HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2014 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Happiness is an elusive goal even when times are good and life is lucky. But for the character of Stephanie in the feature film Defeated, happiness seems very far away because of a childhood tragedy that casts a shadow on her adult life. Striving to find true love and contentment, Stephanie must confront the demons of her past if she can hope to restore her sense of worth and find a way to deal with the parts of her life that threaten her future. Based on true events, the movie incorporates a sense of reality into its scenes that is chilling and awe-inspiring.

The director, Joe Garland, is committed to filming a low-budget film that shows up on the screen with a million-dollar look. In order to do that, he has begun an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to raise $17,500 by October 10. The crowdfunding donations will help to pay for musical scoring for the film; permits and locations; food for the crew and cast; and post-production expenses. Production for the film began in August and is scheduled to conclude in November 2014.

According to Garland, this Indie film stands out from other films because it’s based on a real-life story. That means that it will touch the audience’s hearts, and never bore them.

Dr. Rhonda Mayes, who plays the part of Dr. Harris, says that when she initially read the script, she was excited about her role because of the strength of the lead characters. “The cycle of drama continues and continues,” Mayes says, adding, “People will resonate with Stephanie because she gives people hope.”

Jeff Roncone is Quake, a good guy and an underlying alpha male with ways that are a little different. Arden Banks is Jimmy, who has been incarcerated for 15 years as a result of the accident that continues to affect Stephanie. Stephanie is a loving, smart, studious girl in her twenties,” explains actress Sophie Mazzaro, who plays the lead role. “She suffered a terrible tragedy in her childhood and the traces of that trail off into her adult life.” Her life is a succession of bad things that happen, but those traumas only serve to make Stephanie more likeable for the audience.

The director is proud of his cast. Born in Chicago, Garland found his way to the director’s chair by a nontraditional route. While pursuing his MBA, he was also competing and promoting natural bodybuilding and fitness events, which in turn sparked an interest in storytelling and the visual arts. After moving to Southern California, he received formal training in film direction at UCLA. He is the owner of an independent film production company where he directs and produces Indie films. Past credits include writing and directing Double Play.

Garland, who is writer and director of Defeated, promises that this film is dynamic from beginning to end. “There’s always something going on,” says Garland, whose fascination with films in the action and espionage genre is a good indication that he knows how to build suspense into a film. Michael Dinelli (of the WGA) served as a re-write consultant for the script.

The film boasts a variety of perks for its crowdfunding contributors. Those perks include shout outs on social media, speaking roles, DVDs of the film, Defeated tee-shirts, signed posters, coffee mugs, invitations to the film screening, set time with the crew, an invitation to the wrap-up party, a two-night weekend at an upscale hotel and time with the director, and even a customized director’s chair.

About Defeated
Directed by Joe Garland and starring Sophie Mazzaro as the lead character, Stephanie, Defeated (www.defeatedfilm.com) is a romance drama about a young woman in her twenties who has to overcome a terrible tragedy from her childhood that continues to affect her as she grows up. Based on a true story, Defeated’s director and cast is working hard so that, with crowdfunding help, they can deliver a low-budget film with a million-dollar look.

Joe Garland
Defeated - Feature Film
www.defeatedfilm.com
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