A local film-making troupe in Buffalo is working on a project that is not only being filmed in the city, but it is also being funded via crowd-sourcing.

The film which is being titled Granted received its funding through local contributors and social media with time to spare. The funding goal on IndieGogo was to reach $6,000, but the group raised $6,400 with a stunning 45 days left in their schedule to raise money.

"The support from everyone in the area has been nothing short of amazing.  Because we choose to crowd source our funding we were able to not only leverage hometown pride but people from all over the work chose to give to our film," said Tony Vescio, director and producer of the film.  "Buffalo is such an amazing city when it comes to supporting the arts, and I really want film to be at the forefront of that.  There are tons of stories to tell all around us."

The troupe has been together for a couple of years and has been competing mostly in the 48 Hour Competition in Buffalo. They have taken home three awards every year at the competition and have also been a favorite among the audience. Associate producer Evan Pease has also been involved with multiple projects including an independent television film project with JJ Alfieri. They constantly try to maintain a presence in Buffalo and the local art community.


Photo left: Brian Bernys on the left who plays the lead role Avery and on the right is writer Craig Gusmann. Photo right: Jacob Abarella the second lead role who plays the character Brandon

Granted is the next step for the troupe as they hope that film will bring together traditional Hollywood storytelling techniques with the efficiency and technological advantage of modern cinema. The goal is that the audience will be able to see themselves in the characters and will relate their own life to the gripping story.

"Granted is the story of Avery, a once talented musician, struggling to cure his depression and regain his creativity after suffering the loss of a loved one," said Vescio. "Led to a strange room that promises more than just inspiration, Avery's interest quickly turns into an addiction even his closest friends can't break him from."

Granted will use old fashioned storytelling, relying heavily on the script and less on the complex camera-work and computer aspect. This film will be a step in that direction not only for the troupe but for film in Buffalo as a whole.

Filming begins in September once pre-production is finished. Contributions are still being accepted for the movie and any amount will be helpful towards the project. For more information you visit the campaign website at www.indiegogo.com/granted.

Lead image: Evan Pease in front, Tony Vescio back.