The Stone Bell - Create Empathy for the Homeless



In response to the ever growing crisis of the unhoused around the country, Writer/Director Daniel C. Nyiri has created a film project designed to reach those people who might not otherwise choose to give it serious consideration, and under the guise of a folk horror film, elicit empathy and awareness about this tragic and complex situation.

Dr. Jeremy Snyder, who studies moral obligations toward vulnerable populations at Simon Fraser University, has said that with individuals making individual donations “You’re essentially applying a Band-Aid solution.” It is understood that more effort is required to change the perception of the homeless and to reach those individuals who have not taken the time to concern themselves.

The Seattle Times’ Project Homeless has found that, for many, one on one donations “puts uncomfortable questions into the hands of the giver: Who merits a donation, and how much?” With this project there is an obvious larger endgame for every dollar contributed with the intent that it can help eventually benefit more than one person at a time. If we can help change the attitudes of a few thousand, or ideally tens-of-thousands, the statistical chances of there being people in that group who could affect wider-reaching change increases.

PTG Films has had experience making challenging films on a reduced budget. They produced and secured distribution for their 2020 feature film Confession for a total cash outlay of under $21,000.00. Using the same principles – with cast and crew deferring the majority of their salaries until after the film is completed and in distribution, in essence donating their time and talents for the good of the project – PTG Films intends to produce The Stone Bell for approximately $80,000.00

The first $22,060.00 raised will be used for pre-production; this includes everything from securing rights, casting expenses & contracting performers, setting up offices and construction spaces, the acquisition or building of props, set pieces, set dressing, costumes & wardrobe, securing locations, rehearsal spaces, insurance and permits in addition to all the planning and details necessary for a smooth, efficient shoot.

The next $34,455.00 will go to the cost of shooting the film itself. These expenses include the assembly of crew, sound, lights & camera equipment, transportation & travel expenses, hair & make-up, special mechanical effects, digital data storage, and all the other necessary incidentals from feeding the cast and crew to renting portable restrooms for distant locations.

Every additional dollar raised will be used for post production; editing, sound effects design & recording, special photographic & computer effects, color grading, titles & opticals, musical scoring & recording, and last but not least the all-important marketing expenses necessary to get the finished work in front of the widest possible audience.

Every dollar counts and will be used to assure a quality finished project. Every extra dollar raised will be used to expand and enlarge the filmmaker’s vision. The more polished the production the further its reach will be.

To make a donation, simply click on the "Donate" button.

For anyone who makes a contribution we will gladly include your name in a special section of the closing credits dedicated to the patrons of our cause, as well as posting a special thank you on the film’s website.

If you care about changing hearts and minds concerning this issue, even if you are not in a position to donate, you can still help us make a difference. By sharing this campaign on social media and spreading the word amongst your family and friends, you’ll be of invaluable help and your support will be greatly appreciated.