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About
- Synopsis
Inspired by true events, Chase is a poignant story of friendship and hardship, told through the eyes of a young woman named Maul. The film follows Maul and her best friend Chase in two storylines at different times. In one, they are carefree, happy-go-lucky, and healthy. In the other, Chase is battling a brain tumor. The two collide at the end, forcing Maul to navigate their friendship in an unexpected way.
The True Story
"Chase" is based on writer/director Rachel Kopilow’s lifelong friendship with Brendan Ogg. While home for winter break of his sophomore year at college, Brendan was diagnosed with a Stage IV brain tumor--a shocking result of debilitating headaches that began a few days earlier. During the year he spent in treatment, Brendan used his talents as a writer and poet (influenced by his favorites--John Keats, T.S. Eliot, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald) to artfully express his recovery and relapse. In the final weeks of his life, Brendan edited his book, "Summer Becomes Absurd" (Finishing Line Press, June 2010). Brendan died peacefully at his home in Silver Spring, MD, on February 24, 2010. The film's two characters, Chase and Maul, represent a collage of Brendan's many friends who stayed by his side throughout his illness. Throughout his 14-month decline, Brendan maintained his wit and creativity, a spirit that "Chase" tries to capture. In the film—as in Brendan’s life—there is hardship, but also laughter; tragedy, but also comedy.
Watch the 10-minute short:
ProductionChase was shot during two weekends in April 2011. With the help of a crew of nearly 50 students, we shot on location in and around Chicago, IL.Studio 22Studio 22 Productions is a not-for-profit film production company run by students at Northwestern University. The group is funded by contributions from the School of Communication and generous individual donations. Throughout the school year, Studio 22 gives competitive grants ranging from $500 to $7500 for student projects of various lengths, genres, and styles. Every June, Studio 22 hosts a “Red Carpet Premiere” at Northwestern’s Evanston campus during which the films from the previous school year are shown to hundreds of parents, friends, faculty, and community members. Find out more at studio22nu.com.
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Filmmakers
WRITER/DIRECTOR Rachel KopilowOriginally from Silver Spring, MD, Rachel graduated from Northwestern University in June 2011 with a dual degree in film and history. As a student, she participated in the productions of many short narrative films and documentaries. After graduation, she worked at the White House in the Office of Digital Strategy as the videographer intern. She then served as the multimedia producer for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.DIRECTOR Jacqueline ReynoA recent graduate of Northwestern University, Jacqueline (Jac) has always had a keen interest in film production and flourished in the Northwestern film community as a student. She is currently distributing the documentary and short films she completed this past year, including Chase. She was intrigued by the story of Chase since she discussed it with Rachel in the fall of 2010. The end product powerfully articulates the poignant themes of friendship and loss that she feels resonate with all people.
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Cast and Crew
CASTMaul - Stella StahlChase - Will SonheimMother - Joan MerloNurse - Ali GoodmanDoctor - Jack McCabeCREW HEADSProducers - Rachel Pologe & Nikki MichaelsDirector of Photography - Travis LaBellaGaffer - Declan FoxComposer - Josh FinkEditor - Greg PorperCasting Director - Rachel AbrahamsFirst Assistant Director - Laura KickProduction Designer - Catherine MerloCostume Designer - Ursula Ellis
CREWAssociate Producers - Alex Gurvits & Lara KubiliusUnit Production Manager - Emma CarlinLocations Manager - Robbie SternProduction Assistant - Iman Childs & Monica Yi2nd Assistant Director - Madison BerryScript/Continuity Supervisor - Demetrios Cokinos & Cansu Coban1st Assistant Camera - Rebecca Montag2nd Assistant Camera - Matt Litwiller & Jingyang ChengDIT/Video Assit - Nate BartlettKey Grip - Alex LiuBest Boy - Ed ParkDolly Grip - Max Baird & Eric KirchnerGrips - Jonathan Gleason, Ryan Naylor, Colton Maddox, & Rachel WagnerCostume Designer - Ursula EllisConstruction Coordinator - Blake PaineArt Crew - Madison Berry, Kara Craig, Chynna Ladage, Ryan Naylor, & Rachel Wagner
Sound Designer - Andrew Allen
Sound Recordist - Alison Ho
Boom Operators - Kara Craig & Colton MaddoxTitles Designer - Neil LokkenAssistant Editors - Max Baird, Iman Childs, Alison Ho, & Monica YiArtist - Amy Sands
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News
- July 1: Chase was accepted into the DC Shorts Film Festival (September 6-16)
- February 13: Chase was accepted into the 2012 San Francisco International Women's Film Festival (April 13-15).
- February 1: Chase was accepted into the 2012 Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival and will be screening March 26th.
- September 30: Chase is featured in The Huffington Post alongside the film 50/50 starring Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
- July 26: Rachel spoke about Chase on NPR's "On Point" program during a segment about youth dealing with loss. Tune in.
- June 4: Chase premiered at the Studio 22 "Red Carpet" event.
- April 26: Chase surpassed our fundraising goal by 186%.
- February 3: Studio 22 awarded Chase a $3,000 grant.
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Donate
We could not have gotten through production without the generous support of friends, family, and community members. We are still in the process of submitting to festivals, and would appreciate any support.Donate here or contact us to find out other ways to support our project!
