Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring Real Magic to life.
 

Logline

Perpetually disappointing his strict parents, a young man relies on his imaginary brother for a semblance of freedom.

Synopsis

A debilitatingly shy young man, James, sets up a town of miniatures on his bed. He places the last piece, a small motorcycle, and throws the sheets over his head. We enter the world he’s created, where his imaginary brother, Taylor, and childhood friend, Britney, flirt. She denies having feelings for him after he brings up a kiss they shared at a childhood pool party, and they laugh it off.

Back in reality, James remembers he has a bicycle-permit test and stashes the miniatures. Midway through a miserable attempt at the course, Taylor appears on his motorcycle, offering James a chance to escape. Getting over his shock, he accepts, and they ride off together. It’s clear James admires Taylor—they’re exact opposites.

Taylor declines a dinner invite, heading to a “pool party”. James enters his home and is immediately punished for abandoning the course. His parents bring up Britney, comparing the two and reminding him how she ruined her life after she ran away. James reveals he loved her and regrets not going with her.

Suspicious that Taylor caused James’ insubordination, his father asks how he got home. James admits it was Taylor. When he tries to leave, his father finds James’ miniature motorcycle and smashes it.

Taylor arrives at the pool party and finds Britney—their eyes light up. Meanwhile, James sneaks out and finds Taylor’s motorcycle damaged and on its side in the road. He struggles to lift it and finally succeeds, just as Taylor and Britney share a kiss.

Taylor is picked up by an imaginary, loving version of James’ parents. After warmly embracing them, he climbs into the back of their truck and rides into the sunset. James says goodbye to his imaginary friend and pulls the covers from over his head, facing reality.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Dominik Czaczyk – Director
Dominik Czaczyk is a Polish-American director and cinematographer working in Los Angeles, California. His stories are inspired by a shifting relationship to mainstream American culture. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, he directed music videos before pursuing narrative film. His short film, The Handshake, played at festivals around the country and will be released digitally soon. As a cinematographer, his work spans from narrative to editorial, and clients include GQ, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. He’s shot advertisements that aired on national television, and had a music video play at the 2022 Academy Awards complimenting a nomination for Best Original Song.

Riley Anthony – Actor/Producer
Riley Anthony is an interdisciplinary artist and producer based in Los Angeles, California. Starting his career in stage work, he moved to Denmark to study behavioral cognition. He takes interest in creating works which explore comedic tragedy of the mundane and the complex imperfection of human behavior. As an actor, he has been part of the original cast for award-winning new musicals such as Academy (Best Musical, NYMF; Best Musical DIMF). He has been a technical director for Film France (CNC) and a producer for Boxer Shorts, a short play series which enabled local playwrights to exhibit their original works.

Bobby Kiner – Actor
Bobby is an LA based actor and theatre educator. After graduating from PCPA acting conservatory in 2019, he toured with the San Francisco Shakespeare Company and has since directed shows with both Upstage Theatre Schools and Performing Arts Workshops. Recent credits include Much Ado About Nothing, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, Shakespeare in Love, The Addams Family, Let’s Make a Deal, and Paramount Pictures’ Babylon.

Make a donation to Real Magic.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.