A Girl, Grown Up
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
A Girl, Grown Up follows 17-year-old Evie during a surreal weekend in Los Angeles with her effortlessly cool older cousin and her enigmatic friends. Amidst psychedelic revelations and chaotic missteps, Evie discovers that even those she idolizes are just as lost as she feels.
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,789 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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A Girl, Grown Up follows 17-year-old Evie during a surreal weekend in Los Angeles with her effortlessly cool older cousin and her enigmatic friends. Amidst psychedelic revelations and chaotic missteps, Evie discovers that even those she idolizes are just as lost as she feels.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
All cool girls were a little weird once...
A Girl, Grown Up is a vibrant, tender coming-of-age dramedy inspired by writer-director Ella Janes’ own experience touring colleges as a 17-year-old, including USC, the school she now attends. The film follows Evie, a small-town girl stepping into a surreal weekend with her effortlessly cool older cousin and her enigmatic friends in Los Angeles. Amid psychedelic revelations, chaotic tomato garden tastings, and late-night confessions, Evie uncovers the bittersweet truth: the people she idolizes are just as lost. Through vivid visuals and raw, emotional storytelling, A Girl, Grown Up explores the universal struggle of finding your place in an ever-intimidating world—and the beauty of embracing your path.
Why Us?
We’re not just filmmakers but dreamers fueled by personal stories and a shared mission to bring them to life. Our team of over 30 USC film students and collaborators deeply relates to this story. It has united to create a project that celebrates individuality while highlighting self-discovery's messy, magical process. Our team represents the next generation of bold storytellers, bringing fresh perspectives, unfiltered creativity, and lived experiences to the screen. Led by Ella Janes, an award-winning filmmaker whose journey inspired this story, we are ready to bring A Girl, Grown Up to life with your support.
At its core, A Girl, Grown Up is about that moment we all face: the tug-of-war between who we are, who we want to be, and the people we think we need to impress to get there.
Why Now?
In a world increasingly shaped by curated identities and digital personas, this story reminds us of the messy, human side of growing up. Now more than ever, we need stories that celebrate vulnerability, individuality, and the power of embracing imperfection.
Where We Are Now:
We are two months into pre-production, have secured a stunning retro Hollywood mansion for the shoot, and assembled a talented team of cast and crew. With the groundwork laid, we’re now ready to bring this vision to life—but we need your help to cross the finish line.
How This Campaign Moves the Project Forward:
Your contributions will go directly toward key production needs: renting high-quality camera and lighting equipment, creating the lush and retro production design, and crafting the psychedelic visual effects that are central to Evie’s story. Every dollar helps elevate this project to professional standards while giving a platform to emerging voices.
What’s Next:
After completing the film, we plan to submit it to major festivals, including Sundance and SXSW, to reach audiences worldwide. Your support will ensure that A Girl, Grown Up has the resources to shine on the festival circuit and beyond.
Stretch Goals:
Exceeding our goal would allow us to extend our festival submissions, and distribute the project to a wider audience, ensuring that this story is seen and heard.
Be part of a story that celebrates authenticity, vulnerability, and the beauty of finding yourself. Pledge today to support A Girl, Grown Up.
Growing up isn’t easy, but it sure makes a great story.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Grip Truck
Costs $1,180
This will provide ample support for our G&E team.
Camera Accessory Rentals
Costs $1,000
Our director and DPs are known for their distinct visual style, and high-quality equipment will allow them to fully express themselves.
Camera Transportation
Costs $150
We are transporting the camera kit, as well as our DP and gaffer, from Oklahoma City, and need to cover gas for their trip.
Crew Transportation
Costs $150
We have a crew of 30, and wish to pay for gas for those who have offered to carpool.
Costume Design
Costs $100
Our costume designer is an immensely talented creator, and the characters' looks are crucial to their personalities in the film.
Production Design
Costs $100
We have the location graciously donated to us, but we still need to decorate the estate to match the director's vision.
End Credit Song Commission
Costs $30
A cheesy rap song, believe it or not, is a core element of the film, and we are commissioning a USC Thornton student to write it for us.
Film Festival Submissions
Costs $250
Ella Janes has made a name for herself on the film festival circuit, and we are aiming to do the same with this film.
Craft Services
Costs $200
We are having catering generously sponsored, but we would also like to purchase snacks, water, etc.
Lighting/Electric Rentals
Costs $1,500
As we are doing several night shoots (including exteriors), lighting is of the utmost importance for the film's cinematography.
Insurance Policy
Costs $1,200
We are renting and borrowing industry-grade equipment and must insure what we use!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We are a diverse group of USC School of Cinematic Arts students, professional filmmakers, high schoolers, and students at other film schools across the country, united by our pursuit of this project!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
All cool girls were a little weird once...
A Girl, Grown Up is a vibrant, tender coming-of-age dramedy inspired by writer-director Ella Janes’ own experience touring colleges as a 17-year-old, including USC, the school she now attends. The film follows Evie, a small-town girl stepping into a surreal weekend with her effortlessly cool older cousin and her enigmatic friends in Los Angeles. Amid psychedelic revelations, chaotic tomato garden tastings, and late-night confessions, Evie uncovers the bittersweet truth: the people she idolizes are just as lost. Through vivid visuals and raw, emotional storytelling, A Girl, Grown Up explores the universal struggle of finding your place in an ever-intimidating world—and the beauty of embracing your path.
Why Us?
We’re not just filmmakers but dreamers fueled by personal stories and a shared mission to bring them to life. Our team of over 30 USC film students and collaborators deeply relates to this story. It has united to create a project that celebrates individuality while highlighting self-discovery's messy, magical process. Our team represents the next generation of bold storytellers, bringing fresh perspectives, unfiltered creativity, and lived experiences to the screen. Led by Ella Janes, an award-winning filmmaker whose journey inspired this story, we are ready to bring A Girl, Grown Up to life with your support.
At its core, A Girl, Grown Up is about that moment we all face: the tug-of-war between who we are, who we want to be, and the people we think we need to impress to get there.
Why Now?
In a world increasingly shaped by curated identities and digital personas, this story reminds us of the messy, human side of growing up. Now more than ever, we need stories that celebrate vulnerability, individuality, and the power of embracing imperfection.
Where We Are Now:
We are two months into pre-production, have secured a stunning retro Hollywood mansion for the shoot, and assembled a talented team of cast and crew. With the groundwork laid, we’re now ready to bring this vision to life—but we need your help to cross the finish line.
How This Campaign Moves the Project Forward:
Your contributions will go directly toward key production needs: renting high-quality camera and lighting equipment, creating the lush and retro production design, and crafting the psychedelic visual effects that are central to Evie’s story. Every dollar helps elevate this project to professional standards while giving a platform to emerging voices.
What’s Next:
After completing the film, we plan to submit it to major festivals, including Sundance and SXSW, to reach audiences worldwide. Your support will ensure that A Girl, Grown Up has the resources to shine on the festival circuit and beyond.
Stretch Goals:
Exceeding our goal would allow us to extend our festival submissions, and distribute the project to a wider audience, ensuring that this story is seen and heard.
Be part of a story that celebrates authenticity, vulnerability, and the beauty of finding yourself. Pledge today to support A Girl, Grown Up.
Growing up isn’t easy, but it sure makes a great story.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Grip Truck
Costs $1,180
This will provide ample support for our G&E team.
Camera Accessory Rentals
Costs $1,000
Our director and DPs are known for their distinct visual style, and high-quality equipment will allow them to fully express themselves.
Camera Transportation
Costs $150
We are transporting the camera kit, as well as our DP and gaffer, from Oklahoma City, and need to cover gas for their trip.
Crew Transportation
Costs $150
We have a crew of 30, and wish to pay for gas for those who have offered to carpool.
Costume Design
Costs $100
Our costume designer is an immensely talented creator, and the characters' looks are crucial to their personalities in the film.
Production Design
Costs $100
We have the location graciously donated to us, but we still need to decorate the estate to match the director's vision.
End Credit Song Commission
Costs $30
A cheesy rap song, believe it or not, is a core element of the film, and we are commissioning a USC Thornton student to write it for us.
Film Festival Submissions
Costs $250
Ella Janes has made a name for herself on the film festival circuit, and we are aiming to do the same with this film.
Craft Services
Costs $200
We are having catering generously sponsored, but we would also like to purchase snacks, water, etc.
Lighting/Electric Rentals
Costs $1,500
As we are doing several night shoots (including exteriors), lighting is of the utmost importance for the film's cinematography.
Insurance Policy
Costs $1,200
We are renting and borrowing industry-grade equipment and must insure what we use!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We are a diverse group of USC School of Cinematic Arts students, professional filmmakers, high schoolers, and students at other film schools across the country, united by our pursuit of this project!