A word by producer & director ROB HOLUB

What is Switzerland famous for? When you ask Chat GPT then you get the exact same answers as if you ask people around the world: “The tasty Swiss chocolate, the yummy cheeze, the picturesque mountains, the watches, the banks and the Swiss army knives.” Agreed? Well, we are certainly not known for our rockstars and musicians. Right? Right. 

As an independent producer & director based out of Zürich Switzerland, I am currently making the feature length film “First Swiss Rockstar” which explores in a self-ironic way the journey of an unknown Swiss musician and his pursuit of fame. The film is on the home stretch and my vision is to bring it to life this year and therefore I need your help. So let’s rock this together!

WHY I BELIEVE THIS FILM IS IMPORTANT

“First Swiss Rockstar” takes a critical look at the influence of social media on human behavior and questions the pursuit of fame and success. The film reflects on modern society and explores how far people are willing to go to gain attention and recognition. I believe that technology is increasingly controlling our lives and it’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. A personal or societal disconnect can be the consequence. So I want to reflect with this project on a struggle that millions share; living in a society where the greatest currency in the world is public attention. “First Swiss Rockstar” is a film about identity, the illusion of social media and love. I hope it will not only entertain you for 90 minutes and put a big smile on your face but also touch your heart in one or the other place… 

LOGLINE & SHORT FILM SYNOPSIS

“When an unknown Swiss musician hires an American filmmaker to document his rise to rock stardom, his life spirals out of control when the filmmaker accidentally becomes an internet sensation in Japan.”

„First Swiss Rockstar“ is a rollercoaster feature length comedy that follows the tumultuous journey of Rob Holub, an aspiring Swiss musician, who hires an American filmmaker “Willy”, with zero knowledge of Switzerland, as they strive to capture Rob’s rise to fame on film. As Rob desperately tries to reach 100,000 followers on social media to attract record labels, his dreams are being constantly shattered. While he struggles with failed promotional stunts, poorly attended concerts, and a strained romantic relationship, the cameraman falls in love with Heidi, the musician’s merchandiser. One day, Willy accidentally films her during an outburst, which coincidentally goes online. When the clip suddenly becomes an internet sensation in Japan, Heidi unexpectedly becomes the celebrated star. With the realization that fame does not equal happiness, Rob starts to question his pursuit.

WHY I NEED YOUR CROWDFUNDING POWER & LOVE 

After 6 years of project development and production work the film is about 80% completed and the production is on the home stretch. To finish the film by this summer 2024 and submit it in time for a premiere at the Zürich Film Festival, I need to raise 100k CHF. After having successfully raised money with investors, foundations and through pre-sales of license rights the crowdfunding campaign is now being initiated to finance the remaining portion of the project. In this exciting phase and within this campaign, there is also an exclusive opportunity to come on board and bring the film to success as a partner (Associate or Executive Producer). I have managed to secure a great distribution and media partner in Switzerland for the release. Additionally the goal is to secure a sales agent for world distribution. 

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT IS FOR

We have some more production to do and the entire post-production ahead of us. I need to cover costs for one remaining week of shooting in May (including 2 months of pre-production) where I need to pay entire crew, actors, catering, rental of locations and production equipment. Then we have to finance the whole post-production including editing, visual effects, color grading, sound design, audio mixing, mastering, music composing and recording. Making a movie is a hell of a task, that much I can say;). And it certainly isn’t a task one can do on your own so your help means the world to me!!!

WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN

You can give whatever you want without purchasing any of the offered perks. Any support is highly appreciated. Whoever supports with an amount of at least 50.- CHF (or purchases a reward of such value) will be credited in the film as a “SUPPORTER” in the closing credits. In the end every Swiss franc (or whatever currency you pay in) counts:)! On the right side of the screen are various cool and original perks (rewards) that I have created for you if you would like to help get this film made. Very exclusively you can book me for a private solo piano showcase (must be in Switzerland unless you want to fly me in;)) and I even offer a super special perk which is to compose, write and record a song (love ballad of course;)) only for you and your beloved one(s). A pretty unique b-day gift I would say! Also within this crowdfunding campaign there is the highly exclusive opportunity to come on board as an Associate Producer or Executive Producer. If you want to bring your name into the film industry, this might be the one chance for you:). Anyway – I hope you will find a perk that suits you and your needs;). Here my offerings to you. Most of them are original products that are featured in the movie. Exciting stuff!!!

• Book Rob Holub for a private concert – Solo showcase Rob & Piano!
• A song by Rob Holub written and recorded especially for you!
• Become associate or executive producer for the film!
• Invitation to exclusive premiere screening in Zürich!
• Invitation to film set or post-production office for 1 day in Zürich
• Get your name mentioned as a supporter in the closing credits of the film
• 1 hour zoom call or meet & greet with Rob – ask me anything
• Film merchandise: T-Shirts, Sunglasses, CDs, Lighter, Posters, Shopping Bags, Buttons, Caps
• Rob’s Lucky Cat
• 3D Rob 
• Autographed cards

THE CORE TEAM

I am working with the best crew in the world! All film professionals from in and outside of Switzerland with super creative minds, big hearts and an incredible thirst for making this film! For this last week of shooting in May I could bring them all back together again and let me tell you, they are all ready to rock this production and finish the film with me!  The same goes for the post-production team. Without them I would be just another struggling artist…

PRODUCER & DIRECTOR: Rob Holub

20 years of experience in the entertainment industry with a focus on tv & film production working as a producer and director. Rob studied media, journalism, and sociology at the university in Fribourg, Switzerland and at SDSU (USA) graduating with a bilingual Master of Arts degree. He has worked and lived three years in New York City and is currently based in Zürich. His studies and travels around the world have profoundly influenced his work as a creative.

CO – PRODUCER: Caroline Wloka

Born 1982 in Germany. 2004-08 Studied theatre, film and media studies at the Film Academy of the University of Vienna, specialising in directing, graduated with distinction. 2007-08 Trained as a video journalist. 2007 Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, research for diploma thesis specialising in directing and film acting. 2018 PhD in directing and media studies at the Film University Konrad Wolf in Babelsberg. She is managing director of Cine Royal Productions and has been working in film, television and advertising for over ten years as a producer, director and screen writer.

RISK & CHALLENGES

There is no Plan B so might as well join our Plan A which is to finish this film and bring it out into this beautiful world. I am confident enough to say the time is now. So let’s make it happen! The entire crew & I say THANK YOU for all of your support. ROB & ROLL!