9 AM
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Thriller, Experimental
A young woman reunites with an old friend in LA, but a quick stop spirals into a nightmare. 9AM is a psychological thriller about intuition, trust, and the moment you realize you should have walked away.This film examines discernment, friendship, and survival.
9 AM
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Thriller, Experimental
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,305 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
114 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A young woman reunites with an old friend in LA, but a quick stop spirals into a nightmare. 9AM is a psychological thriller about intuition, trust, and the moment you realize you should have walked away.This film examines discernment, friendship, and survival.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Loosely based on true events, a young woman arrives in Los Angeles chasing a future that feels just within reach. Opportunity surrounds her. But one unexpected detour places her inside a place where time behaves strangely and intention hides behind charm. What begins as a casual stop grows into something disorienting and surreal. Mirrors refuse to show the truth. Soon the question is no longer whether she should stay. The question becomes whether escape is even possible. For viewers who love psychological thrillers, surreal cinema, and stories where reality fractures at the edges, this film invites you into a world that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling.
Just one quick stop.
Inspired by films like Belly, Blink Twice, Spring Breakers, & Anora.
Why this film? From our producers:
Toya: This film is loosely based on a true story. I felt compelled to tell it because it explores that moment when you ignore your own discernment and let your guard down for the people you trust. I encountered this experience while with someone I believed had my best interests at heart, only to realize their true priority was themselves. That sting of betrayal, the disappointment of seeing a friend let their own frantic desires derail everything is what inspired this tale. I want to take that raw, relatable emotion and push it into a twisted cinematic direction that keeps the audience questioning who they can really trust.
Elizabeth: I connected with this story because it mirrors my own experience of coming to LA with no friends or family and trying to stay focused while the world pulls you in every direction. This project speaks to the reality of chasing a dream in a city full of distractions and moments that test your purpose. For me, producing this film is a reminder that even when life tries to deter you, you stay centered and aligned with why you came here in the first place. Choosing purpose over pressure is something most people have experienced. That’s the message I want to bring awareness to and help bring to the screen.
A funded budget makes this possible!
Here's the breakdown if you're wondering where your contribution goes. You can find a full breakdown of our production costs in the Wishlist tab. Our goal is $11,700, but here is the catch: Seed & Spark is 'all-or-essential.' We must hit our 'Green Light' goal of $9,360 (80%) to trigger the funding and bring this project to life. Every dollar counts toward getting us over that finish line!
Other ways you can help:
Unable to donate, or just want to do more to help? Here are some other ways you can help us reach our goal that are totally free of charge:
- Follow our Seed & Spark page (Following us on Seed & Spark increases our visibility on the platform and unlocks perks that can help with our production).
- Connect with us on Instagram @9AMthefilm
- Share this project with potential supporters
- Know someone that this story would resonate with, or who enjoys supporting independent film in general? Share this page with them.
The above campaign poster image was made with GenAI via Canva.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Warehouse Location Rental
Costs $1,200
Helps us secure a gritty warehouse location for three days that brings the mysterious after-hours world of 9AM to life.
Sound Recording
Costs $700
Professional sound gear and a sound mixer to ensure the dialogue and tension land clearly on screen.
Catering and Crafty
Costs $600
With your help we can have desirable meals and craft services to keep the team energized during long production days.
Cinematic Lighting Package
Costs $900
Professional lighting equipment to create the dark, moody atmosphere that drives the tension of the film.
Camera Rental
Costs $1,800
A professional cinema camera package to capture 9AM with the visual quality it deserves.
Crew Stipends
Costs $2,100
Supporting our hardworking cinematographer, sound team, production assistants and crew.
Post Production
Costs $1,300
Professional editing to shape the pacing and tension of the story. This also helps with festival submissions.
Cast Stipends
Costs $2,400
Compensation for principal and background (union) actors bringing the characters of 9AM to life.
Film Insurance
Costs $400
We can create boldly, knowing we’re covered every step of the way with protection for our crew, equipment, and locations.
Art Department
Costs $300
Creating the visual world where this story comes to life we need props and proper set dressing.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Toya M. Nelson is an actress, producer, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, known for telling bold, thought provoking stories that blend entertainment with deeper themes of identity, faith, and resilience. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a BFA in Professional Theatre, she began her career in New York working Off Broadway before transitioning to Atlanta and Los Angeles to focus on film. She has appeared and produced for projects across platforms including Amazon, Netflix, and HBO. Beyond acting, Toya creates and produces original content, including her mini series Finesse Queens. Her experience also spans to film festival curation and stage management, giving her a well rounded perspective on the industry. Centering women both in front of and behind the camera, Toya and her team are building impactful, cinematic work that creates opportunities for emerging artists and sparks conversation.
Elizabeth Anderson, a versatile talent, blends her roles as an award-winning actress, producer, and lupus foundation speaker with finesse. Born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, she accompanied her mother, a retired American Army Veteran, on journeys worldwide, nurturing her adventurous spirit and creative flair. From school productions to family gatherings, Elizabeth honed her craft, driven by a desire to captivate audiences. Her experiences fostered a passion for storytelling that challenges norms, inspiring viewers to embrace new perspectives. After studying Performing Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Elizabeth relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams full-time. Today, she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, crafting compelling narratives and advocating for lupus awareness with her powerful voice.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Loosely based on true events, a young woman arrives in Los Angeles chasing a future that feels just within reach. Opportunity surrounds her. But one unexpected detour places her inside a place where time behaves strangely and intention hides behind charm. What begins as a casual stop grows into something disorienting and surreal. Mirrors refuse to show the truth. Soon the question is no longer whether she should stay. The question becomes whether escape is even possible. For viewers who love psychological thrillers, surreal cinema, and stories where reality fractures at the edges, this film invites you into a world that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling.
Just one quick stop.
Inspired by films like Belly, Blink Twice, Spring Breakers, & Anora.
Why this film? From our producers:
Toya: This film is loosely based on a true story. I felt compelled to tell it because it explores that moment when you ignore your own discernment and let your guard down for the people you trust. I encountered this experience while with someone I believed had my best interests at heart, only to realize their true priority was themselves. That sting of betrayal, the disappointment of seeing a friend let their own frantic desires derail everything is what inspired this tale. I want to take that raw, relatable emotion and push it into a twisted cinematic direction that keeps the audience questioning who they can really trust.
Elizabeth: I connected with this story because it mirrors my own experience of coming to LA with no friends or family and trying to stay focused while the world pulls you in every direction. This project speaks to the reality of chasing a dream in a city full of distractions and moments that test your purpose. For me, producing this film is a reminder that even when life tries to deter you, you stay centered and aligned with why you came here in the first place. Choosing purpose over pressure is something most people have experienced. That’s the message I want to bring awareness to and help bring to the screen.
A funded budget makes this possible!
Here's the breakdown if you're wondering where your contribution goes. You can find a full breakdown of our production costs in the Wishlist tab. Our goal is $11,700, but here is the catch: Seed & Spark is 'all-or-essential.' We must hit our 'Green Light' goal of $9,360 (80%) to trigger the funding and bring this project to life. Every dollar counts toward getting us over that finish line!
Other ways you can help:
Unable to donate, or just want to do more to help? Here are some other ways you can help us reach our goal that are totally free of charge:
- Follow our Seed & Spark page (Following us on Seed & Spark increases our visibility on the platform and unlocks perks that can help with our production).
- Connect with us on Instagram @9AMthefilm
- Share this project with potential supporters
- Know someone that this story would resonate with, or who enjoys supporting independent film in general? Share this page with them.
The above campaign poster image was made with GenAI via Canva.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Warehouse Location Rental
Costs $1,200
Helps us secure a gritty warehouse location for three days that brings the mysterious after-hours world of 9AM to life.
Sound Recording
Costs $700
Professional sound gear and a sound mixer to ensure the dialogue and tension land clearly on screen.
Catering and Crafty
Costs $600
With your help we can have desirable meals and craft services to keep the team energized during long production days.
Cinematic Lighting Package
Costs $900
Professional lighting equipment to create the dark, moody atmosphere that drives the tension of the film.
Camera Rental
Costs $1,800
A professional cinema camera package to capture 9AM with the visual quality it deserves.
Crew Stipends
Costs $2,100
Supporting our hardworking cinematographer, sound team, production assistants and crew.
Post Production
Costs $1,300
Professional editing to shape the pacing and tension of the story. This also helps with festival submissions.
Cast Stipends
Costs $2,400
Compensation for principal and background (union) actors bringing the characters of 9AM to life.
Film Insurance
Costs $400
We can create boldly, knowing we’re covered every step of the way with protection for our crew, equipment, and locations.
Art Department
Costs $300
Creating the visual world where this story comes to life we need props and proper set dressing.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Toya M. Nelson is an actress, producer, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, known for telling bold, thought provoking stories that blend entertainment with deeper themes of identity, faith, and resilience. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a BFA in Professional Theatre, she began her career in New York working Off Broadway before transitioning to Atlanta and Los Angeles to focus on film. She has appeared and produced for projects across platforms including Amazon, Netflix, and HBO. Beyond acting, Toya creates and produces original content, including her mini series Finesse Queens. Her experience also spans to film festival curation and stage management, giving her a well rounded perspective on the industry. Centering women both in front of and behind the camera, Toya and her team are building impactful, cinematic work that creates opportunities for emerging artists and sparks conversation.
Elizabeth Anderson, a versatile talent, blends her roles as an award-winning actress, producer, and lupus foundation speaker with finesse. Born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, she accompanied her mother, a retired American Army Veteran, on journeys worldwide, nurturing her adventurous spirit and creative flair. From school productions to family gatherings, Elizabeth honed her craft, driven by a desire to captivate audiences. Her experiences fostered a passion for storytelling that challenges norms, inspiring viewers to embrace new perspectives. After studying Performing Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Elizabeth relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams full-time. Today, she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, crafting compelling narratives and advocating for lupus awareness with her powerful voice.