THE BREAKDOWN
Choreographer DENNA THOMSEN and director PHILLIP MONTGOMERY are working together to bring to life a new narrative short unlike what’s been seen to date in the genre of dance film.
Produced by the team at DANCELEN(D)S, our story unfurls with the introduction of a woman stuck in time, chasing acceptance and redemption from her own self-loathing.
Her story will be brought to the screen with choreography for the camera that rises to the level of the performers captured by its lens. Artfully directed and thoughtfully composed, we are assembling a creative team that, with your contributions, will bring this incredible and haunting work to life.
THE STORY : WHY IT MATTERS
The search for acceptance is universal. There is the girl whose beauty we wish we had; the man whose success we want to achieve; the desire to be something — anything — other then what, or who, we are. We open on our protagonist, Rose, alone on a barren landscape at the start of a journey that will uncover how brutally she’s willing to beat herself into submission before she realizes her true self.
DANCE + NARRATIVE FILM : A GENRE STILL IN ITS INFANCY
Dancers and filmmakers have collaborated for more than a century. As accessibility to tools that deliver high production value grows, artists are tapping into this hybrid genre at a rapid pace, re-shaping the landscape of how we view dance. Still, narrative storytelling is often lost through movement; and understandably — it is an incredible challenge to marry the two. Our desire is to push the storytelling ability of dance into the foreground. Yes, dancers are artists; they are called athletes; they are actors; and they are people with incredible stories to tell. We are committed to bringing the most talented creative people in their respective fields together to rise to the challenge of shaping this story through a beautiful and resonating film.
WHAT WE NEED
Many of the artists involved in this work are generously donating their time and talent to its production. But we need your help to maintain the integrity of our creative vision.
Your contributions will enable our team to execute essential elements in the production of this film, including: location fees, camera and lighting equipment, sound design, editing and visual effects, as well as lodging, transportation and catering to take care of all of those working hard to bring this collaborative work to life.
WHAT YOU GET
Our IndieGogo campaign may have expired but that doesn’t mean your donations don’t come with perks. All contributors will be thanked on DANCELEN(D)S’ social media platforms as they make a donation, and on our website upon the film’s completion.
You or your business can become a sponsor for $250 and we will include your name in the credits of the film. At the $500 level, you will also receive an invitation to attend a private screening with the creative team.
At the $1,000 level, we will include your name in the credits of the film and you will receive an invitation to a private screening with the creative team.
At the $2,500 + level, you will receive these rewards, as well as credit as a producer.
THE TEAM
Denna Thomsen
Choreographer/Artistic Director
A graduate of Colorado State University’s dance program, Denna moved to L.A. to further her studies with Hysterica Dance Company and her career exploded not long after. Known for her skillful ability to envelop her movement in story, she has worked closely with Ryan Heffington over the last year, serving as assistant choreographer on Sia’s Elastic Heart music video and SNL performance, as well as Sia’s Big Girls Cry music video and Florence + The Machine’s entire Odyssey music video collection. She also appeared alongside Shia LaBeouf in the music video Fjogur Piano by Sigur Ros and has had the privilege of working with acclaimed choreographers and artistic directors including Jamie King, Brian Friedman, Rich and Tone Talauega, Jaquel Knight, Tessandra Chavez, Kitty McNamee, RJ and Durrell, Marty Kudelka, Tracy Phillips and Dominic Carbone; and with directors including Alma Ha’rel, Martin de Thurah, Floria Sigosmundi and David Fincher. Denna has danced for Madonna, David Bowie, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Ke$ha, Adam Lambert, Mya and Kanye West and has appeared on numerous television showcases including the Grammys and the American Music Awards. In addition to her work as a choreographer and dancer, Denna has studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute, providing her with techniques to engulf in the characters she creates and embodies.
Watch Denna in the latest Florence + The Machine video, “Delilah.”
Phillip Montgomery
Director + Writer
A graduate of NYU film school, Phillip Montgomery has written and directed numerous critically-acclaimed short films, commercials and music videos spanning both documentary and narrative genres. Among his most recent work, a highly praised documentary series that was part of P&G’s RAISING AN OLYMPIAN campaign for the 2012 and 2014 Olympic Games. The films helped earn him a place in SHOOT MAGAZINE’s prestigious New Directors Showcase and the Cannes 2013 New Director Award. Later in 2013, his film titled TODAY, a documentary short about a man who learns to find meaning in his life’s work after a tragic accident, was honored with the Special Jury Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). Montgomery has also directed award-winning commercials for major brands including Jack Daniels, GE, Walmart, Guinness, Buick, and SU2C. His short film series HOMEWARD has won numerous awards including Best Picture and Best Director at the La Jolla Intl. Fashion Film Festival. Montgomery made his feature film debut with #ReGENERATION, a documentary exploring the state of activism in today’s youth. Narrated by Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling, #ReGENERATION enjoyed a busy festival run and was released theatrically in May 2012.
Watch “Generation to Generation,” an abstract documentary exploring the themes of lost love, death, and new life across generations; shot, directed, and edited by Phillip Montgomery.
DANCELEN(D)S
DANCELEN(D)S, INC. specializes in high-value dance film and movement-based digital content.We think of ourselves as a collective. Choreographers, dancers, filmmakers, musicians, video artists – we work to promote the collaborative spirit of the arts. The final product is highly-stylized, storytelling and thought-provoking dance film.
We also work commercially, to bring our clients’ brands to life – through movement – providing casting, creative direction and/or full-service video production. Clients include Amazon and Jones Group (RACHEL Rachel Roy).
Watch “MOVE,” Winner, Best Picture & Best Music La Jolla Fashion Film Festival; Official selection, Cinedans; Produced by DANCELEN(D)S.