The Old Man and the C Sharp
The Old Man and the C Sharp is an award-winning short script about the power of art, its place in the modern world and ultimately, its ability to transcend our quotidian existence and connect with others. The story follows a young handyman (LaKeith Stanfield) just barely scrapping by in a nameless, grim metropolis. His life is completely changed when he is sent to make repairs at the apartment of a once famous classical cellist, Mr. Yang (James Hong). Upon seeing him play, the two begin a friendship of few words but profound empathy through the mellow resonance of the cello.
The arts, in particular music, have always been, and should always be, an integral part of the day to day life of any society. It is the elevated cultivation that, above all, defines us as human. Especially in the current divisive atmosphere in our society, it is more important than ever to remember the role art can play, especially among the youngest and most impressionable. As Yo-Yo Ma has put it: “To be able to put oneself in another’s shoes without prejudgment is an essential skill.” Empathy comes when you understand something deeply through arts and literature and can thus make unexpected connections. These parallels bring you closer to things that would otherwise seem far away. Empathy is the ultimate quality that acknowledges our identity as members of one human family.”
In the city of Los Angeles there are several wonderful programs that specialize in bring music to children in the most underserved neighborhoods of this great city. As a film we aim to support these groups and do our best to raise awareness for their worthwhile endeavors. We plan to donate a sizable percentage of all financing raised for production of the film to a partnering organization as well as a continued percentage of any profits generated by the film.
The Old Man and the C Sharp
The Old Man and the C Sharp is an award-winning short script about the power of art, its place in the modern world and ultimately, its ability to transcend our quotidian existence and connect with others. The story follows a young handyman (LaKeith Stanfield) just barely scrapping by in a nameless, grim metropolis. His life is completely changed when he is sent to make repairs at the apartment of a once famous classical cellist, Mr. Yang (James Hong). Upon seeing him play, the two begin a friendship of few words but profound empathy through the mellow resonance of the cello.
The arts, in particular music, have always been, and should always be, an integral part of the day to day life of any society. It is the elevated cultivation that, above all, defines us as human. Especially in the current divisive atmosphere in our society, it is more important than ever to remember the role art can play, especially among the youngest and most impressionable. As Yo-Yo Ma has put it: “To be able to put oneself in another’s shoes without prejudgment is an essential skill.” Empathy comes when you understand something deeply through arts and literature and can thus make unexpected connections. These parallels bring you closer to things that would otherwise seem far away. Empathy is the ultimate quality that acknowledges our identity as members of one human family.”
In the city of Los Angeles there are several wonderful programs that specialize in bring music to children in the most underserved neighborhoods of this great city. As a film we aim to support these groups and do our best to raise awareness for their worthwhile endeavors. We plan to donate a sizable percentage of all financing raised for production of the film to a partnering organization as well as a continued percentage of any profits generated by the film.
Awards
Winner 2nd Place HollyShorts Screenplay Competition 2014
Winner 2nd Place LAIFF Screenplay Competition 2014
Honorable Mention Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition
Second Rounder Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition 2016
Semi-Finalist ScreenCraft Short Production Fund
Semi-Finalist ScreenCraft Short Screenplay Competition
Official Selection IndyStock Screenplay Competition 2015
Official Selection Magwill International Film Festival 2015
Official Selection Honolulu Film Awards
LOOK BOOK
Production
The script is deceptive in its simplicity - while the film will have a minimalistic tone and feel to it, our budget does not. Despite having the advantage of our crew and production staff working largely pro bono, as well as our phenomenal actors taking only a fraction of their normal working rates, our current line budget estimates put the total cost of the film at roughly $35,000-$40,000. This will almost entierly be split between the cost of our locations, our camera equipment and our actors’ fees.
Almost the entirety of our wonderful crew will be working pro bono, choosing to bet on the film and the cause. Along with several key collaborators who have become part of our film family, we will also be working closely with a large number of the graduating MFA class from Chapman’s Prestigious Dodge College of Film.
Additional Reference Images
Reels and Previous Projects
Writer/Director: Alexander Gardels
Alex is an award-winning writer and director based out of Hollywood, CA. A third generation Los Angelian who grew up adjacent to the business, Alex has always known that storytelling was the path that he would purse. He attended the University of California, Riverside majoring in Media and Cultural Studies with an emphasis in film and digital media production. Upon leaving school he co-founded the production company Backwards Car Films, which has produced dozens of short form content pieces, including: Short films, music videos, interviews, web content and commercials. Alex also works as an Associate Editor and Video Content Producer for The WorldPost (HuffPost).
Cinematographer: Justin Moore
Justin is a talented director of photography who has worked on dozens of projects spanning most genres and mediums. He attended the University of California, Riverside majoring in Media and Cultural Studies with an emphasis in film and digital media production and is currently wrapping up his MFA from Chapman University. He is interested in stories that explore the deepest emotions of the human existence. He aspires to use his understanding of light to tell stories through creating powerful and emotional images. We are very fortunate to have two tremendous advisors with decades of experience in the industry, USC film professor and Hollywood screenwriter Stu Krieger and Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated editor Alan Baumgarten.
Advisors
We are very fortunate to have two tremendous advisors with decades of experience in the industry, USC film professor and Hollywood screenwriter Stu Krieger and Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated editor Alan Baumgarten.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT ©2016. BACKWARDS CAR FILMS, LLC.
Giving Back
Along with making the film to its fullest potential, it is of the utmost importance to us that, rather than simply telling a story that shows the kind empathy and change that we want to see in the world, we use the opportunity of making the film as a chance to actually help. We plan to donate a large percent of all funds raised for the film to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, more specifically their tremendous program YOLA. Through Gustavo Dudamel's Youth Orchestra LA program - inspired by Venezuela's revolutionary El Sistema - the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to students from underserved neighborhoods, empowering them to become vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change. We feel that this cause perfectly falls in line with the sentiment and message of the film and is an important, worthwhile endeavor that deserves to be supported and lauded.
We current plan to donate 15 percent of all funds raised for the production of the film (Including crowdfunding campaigns, individual investments and grants) as well as a continued percentage of any profits produced by the film. We will also use any notoriety generated by the film to raise awareness about this outstanding cause. We are also currently pursuing a plan to find several corporate sponsorships to match, or hopefully exceed, our donation.
Our hope is to partner with the LA Philharmonic or The Getty in order to help raise awareness about YOLA, the film and the various avenues to help. We believe that there is the possibility for a synergistic relationship between our film, the LA Philharmonic and The Getty. With the support of these renowned pillars of the community we can ensure that the film is executed at the highest level, as well as use the film, its festival run and fantastic cast to help raise awareness, support and additional resources for the amazing work being done by YOLA.
Giving Back
Along with making the film to its fullest potential, it is of the utmost importance to us that, rather than simply telling a story that shows the kind empathy and change that we want to see in the world, we use the opportunity of making the film as a chance to actually help. We plan to donate a large percent of all funds raised for the film to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, more specifically their tremendous program YOLA. Through Gustavo Dudamel's Youth Orchestra LA program - inspired by Venezuela's revolutionary El Sistema - the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to students from underserved neighborhoods, empowering them to become vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change. We feel that this cause perfectly falls in line with the sentiment and message of the film and is an important, worthwhile endeavor that deserves to be supported and lauded.
We current plan to donate 15 percent of all funds raised for the production of the film (Including crowdfunding campaigns, individual investments and grants) as well as a continued percentage of any profits produced by the film. We will also use any notoriety generated by the film to raise awareness about this outstanding cause. We are also currently pursuing a plan to find several corporate sponsorships to match, or hopefully exceed, our donation.
Our hope is to partner with the LA Philharmonic or The Getty in order to help raise awareness about YOLA, the film and the various avenues to help. We believe that there is the possibility for a synergistic relationship between our film, the LA Philharmonic and The Getty. With the support of these renowned pillars of the community we can ensure that the film is executed at the highest level, as well as use the film, its festival run and fantastic cast to help raise awareness, support and additional resources for the amazing work being done by YOLA.
