MODERNGRUMBLE: A Crowdfunding Journey: 15 days left

I was speaking with a friend recently. He had just finished reading the script for Moderngrumble and was compelled to call and speak with me about what it meant to him. He then proceeded to tell me that he couldn't put into words what he felt but that he had connected with it deeply. This is not just another zombie movie. In fact this appears to be a common experience with Moderngrumble. Most people don't give it a second look, it's too weird, too esoteric, too something . . . but those who do take a few moments to peek into our world, let alone read the script, have almost all become passionate supporters of the project. As I have discussed in previous posts regarding my own problem with defining something meant to be indefinable, receiving that kind of compliment; sincere, informed and from someone you respect makes a huge impact on any creative endeavor and I have been blessed as of late with a very many artists I respect giving me similar encouragments. It has meant the world and two weeks into this campaign, I have to say, I am happier than I have been in quite some time and we haven't even raised a $1,000.00 yet!

You see, Moderngrumble is about as personal a film as you can make. Wait a second, we're talking about a monster movie, right? A horror film, albeit of stange breeding? Yes, but I have to say that in many ways it is autobiographical. Not plot-wise of course, but emotionally and philosphically speaking, it is my story. I even look quite a bit like the character 'Boy' you see in the Moderngrumble logos and in a very real way it is an expelling of old, personal demons and the rendering of new ones. As such the entire process of writing the script, working on the storyboards and graphic novel with Michael Duggan, writing a business plan, making a budget, location scouting, talking to actors and now going public with the project has been a ripping off of the band-aid so to speak, a baring of my soul to those who would judge. The fact that something I thought to be so off the beaten track, so strange by mainstream standards has been embraced by not only my friends but other artists and filmmakers whom I respect is ultimately the best thing that could have happened with this campaign. Don't get me wrong, we want and we will raise our budget, whether through Indiegogo or other channels but the connections I am making, the insights I am receiving and the support I have been given is truly the best part of this entire process. Thank you to all of Moderngrumble's friends and fans!

Toby Venable is a writer and filmmaker with Lotushead Productions, Inc., an independent production company based in Arkansas with a core focus on connecting regional filmmakers with national and international talent. Modengrumble will be his first feature film.