Mission Statement

In our pursuit of belonging, we often don masks and assume defined roles to fit in. METHOD delves into this dynamic, offering a visceral portrayal of an actor's process. Our goal is to show the danger of losing oneself in a mask while spotlighting the profound beauty of embracing authenticity.

The Premise

Photo references from Shotdeck.com

METHOD is the culmination of our combined 15-year journey in the film industry. Driven by a passion for character-driven cinema and fueled by our personal experiences, we’re committed to delivering a soulful narrative that resonates on a profound level.

Our mission is to unravel the perilous journey of losing oneself in a mask and celebrate the beauty of embracing authenticity. In an industry obsessed with actions, not identities, METHOD sparks a cultural dialogue on who we are beneath the roles we play.

Mining the true experience of Ryan’s dad dying when he first moved to Hollywood to pursue his passion to become a distinguished cinema writer/director, we’re aspiring to dig deep and channel our most intimate and vulnerable stories so we can create an authentic picture that will resonate with a universal audience.

Nkosi’s quest of developing his own personal identity amidst the world’s most competitive industry where you’re celebrated more by what you do than by who you are is infused in every emotionally rich scene.

Although we've completed the feature screenplay, producing this proof of concept short film is essential because a disconnect exists between script and screen. This film will empower us to share our vision with studio executives and financiers in a crystal clear cinematic fashion that will extinguish any and all doubt as to the strong potential of this story as a feature film.

Next Steps:

• How Your Support Matters: Your contribution empowers us to visually communicate a unique narrative, sparking conversations on identity.

• Stretch Goals: If we surpass 100%, we’ll be able to enhance production quality, ensuring METHOD exceeds expectations.

• Timeline: Production kicks off in February, followed by post-production, and a spring release.

• Spread the Word: Our vision is unique, and with your support, we aim to bring it to life, visually communicating a story only we can tell. Help us realize our dream by contributing to the artistic journey we're set to undertake. #MethodFilm

The Team

Ryan Stephen Holly - Writer/Director

An Oklahoma native, Ryan is a versatile Writer/Director with a passion for original storytelling. Armed with an MFA in Screenwriting from Pepperdine, he honed his craft at Judith Weston's Acting for Directors Workshop. His dedication to storytelling extends to over 500,000 written words, spanning 15 feature screenplays, three novels, teleplays, and a children's book. As Founder and CEO of Ocean Exile, a Denver-based creative agency, Ryan leads young filmmakers in producing music videos and creative events. His ambition is to elevate Ocean Exile into a film studio, fostering original content and offering opportunities to emerging filmmakers. Focused on his feature film debut, "METHOD," with collaborator Nkosi Roma, Ryan aims to imbue films with moral depth inspired by Kurosawa, spiritual veracity reminiscent of Bergman, and the razor-sharp wit akin to Wilder.

Nkosi Roma - Co-Writer/Cinematographer

Nkosi Roma stands as one of the few Black cinematographers in the US specializing in shooting 16mm film professionally. He embraces a self-taught approach, valuing trial and error in his immersive visual style that emphasizes close-ups to convey complex emotions. Recent noteworthy achievements include screening at the DeadCenter Film Festival and the St. Louis International Film Festival. Beyond cinematography, Nkosi is a multifaceted storyteller, exemplified by his film "Return to Sender," where he undertook roles from writer to distributor, garnering 10 official festival selections and a Best First Time Director award. His knowledge and skill elevate every project he engages in, embodying a commitment to preserving the film medium and inspiring the next generation.

Iman Shakur - Gideon the Actor

A dynamic actor hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Iman Shakur showcases impressive talent and dedication in his craft. Emerging on the acting scene in 2016, Iman became captivated by the art, achieving notable milestones such as winning awards for his role in “District Merchants” and collaborating with renowned artist BLK ODYSSY. Grounded in spirituality, he attributes his opportunities to God's divine grace. Shakur's innate talent, passion, and unwavering faith propel him in life as an actor.

Don Harvey - Solo the Director

A Yale School of Drama graduate, Don quickly earned recognition in the original Broadway production of Sam Shepard's "A Lie Of The Mind," alongside luminaries like Harvey Keitel and Amanda Plummer. His film career includes standout roles in classics like "The Untouchables", "The Thin Red Line," and "She Hate Me", working with directors Brian DePalma, Terrence Malick, and Spike Lee. On stage, Harvey excelled in roles such as the title character in Aphra Behn's "The Rover" at The Guthrie Theatre. Noteworthy TV appearances include HBO's "Luck," "The Night Of," and "The Deuce." Nominated for a 2017 Daytime Emmy Award for General Hospital, Harvey stands as a seasoned actor with a diverse and accomplished career.

INCENTIVES

$ 25 NEWMAN

• Personalized Social Media Shoutout - We’ll provide our undying gratitude along with a heartfelt message inspired by an optional fun fact about yourself. We wanna broadcast your awesomeness across our social channels as each contriubution truly means the most to us.

$50 WOODWARD

• Personalized Social Media Shoutout

• Official Method Poster - Receive a digital download of our original poster design.

• Instagram Insider Access - We' ll take you behind the scenes during production, allowing you to engage with the cast and crew on set through the film’s private Instagram Channel.

$ 100 DEAN

• Personalized Social Media Shoutout

• Official Method Poster - (Digital Download)

• Instagram Insider Access

• Virtual Premiere First Look - Join the cast and crew with exclusive virtual access to the FIRST screening of the film.

$ 250 LEDGER

• Personalized Social Media Shoutout

• Instagram Insider Access

• Virtual Premiere First Look

• Official Signed Method Poster - An 11”x17” physical poster signed by the cast and creators.

• Special Thanks Credit - Be a part of Method by having your name listed at the end of film.

$500 POITIER

• Personalized Social Media Shoutout

• Virtual Premiere First Look

• Official Method T-Shirt - Receive an original design inspired by the film.

• Official Signed Method Poster - (11”x17”)

• *24 Frames* - Receive a 16mm negative strip comprising 24 frames from the movie.

• Special Thanks Credit

$ 1000 MONROE

• Producer Credit - Be credited as a producer in the film’s end credits

• Signed Hard Copy of the Shooting Script

• Official Method T-shirt

• *24 Frames* - Receive a 16mm negative strip comprising 24 frames from the movie.

• Personalized “Thank You” Video - from the cast and creators

$ 2500 BRANDO

• Executive Producer Credit - Be listed as an Executive Producer in the film’s end credits and on IMDb.

• Two VIP Tickets to 2024 Premiere - (travel and lodging not provided).

• Film Memorabilia Package - Receive an Official Method T-shirt, Official Signed Method Poster, 24 Frames of 16mm Negative, and Special Item or Prop featured in the film.

• Personalized “Thank You” Video - From the cast and creators

Method

By Method Film

Method

In a psychological drama that explores the void between actor and character, Gideon takes center stage in an audition unlike any other. He's challenged by his obsessive theater director to unearth his darkest secrets and discover his truest self.