Jake And Jasper: A Ferret Tale is a new short film available on DVD that prominently features a ferret. It took approximately six months to make from concept to final edit, and it was a labor of love for filmmaker Alison Parker, who believes it’s the film ferret owners have been waiting for because it portrays ferrets in a positive light. Jasper the ferret helps Jake reconnect with the world when he cuts himself off from it after his mother’s death, his father’s emotional shutdown and his older sister’s departure.
Getting Rolling
What does it take to make a movie like this? Creativity, endless energy, connections, volunteers and social media savvy are just some of the tools Parker used. In addition to getting a writer, cast, crew, locations, equipment, props and more, she faced other challenges as producer, director and editor.
When Parker planned for a forest scene in the film and learned that getting her wish list of animals would cost $10,000, she started a fundraising campaign on the IndiGoGo website and made a splash on Facebook, Twitter, ferret forums and more to get the word out about her film and its need for funds. Response from the ferret community and others was overwhelming, and more than $13,000 was raised in 50 days.
For the full article, pick up the 2012 issue of Ferrets USA or click here to buy the issue.