I'm getting ready to direct "The Fence", my thesis film, the final project for my master's degree at UCLA. So many of you have been so supportive and generous through the past three years and three films I have made. So before I go any further, THANK YOU! As you well know by now, filmmaking is, if nothing else, an expensive undertaking. With every project, one of the most challenging hurdles to overcome is the financial one. Incredibly, all of my projects at UCLA have been nearly fully-funded thanks to a combination of financial sponsorship from generous private donors and school grants. As the scope and complexity of my films has increased, so has the support.

"The Fence" is the most challenging project I have undertaken to date. A period piece set in the 1950s, it tells the story of how the life of a ranching family is changed by a drifter's unexpected passing through. The film deals with the desire to protect those we love from harm, even if it's unavoidable. The story explores the vulnerability of this family amid their vast surroundings, and the near impossibility of restoring broken things.

I have assembled a team of incredibly talented collaborators to bring this story to life. We will be shooting with a crew of over a dozen people on location in Northern California. Production will take place September 1-8, 2007.

The working budget for this film is just over $15,700. To date we have raised $8,600, leaving just $9,700 remaining to be financed. If you are interested in becoming a donor or producer, please visit the "Become a Producer" page to see how you can join us in creating "The Fence".

Thanks again for your interest and your support! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Matt Silas
msilas@gmail.com
323-788-0108