Dark Room - Short Film by Albany Local Filmmakers

Hey, it's Meag Cherry (@meagcherry). You most likely know me from the film works I share on social media. A dedication to my dog Amber, based on the writings of Fiona Apple, recently went viral with 762k views on Instagram. This was soon after exceeded by a clip of my upcoming pigeon documentary, Cats with Wings, which hit over 1.3 million. I've been overwhelmed with comments and emails as hundreds say they resonate with my work. This is what I take the most pride in- reaching people in ways that are meaningful. Now Paul McGreevy and I are partnering to undertake a topic deeply personal to us both: social isolation.

Our location for Dark Room:

Paul and I have been making films together since day one. His recent film, The Croquet House, went to the Albany Film Festival and the Albany New York State International Film Festival, where he was awarded Best Young Filmmaker. We first met at the Fashion Institute of Technology and instantly clicked as collaborators and friends. We’ve made many projects together, gaining the technical and creative skills to execute an original story like this. I know we're ready now.

Paul and I shooting my thesis film in San Simeon, California:

Something I’ve been meditating on is everything I’ve traded for this life. I’ve buried myself in my work- for 6 years, almost all i’ve talked about is film film film. I’ve missed so many parties, so many connections, so many nice days outside to get a little closer to this grandiose idea of being the artist I want to be. And what happens if I don’t make it? What could happen If I open myself up to people? This is a part of Louis, and a part of all of us. Enter Dark Room.

We’ve spent many nights in our shitty shared apartment talking over this story, tweaking the script, and digging deep into what we want to say. We both got jobs- Paul, a teaching assistant, and me, a corporate video editor, so we could scrap together 4 grand to pool into this project. We managed to get our hands on a RED camera and 160+ auditions. Slippery Rick (The band you hear in the video) is making original music for the film. Paul’s family is generously lending us the location of McGreevy ProLab & ProPress, and we’ve got a team of committed cast and crew behind us. We are very lucky to be met with so much support already.

Paul and I shooting my thesis film in San Simeon, California:

Being indie filmmakers, we’ve gotten expertly good at stretching a small amount of money. And we’re still short $2,060 to make a film worthwhile.

Funds will cover the cost of talent, craft services, equipment rentals, wardrobe and set decoration. For transparency, we've attached the production budget below:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aslknUpti4qQeAqWJUc-To-nR2dtm4nxcp4HqCMKdbI/edit?usp=sharing

This is a film by artists, for artists, and I know we’re all struggling right now in this industry’s climate. I won’t bore you, but if either of us has taught you something, lent you a hand, sent you a gig, or just gave you a push if you needed it- please consider giving us what you can. If that’s one dollar, we're so grateful.

All donations, regardless of size, will be given a "special thanks" if first and last name are made visible.

Artists, filmmakers, friends, New Yorkers and Upstaters. I see you and I love you. Thanks for your time.