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BECOME THE PRODUCER:
Fund the Rebirth of Georges Méliès` Lost Masterpiece.
DON`T LET HISTORY FADE. Your contribution, starting from just €20, is the only way to resurect this legendary 1907 Georges Méliès film. Invest in cinema history and join our Galway-based creative team today.
The Project Goal
The lost film
In 1907, the French film pioneer Georges Méliès created a short silent film called Shakespeare Writing "Julius Caesar".
This film, which is now believed to be lost, showcased Méliès in the role of William Shakespeare as he transitions from frustration to excitement while envisioning and planning a crucial scene for his play Julius Caesar.
The film has garnered academic interest due to its meta-narrative elements, its cosmopolitan political nuances, and its extravagant use of theatrical and cinematic techniques.
A new life
Now, after 118 years, Dr. Lindsay Reid from the University of Galway (who wrote the screenplay) and Adam Scheffler of Silent Cinema Film Studio aim to recreate this film while honoring the early days of cinematography, and of course the great, timeless Shakespeare.
A HISTORICAL CHALLENGE, A MODERN VISION. We are not just recreating a lost film; we are capturing the magic of 1907 cinema using analog techniques, authentic costumes, and a live-score tradition.
This is a tangible piece of cinematic history you can hold (and hear). Your donation directly pays our local Galway artists, ensuring this vision is realised authentically.
Unique features of our film
- Authentic recreation of early cinema: Our film will be a silent piece, created in that classic style, using analog tools and methods that harken back to the early days of cinema. However, instead of merely replicating what the lost original might have looked like, we aim to retell the story anew. In a way, it evokes the timeless rivalry between vision and sensitivity, inspired by Shakespeare's portrayal of the final moments in the life of Julius Caesar.
- Dedicated Score: A skilled musician will compose a fresh score, designed for live performances. It will be also recorded in a studio.
- Local Galway Project: The film will be shot in Galway, featuring primarily actors and crew from the Galway area.
Estimated costs
€4000
FUND OUR TALENT:
Secure fair pay for our professional Galway actors, cinematographer, and key crew who are bringing this silent era to life.
€1500
DRESS THE SET:
Purchase the historically accurate period costumes and essential props to ensure the 1907 setting is flawless.
€1000
LOCK THE LOCATION:
Cover the rental of a suitable historic venue or studio, providing the crucial stage for Méliès` narrative.
€1500
BUILD THE VISION:
Fund the materials and construction of the scenography, meticulously crafted to honour Méliès` original staging.
€2000
GIVE IT A VOICE:
Commision and record the dedicated, original score that will be played live at every screening, giving the film its emotional depth.
Choose the level of your support!
1ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
€20
THE NOVICE
Tier 1 gives you:
- Social media shout-out,
- plus, a personalised 'Thank You' postcard from the set,
- and a small mention in the closing credits (Thank You section).
SUPPORT THE NOVICE & GET YOUR POSTCARD
2ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
€50
THE SPECTATOR
Tier 2 gives you:
- Rewards from tier 1,
- plus a high-quality digital download of the final film's score,
- and a free table for up to three people for one screening w/ live piano accompaniment at the Silent Cinema in Galway City.
INVEST AT THE SPECTATOR LEVEL
3ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
€100
THE PATRON
OF CINEMA
Tier 3 gives you:
- Rewards from tiers 1 , and 2,
- plus a double invitation to the Galway premiere with live musical accompaniment.
JOIN THE PATRON CIRCLE
4ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
€250
THE MÉLIÈS CIRCLE
Tier 4 gives you:
- Rewards from tiers 1, 2, and 3,
- plus a dedicated individual name credit in the closing credits,
- and an exclusive paper copy of the screenplay signed by its author, Dr. Reid.
ENTER THE MÉLIÈS CIRCLE
5ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
€500+
THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Tier 5 gives you:
- Rewards from tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4,
- plus a dedicated credit card in both the opening and closing credits and a signed, mounted film poster.
BECOME AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
PAYMENTS: Your payment process and all your personal information are secure! We utilise Stripe, ensuring that your transaction data is encrypted and safely stored. Terms & conditions apply. Don't hesitate to reach out to us regarding this film endeavor and your financial contributions.
REWARDS: We will reach out to every supporter to go over the specifics of their selected tier and the associated rewards. So, please make sure to include all required contact details when making a deposit into the Silent Cinema & Film Studio account through Stripe, such as your name, email address, and phone number. Thank you so much!