Short Summary

Getting Back was inspired by my 6-year-old son, River, and our Australian Shepard, Koda.  I started writing the script for Getting Back by thinking about how much imagination River uses in his play. Being the parent of a 6-year-old is interesting because there is so much innocence in that age but as the parent you can simultaneously see the toddler he was and the young man he is going to be. 

Getting Back has universal themes of grief, fear, hope, family and love. There are deep emotional struggles balanced with lightness and imagination. It explores how we all deal with grief differently, while trying to hold on to the bonds we have.  

When I was younger, I always wanted to be in the film industry. I studied film theory in college and worked for an educational video company years ago. I decided to move on to a more practical career. I still enjoy writing and have been working on a book when I was inspired to write this script. To be honest, I was always hesitant to write a film because of all the dialogue. But when I decided to sit down and write this, the words just poured out of me. I have heard of writers saying that it felt like the words were just coming through them and onto the page. I had never experienced that until I wrote Getting Back. The main part of the script was written in less than two weeks.

What We Need & What You Get

Production and postproduction cost is estimated to be $50,000 to bring Getting Back to life. This includes hiring a great crew and actors to get the job done. Postproduction includes editing, colorization and distribution. 

We have some great perks including electronic copies of the script signed by the cast, ability to act as an extra in one of our larger scenes, attending a virtual table read and Q&A with the director and some of the actors.  

The Cast and Crew

Jon Meyer (Director of Photography/Lighting/Editor) has shot and edited three feature length films in addition to over 100 music videos and shorts. His most recent feature “Tipping Point” won “The Hugh Moore Best of the Fest” at the Route 66 Film Festival as well as the festival’s top prize at the Seattle Social Justice Film Fest. Jon also took home “Best Editing” at the Ibiza Music Video Film Fest among several other “Official Selections” over the years. Jon has been making films for over 20 years in the Portland area. He facilitates the monthly film showcase “Portland Stumps” and does a lot of work for Outside the Frame, an organization that teaches filmmaking to homeless youths. 

Malachite Saaquya (Assistant Director) is an accomplished actor and indie film producer. Born and raised here in Oregon, he has worked for over ten years towards creating professional opportunities locally and telling authentic stories from this unique artistic perspective. He is the co-founder of Path Films and co-creator of the indie horror sensation Bampire.

Logan Cannon (“John”) is a collaborative actor who loves bringing projects to life with a team of creatives. He’s been acting on stage and film since early childhood. He’s had the great pleasure of spending the last two years fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a full time film actor. He studied acting, directing, and writing at Mesa State College in CO. He was an improv performer with LA Connection Comedy Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Logan has also co-written several comics with his brother Tyrell Cannon; and he’s always happy to talk with anyone about upcoming projects. He’s excited to bring “John” to life in this heartwarming film.

Kat Gerlach (“Michelle”) is a wife, a mother of two, and someone who has always been drawn to storytelling—whether through painting, photography, or acting in commercials and film, or working on set as crew. Now, as a real estate broker with Harcourts West, she continues that passion by helping others through their real estate needs. Each client and home has a story to tell and Kat loves being part of the journey. 

This project is especially meaningful to her because it reflects the reality of loss, hope, and the journey back to life after grief. Being part of a story that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit is both an honor and a privilege.

River Garber (“Elliott”) is a young precocious 6-year-old and the inspiration for this film. He has been honing his acting skills over the last year working with a coach. He has had supporting roles in a music video, a commercial concept and a few vertical films. 

Parker Small (“Max”) is a 13 year old actor and also happens to be my cousins kid. When I was considering Max and his character as an older bother, I knew I wanted Parker to play this part. He is the sweetest kid I know and a great actor. Parker has been part of productions like Schoolhouse Rock Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., 13 the Musical Jr., Seussical Jr., and The Wizard of Oz. He loves the arts, whether it’s acting, singing, or bringing characters to life on stage. Outside of theater, he enjoys drawing, creating art, and getting lost in a good book. He also plays hockey and loves the excitement of being on the ice. Whether performing, creating, reading, or playing, he always brings energy and dedication to what he does.

Gretchen Dickason (“Helen”)  is a wife and mother who has always loved musical theater and classical movies!  In 2014, she joined the ranks of Background Actors for Television, Cinema and Commercials in Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR.  She says “It’s the VERY best way to be retired!  You never know who you’ll be, what you will be doing, where you’ll be or when in history you’ll be doing it!”  Helen is the perfect role for her as she’s been rehearsing for “grandma” all her life!

Ken Dickason (“Jack”)  embarked on his third career in 2016 as an actor after completing a 20-year career in the US Navy and a 20-year career as retail pharmacist. He splits his time
between Los Angeles and Oregon working on a variety of projects. He is enthusiastic to
be part of this project and portraying the role of Jack.

Jonathan Holbrook (“Ranger Williams”) started in the industry in 1990 as a student in filmmaking. Through the years he ran his own multimedia company as a content creator. He has written, produced and directed a series and two feature films. He has also acted in several feature films and a series. Jonathan is mostly known for The Death of Snow White and Feet of Death.

Koda the dog (“Koda”) is a 3 year old not-so-mini, mini Australian Shepard. Interestingly, Parker’s family has one of Koda’s brothers from a previous litter. We were in Michigan visiting family when we met Parker’s Aussie and found out that there were puppies from a new litter available. We fell in love with Koda instantly and started a life long bond between him and our son, River. 

The Impact

Oregon is rich with talent and has beautiful locations for filming. Getting Back will be filmed entirely in Oregon. The cast, with the exception of one actor, and the crew are all Oregonians. This is important to me because I love where we live and want to display that in this film.

Getting Back is a story worth telling. It is relatable, thought provoking, and full of heart. 

Risks & Challenges

I thought the largest challenge would be finding an excellent cast and crew to help me bring this to life, but things have fallen into place in a way that I never imagined. I posted a request for help in the right places for the right people to see it. I feel confident in the people that are helping me bringing my vision to the screen. 

The next challenge is the cost to pay all of these talented people to do what they do. Although, we would all love to make films for free, all of the people behind scenes and in front of the camera need to make a living so we can continue to bring these stories to life. I am asking for your help to join our campaign to meet our goal. 

The next major challenge will be distribution. It will take time and money to get this film in front of the right people to release this film. I plan on submitting it to multiple film festivals to find the best distribution path. 

Other Ways You Can Help

If you know someone that would be interested in investing in the film, but need a return on their investment, we are willing to consider those opportunities.

Please pass our campaign on to others that may also be interested in joining our campaign. Get the word out for Getting Back.