Local Indie Film “Last Summer for Boys” Begins Production

By Tyler Sorensen
Contributing Writer

Nathan Anderson has never made a film before. This summer, he hopes to complete his first. Anderson’s debut, titled “Last Summer for Boys,” tells the plight of a penitent young man who returns to his hometown in rural North Dakota after taking a desk job in Minneapolis. The story, penned by Anderson, bears more than a passing resemblance to the writer’s own life.

For Anderson, a native of Plaza, N.D. (pop. 167), it’s a project that’s been a long time in the making. “Almost six years ago, while teaching high school English in central California, the idea for ‘Last Summer for Boys’ presented itself, so I started writing a novel,” says Anderson. “I realized
that throughout the writing process, I did not see the words on a page, I saw them visually or on-screen.”

After a little research, Anderson adapted and finished “Last Summer” as a screenplay with real North Dakota locations in mind. This script was never intended to be sold to Hollywood. The film was to be North Dakotan through and through. On August 24, 2006, Anderson’s self-run production company, NoDak Films, became an official trade name.

What makes Anderson’s production truly unique is how he is paying for it. While many comparable independent films are financed by investors – or generous friends, family, and acquaintances – “Last Summer” is being funded entirely through a clever $100 contribution model. When an individual contributes $100 towards the production of Anderson’s film, they’re automatically guaranteed an on-screen role as an extra. Not only that, but
every contributor will also see their name in the credits in what must be a long list of associate producers.

Anderson extends his contribution model to small North Dakota towns and businesses. If a town with under 5,000 residents pledges $100, they’re promised they’ll see a local landmark in “Last Summer for Boys.” For businesses, it’s a chance for product placement.

How will these elements will be implemented into the story? Anderson is cagey. “There are many ways to include an individual, business, or town in a movie without short-changing their contribution or disrupting the integrity of the movie.”

Anderson’s path to production was not without its share of hurdles. However, like most independent filmmakers, he persevered and found inventive ways of approaching setbacks. In 2007 and 2008, Anderson participated in InnovateND, a competition that promotes new and creative business ideas in North Dakota. Although NoDak Films did not advance to the finals, Anderson used the experience to sharpen his business plan.

The $100 contribution model came from a rejection by the Bank of North Dakota. Some may remember – many may try to forget – North Dakota’s last state-funded movie, “Wooly Boys,” in 2001. Shot in Medora, N.D., the film told the story of a Badlands sheep rancher, played by Peter Fonda, who reconnects with his grandson. Despite a favorable local response, the movie flopped in its limited release, grossing only $336,000. It was an unfortunate blow to the fledgling North Dakota film industry.

“As I was finishing up the script, I heard about the Bank of North Dakota and how they funded [Wooly Boys],” Anderson recalls. “Long story short, the Bank of North Dakota lost 1.66 million dollars on a 4.1 million dollar loan they had given to the producers of the movie. I contacted the Bank of North Dakota around this time and they told me, and I quote, ‘The Bank of North Dakota is no longer in the movie financing business.’”

With that indelibly settled, Anderson conceived his $100 contribution model. He’s still accepting contributions, by the way, from any prospective extras. While some may be skeptical of his scheme, he assures it’s legitimate and has already received numerous donations, including one from Mayor Curt Zimbelman of Minot. “I am happy to say my contracts have been reviewed, approved, and offered encouragement by the North Dakota Securities Commission. We are set up as a business,” Anderson says. “Every contributor receives a contribution packet that boldly states if our movie ceases production, you have a money-back guarantee.”

Anderson hopes “Last Summer for Boys” will mark the first of many films under the NoDak Film banner. The Minot High and MSUM alum is a proud North Dakotan who wants to make movies about and for his state. “North Dakota is the only state in the United States of America without a State Film Office and there is no expectation that films will be made here,” he says. “I want to change that by making a great movie that illuminates the strengths of North Dakota without isolating the stereotypes.”

And yet, a full-length feature film like Last Summer for Boys is quite an undertaking for an untested filmmaker. For Nathan, these are the final steps of a long and exhaustive pre-production process. “I can do three things well: Organize details, write, and recognize talent. This is why I am
the producer, screenwriter, and director of this movie,” he affirms.

“I am not the guy behind the camera or the sound equipment. I hired what I believe are very talented individuals who have experience in those areas. My ability will become apparent when this movie is ready for a public release. I tell everyone that I am not capable of making a ‘good’ movie so this will either be great or lousy.”

For more information, visit http://www.nodakfilms.com, or call 661.703.8485

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