Abducted

Los Angeles, California | Film Short

Sci-Fi, Comedy

Raechel Zarzynski

1 Campaigns | California, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $11,670 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

111 supporters | followers

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Debra (quirky UFOlogist) and Sydney (stoic Camera Op) are filming an exposé on alien hot spots when they suddenly find themselves at the center of a genuine alien conspiracy. They soon discover that the "truth" that is "out there" is not what they expected.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

"Abducted" is a film about aliens... but it's also a buddy comedy about female friendship. Debra's obsession with extraterrestrials blinds her to the amazing truth right in front of her. Sydney is that friend who has your back even when you probably don't deserve it.

The Story

Debra has dedicated her life to uncovering proof of alien existence. She was looking to the skies when she needed to be looking at her best friend. A major theme of Abducted is obsession. That compulsion to learn or connect that drives us and keeps us pushing the boulder up the hill. We can become so consumed by wanting that connection and seeking answers that we will look as far out as outer space but never think to look right where we are.


Pre Production

In a way, this film "abducted" me when the idea came to me in a burst of inspiration this spring. I immediately knew that Maggie Robertson and Samantha Turret were perfect for the roles. They signed on and we started looking for dates - one weekend lined up so it was off to the races.


Then pre production took over my life :)


We assembled an all star team. I brought on two longtime collaborators - the badass cinematographer Katie Eleneke as DP, and Kathy Sue Holtorf aka "The K Swiss Army Knife" as 1st AD. Josh Greiveldinger, who I refer to as an "adventure producer", joined to save me from insanity. Kayla van de Bunt became my combo Costume Designer and "Alien Consultant". Adrianna Gentile (my "wife") and Clint Wehling (writing partner on an upcoming feature) rounded out the production team.


Pre-pro barreled on at breakneck speed but somehow everything seemed to align. That magic feeling reached its pinnacle when we found the PERFECT location out in Santa Clarita. I felt like it had materialized straight from my dreams and to top it off, the location manager, Scott, was a genuine joy to work with. Josh worked tirelessly to secure our permit while Katie & I crafted our shot list and built breakdowns. We locked in the rest of the crew. We held rehearsals and costume fittings. We assembled rental packages and ordered gear. We bought crafty!


Long story short... We were ready! And then...


Production



Production was an ABSOLUTE DREAM! We spent a (hot) weekend out in the Santa Clarita desert and created something really special. Our cast & crew worked with incredible skill to bring this story to life. The location was superb. "Adventure Producer" Josh personally shoveled steps into mountains. Our G&E team worked wonders to illuminate the desert at night. Costumes and HMU set up our actors to shine. The comedic timing was on point. We made our days AND completed every set up on our shot list (and then some)!


We filmed on the Sony Burano with Atlas's Mercury Anamorphic lenses.

And guess what? The footage looks INCREDIBLE!



HUZZAH! Who could ask for more?

But now comes the hard(er) part... it's time for...


Post Production


THAT LOOKS SCARY!


It's not! We promise. It's just... A LOT.


Pre production is full of wild creativity and limitless potential.

Production is adrenaline fueled and rewardingly collaborative.


Post production brings the subtle but sustained joy of constant discovery. We get to start back at square one and play archeologist, excavating the story from the footage, and chiseling away until the picture is complete. Sounds cool, but what does that entail?


Check out this little flow chart of post production below:


Like we said. It's A LOT!


We are asking for your help to enable us to do post production in the right way. To bring on the best technicians and artists so that we can complete this film and do justice to all of the hard work that so many people have already put towards bringing it to life. If you would like to see our film come to fruition, please follow our page and see if any of our incentives spark your fancy.


What comes next?

Once the film is polished and complete, we will begin our film festival run. This will start with a world premiere but then continue on for a tour of festivals - maybe even one near you! Depending on your incentive choice, you may also gain an early access link when the film is completed OR snag an invite to a private screening for the cast and crew!


But the journey does not end there...


Through this film we hope to demonstrate the tone and style of another Sci-fi comedy film. A feature film that will be shot at a summer camp in Texas with an ensemble of wild characters. We cannot wait to share this exciting new project with you!


Stretch Goals

If we are able to exceed our goal here are some of the things we would love to use the money for:

  • Additional ADR sessions
  • Animated opening titles
  • Animated end credits
  • VFX
  • Post Production Supervisor
  • Marketing for festivals
  • Travel to film festivals


The sky is the limit... and the most likely place to spot UFOs!


THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to learn about "Abducted". And remember... the truth is out there!


-Raechel Zarzynski

your friendly terrestrial director


Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Editor

Costs $2,000

The core of post production. Our brilliant Editor will turn footage into film.

Sound Designer

Costs $2,000

Sound Designer to mix the current levels, record ADR, and design the complex sound scape of the world.

Film Festivals

Costs $1,000

We plan to submit to many film festivals and hope to be selected by many. Submissions cost money. Anything extra will go towards travel!

Graphics and VFX

Costs $1,000

From opening titles to end credits and all of the movie magic in between.

Score

Costs $1,000

Original Score Composition

ADR

Costs $1,000

Bringing actors in to record dialogue replacement. Includes cast payment, meals, space rentals.

Expendables

Costs $1,000

Two external hard drives. Online storage. Recording spaces. Essential but less than glamorous costs of post.

Colorist

Costs $2,000

Color correction and grade to bring out the most from the images and establish a look and feel for every scene.

Promos, Marketing, and Post Supervision

Costs $1,000

Managing post is a lot of work. It takes a village. We would like to compensate our team for their extra work load.

DCP

Costs $500

Creation of a DCP (digital cinema package) as the final format that can be played on movie projectors.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team



SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR BRILLIANT LOCATION MANAGER SCOTT!

Current Team

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