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SYNOPSIS
CONFESS charts the exploits of disillusioned ex-hacker Terell Lessor (Eugene Byrd). Employing strategically placed spy-cams, he captures compromising footage of those who slighted him in the past, broadcasting edits via the internet. Recognizing the power of this model, and working in tandem with accomplice Olivia (Ali Larter), he target CEOs, politicians, and members of the power elite. Soon Terell's every action is front-page news, law enforcement has labeled him a new breed of terrorist, and the movement he spawned is spiraling out of control.
PROJECT HISTORY
1999/2000 - Writer/Director Stefan Schaefer conceived of the project after reading a series of articles about hackers, and a book on Subcomandante Marcos, the charismatic leader of the Zapatista revolutionary movement in Chiapas, Mexico. Interested in exploring what a modern revolutionary movement might look like - a movement that utilizes the Internet as a central organizing principle - he conducted a series of interviews with NYC-based hackers and began to outline a story.
Spring 2001 - The second draft of the screenplay was selected by and read at Fifth Night, the Miramax-sponsored screenplay series at the Nuyorican Poets Caf . Casting director Tom Alberg cast the event with professional actors, who read the screenplay to an audience of industry insiders and financiers. Fifth Night has served as a launching pad for successful independent projects such as GIRLFIGHT and RODGER DODGER. Centrifugal Films producers Ben Odell and Jon Stern expressed interest and commenced development with Stefan.
Fall 2001 - Ben, Jon and Stefan decided to put the project on the backburner after 9/11, considering it inappropriate. Stefan began developing his project HOMELAND with Berlin-based Eikon Films.
Spring 2002 - with some distance from the project Stefan, Jon and Ben decided that the political focus of the film had taken on renewed and deeper relevance and initiated the development process again.
Summer 2002 - Stefan was awarded the 2002 New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Screenwriting, a $7000 cash award recognizing "artistic excellence." The fellowship was awarded based on the submission of the CONFESS screenplay.
Fall 2002 - The project was selected as one of six to be workshopped at the 2002 Hamptons International Film Festival Screenwriting Lab. At the lab, Stefan had one-on-one mentoring sessions with Larry Lasker (writer of WARGAMES, SNEAKERS, producer of AWAKENINGS), Kaylie Jones (writer of the Merchant Ivory film A SOLDIER'S DAUGHTER NEVER CRIES), and Kevin Heisler (a Terrence Mallick collaborator).
Fall 2003 - Based on the script and talent attached, Panasonic USA awarded CONFESS a Digital Filmmakers Grant, which included technical support, stock, and the use of several cameras, including the 24-frame Panasonic SDX900.
Spring 2004 - Panasonic and Apple awarded CONFESS a Digital Filmmakers Post Production Grant, which included Final Cut HD, Mac G5, and other equipment.
September 2004 - A rough cut of the film was selected as one of five Completion Award Finalists at the IFP Market in New York.
May 2005 - Post-production completed, with the film mastered to HD.
October 2005 - CONFESS premiered as one of six competition films at the Hamptons International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Best Screenplay prize and Eugene Byrd's performance was recognized by inclusion in the Rising Stars program.
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