Palisadian Stephen Messer never planned to lead an anti-smoking campaign, but the filmmaker became passionate about teen smoking while directing the short film, “The Call.”
The film’s creators hope their eight-minute extended public service announcement will one day be available in every school in the United States.
The screenplay was written by Felice Bassuk in Chicago and Richard Russell in North Carolina. Eager to have one of their works turned into a movie, Bassuk contacted Messer online and had him read through some of their scripts.
“This was the script that spoke to me. It had a kind of mystery to it – two kids on a beautiful beach waiting for a phone call, and we don’t know why,” Messer said.
He wanted to create a high-quality film, but the problem was there are usually no investors for short films. He told Bassuk that the script for “The Call” could work as a public service announcement (PSA) against smoking.
The writers never envisioned the film as an anti-smoking message but liked the idea. Although one scene was added to bring home the dangers of smoking, the film remains subtle.
“It’s not an overt message. It’s kind of between the lines, and I liked that about it,” he said.
Messer was able to recruit some top film professionals. The film, which is set at Will Rogers State Beach, features well-known Disney actors Ryan Newman and Jonathan Morgan Heit. Palisadians Ailey Marler and Asher Moore play their characters in a flashback scene.
“We really wanted to do something at a very high professional level that’s a short version of what you would see in a movie theater,” Messer said.
He said the film’s creators are all parents who understand the importance of the message. According to government statistics, half of high school smokers end up smoking for at least 15 years and a third will die from smoking-related disease.
“As I see it, it’s a David and Goliath story,” Bassuk said. “Goliath is Big Tobacco with their tremendous power and resources and $23 million a day to push kids to smoke. David is our little crew, and the slingshot is our story.”
Anyone who donates $35 can choose which school will receive the film and educational package. Donors can also receive perks, including t-shirts and even consultations with the writers. So far, more than $1,500 has been raised, but they hope to reach $35,000 by Dec. 18. That would be enough to send the film and educational package to 1,000 middle schools.
Visit: indiegogo.com/projects/the-call-cool-to-be-tobacco-free.
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