Status Unknown
Logline: An inspiring true story of an American woman who followed her heart across the pond and fell in love with a British woman and the only thing tearing them apart is the Federal Government. When the law denies a green card, the status remains unknown, until the women challenge the law and embark on a social media frenzy proving that true love can win!
Length: Short Film (final length to be confirmed)
Director: Cate Carson
Producer: Justin Plasse
Writer: Caroline Hart, Laurie Hart
About the writer, Caroline Hart is a writer, Huffington Post blogger, photographer and producer based in Somerset, Massachusetts. Originally Caroline is from England but has been a permanent resident of the United States since January 2014; she resides with her wife, Laurie Hart. Laurie Hart is a writer, photographer and producer and is an American born citizen. They are both founders of hart2hart productions. They have both been LGBT actisits for over 10 years helping to take down DOMA (Defense Of Marriage Act).
Director: Cate Carson is a Director, Actress, Producer, and Writer. Cate has had recent success with short films including TOP 7 wildcard winning Twilight/Lionsgate film, "Masque", and co-directed TOP 20 HBO's Project Greenlight film, "Whiskey Boys". "Cleave" is a two film relationship drama short set for the 2016 festival circuit.
Producer: Justin Plasse quickly became engrossed in the film market and was brought on as Vice President of Sensorium Pictures. His technological and creative skills and expertise assimilated well in his initial role as Production Manager and primary editor.
Key cast:
Lead Actress Caroline – Laura Putnam,
Lead Actress Laurie – Cate Carson,
Officer Hall – JP Valenti,
Officer Lawson – Dan Crowley,
Office Fitzpatrick – Paul Lussier
Director of Photography – Joseph Lavellee
Assistant Director – Richard Bailey
Co- Producer – Mary Kehoe
Production Assistant – Nathan Johnson
Sound Mixer – Spencer Caddigan
Gaffer – Chris Abbey
Gaffer – Joe McLeish
1st Assistant Camera – Richelle Topping
Wardrobe – Nicole Coakley
On-Set Dresser – Mary Hronicek
Film Set – Logan International Airport Boston, Massachusetts
Music – Laurel
Funders: More Than Friends Film Funding, Jan Miller Corran, personal donations via GoFundMe
Made in association with: hart2hart productions in association with Sensorium Pictures
Release date: 2016
Where can I watch it? Online
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Status Unknown brings an important message about how LGBT people have been treated, what they have been through and continue to go through and how they have fought for simple rights and justice. We may have won some legal battles but acceptance is the biggest battle and the more we can highlight that the closer we are to achieving it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To understand how it feels to be discriminated against and why civil rights and acceptance mean so much and everyone deserves them.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It is our true story so on a personal level we were impacted by discrimination as a lesbian bi-national couple. On a universal level, around the world LGBT people are discriminated against every day somewhere.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Because it is based on our true story and we wrote the script it hasn’t really changed. We had a very clear idea of what we wanted to achieve and that included securing Logan International Airport as the location. The director and director of photography brought to life our words and their intensensity both brilliantly and artistically.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been incredible, very positive; from people like Jason Alexander telling us “it’s beautiful and moving” to Carnie Wilson and Melissa Gilbert saying it is “Powerful stuff”.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has made us feel how worthwhile this project is and why it is important. Andie MacDowell said “Congrats on your efforts to educate others on equality” Barbara Niven said “Wow it looks like a terrific movie about a horrific issue. If this is your story I am so sorry. Hope we can create change.” Mary Murphy said “Your story is about love, perseverance is inspiring and shows how love conquered all!!”
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Our goal is to bring awareness to the struggles of LGBT and how perseverance can bring about change. But also highlight women in film and how this is not just an LGBT story but a genuine love story and fight for civil rights for all.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anyone who wants to add their voice to our project would be much appreciated.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We would love this short film to have a huge impact and to generate support for LGBT from their family and friends to strangers and bring greater global acceptance.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Would you fight for your civil rights?
Would you like to add anything else?
We are enormously grateful to all those who have helped us get this far, not only for the film but for our personal fight for marriage equality. We would love more people to join us and to be a part of our story, the fight is not over by any means.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently our team is working on the development of a full length feature film following the release of the trailer for Status Unknown.
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela