Listen
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Horror, Sci-Fi
A spine-tingling work of science fiction horror, "Listen" surrounds a young daughter forced into isolation from her overprotective mother, who claims that their sheltered existence is necessary to keep them safe from monstrous creatures that lurk just outside their walls.
Listen
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Horror, Sci-Fi
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $2,600 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
42 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A spine-tingling work of science fiction horror, "Listen" surrounds a young daughter forced into isolation from her overprotective mother, who claims that their sheltered existence is necessary to keep them safe from monstrous creatures that lurk just outside their walls.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
 (1).jpg)
Your hair is too wild. Your skin is too dark. Your lips are too big. You don't talk like a black girl. You're too loud. These are just some of the things said to you as a black woman in America. I grew up with a Mother who sheltered me from experiencing the world and it wasn't until I became an adult that I began to understand. She was only trying to protect me from all the negativity that was destined to be thrown upon me as a woman of color. Through this protected lifestyle my imagination was amplified, cultivating a love for all things sci-fi and fantasy. I loved the way a movie could give me goosebumps.
Each time I scratched a title off my movie to-watch list, it grew ever apparent that something was missing from my fantasy escape. People who looked like me! Where are they? Are there really no black people in this made-up world? Listen is for those who feel caged-in by society and by the pressures of overprotective loved ones. By making this movie I will help continue the fight for representation allowing everyone no matter what they look like to explore imaginary worlds. It's time to break free and seek adventure! But remember dangers lie ahead. Proceed with caution and most of all Listen.
Sometimes in an undetermined future, a girl named Mia is growing up in the complete isolation of a bunker that she shares with her mother Emery. Emery is overprotective of her daughter, and she routinely explains her motivations for being this way by recounting the stories of a horde of malevolent creatures that have ravaged mankind, forcing the few remaining survivors into hiding. However, as Mia ages, she begins to question her mother's claims and her motives. Are there truly monstrous beings lurking outside the walls of Mia's day-to-day existence? Is her mother stable and well-meaning, or is she concealing secrets from her daughter, unfairly keeping her from the world? As Mia becomes increasingly drawn towards answering these questions, a shocking confrontation between her and her mother draws ever closer. In the end, Mia will finally learn the truth of her world and existence, but she may also regret her newfound knowledge and the price it will cost her.
Join us on our journey from start to finish! Be there as filming begins in April 2022. Then, continue the adventure as we plan to send "Listen" to Supporters and Festivals in October 2022. Giving us plenty of time to film while being Covid compliant and leading us right into the spookiest time of the year!
.jpg)
The project showcases the talents of an all-Black female cast and a Black female filmmaker. While focused on appealing to those who are drawn to science fiction and horror, the true strength of the project lies in its resonant themes. "Listen" is a film for anyone who has ever felt their inner child and greatest desires yearning to break free, even as the world urges them to listen and to stay within their circumstances.
The funds we aim to raise will go directly to our production costs. They will be divided and allocated to all the various, necessary, and oftentimes expensive duties and obligations that come with production, including but not limited to payment to the cast, payment to the crew, camera and lighting gear purchases and rentals, securing locations, securing transportation, ensuring quality catering and craft services are provided, locking in insurance, providing set safety, and procuring wardrobe.
And while we are grateful for your support in handling these areas of the production, this amount still means that we will be asking a lot of favors from our friends and film community. It also doesn't take into account our post production costs. Which brings us to...
.jpg)
STRETCH GOAL #1 - $3,000
With these extra funds, we can improve our craft services and our compensation to the crew. Right now, we're running off of passion, but it would be nice to provide them with something a little more tangible for their time. As for our supporters, if we achieve this stretch goal, we'll add a PRIVATE FILM SCREENING of the completed short film and invite every single one of you!
STRETCH GOAL #2 - $4,000
If we reach this stretch goal, we're going to increase the quality of our product by hiring on both a composer and color grader. With this added shine to our product, we're going to want to bring a little extra attention our way. So, we will be designing a DIGITAL MOVIE POSTER and adding the name of every campaign contributor.
STRETCH GOAL #3 - $5,000
Wow! This is more support than we could have dreamed possible. We should be thinking ahead to the next step of Listen so as to properly serve our audience. We'll use these funds to secure festival submissions and pay entry fees to gain more exposure to the product. Then, we'll have a PRIVATE ZOOM DEVELOPMENT SESSION in which we'll ask each and every one of you what you would like to see from a potential Listen sequel or feature length adaptation.
ULTRA-STRETCH GOAL #1 - $7,500
If we achieve this stretch goal, we'll switch up our approach to our eventual premiere. We will rent a theater location in Los Angeles and invite any supporter who has access to the area to come join us for an IN-PERSON SCREENING of the film! Hotel and travel costs are not included.
ULTRA-STRETCH GOAL #2 - $10,000
If we reach this stretch goal, we will just die from shock and amazement. But that's not the best incentive, so we will move on to physical incentives and print out not only the REDESIGNED MOVIE POSTER for your to have a physical copy, but we'll also craft up some TEAM LISTEN T-SHIRTS and send them your way so you can proudly flaunt our shared success!
Now more than ever, we understand if you find yourself unable to make a monetary pledge. However, there are still many ways you could offer our project your highly appreciated support. We would be thrilled if you would follow us on Seed & Spark and share our project on your own social media. Help us spread the word about our work. In each and every way, no matter how big or small, you are all part of The Listen team, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your time, attention, and assistance.
Here are some blurbs you can share to help spread the word. Copy, paste, or make them your own! Whatever you do, we're grateful for your help.
Facebook - Hey, everyone! Check out my friend Olivia's project "Listen" and help support Black female filmmakers! You can find the page at facebook.com/listenfilmshort. Give it a follow, and don't forget to check out her crowdunding page at S&S as well! www.seedandspark.com/fund/listen
Twitter - Excited to support my talented friend @ListenShort for her upcoming sci-fi short "Listen". A Black female director and an all Black female cast! Hope you’ll be able to support their crowdfunding campaign at www.seedandspark.com/fund/listen!
Instagram - Just supported @listen_short for her upcoming sci-fi short "Listen". An all female Black cast led by a female Black director! Please check out her crowdfunding campaign at www.seedandspark.com/fund/listen!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rental
Costs $1,500
We have reached out to an amazingly atmospheric location on Giggster.
Cast
Costs $400
We would love to be able to pay our talented cast.
Props
Costs $175
We plan to flesh out our world as much as possible.
Craft Services
Costs $50
While we have a small crew, they still have to eat. :)
Crew
Costs $100
The crew is running off passion, but a little thank you would be nice.
Makeup & Wardrobe
Costs $275
Help our awesome cast look their best!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Starting as a nerdy Microbiologist, Olivia fell in love with the sci-fi genre. Seeing how many stories can come from science, she made her first short film THE COLORS OF ME which was a finalist in the London First time filmmakers LiftOff Film Festival. Inspired by the results she received, she wrote a short animation, DREAMS INC, it's currently a quarter semifinalist for Coverfly short stories.
Allie McCarthy is an assistant director, filmmaker, and actress from Saint Paul Minnesota. She’s now pursuing her deep love of storytelling all throughout Los Angeles and Atlanta. She enjoys comedy, rollerblading, ice skating, and any and all vegan food. She loves all things activism and nature. She’s been in multiple comedy’s, independent features, music videos, and commercials. She believes in Olivia Brown as both a writer and director and knows her stories are an important contribution to the film industry.
Clarence has worked on a variety of projects in both the traditional and digital spaces, such projects as; Battle of the Network Stars (ABC), Celebrity Undercover Boss (CBS), United Shades of America (CNN), American Barbecue Showdown (Netflix), and While Black (Snapchat). In his role, as a post-production supervisor Clarence often liaises between development, production and post teams to ensure communication and efficiency.
Rachel Kaufman graduated from Brandeis University in May, majoring in psychology and double minoring in creative writing and film, television and interactive media. Rachel has a passion for creating and sharing stories through many mediums. She has been involved in creative projects including a tv show pilot, short films and a documentary. She is on the production team for some of the top ten political podcasts and she helps produce commercials/video ads for companies in the tri-state area. Rachel is super excited to be a part of the ‘Listen’ team!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Charlie Karriem was born in Santa Monica, California. Charlie loves to dress up and pretend play. Charlie also has a love for taking photos and singing. Charlie has appeared in commercials and internet promotions such as Nickelodeon’s Peppa Pig and Lulyboo.
.jpg)
Azuri Hardy-Jones is an 10-year-old actress and is extremely excited to be a part of this production. At the age of 6, Azuri developed a passion for acting and debuted in her first theatrical performance. Azuri Hardy-Jones has consistently booked roles in short films, independent films, stage productions, web series and so much more. With 4 years of experience within the entertainment industry, Azuri has established a flourishing voice over career. Azuri’s most recent film credits include voicing “Jade” in Nickelodeon’s upcoming animation series “Deer Squad.” Azuri enjoys art, swimming and crocheting.
.jpg)
Anecia Forbes is beyond excited to be Mia in Listen. Anecia's recent performances include Sheila in Seige of a Living Soul and Dominique in An Angels Voice. Anecia trains at Margie Haber Studios and in her free time loves surfing, skating, and doing activities with adrenaline! Anecia is super thrilled and looking forward to representing black girls on-screen in the realm of Sci-fi as she follows her passion and embarks on her acting career.
.jpg)
INGER TUDOR is a graduate of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She is a member of The Road Theatre and Rogue Machine Theatre and a guest artist with A Noise Within and Antaeus Theatre Company. Los Angeles theatre credits include: National tour of Steel Magnolias (LA Theatre Works),The Suppliant Women, Honky, Stop Kiss (Rogue Machine), Antigone (A Noise Within), Diet of Worms, Slither (Chalk Repertory), Going to St. Ives (Actors Coop - LA Stage Scene Award, Stage Raw and NAACP nominations for Best Lead Actress), What May Fall, Just Say No, Food for Fish (NOTE), The Exorcist (Geffen Playhouse), Stuff Happens (Mark Taper Forum), The Maids (Stage 54 – 4 NAACP Theatre Award nominations) and Romeo and Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans, 1836 (Boston Court – NAACP Theatre Award nomination - Best Supporting Actress). Television credits include: The Trial, Goliath, Doubt, Aquarius, Hand of God, House, NCIS, General Hospital and Without a Trace. Film credits include: Voodoo Macbeth (3 Best Actress Film Festival Awards including Harlem Int’l Film Festival and Sonoma Int’l Film Festival), On Time (Best Actress Awards - Ikuska Film Festival, Spain and Grand Off Film Festival, Poland),Unknown Caller, The Front Lines, Elizabeth Blue, Stairways, The Social Network, The Lost One and The Making of "Grits" (Mockumentary Festival - Best Actress Award). Voice-over credits include: Jefferson’s Garden, The Goodbye Girl, Bump (LA Theatre Works), The Grim Sleeper: The Lost Women of South Central, Engineering Infinity, Something So Sweet, Sweet Tea (Deyan Audio) and voice-over narration for the blind for numerous films and television shows through WGBH.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Your hair is too wild. Your skin is too dark. Your lips are too big. You don't talk like a black girl. You're too loud. These are just some of the things said to you as a black woman in America. I grew up with a Mother who sheltered me from experiencing the world and it wasn't until I became an adult that I began to understand. She was only trying to protect me from all the negativity that was destined to be thrown upon me as a woman of color. Through this protected lifestyle my imagination was amplified, cultivating a love for all things sci-fi and fantasy. I loved the way a movie could give me goosebumps.
Each time I scratched a title off my movie to-watch list, it grew ever apparent that something was missing from my fantasy escape. People who looked like me! Where are they? Are there really no black people in this made-up world? Listen is for those who feel caged-in by society and by the pressures of overprotective loved ones. By making this movie I will help continue the fight for representation allowing everyone no matter what they look like to explore imaginary worlds. It's time to break free and seek adventure! But remember dangers lie ahead. Proceed with caution and most of all Listen.
Sometimes in an undetermined future, a girl named Mia is growing up in the complete isolation of a bunker that she shares with her mother Emery. Emery is overprotective of her daughter, and she routinely explains her motivations for being this way by recounting the stories of a horde of malevolent creatures that have ravaged mankind, forcing the few remaining survivors into hiding. However, as Mia ages, she begins to question her mother's claims and her motives. Are there truly monstrous beings lurking outside the walls of Mia's day-to-day existence? Is her mother stable and well-meaning, or is she concealing secrets from her daughter, unfairly keeping her from the world? As Mia becomes increasingly drawn towards answering these questions, a shocking confrontation between her and her mother draws ever closer. In the end, Mia will finally learn the truth of her world and existence, but she may also regret her newfound knowledge and the price it will cost her.
Join us on our journey from start to finish! Be there as filming begins in April 2022. Then, continue the adventure as we plan to send "Listen" to Supporters and Festivals in October 2022. Giving us plenty of time to film while being Covid compliant and leading us right into the spookiest time of the year!
The project showcases the talents of an all-Black female cast and a Black female filmmaker. While focused on appealing to those who are drawn to science fiction and horror, the true strength of the project lies in its resonant themes. "Listen" is a film for anyone who has ever felt their inner child and greatest desires yearning to break free, even as the world urges them to listen and to stay within their circumstances.
The funds we aim to raise will go directly to our production costs. They will be divided and allocated to all the various, necessary, and oftentimes expensive duties and obligations that come with production, including but not limited to payment to the cast, payment to the crew, camera and lighting gear purchases and rentals, securing locations, securing transportation, ensuring quality catering and craft services are provided, locking in insurance, providing set safety, and procuring wardrobe.
And while we are grateful for your support in handling these areas of the production, this amount still means that we will be asking a lot of favors from our friends and film community. It also doesn't take into account our post production costs. Which brings us to...
STRETCH GOAL #1 - $3,000
With these extra funds, we can improve our craft services and our compensation to the crew. Right now, we're running off of passion, but it would be nice to provide them with something a little more tangible for their time. As for our supporters, if we achieve this stretch goal, we'll add a PRIVATE FILM SCREENING of the completed short film and invite every single one of you!
STRETCH GOAL #2 - $4,000
If we reach this stretch goal, we're going to increase the quality of our product by hiring on both a composer and color grader. With this added shine to our product, we're going to want to bring a little extra attention our way. So, we will be designing a DIGITAL MOVIE POSTER and adding the name of every campaign contributor.
STRETCH GOAL #3 - $5,000
Wow! This is more support than we could have dreamed possible. We should be thinking ahead to the next step of Listen so as to properly serve our audience. We'll use these funds to secure festival submissions and pay entry fees to gain more exposure to the product. Then, we'll have a PRIVATE ZOOM DEVELOPMENT SESSION in which we'll ask each and every one of you what you would like to see from a potential Listen sequel or feature length adaptation.
ULTRA-STRETCH GOAL #1 - $7,500
If we achieve this stretch goal, we'll switch up our approach to our eventual premiere. We will rent a theater location in Los Angeles and invite any supporter who has access to the area to come join us for an IN-PERSON SCREENING of the film! Hotel and travel costs are not included.
ULTRA-STRETCH GOAL #2 - $10,000
If we reach this stretch goal, we will just die from shock and amazement. But that's not the best incentive, so we will move on to physical incentives and print out not only the REDESIGNED MOVIE POSTER for your to have a physical copy, but we'll also craft up some TEAM LISTEN T-SHIRTS and send them your way so you can proudly flaunt our shared success!
Now more than ever, we understand if you find yourself unable to make a monetary pledge. However, there are still many ways you could offer our project your highly appreciated support. We would be thrilled if you would follow us on Seed & Spark and share our project on your own social media. Help us spread the word about our work. In each and every way, no matter how big or small, you are all part of The Listen team, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your time, attention, and assistance.
Here are some blurbs you can share to help spread the word. Copy, paste, or make them your own! Whatever you do, we're grateful for your help.
Facebook - Hey, everyone! Check out my friend Olivia's project "Listen" and help support Black female filmmakers! You can find the page at facebook.com/listenfilmshort. Give it a follow, and don't forget to check out her crowdunding page at S&S as well! www.seedandspark.com/fund/listen
Twitter - Excited to support my talented friend @ListenShort for her upcoming sci-fi short "Listen". A Black female director and an all Black female cast! Hope you’ll be able to support their crowdfunding campaign at www.seedandspark.com/fund/listen!
Instagram - Just supported @listen_short for her upcoming sci-fi short "Listen". An all female Black cast led by a female Black director! Please check out her crowdfunding campaign at www.seedandspark.com/fund/listen!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rental
Costs $1,500
We have reached out to an amazingly atmospheric location on Giggster.
Cast
Costs $400
We would love to be able to pay our talented cast.
Props
Costs $175
We plan to flesh out our world as much as possible.
Craft Services
Costs $50
While we have a small crew, they still have to eat. :)
Crew
Costs $100
The crew is running off passion, but a little thank you would be nice.
Makeup & Wardrobe
Costs $275
Help our awesome cast look their best!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Starting as a nerdy Microbiologist, Olivia fell in love with the sci-fi genre. Seeing how many stories can come from science, she made her first short film THE COLORS OF ME which was a finalist in the London First time filmmakers LiftOff Film Festival. Inspired by the results she received, she wrote a short animation, DREAMS INC, it's currently a quarter semifinalist for Coverfly short stories.
Allie McCarthy is an assistant director, filmmaker, and actress from Saint Paul Minnesota. She’s now pursuing her deep love of storytelling all throughout Los Angeles and Atlanta. She enjoys comedy, rollerblading, ice skating, and any and all vegan food. She loves all things activism and nature. She’s been in multiple comedy’s, independent features, music videos, and commercials. She believes in Olivia Brown as both a writer and director and knows her stories are an important contribution to the film industry.
Clarence has worked on a variety of projects in both the traditional and digital spaces, such projects as; Battle of the Network Stars (ABC), Celebrity Undercover Boss (CBS), United Shades of America (CNN), American Barbecue Showdown (Netflix), and While Black (Snapchat). In his role, as a post-production supervisor Clarence often liaises between development, production and post teams to ensure communication and efficiency.
Rachel Kaufman graduated from Brandeis University in May, majoring in psychology and double minoring in creative writing and film, television and interactive media. Rachel has a passion for creating and sharing stories through many mediums. She has been involved in creative projects including a tv show pilot, short films and a documentary. She is on the production team for some of the top ten political podcasts and she helps produce commercials/video ads for companies in the tri-state area. Rachel is super excited to be a part of the ‘Listen’ team!
Charlie Karriem was born in Santa Monica, California. Charlie loves to dress up and pretend play. Charlie also has a love for taking photos and singing. Charlie has appeared in commercials and internet promotions such as Nickelodeon’s Peppa Pig and Lulyboo.
Azuri Hardy-Jones is an 10-year-old actress and is extremely excited to be a part of this production. At the age of 6, Azuri developed a passion for acting and debuted in her first theatrical performance. Azuri Hardy-Jones has consistently booked roles in short films, independent films, stage productions, web series and so much more. With 4 years of experience within the entertainment industry, Azuri has established a flourishing voice over career. Azuri’s most recent film credits include voicing “Jade” in Nickelodeon’s upcoming animation series “Deer Squad.” Azuri enjoys art, swimming and crocheting.
Anecia Forbes is beyond excited to be Mia in Listen. Anecia's recent performances include Sheila in Seige of a Living Soul and Dominique in An Angels Voice. Anecia trains at Margie Haber Studios and in her free time loves surfing, skating, and doing activities with adrenaline! Anecia is super thrilled and looking forward to representing black girls on-screen in the realm of Sci-fi as she follows her passion and embarks on her acting career.
INGER TUDOR is a graduate of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She is a member of The Road Theatre and Rogue Machine Theatre and a guest artist with A Noise Within and Antaeus Theatre Company. Los Angeles theatre credits include: National tour of Steel Magnolias (LA Theatre Works),The Suppliant Women, Honky, Stop Kiss (Rogue Machine), Antigone (A Noise Within), Diet of Worms, Slither (Chalk Repertory), Going to St. Ives (Actors Coop - LA Stage Scene Award, Stage Raw and NAACP nominations for Best Lead Actress), What May Fall, Just Say No, Food for Fish (NOTE), The Exorcist (Geffen Playhouse), Stuff Happens (Mark Taper Forum), The Maids (Stage 54 – 4 NAACP Theatre Award nominations) and Romeo and Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans, 1836 (Boston Court – NAACP Theatre Award nomination - Best Supporting Actress). Television credits include: The Trial, Goliath, Doubt, Aquarius, Hand of God, House, NCIS, General Hospital and Without a Trace. Film credits include: Voodoo Macbeth (3 Best Actress Film Festival Awards including Harlem Int’l Film Festival and Sonoma Int’l Film Festival), On Time (Best Actress Awards - Ikuska Film Festival, Spain and Grand Off Film Festival, Poland),Unknown Caller, The Front Lines, Elizabeth Blue, Stairways, The Social Network, The Lost One and The Making of "Grits" (Mockumentary Festival - Best Actress Award). Voice-over credits include: Jefferson’s Garden, The Goodbye Girl, Bump (LA Theatre Works), The Grim Sleeper: The Lost Women of South Central, Engineering Infinity, Something So Sweet, Sweet Tea (Deyan Audio) and voice-over narration for the blind for numerous films and television shows through WGBH.