Bring a funny, dark “Gentle Werewolf” to life

Here’s a web series pilot that I’d really like to see make its Kickstarter goal for a few reasons, not the least of which is that the main character seems to be… me.

Gentle Werewolf is a comedy series about life in your late 20s and early 30s when you are feeling lost and uncertain about what your future holds. You reassess your career goals, your life goals, your personal grooming goals and you pretty much obsess over every thought that runs through your head, forgetting to allow your brain time to breathe. Now, throw in becoming a werewolf, and things get really, really messy. Welcome to Tom’s life, and that of his nearest and dearest friends who struggle with the idea that he may actually be a werewolf.

Okay, so I’m in my mid-30’s and I may not actually be a werewolf, but the rest of that stuff? I guarantee I’ll stop writing this post at least twice* to worry about one of those things.

It’s refreshing to hear about a werewolf film/video project that’s leaning on comic and character beats. I particularly like director Ally Zonsius‘s vision:

Gentle Werewolf is a dry buddy comedy with a touch of romance, drama, and werewolf transformation. I was flying to Seattle when I first read the script myself, and I laughed aloud, which doesn’t happen often. My overall approach for Gentle Werewolf is to celebrate the humor and find unique ways to keep it relatable, with characters just like people you may know. In our present, everyday world, Tom’s transformation to become a werewolf fits awkwardly, and I want that to show. Sam Esmail’s film Comet and TV show Mr Robot serve as visual inspiration – both have wonderfully uncomfortable ways to compose a frame to suit the discomfort happening on screen. Tonally, Silicon Valley and Catastrophe set a good par for Gentle Werewolf and they, along with The Last Man on Earth, match the style of humor I am going for – part real, part ridiculous and a little dark too. We have a fantastic cast on board that will bring this group of friends to life with a camaraderie, and well-written, witty dialogue. Gentle Werewolf was written to become a guilty pleasure for all. We appreciate your support.

I enjoy (or have in my must-watch queue) every show mentioned, and as demonstrated in the pitch video, they’re not just called out for the sake of positive association. Catastrophe tone and Mr. Robot shot framing? That alone gets my pledge, werewolf angle or not!

This project has been carefully considered for at least a year or two, and given the concept and the impressive experience of everyone involved in the campaign, this looks like it would be a fantastic series. I’d like them to make their goal (at least!) and be able to make Gentle Werewolf the way it ought to be made. Check it out on Twitter and Facebook, and do consider chipping in a few bucks.

*it was three times