A new local film project started life as something of a family affair and rapidly grew into a city-wide project. "Wishtaker," directed by Carlo Besasie and executive produced by his cousin Joseph Spang, was filmed in Milwaukee with an entirely local crew and cast (except for a single non-Milwaukee actor).

The 19-minute film, which centers on a fountain in a city park and the people that seek solace and the answers to their wishes, has already been accepted into the Wisconsin Film Festival, the FirstGlance Philadelphia Film Festival and New Port Beach Film Festival in southern California. It also won the Audience Choice award at the 6th Annual Milwaukee Short Film/Video Festival.

Beautifully shot, well-written and performed, "Wishtaker" is one of the most accomplished films to emerge from the local scene, especially among films that while keeping one foot in the art world, also can speak to mainstream audiences.

Among the cast are local musician Suzanne Grzanna and actors Mark Metcalf (of "Animal House" fame, he was also the "Maestro" on TV's "Seinfeld") and Carrie Hitchcock.

"The idea for this short film was actually a business decision," says Spang, frankly. "Since we were children, my cousin Carlo and myself were planning to make movies when we grew up. Two years ago we were finally ready to be serious and start our journey."

More like good businessmen -- although Besasie is actually a UWM film school grad and Spang a research physicist -- they took a careful, measured approach.

"After a year in the making, the script we wanted to make was finished (written by Ryan Plato) and we started an LLC in order to handle potential future investors in a legal and professional manor," Spang says. "After a few meetings with lawyers we learned it would cost us about $10,000 to finish the paperwork we started and legally solicited investors. Neither of us were too crazy about spending that kind of money for paperwork. So we decided to take that money and create a short film in hopes of getting accepted into festivals and attracting investors, who would then sponsor a full-length feature along with the lawyer fees."

And so, they created "Wishtaker" to serve as a coin to toss into the fountain of Hollywood dreams, hoping it would make the dream of a full-length feature come true.

But, they got more than a little help from their friends in Milwaukee when it came to making "Wishtaker."

"From that point we gathered together all the people we knew and asked for volunteers," says Spang. "The response was overwhelming. We had a mix of novices as well as experienced filmmakers on our team all working together to see this through."

In addition, Besasie was able to call in some favors and ask for some new ones to get the equipment donated, too, Spang says.

"Carlo has been working in the film and video field for over 13 years, he has accumulated a large network of friends in the business. Once people heard what we were trying to do, they were excited to help in any way. Everything from lights, to dollies to camera accessories were donated. The director of photography also owned equipment such as the crane and lights. Frankly people were calling us asking what they can do to help."

The willingness of the volunteers and of those offering to lend equipment or give services for free to help in the production of the film speaks volumes to the eagerness of Milwaukee to become a filmmakers' haven.

"Everyone in the Milwaukee film community is eager to help anyone trying to exhibit Milwaukee and our abilities," Spang says. "We are a very underrated film community so whatever can be done to help get exposure for Milwaukee and all its talents is always of interest."

So, will "Wishtaker" make Besasie and Spang's full-length feature wishes come true?

"At the moment we think it will serve its purpose," says Spang. "Looking beyond the appeal to festivals, 'Wishtaker' shows the high level of technical and directing ability of the whole team. All of the local professionals who have seen it were impressed with the high production value, and then even more impressed to learn it only cost $8,000. I expect that opinion to transcend to any potential investor."

If you want to see the film for yourself, it screens at the Wisconsin Film Festival at the Bartell Theatre in Madison, Wednesday, March 31 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. A screening at The Times Cinema is also being organized, so stay tuned.

The "Wishtaker" Web site is wishtaker.com.

Read another story about Metcalf and "Wishtaker" here.