KNOTS

Synopsis

Iris and Jonathan have been married for many years. They truly love each other but, like so many marriages, there's no sexual relationship between them. Unlike most marriages, there NEVER has been.

From the beginning Iris has known that Jonathan is gay and could never love her in "that" way. She's okay with that and they agree to have an open relationship. But she's never taken a lover. So, here she is, 50 years old and never been kissed.

When she does finally engage in an affair she becomes confused; her physical attraction for Tyler is mistaken for love. And, when she leaves Jonathan, he's forced to face his biggest fear, being alone.

Objective

How do you define Love? This 20-30 minute film will explore the essence of love in a relationship between a straight woman and a gay man. It transcends the characters' idiosyncrasies and, in many ways, could apply to the struggles we all have when we are committed to someone but attracted to someone else. Can two people love and live together despite their innate attractions?

Additionally, we hope the project will advance the public perception of filmmaking in Milwaukee. The writers, director, production team, design group, crew and cast are all either native Milwaukeean's or currently call Milwaukee home.

But it will not be merely a Milwaukee release. We hope to take this film to every festival from New York to Hollywood. (Yes, as in "I'd like to thank the Academy")

Cast & Crew

Deborah Clifton

Norman Moses

Leon Flagg

Cast

Iris -- Deborah Clifton
Johnathan -- Norman Moses
Tyler -- Leon Flagg
Billy -- TBA
Joan -- TBA
Tony -- TBA

Crew

Director/Writer/Producer -- Melissa Musante
Production Manager -- Tess Gallun
Assistant Production Manager -- Laura Gambolis
Cinematography -- Greg Lukomski
Camera Assistant -- Gretchen Eastman
Key Grip -- Brian Nelson
Sound Engineer -- Steven White
Sound Assistant -- Justin Harker
Additional Dialogue -- John Scott Lewinski

Production Status

Casting of major roles is completed. However, several minor roles and some crew positions are still available.

Shooting is slated for Spring 2006 in Key West, Florida.
Limited 35mm release scheduled for the 2006 festival cycle.

Fundraising

Avant Guardian Films, LLC has raised over $15,000 of "in-kind" donations and we are currently seeking corporate funding, product placements, and individual donations.

Avant Guardian Films, LLC has secured fiscal sponsorship from the Milwaukee Independent Film Society, a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donations to the Society, in the name of Avant Guardian Films (or Knots), will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

By supporting this Avant Guardian Films, LLC project, you will be supporting filmmaking in Milwaukee. Of the funds you contribute to the Milwaukee Independent Film Society (MIFS) in the name of this production, 94% goes to Knots and 6% goes to MIFS to support their projects.

Knots will be fantastic but we can't do it without your help.

Please donate!

Donation Levels:
Film Corps:	$50	Tickets to premier of Knots, special thanks in film credits
Extra:	$100	Add: Knots t-shirt
Stand-In:	$250	Add: Knots movie poster
Stunt double:	$500	Add: Film festival updates, signed Knots screenplay & sound track on CD
Projectionist:	$1000	Add: Autographed photo of stars, video of Knots, invitation to the set
Associate Producer:	$5000	Add: Wrap-party invitation, kick-off party invitation, invitations to festivals, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit
Executive Producer:	$10,000	Add: Full access to set (except during nude scene) with seat next to director & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER credit
Please make checks payable to MIFS with Knots in the comment line. Your support is greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact: Melissa Musante melissa@avant-guardian.net

Contact

For more information please contact:
Melissa Musante