Orson Ossman, a 2006 South Whidbey High School graduate, is raising funds to complete his feature film, “The Phoenix Project,” through a Kickstarter campaign running Dec. 1 through Dec. 30.
The Phoenix Project is described by Ossman as a psychological sci-fi drama; a story that explores the motivations and ethical boundaries of the human mind. The film, produced by and starring Ossman, was independently created by a group of young, ambitious graduates of the Dodge College for Film and Media Arts at Chapman University, known as “The Ironwood Gang.” Using red camera technology and professional coloring and sound design, the Ironwood Gang is devoted to producing the highest quality feature length film possible, which they hope to take to film festivals during 2013.
Ossman has been working in radio and theatre since he was a child, both on and off Whidbey Island, where he was born and raised. He was cast opposite Walter Cronkite in the NPR special, “Memos to a New Millennium,” written and directed by radio dramatist Norman Corwin. In 2000, Ossman made his television debut in the CBS remake of “The Fugitive,” playing a featured role in an episode opposite Tim Daily.
Ossman has appeared in many theatrical productions on Whidbey, beginning with Whidbey Children’s Theatre and Island Theatre, at Whidbey Island Center for the arts and at South Whidbey High School. He graduated from the Dodge College in May 2012 with a bachelor of fine arts in film production and an emphasis in directing. He lives in Los Angeles.
The Ironwood Gang needs to raise $30,000 to finish post-production on The Phoenix Project.
“An admittedly lofty fundraising goal, however, the financial support is necessary to complete the film,” Ossman said in a news release.
Kickstarter is a “crowd-funding” platform which facilitates the collection of monetary donations from friends, family and the general public, while avoiding traditional investment options. Donations are collected by the site through Amazon Payments.
To help support Ossman and donate to The Phoenix Project campaign, visit www.kickstarter.com/thephoenixproject, or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ironwoodgang before Dec. 30.
