The Penny Project

It all started on 08/08/08. I was sitting on the steps of Union Square when I saw a penny on the ground. I picked it up thinking that is was a waste to just leave it there. As I pinched the small metal, this incredible feeling came over me. Right then and there, I decided that this particular penny was going to be the starting point of bringing my long-time movie project to life. At that moment, I turned around and I told the whole story to two lovely ladies who were sitting by. They looked at me as if I were crazy, but then they found it in their hearts to be the first to participate in The Penny Project, and for that I thank them truly.

The Penny Project is all about People. It is a photographical adventure with the goal of raising enough money to finance a featured film. The movie, titled Frenchy, will be a story based on my own true experience. It will relate to and reflect my personal journey as a French foreign exchange student arriving in Chicago in the early 90's. I intend on taking a percentage of the profit from the movie and create an art grant to help other artists achieve thier goals.

What I do exactly is I trade a penny for a higher monetary donation and then I document the exchange with a picture. The picture can be whatever the participant/s want it to be. They are the art directors. All of the money is then used to make my movie a reality.

Frenchy is the story of Cyril, a 15 year old Parisian who decides to escape his life in France by moving away for a year and becoming a foreign exchange student in America. By doing this, he hopes to fulfill his dream of living in "teen paradise" among the cool kids, like the cheerleaders and the basketball jocks. As he strives for such a life of "high school Americana", he learns that he has to endure and face many situations that he isn't prepared for.

So far there I have collected 707 pictures for "The Penny Project."

This is a total of: $6857.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Thank you to everyone who supports The Penny Project.

YOU CAN PARTICIPATE BY CLICKING THE ORANGE LINK BELOW.

Join The Penny Project Facebook Fan Page Here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ugo-Nonis-Penny-Project/156838384347612

Follow The Penny Project Twitter at twitter.com/pennyProject
You can email me at : pennyproject23@gmail.com

THANK YOU.

Ugo Nonis

May 29, 2012

Participation #707. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $10.
After 20 years of no Volley Ball, Bet decided to give it a try on his birthday. He did well and even served for victory. It was so great to hang out brosef. Happy Birthday. Thank you for your support.
Total: $6857.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #707. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $10.

After 20 years of no Volley Ball, Bet decided to give it a try on his birthday. He did well and even served for victory. It was so great to hang out brosef. Happy Birthday. Thank you for your support.

Total: $6857.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

4 days ago

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May 27, 2012

Participation #706. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.
One, Two, Three, Four.
That’s the way we hit the floor.
Thanks DeLinds.
Total: $6847.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #706. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.

One, Two, Three, Four.

That’s the way we hit the floor.

Thanks DeLinds.

Total: $6847.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

6 days ago

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May 26, 2012

Participation #705. Location: Paris, France. Amount: $5.
For her second picture, Taryn decided to get on a plane and fly across the globe to land in my hometown. She walked all day to find the perfect spot for her picture. She finally found this big metal tower in the middle of the city and she decided that it was the right place. Thank you so much.
Total: $6846.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #705. Location: Paris, France. Amount: $5.

For her second picture, Taryn decided to get on a plane and fly across the globe to land in my hometown. She walked all day to find the perfect spot for her picture. She finally found this big metal tower in the middle of the city and she decided that it was the right place. Thank you so much.

Total: $6846.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 week ago

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May 24, 2012

Participation #704. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $10.
Don’t throw your money down the drain. Be creative and participate to The Penny Project. See you soon.
Total: $6841.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #704. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $10.

Don’t throw your money down the drain. Be creative and participate to The Penny Project. See you soon.

Total: $6841.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 week ago

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May 22, 2012

Participation #703. Location: Six Flags, California. Amount: $1.
I am so happy that Marissa is part of The Penny Project. She waited a while but I think it was worth it. I thank you a million times. I am looking forward to your next picture.
Total: $6831.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #703. Location: Six Flags, California. Amount: $1.

I am so happy that Marissa is part of The Penny Project. She waited a while but I think it was worth it. I thank you a million times. I am looking forward to your next picture.

Total: $6831.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 week ago

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May 18, 2012

Participation #702. Location: Culver City, California. Amount: $2.
After traveling the 4 corners of the world to seek out the best Origami masters, Ed spent 10 years learning his craft with Master Papier Pliyea of the order of the white stripped Zebra. He just came back to civilization to bless The Penny Project with his life altering Origami art. Thank you a million times.
Total: $6830.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #702. Location: Culver City, California. Amount: $2.

After traveling the 4 corners of the world to seek out the best Origami masters, Ed spent 10 years learning his craft with Master Papier Pliyea of the order of the white stripped Zebra. He just came back to civilization to bless The Penny Project with his life altering Origami art. Thank you a million times.

Total: $6830.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2012

Participation #701. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $7.
I was so happy to see my friend Doodle man, it had been a while since we last hang out. I wish him all the best for his life with Doodle woman. You guys look happy and healthy. Come back to the west coast soon. Thank you both.
Total: $6828.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #701. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $7.

I was so happy to see my friend Doodle man, it had been a while since we last hang out. I wish him all the best for his life with Doodle woman. You guys look happy and healthy. Come back to the west coast soon. Thank you both.

Total: $6828.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

2 weeks ago

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May 9, 2012

Participation #700. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $7.
700 Participations. It is only the beginning. I know it will work out because I am more motivated today than ever and I am so passionate about The Penny Project that I know I will not fail. To all the people who participated so far I want to tell you that you made my life a million times better. Thank you all.
Total: $6821.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #700. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $7.

700 Participations. It is only the beginning. I know it will work out because I am more motivated today than ever and I am so passionate about The Penny Project that I know I will not fail. To all the people who participated so far I want to tell you that you made my life a million times better. Thank you all.

Total: $6821.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

3 weeks ago

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Participation #699. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.
Judge 1: 10.00 Judge 2: 10.00 Judge 3: 10.00
Thank you for this perfect picture dear Mickaela.
Total: $6814.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #699. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.

Judge 1: 10.00 Judge 2: 10.00 Judge 3: 10.00

Thank you for this perfect picture dear Mickaela.

Total: $6814.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

3 weeks ago

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May 6, 2012

Participation #698. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.
I am not sure what Kelly’s hat is but if I had to guess I would say it’s and elephant tump with eyes. I might be wrong on this one. Thank you Miss.
Total: $6813.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #698. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.

I am not sure what Kelly’s hat is but if I had to guess I would say it’s and elephant tump with eyes. I might be wrong on this one. Thank you Miss.

Total: $6813.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

3 weeks ago

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May 4, 2012

Participation #697. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.
What a day it was for Michaela, She woke up and got herself some exercise and then she hiked all day. She wanted to be part of the Penny Project but when it came time to do a picture she was passed out on the couch. Sweat Dreams and thank you for your support.
Total: $6812.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #697. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.

What a day it was for Michaela, She woke up and got herself some exercise and then she hiked all day. She wanted to be part of the Penny Project but when it came time to do a picture she was passed out on the couch. Sweat Dreams and thank you for your support.

Total: $6812.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

4 weeks ago

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April 29, 2012

Participation #696. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $2.
Lily was there when I started painting this wall and I added her to the design. Many months later we reconnected for this side my side picture of her and her representation. Thank you for your participation. I wish you luck with everything.
Total: $6811.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #696. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $2.

Lily was there when I started painting this wall and I added her to the design. Many months later we reconnected for this side my side picture of her and her representation. Thank you for your participation. I wish you luck with everything.

Total: $6811.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 month ago

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April 28, 2012

Participation #695. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $5.
Sometimes I wish I could be a penny and hang out all day in the pocket of a beautiful woman. That little pocket looks so comfy. Thank you to my favorite Baby Tiger for her participation.
Total: $6809.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #695. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $5.

Sometimes I wish I could be a penny and hang out all day in the pocket of a beautiful woman. That little pocket looks so comfy. Thank you to my favorite Baby Tiger for her participation.

Total: $6809.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 month ago

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April 25, 2012

Participation #694. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.
Some people like to sleep on money, others like to fill up their pool and swim in it. Lindsey loves to breath money and here is how she does it. Thank you for a fun night and your participation to The Penny Project
Total: $6804.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #694. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.

Some people like to sleep on money, others like to fill up their pool and swim in it. Lindsey loves to breath money and here is how she does it. Thank you for a fun night and your participation to The Penny Project

Total: $6804.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 month ago

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April 22, 2012

Participation #693. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.
After an evening of playing Trail Evolution, Derrick turned into a Motocycle Beast. He went from gold metal to gold metal and never looked back. Thank you for your support.
Total: $6803.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

Participation #693. Location: Venice, California. Amount: $1.

After an evening of playing Trail Evolution, Derrick turned into a Motocycle Beast. He went from gold metal to gold metal and never looked back. Thank you for your support.

Total: $6803.87, €176, 18.43 Pounds, $20 (Australia), $1 (New Zealand),10$ (Barbados) and 100 Yuan, 12 Reals, 90 Btn, ¥1000.

1 month ago

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