatre of the Year.

Margery has worked extensively in film and television, is a full time voice-over artist, and a resident artist of The Dramaworkshop, which brings new scripts to life, from page to stage.

Website: https://www.margerylowe.com

Instagram: @margery_lowe_actress

IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm0523004

DANIEL RAPOPORT as Joey

Daniel is based out of Boca Raton FL and enjoys gaming, gymnastics, and tennis (in addition to his little brother and mom and dad). He speaks both English and Russian.

Daniel recently wrapped up a student film role as a younger version of Nate, the lead character.

When Daniel grows up he wants to be the President of the United States of America and a successful gamer! : )

Instagram: @dan_and_aleks_adventures

Media

Steve Wieclaw

Jules Gonzalez- Velazquez