FILM SYNOPSIS
The Kampy Kids follows a group of mystery solving siblings as they roadtrip and explore North America's most famous myths and legends in their parent's RV. Join the Kampy Kids as they stumble upon the mysterious Ghost Dinosaur scaring the visitors of Dinosaur National Monument. The siblings follow the dinosaur in hopes to solve the mystery of what has been haunting the area.
FAQ’s
What sparked the idea for the film?
We are a family of film making enthusiasts who sold our home and set out for an RV life Sabbatical. While enjoying four years as nomads we filmed multiple short films in a series titled The Kampy Kids. The idea came from the love of story telling through film and wanting to document this epic roadtrip in a way other than still shots and home videos. Our family loves to create stories together so thought “Why not capture our adventures through short films.”
Tough moment during filming and how it was handled?
The film was actually written and shot while we were stranded outside of Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado. We had a broken hose in our diesel engine and had to wait on a part to come in, effectively leaving us here for a few weeks. We made the best of our stranding and wrote a short film together as a family.
Memory that stands out about production.
Paddle boarding out to Dilophosaurus tracks was amazing. We were actually stranded a bit away from The National Monument at Red Fleet State Park and there was a huge lake full of fossils. There is an area where there are a ton of foot prints you can walk on.
How is it different from previous work?
This is the first project where our children came up with the concept, wrote the script, and directed. Mom and Dad have been a part of various film projects throughout the years but this was the first time the kids took the reins. We helped to bring their concept and characters they created to fruition.
Manage budget and resources?
What budget? Lol. This was filmed with a zero dollar budget while stuck in the desert waiting for RV parts.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
We are currently working on The Kampy Kids and The Terror of The Pines featuring some famous NJ lure. We are hoping to raise some funds for this next film and really push the envelope of what our family has accomplished thus far.
Any tips for new filmmaking kids?
Just do it! Everyone starts somewhere and each project is a learning experience. Strive for each new project to be better than the last.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
My name is Jonathan
"The Kampy Kids and The Ghost Dinosaur is my first film. My Dad helped me with the cameras and piecing the story together. I like how everything is pieced together and its not even real but when you put it together it just works so well. I wanted to make a movie for a very long time because I saw other directors' like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas's movies and they made me feel happy, sad, all kinds of emotions. They have heroes and bad guys and the stories all could be true and real. I like to take things that aren't real and make them seem real and true. I got the inspiration for the first episode from Utah's Dinosaur National Monument and their apex predator the Allosaurus. My brother and sister and mom and dad all talked a lot about the story and how to make it come true.
I'm nine years old, I'm autistic and that doesn't mean I can't do anything."
-Jonathan Bastianelli
KEY CREATIVES
This film was truly a collaboration of Jonathan, Alexander, and Charlotte’s ideas. We sat together and bounced ideas off one another and created this story after building upon each other’s ideas. Mom and Dad taught them how to write a script including plot points and other key story telling elements.
Director. Writer. Actor
Jonathan Tiberius
Jonathan is an autistic 11 year old with big dreams of making it in the film industry. He travels the continent while dreaming up short film ideas centered around the most popular urban myths and legends of each state they visit.
Jonathan is interested in cryptids and the unusual. He is Godzilla obsessed and is a dinosaur aficionado. He has 3 younger siblings, Alexander, Charlotte, and Vivienne. Together are the mystery solving siblings, The Kampy Kids.
Writer. Camera Operator. Actor.
Alexander William-Kidd
Alexander William-Kidd is a creative powerhouse with compelling ideas and a knack for building strong characters. He has a grasp of key story telling elements and comes up with engaging stories while understanding character growth, conflict, and resolution. Alexander loves to find himself behind the lens and can often be found tinkering with different lighting techniques and watching his father intently to take over the camera whenever he gets the opportunity.
Actress. Writer.
Charlotte Jeanne
Charlotte Jeanne is the charismatic youngest sibling (as of this film). She is spunky and extremely confident. She is a born performer and loves to be on camera. You can always count on Charlotte to deliver with tons of energy and enthusiasm.
Charlotte is a self proclaimed “Rocker” who loves Rock music as much as she loves ballet. Half girlie girl, half metal, and a whole lot of sass.
Assistant Director. Editor
Jonathan “Dad” Bastianelli
Jonathan is an accomplished film making professional and owner of a small production company with his wife. He is a professional editor, story-board artist, and concept artist.
Jon has been making films since he was a kid and enjoys teaching his kids the craft and watching them follow in his footsteps. When he isn’t co-directing his kids’ films, Jon can be found as an AV engineer.
Producer. Writer. Special Effects
Samantha “Mom” Bastianelli
Samantha “Mom” Bastianelli is a SyFy’s FaceOff reality show alum and Special Effects artist. When not producing and holding the production (and family) together, she enjoys teaching the kids all about the craft of filmmaking including the props, wardrobe, and makeup aspects.
