Seed Story became a VIMEO STAFF PICK in SEPTEMBER 2013!
“An inspiring and original film by a Brooklyn born filmmaker, William Caballero has created an entire world with characters no bigger then a quarter. The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival was proud to have the New York City Premiere of Seed Story at the 2013 festival.”
SYNOPSIS
As a lone dandelion blossoms in an abandoned parking lot, it divides the lives of several miniature people in this experimental narrative short film that examines the role of religion, capitalism, environmentalism, and fascism shot in macro perspective.
Seed Story is the latest short film created by MTV Movie Award nominated filmmaker William D. Caballero. The project took eight months to complete and required props to be conceptualized and created from junk, hundreds of miniatures to be meticulously painted by hand, and rigorous shooting, usually on the cement ground during hot summer days. The project is currently being submitted to film festivals across the world.
EXECUTION
In order to achieve the gritty look and feel necessary, air conditioned studio sets were eschewed in favor of on location ground level shoots during both 90 degree days and intense rain storms. An abandoned parking lot, littered with broken glass, became the stage upon which all the tiny action unfurled.
Production took place over two months in Summer 2012 and the project was made on a budget of less than $3,000. Flashlights, sparklers, and smoke guns were used to create special effects, and adhesives were used to glue each prop and ‘mini’ to the ground. The biggest challenge wasn’t the relentless summer heat, but random breezes that would blow entire sets away!
FESTIVAL HISTORY
As of April, 2013, SEED STORY has screened or will screen at numerous film festivals, including a world premiere at the SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL in January, 2013. The festival had a less than 2% acceptance rate making entry into it more competitive than entry into Harvard!
William D. Caballero giving a post Q&A after a screening SEED STORY at the 2013 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL.
AWARDS
VANGUARD AWARD (for directors who are pushing the boundaries of experimental/non-linear film) at the 2013 ART OF BROOKLYN FILM FESTIVAL!
BEST SOUND DESIGN at the 2013 VISIONFEST
BEST SHORT FILM (Honorable Mention) at the 2013 PHILADELPHIA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
SEED STORY wins the VANGUARD AWARD for BEST AVANT-GARDE film at the 2013 ART OF BROOKLYN FILM FESTIVAL
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
When people approach me after seeing SEED STORY, they immediately remark on its aesthetic visuals. It’s a reaction that I always enjoy hearing, but what really strikes me is their unique interpretations on the narrative storyline. Some have views very close to what I intended, but some have summaries far that are different, and these nuances are what fascinate me.
You see, SEED STORY was a big risk for me. I had never shot a film in macro before and I did not know if it would be successful. It was a truly a step out into the unknown, but a step I was willing to take because I had faith in my vision and the talents of my crew. I could go into paragraphs detailing the intricacies of macro-filmmaking or into the ingenious props my crew and I created, but I think the main point I want to make is that a good film shouldn’t hold your hand and pat your head upon making it safely to the end credits. It should be an intricately designed rollercoaster ride that allows you to lose yourself (and your sanity) in the moment, enjoy the unpredicatable twists and turns, and finally walk away feeling truly alive with eyes wide open.
That is what I tried to create with SEED STORY; a film that is equally a memorable experience. I hope that by watching this film, which uses little ‘minis’ to tell the big story of mankind’s existence, stays with you after the screening. If it accomplishes that, then I would be closer to knowing what true artistic purpose and happiness is.