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Alex Morsanutto has certainly found inspiration in his hometown of Norwalk. Hailed as an up-and-coming young filmmaker, he started Silvermine Productions, a production company innovating storytelling, in 2012. The Norwalk-based company has created commercials for Kona Brewing Company, Kiehl’s and Chevrolet–to name a few–as well as award-winning short films and documentaries. You can view these on the company's website.
"The excitement is one of the coolest parts of making films in your hometown," said Morsanutto. "And there are lots of stories to tell.”
One of the stories Morsanutto is hoping to tell is “Operation Cavity.” The Norwalk High grad (class of ’09) is working with producers Chris Cenatiempo (Norwalk High ’07), Pauolo Aruajo ( Norwalk High '09), Wilton’s Kara Bartek, Jean Claude Billmaier, Megan Catalfamo and cinematographer Sam Cutler-Kreutz to bring the short film they call a cross between “Stranger Things” and “Ocean’s 11” to life.
The premise follows a group of pre-teen boys who decide to steal back their extracted teeth from their creepy dentist.
“I wanted to do a Spielberg-esque adventure film with darker tones, in the world of 'Stranger Things,'” said Morsanutto. “This film is kind of like a mix of adventure with a little bit of a thriller vibe; it has a touch of horror, but it’s not really a horror film, and there are some comedic moments.”
Pre-production on "Operation Cavity" started a month ago, and Morsanutto hopes to complete principal photography locally over four days in August. One of the likely sets? Cenatiempo's grandfather’s basement.
“We’re going to lean in on our local connections,” said Morsanutto. “We’re not raising a lot of money, we’re going to be thrifty–none of us are getting paid. I have amazing people onboard.”
To fund the venture, Silvermine Productions launched a Kickstarter campaign on June 10. They have 31 days to reach their goal of $18,000.
“Kickstarter is interesting because it’s all or nothing,” said Morsenutto. “If we don’t hit that goal, then we won’t make the movie.
“I researched which websites are most successful for crowdfunding and I’ve made videos for successful Kickstarter campaigns, so I thought I could do that for a film.”
And to those who pledge $4,999 or more? Executive Producer credit on "Operation Cavity," which they plan to have fully finished by April 2020.
Meanwhile, Morsanutto is also a member of the committee creating the Norwalk Film Festival slated for this fall.
For more information visit Silvermine Productions, or visit Kickstarter to earn your own producing credit.
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