Young filmmaker from Bellevue Washington goes Hollywood
While a in sophomore high school the then 17 year-old Nick along with friends David Ly, and Chris Kennewick brainstormed a school project of epic proportions.
What started as an idea grew into “Small Change,” a short film with an Indie feel and a unique story line.
The film takes place over a 25 year span, then rewinds to show how one simple action can change the world.
“We shot a couple of scenes with close friends and contacts, they came out pretty good but we still didn’t have anyone to play the main roles,” says Nick when questioned about the early stages of the film.
While shooting a skate video he came across a connection with Bryan Gallinger a local film producer and entertainment connection.
Nick approached Gallinger and asked him to play one of the lead roles Ben.
After reviewing the script and catching Giersdorf’s vision for the film Gallinger joined the project and “took the whole thing to a higher level,” according to Nick.
Once the two joined forces they caught the attention of Dean Kosage who shared his connections and was able to bring on Trey Parker of the Film “Newsies” and boy band EYC, and Kari Ann Peniche who was raining as Miss Teen Oregon 2002 at the time.
From there they brought in a writer to rework Giersdorf’s screenplay into a professional script.
Two people that helped evolve the project to the next level were Dean Kosage and Bryan Gallinger.
“Dean loves meeting people with potential and helping them develop their goals.”
Gallinger “is very good at Networking,” according to Nick who says he lined up a bar for a shot that would normally cost $3000 for free as well as a sail boat for one of the romantic scenes. “In Hollywood a producer knows everybody and call in favors when you need them, Bryan knows everybody, “ says Nick.
Dean Kosage a business owner, who became financially independent in his early twenties and today according to Giersdorf Dean, “Finances films, is connected to pageants and other entertainment projects.” Dean took his business digital in 1999 when he contracted with a top E-tailer.
Nick adds, “Dean is also asked to speak around the nation, and he meets with celebrities and hits different events.” Nick says, ”Dean spends some of his time showing people how to create residual or ongoing incomes verses a lump sum of money so that even after you are done working you still get paid.”
When asked what sets people like Gallinger and Kosage apart from the rest Nick says, “ It’s all in the personality, being likable. They have great communication skills. In Hollywood they ask are you fun to work with, that’s how you make it.”
Nick now in his 2nd semester says his experiences in filmmaking have set him a step ahead of his peers at film school. Keep an eye out for possible release of “small change,” at a venue near you. Be sure to look for more from this young man as he uses his connections in entertainment and business to launch his future success.
Vital Stats: Nick Giersdorf
High school: Sammamish High school
DOB: 10/25/1984
Generation: Y
Favorite Color: Blue-Dark Blue
Favorite Food: Burritos- “has a shirt that says Life is Burritoful.”
Occupation: Student- 1st year at college at Loyola Marymount in Santa Monica, CA
For more information on Small Change please visit: giersdorf.com
