A Mother's Sacrifice
Pana, Illinois | Film Short
Drama, Horror
With their coven threatened, a head priestess and her daughter must cast a complex spell to save its existence or lose everything if they fail. Set in the 1700s, this film subtly dives into the theme of toxic generational power and withholding opportunities from the next generation.
A Mother's Sacrifice
Pana, Illinois | Film Short
Drama, Horror
1 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,105 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
52 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
With their coven threatened, a head priestess and her daughter must cast a complex spell to save its existence or lose everything if they fail. Set in the 1700s, this film subtly dives into the theme of toxic generational power and withholding opportunities from the next generation.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The story of the short film "A Mother's Sacrifice" takes place in the sweeping plains of the mid-west during the 1700s. Branwen, the head priestess of a witch's coven, is feeling the effects of old age. She realizes that her power, the lifeline of the coven, is waning and has to rely on her daughter, Maeve, to conduct a sinister spell. A spell that grants Maeve the power to absorb her mother's life force.
However, Maeve doesn't feel confident in becoming the next head priestess. Deep down, Maeve feels she is not ready to lead the sisterhood and begs her mother to bide her more time. Unfortunately, time is not on their side and both must make the ultimate sacrifice to save what's most precious to them.
Why make a film featuring aged actors? The social construct of an aged person, especially a woman, is that once they reach a certain age, they are devalued as being feeble, dependent, or do not fit the beauty standards. Pledging to support this project helps us get one step closer to changing that social construct. Middle-aged and aged actors have invaluable talent and expertise that should be featured on screen; and not just as the stereotypical feeble, frumpy, and forgotten character. People of all ages have unique and interesting stories to tell, and it is my goal as a screenwriter and director to create films that feature them.
Branwen and Maeve's harrowing tale sheds light on the spellbinding themes of generational power struggles, betrayal, and dealing with letting go of control.
Currently, I am in the pre-production phase of my film; creating storyboards, approving costume designs, auditioning actors, and getting the proper permits for our big bonfire scene! I hope to begin production in late May or early June, in the central heart of Illinois. Filming during these months will give my actors plenty of time to make necessary travel plans from Louisiana to Illinois. The estimated shoot time for this film is approximately four to five days. Post-production will occur shortly after and is estimated to take 7-10 days.
SHARE:
Please share our campaign with anyone you think would connect with a film like this!
The film's tone will be dramatic, centering around the conflict between each woman's sacrifice. The color palette at the beginning of the film will be warm due to the golden hour light and static camera angles. Then, as the tone shifts to a more suspenseful outcome the color will shift to hues of teals and blues, while the camera movements change into dynamic sequences and angles. The film will be shot entirely outdoors, so the natural light will further sell the idea of the story taking place during the 1700s. We will have scrims, LED lights, and flags to fill or block any unwanted light that will not match the overall tone of our story.
Below are some slides from the pitch deck for "A Mother's Sacrifice."
To conjure up this story, we need your help! We would love to have you join our witchy crew, by pledging a contribution. Your generosity will directly support hiring a professional cast and crew, renting top-notch equipment, and covering post-production costs. Our goal is to share this film with audiences worldwide by entering it into film festivals this late 2024-2025.
I cannot thank you enough for your support in making this short film a reality. As an artist, it's because of individuals like you who help make people's dreams come true, including mine.
social media: instagram @marykatlinphotography
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Actor Wages
Costs $3,000
I know that as an artist, we aren't always paid fairly. I want to make sure my actors are paid for their craft and expertise.
Crew
Costs $1,000
We are going to need extra hands on set, who know how to professionally secure lights and keep our set safe.
Costume Design
Costs $1,000
Since our movie takes place in the 1700s, we are going to need costumes that fit the setting. We plan to hire Chicago's top Black designer.
Music Score
Costs $500
For our film, we would like to support music creators and have an original soundtrack made for our film.
Camera Gear Rental
Costs $1,000
We want to create 4k cinematic footage for a high-quality product. C70 Canon Cinema Camera RF 70-200mm RF 50mm RF 35mm
Boom Operator
Costs $500
Paying our boom operator a fair wage is important to the integrity of our production.
Make-up/effects
Costs $500
We have two scenes where we would need special effects make-up to really sell the shot.
Gaffers/Grips
Costs $1,500
Have a professional Grips and gaffers on the team will enhance our visual storytelling.
Lodging and Food
Costs $1,000
Some of our team members are traveling out of town and will need a place to stay and per Diem for food.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mary Davis: Screenwriter, Director, Cinematographer
Master of Fine Arts in Independent Film-making and Digital Imaging
Multi-International Award Winning Portrait Photographer
Platinum and Silver Medal International title holder
Publications in Shutter Magazine, Marathon Press
"Scars" solo exhibit 2022
Imaging USA Photography Exhibit 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022
"Unlock" and "Headshot" selected at Chicago Southland International Film Fest in Student Category
Kerry Kelly Gridley
Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Southern Theatre Group 2014
SAG-AFTRA NOLA Actor, Producer
Equestrian Award-Winning Jumper
Kerry Gridley is known for The Convent (2023), A Lesson in Cruelty (2018), Purgatory Road (2017), and The Hand (2016)
She will be playing the role Maeve, Branwen's daughter in the short.
Bryan K Osburn : Costume Designer
One of Chicago's top black fashion designers!
During the 1980s and 1990s, Bryan's first job in the bridal industry was with bridal designer and tycoon Vera Wang. Shortly after, he worked for bridal designers Paula Varsalona, Galina, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, and Alvina Valenta in New York City.
After traveling the states and beyond, working in France and later in Charlotte North Carolina, he returned to the windy city in 2008 creating fabulous garments under his brand name Bryan K Osburn. Today he designs for many special occasions including weddings, proms, and evening wear attire around the windy city and abroad.
Christian Taylor : Boom Operator and Audio
Alumni from Eastern Illinois University with a BA in TV and Video Production
Radio DJ for Eastern Illinois University
Podcast host of Tales of Music and Film
Directed the short film "Spectrum" inspired by personal experience with being on the spectrum
Film Crew from the short film "Unlocked" directed by Mary Davis
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The story of the short film "A Mother's Sacrifice" takes place in the sweeping plains of the mid-west during the 1700s. Branwen, the head priestess of a witch's coven, is feeling the effects of old age. She realizes that her power, the lifeline of the coven, is waning and has to rely on her daughter, Maeve, to conduct a sinister spell. A spell that grants Maeve the power to absorb her mother's life force.
However, Maeve doesn't feel confident in becoming the next head priestess. Deep down, Maeve feels she is not ready to lead the sisterhood and begs her mother to bide her more time. Unfortunately, time is not on their side and both must make the ultimate sacrifice to save what's most precious to them.
Why make a film featuring aged actors? The social construct of an aged person, especially a woman, is that once they reach a certain age, they are devalued as being feeble, dependent, or do not fit the beauty standards. Pledging to support this project helps us get one step closer to changing that social construct. Middle-aged and aged actors have invaluable talent and expertise that should be featured on screen; and not just as the stereotypical feeble, frumpy, and forgotten character. People of all ages have unique and interesting stories to tell, and it is my goal as a screenwriter and director to create films that feature them.
Branwen and Maeve's harrowing tale sheds light on the spellbinding themes of generational power struggles, betrayal, and dealing with letting go of control.
Currently, I am in the pre-production phase of my film; creating storyboards, approving costume designs, auditioning actors, and getting the proper permits for our big bonfire scene! I hope to begin production in late May or early June, in the central heart of Illinois. Filming during these months will give my actors plenty of time to make necessary travel plans from Louisiana to Illinois. The estimated shoot time for this film is approximately four to five days. Post-production will occur shortly after and is estimated to take 7-10 days.
SHARE:
Please share our campaign with anyone you think would connect with a film like this!
The film's tone will be dramatic, centering around the conflict between each woman's sacrifice. The color palette at the beginning of the film will be warm due to the golden hour light and static camera angles. Then, as the tone shifts to a more suspenseful outcome the color will shift to hues of teals and blues, while the camera movements change into dynamic sequences and angles. The film will be shot entirely outdoors, so the natural light will further sell the idea of the story taking place during the 1700s. We will have scrims, LED lights, and flags to fill or block any unwanted light that will not match the overall tone of our story.
Below are some slides from the pitch deck for "A Mother's Sacrifice."
To conjure up this story, we need your help! We would love to have you join our witchy crew, by pledging a contribution. Your generosity will directly support hiring a professional cast and crew, renting top-notch equipment, and covering post-production costs. Our goal is to share this film with audiences worldwide by entering it into film festivals this late 2024-2025.
I cannot thank you enough for your support in making this short film a reality. As an artist, it's because of individuals like you who help make people's dreams come true, including mine.
social media: instagram @marykatlinphotography
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Actor Wages
Costs $3,000
I know that as an artist, we aren't always paid fairly. I want to make sure my actors are paid for their craft and expertise.
Crew
Costs $1,000
We are going to need extra hands on set, who know how to professionally secure lights and keep our set safe.
Costume Design
Costs $1,000
Since our movie takes place in the 1700s, we are going to need costumes that fit the setting. We plan to hire Chicago's top Black designer.
Music Score
Costs $500
For our film, we would like to support music creators and have an original soundtrack made for our film.
Camera Gear Rental
Costs $1,000
We want to create 4k cinematic footage for a high-quality product. C70 Canon Cinema Camera RF 70-200mm RF 50mm RF 35mm
Boom Operator
Costs $500
Paying our boom operator a fair wage is important to the integrity of our production.
Make-up/effects
Costs $500
We have two scenes where we would need special effects make-up to really sell the shot.
Gaffers/Grips
Costs $1,500
Have a professional Grips and gaffers on the team will enhance our visual storytelling.
Lodging and Food
Costs $1,000
Some of our team members are traveling out of town and will need a place to stay and per Diem for food.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mary Davis: Screenwriter, Director, Cinematographer
Master of Fine Arts in Independent Film-making and Digital Imaging
Multi-International Award Winning Portrait Photographer
Platinum and Silver Medal International title holder
Publications in Shutter Magazine, Marathon Press
"Scars" solo exhibit 2022
Imaging USA Photography Exhibit 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022
"Unlock" and "Headshot" selected at Chicago Southland International Film Fest in Student Category
Kerry Kelly Gridley
Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Southern Theatre Group 2014
SAG-AFTRA NOLA Actor, Producer
Equestrian Award-Winning Jumper
Kerry Gridley is known for The Convent (2023), A Lesson in Cruelty (2018), Purgatory Road (2017), and The Hand (2016)
She will be playing the role Maeve, Branwen's daughter in the short.
Bryan K Osburn : Costume Designer
One of Chicago's top black fashion designers!
During the 1980s and 1990s, Bryan's first job in the bridal industry was with bridal designer and tycoon Vera Wang. Shortly after, he worked for bridal designers Paula Varsalona, Galina, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, and Alvina Valenta in New York City.
After traveling the states and beyond, working in France and later in Charlotte North Carolina, he returned to the windy city in 2008 creating fabulous garments under his brand name Bryan K Osburn. Today he designs for many special occasions including weddings, proms, and evening wear attire around the windy city and abroad.
Christian Taylor : Boom Operator and Audio
Alumni from Eastern Illinois University with a BA in TV and Video Production
Radio DJ for Eastern Illinois University
Podcast host of Tales of Music and Film
Directed the short film "Spectrum" inspired by personal experience with being on the spectrum
Film Crew from the short film "Unlocked" directed by Mary Davis