Filmsnoir Motion Pictures and Fusion For Peace Productions are proud of the progress of their rewards-based crowdfunding campaign for the independent motion picture “Stay”, shot in Tokyo by award-winning filmmaker, Darryl Wharton-Rigby. The campaign seeks to raise $5000 to help complete final post-production in preparation for distribution and to raise awareness of their collective efforts to change the landscape of the Japanese Film Industry. Wharton-Rigby is the second African American to write and direct a feature film in Japan, in its 100+ years history. The campaign launched on IndieGoGo has raised 53% of its goal in the first six days.
“It's exciting to be so close to the finish line on “Stay”,” said Wharton-Rigby. “When I started filmmaking, I never imagined I would make a film in Japan. From Bmore to Tokyo – What an incredible journey.”
The campaign seeks to build a community committed to diversity and offers a variety of rewards including chopsticks, key chains, posters, screenplay copies, digital downloads, and film credits. All backers will also be eligible to win one of two autographed photos from Robert Downey, Jr.
“We are extremely grateful for any contributions for our crowdfunding campaign for “Stay”,” said Executive Producer, Christopher Rathbone. “We believe in this film and are excited by the possibilities. With continued support, we can maintain this momentum and raise enough funds to complete the project in preparation for distribution and screenings.”
“Stay” is a touching romance that follows a couple who fall passionately in love over a weekend; Ryuu, a Japanese man who is a recovering addict, and Hope, an American enjoying her last days in Japan. The film features emerging Japanese star, Shogen and introduces British model/actress, Ana Tanaka. Lensed by photographer Jeremy Goldberg, STAY, Wharton-Rigby's second feature film, was shot on the Tokyo streets in 15 days, guerrilla-style, a technique the former Homicide Life on the Street writer has used throughout his career.
“Shooting “Stay” in Tokyo on the BlackMagic Pocket Camera made us virtually invisible and allowed us to capture the city up close and personal. We shot on train platforms and trains, Tsukiji Fish Market, ramen shops… Everywhere,” explains Writer/Director Darryl Wharton-Rigby. Every day was something new and challenging. We were constantly on edge. I really wanted “Stay” to feel like it was made by a Japanese filmmaker,” says Wharton-Rigby.
For the filmmaker, who lives with his family in Saitama, Japan, this story is personal as his father supervised recovery houses in Baltimore where he grew up. However, after reading about the plight of those dealing with recovery in Japan, he decided that Tokyo would make an interesting backdrop for STAY while promoting diversity and inclusion in the Japanese film industry.
To learn more about “Stay”, Darryl Wharton-Rigby's journey, and to make a donation to the crowdfunding campaign by October 6th visit https://igg.me/at/staymotionpic
