In the future, the gap between the haves and the have-nots has grown to worrying extremes. Cold dark streets are laden with blood and strange androids stalk the streets. The very same androids that abduct our main characters, Heather and Chase, forcing them into a facility hidden from the world.
In the future, the gap between the haves and the have-nots has grown to worrying extremes. Cold dark streets are laden with blood and strange androids stalk the streets. The very same androids that abduct our main characters, Heather and Chase, forcing them into a facility hidden from the world.
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Story
Mission Statement
The film Alabaster employs a mostly black cast in front of the camera helmed by an African American Director and a black female protagonist. The main goal? To bring sci-fi stories into the context of the African American lens, something that is not done often enough in our media today.About The Project
What is Alabaster?
Alabaster is a short science fiction film set in the near future, where the gap of income inequality has hit an all-time high. The city teems with cold callous androids, with almost nowhere left to hide.
In development for over three years, Alabaster tells the story of a pair of homeless young adults who are taken by a secret organization whose purpose is shrouded in darkness. Spearheaded by a sadistic scientist, this facility represents the failings of society as a whole and its neglect to protect those who are vulnerable and stuck within the minority.
With your help, we will create a film that explores the power of the brother-sister bond which is at the heart of this story. A story interlaced with themes of Afrofuturism which uses the science fiction genre to explore the struggles of the African Americans that came before us.
Why Alabaster?
We believe that sci-fi and cyberpunk are some of the coolest and most interesting genre's out there. Yet, at the end of the day, we realized that people of color were mainly left out of the conversation.
We wanted to create a strong black female protagonist who was full of complexities. Through the power of insane amounts of screenwriting (and way too many rewrites), we believe we were finally able to nail not only a complex character but a complex cast of characters full of nuance.
To show you just how serious we are about making a proper film check out our storyboards for the first sequence below to get a taste of what the film will actually look like.
Why Crowdfunding?
Well, to be honest, making films is difficult and can become very expensive. Yet, when you have an amazing idea you can't help but want to tell it. We wanted the world to know about this project and have a hand in making it become an actual reality. This is where you come in. With this vision and your help, we can create a film that can help mold the sci-fi genre, and contribute to the artistic community.
At the end of the day, this is something that we've poured our hearts into and without people like you, films like this would never be possible. So from everyone working on Alabaster, THANK YOU!
Incentives
$15
City Dweller
Thank you!
We will give you a shout out on our social media! Maybe the extra attention will keep those androids away from you, but we can't promise anything.
$25
The Informed
You've learned that there is more about this world than meets the eye, but will it be enough to survive? Only time will tell.
Includes:
- Shout out on social media
- Thank you in the credits
- Digital Postcard from Alabaster City
$35
Light Runner
The dark underpinnings of this society begin to reveal themselves to you, are you unstoppable? No, but you may live to see another day.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Digital download of the full Alabaster short film
$50
Chaos Theorist
The shadows have been lifted, the lies they tell can no longer reach you. It's time to take your information and share it with the masses before it's too late.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Digital download of the official Alabaster soundtrack
$100
Overseer
You've reached a level higher than most. At this point, it may be you spreading the misinformation...if you so choose.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Script signed by all cast and crew
- Exclusive BTS footage and Blooper Reel
$250
The Creator
Every android that stalks the streets has been created by you. Their eyes are your own, how will we proceed?
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- An invitation to the premiere in Los Angeles (Travel not Included)
Claimed: 0 of 4
$1,000
The Bureaucrat
You make the rules now. Though you're still bound by the laws of nature no human can equal you. Anything you want? Now at your beck and call.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Be an extra in the city!*
*Transportation to and from the set must be provided by you
Claimed: 0 of 4
$2,500
Deus Ex Machina
There is no one above you now, everyone and everything is now your plaything. But one request from us, please make this world a better place, the people have had enough.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Executive Producer Credit and your company logo at the beginning and end of the film!*
*Logo must be approved by production team
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
City Dweller
Thank you!
We will give you a shout out on our social media! Maybe the extra attention will keep those androids away from you, but we can't promise anything.
$25
The Informed
You've learned that there is more about this world than meets the eye, but will it be enough to survive? Only time will tell.
Includes:
- Shout out on social media
- Thank you in the credits
- Digital Postcard from Alabaster City
$35
Light Runner
The dark underpinnings of this society begin to reveal themselves to you, are you unstoppable? No, but you may live to see another day.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Digital download of the full Alabaster short film
$50
Chaos Theorist
The shadows have been lifted, the lies they tell can no longer reach you. It's time to take your information and share it with the masses before it's too late.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Digital download of the official Alabaster soundtrack
$100
Overseer
You've reached a level higher than most. At this point, it may be you spreading the misinformation...if you so choose.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Script signed by all cast and crew
- Exclusive BTS footage and Blooper Reel
$250
The Creator
Every android that stalks the streets has been created by you. Their eyes are your own, how will we proceed?
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- An invitation to the premiere in Los Angeles (Travel not Included)
Claimed: 0 of 4
$1,000
The Bureaucrat
You make the rules now. Though you're still bound by the laws of nature no human can equal you. Anything you want? Now at your beck and call.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Be an extra in the city!*
*Transportation to and from the set must be provided by you
Claimed: 0 of 4
$2,500
Deus Ex Machina
There is no one above you now, everyone and everything is now your plaything. But one request from us, please make this world a better place, the people have had enough.
Includes:
- All previous incentives
- Executive Producer Credit and your company logo at the beginning and end of the film!*
*Logo must be approved by production team
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Our Team
Zachary Valdry (Director, Writer, Producer)
Zachary Valdry is an award-winning director who has created over four separate short films based around the horror and sci-fi genres. His love for the power of family in cinema has driven him to create more complex characters and push himself in the direction of the directors that he admires. He currently works as a DP and Editor in Los Angeles, having the opportunity to work with industry heavyweights such as Javier Bardem and Rose Byrne.
Oscar Martinez (Director of Photography)
Oscar Martinez is an LA-based cinematographer whose body of work includes drama, horror, and science fiction short-form narratives. Discovering his love of the craft through the practice of lighting and watching classical films, Oscar fixes his eye on finding the visual language that uniquely serves a given story and its characters.
Taylor Sandling (Costume Designer)
Taylor Sandling is a FIDM Alumna with an Associate of Arts Degree in Fashion Design. She has worked in the costume design field for over five years with experience in Film, TV, and Theatre as well as Wardrobe styling for photoshoots and commercials. She specializes in a variety of genres including historical costume, Sci-fi and fantasy. Her skills have led to her being nominated for Best Costume Design at The ZONE Sci-fi film festival. Her work has been mentioned in magazines such as; Discover Hollywood Magazine and Splash Magazine.
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