The Odds

The Odds is a short psychological horror that sees the two lead characters kidnapped and forced to play a madman's game of Russian roulette. However, instead of pulling the trigger on themselves, they have to point the revolver at each other and if they can't, they will both pay the ultimate price. Love and mental strength will be tested, leading to a jaw dropping twist.

Based upon a troubling modern day urban legend, The Odds will be seen as a stand alone short film that we wish to send around the world to leading horror film festivals and also as a supporting film to help a funding pitch for our feature film 'Rivet'. Acting as a loose prequel to Rivet, The Odds antagonist, called Lock, showcases his twisted mind that will ultimately see him involved with the main storyline of Rivet.

DIRECTOR

Matt Sharp (Sharpie, as many of you know him) is a Wellington, NZ based cinematographer with 17 years experience, coming through the lighting department. With over 40 short films, 4 feature films and numerous music videos under his belt as cinematographer, he now steps in to direct his first short film.

With his background in cinematography and lighting, Sharpie plans to make The Odds stand out from other horror shorts by basing the look of the film on a portrait photography series he photographed a few years ago (one of these images can be seen in the banner above). Having a very high contrast look, achieved by lighting the film from behind the two leads, Sharpie wants to achieve a dark, unsettling look and atmosphere for the film.

Over the past 10 years, Sharpie has been writing and developing a feature film in the vein of 'Saw', 'Hostel' and 'The Purge' and would love to see this project come to fruition and making The Odds is the next stepping stone to make this goal that bit closer.

A few years back, a proof of concept short for Rivet was made, based around the opening couple of scenes of the feature. This can be seen here.

PRODUCERS

• April Phillips, award winning writer/director/producer (who also wrote the script for The Odds)
• Matthew Mawkes, fresh from producing the feature film 'Blind Panic'

CAST

• Ralph Johnston
• Charley Kryssia
• Hamish Boyle

We are thoroughly excited to have these three superb actors on board to bring realism and intensity to this film.

CREW*

• Director of Photography - Mark Papalii
• Sound Recordist - Nic Widfeldt
• MUA & Effects makeup - Sarah Elford
• Armorer - Warwick Thorpe
• *Other crew in talks and TBC

WHAT THE MONEY WILL COVER

Yes, the budget seems low for even this one day shoot but we already have access to camera and lighting gear at no charge so our costs will mostly be put towards our amazing cast and crew for their time, expertise and hard work (and for some amazing catering for the shoot day for them). We feel that even on a low/micro budget project, they should be looked after!

Other expenses will cover our costs for props, wardrobe, sfx makeup and our shooting location. Some will also be put aside for festival entry costs.

As Sharpie has also been editing for as long as he's been shooting, he will also be editing the film on his home edit suite, so no further cost necessary there either.

As a note, if you are an income earner in New Zealand, you will be able to claim a 33% tax credit on your donation. Boosted will email a receipt after the campaign closes.