CAT SCRATCH FEVER

 

This was the official site for the feature film CAT SCRATCH FEVER.
This page was recreated from several of the site's 2010 archived pages.

CAT SCRATCH FEVER is a madcap caper following two young women’s adventures in alternate realities.  The two women, roommates and best friends, discover they can tap into parallel universes through a random keyboard command on the computer.  They quickly become addicted to watching themselves in other universes.  It’s the ultimate reality television: how can you sleep when you can watch yourself sleeping in another dimension?  Things quickly spiral out of control.  The women corrupt their own world when they attempt to recreate what they see in others.  Will they ever be able to return to their true path?

A metaphor for the countless possibilities modern life and modern technologies present us. CAT SCRATCH FEVER will be a playful, surreal and ultimately moving romp.

 



CAT SCRATCH FEVER - TRAILER
CAT SCRATCH FEVER is a madcap caper following two young women's adventures in alternate realities.

We are Lisa Duva (Director), Katherine Nolfi (Producer, DP), Nicole Duva (Producer) and Andrew Luis (DP).  We believe in the power of film and its ability to create a sense of community, which is why we are intent upon depicting as many women, people of color and queer folks as possible in as many ways as possible.  Filmmaking should be a fun, collaborative process and we enjoy not having a studio or a production company telling us what to say or how to say it

A nice place to procrastinate.

Cat Scratch Fever is an independent feature film being shot in New York City in Spring/Summer 2010.

Welcome to the CAT SCRATCH FEVER homepage!  Soon we’ll be adding all sorts of fun stuff to the site.  In the meantime, check out our blog to follow along with the film’s progress from conception to world domination!  Thanks for stopping by.

Love,
The CSF Team

 

About the director

Lisa Duva is a Brooklyn based filmmaker who has produced and directed over one hundred short-form documentaries for companies including NJ Sports, the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and Open Road Media. Her first short film MOUTH BABIES (co-directed with Katherine Nolfi) played at numerous film festivals. She co-produced the independent feature film UPSTATE, an official selection of the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival and released by IFC/SundanceNOW. CAT SCRATCH FEVER is her first feature film.

 

 

CAT SCRATCH FEVER is a madcap caper following two young women's adventures in alternate realities. Lisa and Ashley, roommates and best friends forever, discover they can observe parallel universes online and quickly become consumed with stalking themselves in other dimensions. It's the ultimate reality television: how can you sleep when you can watch yourself sleeping? As they sink deeper into their voyeuristic addiction, they lose the ability to distinguish between their real and alternate lives. A metaphor for the countless possibilities modern life and modern technologies present us, CAT SCRATCH FEVER is a humorous, surreal and ultimately moving romp. Written by Anonymous | www.imdb.com/

BLOG POSTS

 

September 24th, 2010

Holy Cannoli!

Holly crap, I just finished my rough cut!  Woohoo!!  I’m flying high and sitting pretty!  Last night I had a lovely sit down with Meg and Kate and our mentor and friend, the amazing Jennifer Fox.  We discussed our current projects and lives, shot the shit, you know.  Plus, Kate and I submitted our short film, MOUTH BABIES, to Sundance (long shot, but it feels right!) AND on Sunday Kate, Meg, Kiki and I are going to watch the rough cut  and get to the very serious business of critiquing. Yeesh. I couldn’t be happier. I know this is only the beginning of the process, but it feels great to have actually completed something, in some small way.  Is it too early in the day for a beer? I think I’m going to treat myself to a Saltie!

I've been ignoring things like housekeeping and it's coming back to bite me. Supplies of everything are running low as I ocd my way to film heaven (not). I have paper towels and dish detergent on the list, but forgot to get the toilet paper. And wouldn't you know it, today the waste line broke in the kitchen and I used up all the remaining minuscule supply of toilet tissues just cleaning up the mess. Rachel keeps reminding me that it's only a matter a time before we need more tp even without a disaster. This time I'm shopping online, found a great company, CleanItSupply.com and I'm going to take a delivery instead of having to go out and spend time shopping. O the things I do to keep a clean kitchen!

Mickey is begging for food and I’m too psyched to reread this to make sure it makes sense!  I think I’ve done enough editing for the time being.

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September 16th, 2010

Editing, Deadlines and Humiliation

Editing, editing, editing, editing.  I’ve been editing my fingers numb this week!  Last weekend Drew and I went on a mini-vacation to Long Island Wine Country (yes, that exists) and it was so refreshing and lovely.  Wine and cheese are the ultimate stress relievers.  But come Monday I was strapped back to my desk (which is also my kitchen table) to get to work on Cat Scratch.  In about a week, I’m meeting with my writing group to show them a rough cut so I’ve really got to get it done.  Deadlines are so helpful.  Deadlines and humiliation.  Humiliation is the great motivator.

As soon as I decided I wanted to make a feature, I told everyone.  And then I jumped right into a project where I really had no idea what the hell I was doing.  Why?  Because I am the world’s greatest procrastinator.  I tell everyone my goals because if I put them off and put them off and put them off, someone is going to ask me, “Hey, how’s that movie going?” and then BAM! Humiliation.  Nothing worse!  So I set myself up to be super embarrassed if I don’t complete something to shame myself into doing it.  It’s partly the reason I started this blog (I’ve got at least 10 regular readers to answer to!).

I’ve yet to edit the following scenes: 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, and 43.  Sounds like a lot, but I should have it done by next Thursday.  I’ve come up with a system that keeps me in line.  I’ve been trying to get myself into a routine and here’s what I’ve come up with:

9-10am

Wake up.

Brush teeth.

Wash face.

Change underwear.

Feed cat.

Loaf around.

10am-12pm

Have breakfast.

Do correspondences.

Watch TV shows.

Read Articles.

Blog stuff.

(This all happens roughly all at the same time, if you’ve ever noticed seriously weird typos or non-sequiturs in an email or on this blog, it’s because I’m watching Covert Affairs.)

12pm-2:30pm

Edit!

2:30pm-3pm

Lunch (and, if I’m being honest, I’m probably also watching another TV show).

3pm – 4pm

Take a 30 min walk.

Run errands.

Clear the head.

Feel like Lord Byron.

Take a shower.

4pm until Drew comes home

Edit some more!

Then I hang with Drew and have dinner and watch a movie or whatevs.  Drew falls asleep super early so then I usually start editing again (and reading blogs) around 10:30 and stay up until 1am or 2am until I feel super crazy.

I have yet to ever actually follow this routine (for example, today I woke up about and hour and a half later than scheduled), but somehow, just having it, shames me into getting my work done.  It’s a good system.  Ah, Humiliation! I think I learned this from my mother…

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September 4th, 2010

Video of Starsha and Ojay Performing!

Here’s a rough cut of the “performance scene” in CSF.  Starsha plays a performance artist and Ojay Morgan plays her collaborator.  Ojay choreographed the dance and Starsha took the video that plays over them (we had to convert it into stills for the projector, kinda lame but whatevs).  The piece was originally supposed to be about gentrification and the confused feelings it can inspire in people, specifically Starsha’s character.    I think there are still elements of that original concept, but to me, the whole thing turned into kind of a love story.

Judge for yourselves!  It’s just a rough cut and the music will change.  The music right now, however, is a Lord Invader track from the Lomax Catalogue called “Me One Alone.”  Thanks to all the extras who showed up to play the audience and to Julia for letting us use her awesome basement/performance space!

Hope you like it!

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September 2nd, 2010

Working is fucking up my movie.

It’s not even just work, it’s time!  Time is fucking up my movie!  I need more of it.

 

I’ve been very fortunate over the last couple months and have gotten three well paying freeance jobs, which is awesome because I need to eat. But god damn – I wish I had more time to devote to CSF.  I’m working as a production mananger at the moment and the money is much needed, but it’s pushing my deadline back another two weeks.  (Months ago I naively thought I’d be done by now.  Ha!)  We have two more scenes to shoot before we’re officially wrapped (which is terrifying) and so the long and arduous task of editing has begun.  I’ve got a rough cut for Act I and about half of Act II, but a rough is a LONG way from a fine cut, which is still a good ways away from a finished product.

Yesterday I got a reminder from Without A Box that the Sundance deadline is coming up.  Fuck!  The late deadline is Sept. 24th, which I will most certainly miss.  I might be able to swing an extension, but would a couple more weeks really help?  Is it worth the favor?  I guess only time will tell.

I woke up today at 6:30am (very early for me, probably normal for many, if I sound crazy right now, this is why) and got two good hours of editing in.  I’ll do the same tomorrow and the next day and the day after that.  At some point, I’ll figure out a time to get those last two shots in and eventually we’ll even shoot some pick-ups.  I’m also trying to figure out a more accurate budget for post-production and devising ways to raise that money.  Kickstarter, sucker rich people, prostitution . . . who knows?

A scary thougth keeps creeping into my brain and I don’t know how to answer:  what if I miss all the big festival deadlines and I have to push everything back by a year?  Then what?

 

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August 19th, 2010

In regards to my last post:

I totally lied.  I think the top secret film shoot party is going to be tomorrow night.  As before, if you’d like to be an extra and drink some free beer, inquire within.  In the meantime, check out these pretty pictures from a weekend of filmmaking and BBQ in Atlantic Highlands, NJ!

 

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August 9th, 2010

You take the good, you take the bad...

We had a fairly slow weekend, but still managed to have some movie making fun.  On Friday, Starsha and I drove up to White Plains and shot a scene with her 16 month old niece, Helena.  She is SO adorable and such a pro.  She got super excited once we showed up and went nuts playing with Starsha and the camera.  We shot two scenes, one of Starsha and Helena playing and another of Starsha feeding Helena.  She started getting a little cranky from all the commotion and we got one more quick shot of Starsha relaxing with her on her lap on the balcony.  All in all, Helena lasted for about two hours and then passed out.  What a trooper.

We got a ton of great footage and made it home in time to watch a couple episodes of Ghost Adventures.  Best.  Show.  Ever.

Then on Saturday morning I dropped my main hardrive (which I just bought a month ago) and it’s totally busted.  I’ve spent the last two days backing up my files and getting over the loss.  Craptastic.

Anyhoo, here are some pictures of the baby shoot!

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August 5th, 2010

Picture Recap! Part 2: In the Apartment

Here are some photos from when we were shooting in the apartment during my little blog hiatus.

 

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August 5th, 2010

Picture Recap! Part 1: Los Angeles Film Festival

Hey all!  Here are some pictures of what we have been doing over the break!  These are from LAFF.

 

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August 5th, 2010

John Mayer Has Given Me A Lot To Think About

Yesterday, I spent a good amount of time in the car and something came up that I’ve been thinking about for a while:  I believe that John Mayer’s song, “Heart Break Warfare” is about farting in front of your significant other.

I’m not a big John Mayer fan.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say I dislike John Mayer.  I don’t HATE him, because I really don’t think about him that much.  But I do like top 40 radio.  (So sue me.)  As I’ve grown and matured I’ve been able to admit something to myself, something that my punk rocker self of yesteryear would have never allowed: I like pop music.  The bad kind.  I’m not talking about Michael Jackson and Madonna.  I’m talking about Nicki Minaj.  I’m talking about Ke$ha.  I love it!

Drew and I do not own a television, we have computers and we have a radio that we play when we’re cooking dinner and/or taking a poop while the other is in earshot.  It’s just what we do.  We tend to alternate between Hot 97, NPR, Z100 and that new 92.3 with the terrible DJs.  That works for us.

But you know what doesn’t work for me?  Every time I hear this smug ass John Mayer song and I realize that he’s just fucking with us.  He’s tricking us into singing about farting in front of our boyfriends and girlfriends and you know what?  That’s not OK.  Because I would never do that.  I would never fart in front of my significant other.  NEVER.

Don’t believe me?  Let’s take a look at the lyrics (my analysis in parenthesis):

Lightning strikes

Inside, my chest to keep me up at night

Dream of ways

To make you understand my pain (He is talking about one of two things: 1.) heartburn and gas or 2.) being woken up by your partner’s farts.  If it’s #1.) Take my mother’s advice: eat a mint and take a poop and THEN see how you feel.  If it’s #2(heh) you need to say something.  I think as we investigate further, you’ll agree with me that this is about his girlfriend sleep farting and his not being able to deal with it.)

 

Clouds of sulfur in the air (I could rest my case right here.)
Bombs are falling everywhere (But it only gets better.)
It’s heartbreak warfare
Once you want it to begin,
No one really ever wins (No, there are no winners when the person next to you sleep farts.  It reflects badly on the farter and is rather upsetting for the fartee.)<
In heartbreak warfare
 
If you want more love,
why don’t you say so?
If you want more love,
why don’t you say so? (Classic misdirection.)
 
Drop his name
Push it in and twist the knife again
Watch my face
As I pretend to feel no pain (“Watch my face as I pretend to feel no pain?!”  Are you fucking kidding me?  We’ve all been there.  We all know what it feels like to politely try and pretend that you don’t smell the other person’s fart.)

Clouds of sulfur in the air
Bombs are falling everywhere
It’s heartbreak warfare
Once you want it to begin,
No one really ever wins
In heartbreak warfare.
If you want more love,
why don’t you say so?
If you want more love,
why don’t you say so?
Just say so… (Just say you need to excuse yourself, go to the bathroom, get it over with and stop pretending that you aren’t farting all over the place because it is ruining our relationship!)
How come the only way to know how high you get me
is to see how far I fall
God only knows how much I’d love you if you let me
but I can’t break through at all. (All that gas.)

It’s a heartbreak…
I don’t care if we don’t sleep at all tonight (It’s hard to get to sleep when you’re gassy, or worse, when your partner is.)
Let’s just fix this whole thing now (Again, a mint helps.)
I swear to God we’re gonna get it right
If you lay your weapon down (The weapon being your butt.)
Red wine and ambien (Recipe for disaster.)
You’re talking *shit* (At this point, I’m just beating a dead horse) again, it’s heartbreak warfare
Good to know it’s all a game
Disappointment has a name, it’s heartbreak, heartbreak.
It’s heartbreak warfare.
It’s heartbreak warfare.
It’s heartbreak warfare.

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August 4th, 2010

Also, I don’t know if this video is real, but it’s fucking terrible.  In Drew’s words, “It’s as if he just discovered blingees.”

So, sorry, what was I supposed to be doing?  Oh right, I’m making a movie!  I think I have some editing to do…

 

 

More Background on CatScratchFeverFilm.com

CatScratchFeverFilm.com was the official website for the independent feature film Cat Scratch Fever, a project that made its mark on the indie film circuit in the early 2010s. The site played a crucial role in the film’s grassroots promotion, serving as a digital gathering place for fans, collaborators, and the broader independent film community. This article provides a detailed look at the website’s history, its content, the film it supported, critical reception, cultural significance, and its place in the landscape of independent cinema.

History and Purpose

CatScratchFeverFilm.com was launched to coincide with the production and release of Cat Scratch Fever, an independent film directed by Lisa Duva. The website was designed as a central hub for all things related to the film, including production updates, festival news, behind-the-scenes content, and community engagement. It reflected the DIY ethos of its creators, who were committed to transparency, inclusivity, and the collaborative spirit of independent filmmaking.

The film itself began production in New York City around 2010 and quickly attracted attention for its inventive premise and the diversity of its cast and crew. The website became a living document of the film’s journey from conception to completion, offering fans and aspiring filmmakers a window into the realities of independent film production.

The Film: Cat Scratch Fever

Plot and Themes

Cat Scratch Fever is a narrative feature that centers on two best friends and roommates, Lisa and Ashley, who discover a way to observe alternate realities online. This seemingly innocuous discovery soon spirals into obsession as the characters become addicted to watching their alternate selves in other dimensions. The film uses this science fiction device to explore deeper themes of identity, voyeurism, and the impact of technology on self-perception and fulfillment.

Reviewers and festival programmers have noted the film’s satirical edge, describing it as “the ultimate reality television” and drawing parallels between the characters’ obsession with their alternate lives and contemporary society’s fixation on digital personas and the endless possibilities presented by modern technology. The film ultimately serves as a metaphor for the choices and distractions of modern life, blending humor, surrealism, and emotional depth.

Production and Creative Team

The film was directed by Lisa Duva, with key collaborators including Katherine Nolfi (producer and director of photography), Nicole Duva (producer), and Andrew Luis (director of photography). The team’s commitment to diversity and representation-both in front of and behind the camera-was a core part of the project’s identity. The film was produced on a modest budget, relying heavily on community support, volunteer labor, and creative resourcefulness, all of which were documented on the website and in media coverage.

Website Features and Community Engagement

CatScratchFeverFilm.com was more than just a promotional tool; it was an interactive platform that fostered community among fans, cast, crew, and the wider indie film audience. Key features included:

  • Production Blogs: Regular updates from the director and team, detailing the highs and lows of independent filmmaking, from script development to post-production milestones.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: Photos, videos, and anecdotes from the set, offering an intimate look at the creative process.

  • Festival Announcements: News about screenings, awards, and Q&A sessions at film festivals.

  • Casting Calls and Volunteer Opportunities: Invitations for community members to participate in the film’s production, reflecting the collaborative ethos of the project.

  • Interactive Elements: Comment sections, social media integration, and opportunities for fans to engage directly with the filmmakers.

The website’s tone was informal, candid, and often humorous, demystifying the filmmaking process and making it accessible to a broad audience.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Cat Scratch Fever received positive attention on the festival circuit, particularly for its originality, wit, and the performances of its lead actors. Critics highlighted the film’s inventive premise and its ability to balance humor with more serious reflections on technology and identity.

  • IndieWire praised the film’s “playful approach to the sci-fi genre” and its “sharp commentary on the digital age,” noting that it stood out among other low-budget features for its ambition and execution.

  • The Independent Critic described the film as “a surreal romp with heart,” commending the director’s vision and the chemistry between the leads.

  • Festival Coverage: The film was featured at several independent film festivals, including the Brooklyn Film Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival, where it was recognized for its originality and the strength of its ensemble cast.

Audience reviews echoed these sentiments, with many viewers appreciating the film’s blend of humor, social commentary, and emotional resonance. The website often featured testimonials from fans and festival attendees, further reinforcing its community-oriented approach.

Press and Media Coverage

While CatScratchFeverFilm.com itself was not the subject of extensive mainstream media coverage, the film and its creators received attention from several notable outlets within the independent film community.

  • IndieWire ran a feature on the film’s festival debut, highlighting the director’s background and the challenges of independent production.

  • Film Threat included Cat Scratch Fever in its roundup of notable indie films, praising its “inventive narrative and engaging performances”.

  • Local Press: New York-based publications covered the film’s production, particularly its use of local talent and locations, and its commitment to diversity and representation.

The website often aggregated this coverage, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the film’s reception and impact.

Audience and Community

CatScratchFeverFilm.com attracted a diverse audience, including:

  • Indie Film Enthusiasts: Fans of independent cinema who were drawn to the film’s originality and the transparency of its production process.

  • Aspiring Filmmakers: Individuals interested in learning about the realities of low-budget filmmaking, who found inspiration and practical advice in the website’s blog posts and behind-the-scenes content.

  • LGBTQ+ and Diverse Communities: The film’s commitment to representation resonated with audiences seeking more inclusive and authentic storytelling in cinema.

The website’s interactive features and candid tone helped foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among its visitors.

Known For and Cultural Significance

CatScratchFeverFilm.com is best known for its role in promoting Cat Scratch Fever and documenting the journey of its creators. The website stands as a testament to the power of grassroots digital promotion in the independent film world. Its significance lies in several key areas:

  • Transparency: By openly sharing the challenges and triumphs of production, the website demystified the filmmaking process and encouraged others to pursue their creative ambitions.

  • Inclusivity: The film and website prioritized diverse representation, both on-screen and behind the scenes, contributing to broader conversations about equity in the film industry.

  • Community Building: The site’s interactive features and candid tone fostered a sense of community among fans, collaborators, and aspiring filmmakers.

In a media landscape often dominated by large studios and corporate interests, CatScratchFeverFilm.com exemplified the potential of independent creators to carve out their own space and connect directly with audiences.

Details, Insights, and Specifics

Examples of Website Content

  • Production Diaries: The director and team regularly posted updates on the progress of the film, sharing both successes and setbacks. These posts provided valuable insights into the realities of independent filmmaking, from budgeting and scheduling to creative problem-solving.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Photos: The website featured galleries of images from the set, showcasing the collaborative and often improvisational nature of the production.

  • Festival News: Announcements about upcoming screenings, awards, and Q&A sessions kept fans informed and engaged.

  • Fan Engagement: The site encouraged fans to share their own stories, ask questions, and participate in the filmmaking process, reinforcing its community-oriented approach.

Notable Moments

  • Festival Premieres: The film’s debut at the Brooklyn Film Festival and subsequent screenings at other festivals were major milestones, celebrated on the website and in press coverage.

  • Awards and Recognition: While not a mainstream blockbuster, the film received several awards and nominations on the festival circuit, further validating the efforts of its creators and the support of its online community.

Cultural and Social Impact

CatScratchFeverFilm.com and the film it supported contributed to ongoing conversations about the role of technology in shaping identity, the importance of representation in media, and the value of independent voices in the arts. By documenting the journey of a diverse, community-driven project, the website offered a blueprint for other aspiring filmmakers and creative teams.

The film’s exploration of alternate realities and digital voyeurism resonated with audiences navigating their own relationships with technology and self-image. The website amplified these themes, providing a space for reflection, discussion, and creative collaboration.

 

CatScratchFeverFilm.com stands as a noteworthy example of how independent filmmakers can leverage digital platforms to promote their work, build community, and foster meaningful conversations about art, identity, and technology. Through its candid documentation of the filmmaking process, commitment to diversity, and interactive features, the website played a vital role in the success and cultural impact of Cat Scratch Fever.

While the site itself may no longer be active, its legacy endures in the film it supported and the community it helped build. For anyone interested in independent cinema, grassroots promotion, or the intersection of technology and storytelling, CatScratchFeverFilm.com offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

 

 

CatScratchFeverFilm.com