A.L.E.C.
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Sci-Fi, Mystery
There's no denying that robots make our lives easier. And with each new upgrade, our devices get better at anticipating our every need. "A.L.E.C." is a sci-fi short film that poses a simple question: Does artificial intelligence know the difference between imitating a human and actually being one?
A.L.E.C.
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Sci-Fi, Mystery
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $30,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
126 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
There's no denying that robots make our lives easier. And with each new upgrade, our devices get better at anticipating our every need. "A.L.E.C." is a sci-fi short film that poses a simple question: Does artificial intelligence know the difference between imitating a human and actually being one?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What makes this story so timely? Well, whether it’s Hanson’s Sophia the android joking about destroying humans, or Microsoft’s Sydney the chatbot declaring that it wants to be one, it has become abundantly clear that the technology behind artificial intelligence is both complex, and concerning.
We are a dedicated group of aspiring filmmakers who have spent the past five years cutting our teeth in the professional film industry, and now we're ready to utilize what we've learned for our own independent short film. We're passionate about this story, but we need your help to tell it!
In order for our set to run smoothly and the finished film to look professional, we must raise some money to help with the expenses that are both unavoidable, and necessary — And that's where you come in! So now we'll break down the project, and what your pledge will be going towards.
Terri Randle is the acclaimed author of a bestselling series of crime novels, but in the wake of finishing her most beloved work, she falters and stalls, perpetually dissatisfied with her repeated attempts to write a new book.
After spending the better part of five years in a self-imposed isolation, she has grown increasingly detached from the outside world, and the world has in turn become unrecognizable, largely due to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence.
An eternal skeptic, she has always harbored doubts about both the efficiency and the safety of the android assistants that have taken the world by storm, so when she receives one as a birthday gift, it's not long before she grows haunted by the strange behavior of this synthetic companion called "A.L.E.C."
The visual language of our film is based in a mix of clear and saturated shades of blue, green, and brown, as illustrated by the color palette below.
The choice of such an Earthy palette is a very purposeful one — Terri is a character who lives in a secluded artistic getaway surrounded by nothing but nature, so we want to seize the opportunity to highlight the inherent beauty of our one of a kind location.
Using this organic look as a base, our next step is to tailor the film’s cinematography to the underlying themes of our story. Terri is a very haunted individual — She’s haunted by the expectations of others, by the solitude of her everyday life, and eventually by Alec the robot.
We’re hoping to evoke this feeling through the use of voyeuristic angles where the camera almost becomes an omniscient presence spying on Terri’s private life. Much of the cinematography will utilize wide angles and long shots, some of which will track or slowly zoom on our characters to help achieve that uncanny voyeurism.
At the same time, there’s a great deal of intimacy to our story — It deals with very human emotions, and with what it means to be human. For this reason, we also plan to infuse a good deal of medium and single shots that seek to meet the characters where they live rather than watch them from the outside.
In order to capture this balance of voyeurism and intimacy where an artificial element is introduced to an otherwise natural world, we’ll be shooting on a RED Komodo 6K camera with ARRI Ultra Prime Lenses.
This particular marriage of camera and lenses will not only give us a clean, clear, and realistic image, but when paired with our naturalistic approach to the film’s lighting, it’s sure to be the exact combination this story calls for.
Perhaps our most ambitious undertaking is the creation of a full-body robot suit that we are having 3D printed from specifications composed by our Production Designer, Hannah Hildebrandt.
The printing will be done by Dangling Carrot Creative, a graphic design and production company used by professional films and TV shows. After printing, the suit will receive paint and finishing to give it a look as polished and convincing as any Hollywood costume.
In the interest of being pragmatic, we are setting our fundraising goal at $25,000, but in reality, our budget will probably end up being closer to $30,000 — And with your help, we can take this project all the way! Please read on for a breakdown of our project milestones, as well as a full analysis of our budget.
We are currently in the final stages of our "Pre-Production" process, which is all of the legwork that needs to be done before cameras can start rolling. And while some of the funds raised here will help us complete that phase of the project, most of them will go towards our "Production" process, which is the actual filming of our movie. Please read on for a bulleted breakdown of our campaign timeline, which leads directly into our shoot!
MARCH 2023
- Crowdfunding Campaign LAUNCHES!
- Robot Costume Under Construction
- Locations Locked
- Additional Crew Secured
- Auditions & Casting Sessions Begin
APRIL 2023
- Insurance Secured
- Camera & Lighting Equipment Secured
- Casting Announcements Begin
- Travel Secured For Distant Team Members
- Crowdfunding Campaign CLOSES!
MAY 2023
- Props & Set Decorations Secured
- Robot Costume Completed
- Distant Team Members Travel To Atlanta
- Crew Preps Location For Filming
- ACTION! Production Runs May 26 - May 30
Every pledge makes a difference, and if you're gracious enough to contribute to our campaign, we want to make sure you're getting something in return — That's why we've established an eclectic mix of rewards that you can unlock depending on the amount you pledge.
Each reward builds on the last — So the greater the pledge, the greater the prize! All pledges will receive a thank you email and a private link to view the finished film online, but please take a look at our page's "Incentives" bar for a comprehensive breakdown of each and every reward!
We can't do this without you, so please help us spread the word by sharing our project! We'll even help you get started — Feel free to copy/paste these sample Instagram posts:
Help filmmakers @ryankonig1796, @hannah.hildebrandt, @jaedonhuie, & @ianreagan21 by supporting their indie short film "A.L.E.C." on @seedandspark: seedandspark.com/fund/alec
I'm so excited to see the sci-fi project @alecshortfilm by @ryankonig1796, @hannah.hildebrandt, @jaedonhuie, & @ianreagan21 — Support them on @seedandspark: seedandspark.com/fund/alec
And make sure you click "follow project" at the top of our page — Seed & Spark rewards us for building our audience, so your click could mean we earn things like festival fee waivers!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Aputure Nova Lights
Costs $500
More indispensable lights!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Location Rentals
Costs $5,000
A story is only as good as its setting, and ours is no exception!
Costume Finishing Materials
Costs $965
Once our robot suit is printed, it will need to be treated with sanding, paint, and polishing!
3D Printing Services
Costs $535
We can't make this film without our robot, and this is how we're building him!
Grip Van
Costs $750
It's an absolute necessity to have a van loaded with everything our lighting crew could ever need!
4x4 Frames
Costs $200
These frames are essential for holding the materials that help us manipulate light!
12x12 Frames
Costs $500
These frames are essential for holding the materials that help us manipulate light!
Honda 3000W Generator
Costs $410
Lots of lights need lots of power!
ARRI 300W Fresnel Lights
Costs $156
Some of the most dependable lights on the market!
Cast Salaries
Costs $4,250
We must be able to pay our talented actors the compensation they deserve!
Aputure LS 1200d Pro Light
Costs $400
A good camera and lenses are nothing without good lighting, and this one will be an essential asset!
Production Insurance
Costs $1,000
Safety first, and we can't rent equipment without insurance!
Cargo Van
Costs $450
We'll have lots of large set decorations that will need to be transported to and from our locations!
Camera Support
Costs $634
Whether it's something big like a dolly or something small like a lens filter, cameras need support!
ARRI Ultra Prime Lenses
Costs $2,250
We're going to need top-notch lenses if we want this film to look professional!
RED Komodo 6K
Costs $1,500
This workhorse of a camera is going to capture beautiful images in stunning 6K high definition!
Catering
Costs $1,500
A fed crew is a happy crew!
Travel Expenses
Costs $1,500
We have several cast and crew members traveling from out-of-state!
Crew Salaries
Costs $2,500
Our core team is strong, but we're going to need extra hands on set to pull this off!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our core creative team is comprised of passionate and diverse individuals who have spent the past five years building promising careers in the professional film and television industry. And although their careers are just beginning, they've already amassed a collective resume of close to thirty projects from major production companies.
Together they have worked under such studios as Amazon, AMC, Apple, Columbia, DC, Disney, HBO, Lionsgate, Marvel, Netflix, Paramount, Showtime, Sony, Universal, and Warner Brothers. Below are just some of the many movies and television shows that they've had the opportunity to be a part of.
We believe it is this first-hand industry experience, combined with our own history of personal projects, that gives our team a unique advantage in producing an independent short film of this caliber. From the first draft of a script to the final release of a movie, we have an intimate understanding of the filmmaking process, and now we're ready to utilize what we've learned.
Please read on to learn more about some of our dedicated crew members, and keep an eye on our page's "Updates" section for new additions to the team!
Ryan Konig is our Director and Writer — An Executive Assistant with extensive experience both on set and in the production office, he has worked directly under A-list Actors, Directors, and Producers on big-budget feature films and television shows.
His time shadowing industry professionals has given him the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of their business, from development through production. He has aided Producers in assembling core crew members, edited sizzle reels for Directors, and regularly coordinated with an Actor's agents regarding the development of upcoming projects.
Prior to his work in the professional film industry, Ryan studied film at Towson University, where he spent his years writing, directing, and editing personal projects and college productions. His collegiate efforts yielded no less than six successful short films, and even a low-budget feature, which is how we know he has what it takes to bring his vision for this futuristic cautionary tale to life.
Hannah Hildebrandt is our Producer and Production Designer — A member of the Art Director's Guild, she actively works as an Assistant Art Director and has a history of working under iconic Production Designers, Directors, and Producers on award-winning feature films and television shows.
Prior to becoming an Assistant Art Director, she spent several years working in the Art and Set Decoration departments on major projects. She also spent time working at a large production company, where she was immersed in all stages of filmmaking through pitching, development, pre-production, filming, post-production, and marketing.
In addition to her experience on large-scale productions, Hannah has also produced and designed several independent short films, which is how we know she will guide our team to the finish line, ensuring that the crew's needs are being met every step of the way, all while creating the look of Alec the robot and the world which he inhabits.
Jaedon Huie is our Cinematographer — An Assistant District Attorney in New York City, he is the only member of our team with a career outside of the film industry, but that hasn't stopped him from stepping behind a camera every chance he gets. He has been an active Photographer for ten years, and a Cinematographer for six.
During his college years, he spent almost as much time making short films as he did studying to become a prosecutor, proving he's just as passionate about making movies as anyone else on our team. Even in the midst of officially starting his law career, he has managed to maintain an impressive body of work as either a Cinematographer or Camera Operator, leaving the door open for a future in film.
With ten short films already under his belt, he has firmly established his natural talent for filmmaking, which is how we know he has the keen eye needed to capture the visual tone and aesthetic that are essential to our story.
Ian Reagan is our Support Specialist — An accomplished On-Set Assistant, he has forged his budding career path on more than a dozen productions, including a major feature film where he served as the sole assistant for six different cast members simultaneously.
In addition to his work on set, he is also an aspiring screenwriter whose work has placed among the top submissions in screenplay competitions both nationwide and international. But unlike the more straightforward roles he assumes on larger productions, Ian wears many hats on small-scale short films such as ours, and his contributions as a member of our team cannot be understated.
When faced with a low budget and a small crew, each department only consists of two people, and one of them is Ian. Whether it’s lights, camera, sound, or set decoration, he specializes in supporting every department whenever help is needed, which is how we know that the heavy lifting of our crew is in good hands.
Maythavee Tjhang is our Assistant Director — An Atlanta-based Producer, Director, and AD in the underground film community, she has spent more than five years supporting independent film projects, including two features and three web series.
As a filmmaker, Maythavee has produced and directed narratives that inspire untold stories, including her recently released feature directorial debut, “Dragon City,” an Asian American dramedy film.
Between her own body of work and the support she’s provided to other independent filmmakers, Maythavee has established herself as a creative force to be reckoned with, which is how we know she has what it takes to tackle the logistical challenges of our film.
Beth Rasinski is our 2nd Assistant Director — An experienced member of Georgia's growing film community, she actively works as a Key Set Production Assistant on major movies and television shows in and around the Atlanta area.
Beth has worked alongside several of our team members professionally, and is currently on track to join the Directors Guild of America as the next big step of her burgeoning AD career.
Beth's extensive on-set experience has given her a comprehensive knowledge of the production workflow, which is how we know she'll be a valuable addition to our AD team.
Josh Dollison is our Assistant Camera and Graphic Designer — A seasoned Art Department Assistant, he has crafted visuals for a multitude of feature films and television shows, including custom props, clothing, and signage.
In addition to his professional work in the Art Department, Josh has several years of experience working in the Camera Department on independent films. He has served as a Cinematographer on numerous shorts and features, and is even preparing to release a film of his own later this year.
Josh's experience behind the camera on independent projects has taught him how to think outside the box and work quickly to achieve high quality visuals on small budgets, which is how we know he'll give Jaedon the support needed to capture every last frame of our film.
Jeremy Ponafala is our Gaffer — A successful freelancer, he has nearly six years of experience in the Set Lighting department, having worked on upwards of thirty short films, commercials, and corporate video shoots.
Most people outside of the film industry probably aren't familiar with the role of a Gaffer, but Jeremy has become an invaluable member of our team over the years, so we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a position that truly is one of the unsung heroes on a film set.
Lighting a scene is often the thing that takes the most time, but for Jeremy it's second nature. He has an innate ability to visualize exactly which lights should be used and where they should go, crafting detailed floor plans for the lighting setups of each and every camera angle. Above all, he has a strong work ethic, which is how we know he will commit to delivering the atmospheric look this story demands.
Lucas Huie is our Key Grip — An up-and-coming independent filmmaker based out of Baltimore, he is well on the way to making a name for himself as an emerging talent.
Prior to joining our team, Lucas had the opportunity to direct his debut short film, “Turkey on Rye,” which is currently being screened at film festivals nationwide.
Between his eccentric personality and sheer dedication to filmmaking, Lucas is always a valuable addition to any production, which is how we know we can count on him to deliver the effort needed to lead our Grip team.
Alberto García is our Key Sound Mixer — The founder of Soft Sticks Sound, he has been working in his field for over twenty years, capturing audio that ranges from narrative and promotional films to live music and theatrical performances.
As a lifelong musician, Alberto previously held the role of Music Director in a collegiate house, where he cultivated his skills as a recordist, performer, and producer. And during his time at the University of South Florida, a course in sound design steered him towards field recording, foley, and production sound.
Alberto's unique background and skill set make him one of the most experienced members of our crew, which is how we know our audio team will provide an invaluable level of support and produce an exceptional quality of work.
Bailey Herrington is our Sound Mixer and Boom Operator — A newly minted member of the team at Soft Sticks Sound, she has a passion for storytelling that she brings with her to each and every set.
In addition to her work in the Sound Department, Bailey is also an aspiring actress with several roles in independent horror films already under her belt.
Whether she's working in front of the camera or behind it, she always feels honored to bring stories to life, which is how we know she will deliver the crisp, clear audio that our film needs to sound professional.
Julia De La Luz is our Prop Master — Currently working as a Graphic Designer, she has spent several years building her creative skill set in the Art, Props, Wardrobe, and Set Decoration departments.
Julia began her creative journey working on numerous film and theatre productions at Towson University, before moving to Atlanta to start her career in the professional industry.
Julia has always had a passion for storytelling, and she’s proven time and again that she channels that passion into a keen attention to detail, which is how we know she will put her very best work into the many meaningful props of our film.
Jordan Rosenstein is our Hair & Makeup Artist — An Atlanta-based professional with over five years of experience in the beauty industry, her career began in special events and weddings, always with the goal of transitioning into the film industry.
During her time at Kennesaw State University, Jordan studied at both Make-Up Designory and the Georgia Film Academy, which officially launched her entertainment career. Her production work includes projects for companies like Netflix and Amazon, as well as commercials, music videos, and independent films, both short and feature.
Jordan's love of storytelling and passion for makeup blend seamlessly to bring an added layer of depth to all the characters she works on, which is how we know she will make sure that our cast is looking and feeling their best each and every day.
Lisha Hocking is our Still Photographer — A recent graduate of the Film Stills Academy, her film career has taken her from Los Angeles to Atlanta, working as a Coordinator for many talented teams in the Art and Set Decoration departments.
Always a camera in hand, Lisha has taken many set photos over the years, and has even volunteered her photography skills for the nonprofit “Global Village Project.” Behind the scenes is where she feels most at home, and bringing a story to life for the world to see is what makes her heart sing.
From stage managing a theatre production in her early days, to coordinating large departments on film productions, and silently blending into the background with her camera, Lisha has a proven passion for the arts, which is how we know she will do an exemplary job of capturing what happens on-set and behind the scenes of our film.
Crystal R Davis is our Assistant Casting Director — An accomplished actress herself, she operates PhotoSafe Actor's Performance Services in Atlanta, where she coaches and tapes her fellow actors through their auditions and monologues.
Crystal began her journey in the entertainment industry by working primarily as a background actor, stand-in, and photo double in over forty film and TV productions around Georgia, and has since gone on to attain principal work, including a Co-Starring role on CMT's Nashville.
Her experience as both an actor and acting coach makes her uniquely qualified to identify the best and brightest local talent, which is how we know we can count on her to help us fill every last role.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things over the past few years, and filmmaking is no exception — That's why we will be taking every precaution necessary to make sure everyone feels safe on set. One of the biggest benefits of having so many team members who work in the professional industry is our familiarity with the new normal of film production amidst a slew of health and safety protocols.
While we won't be making the use of PPE mandatory, we will be taking steps to ensure that everyone is healthy and comfortable — Not only will we be requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative test, but we will also be providing sanitizer, masks, and face-shields at all times for anyone who wants them. This is shaping up to be a tremendous team, and we want every one of them to have a blast and feel safe doing it!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What makes this story so timely? Well, whether it’s Hanson’s Sophia the android joking about destroying humans, or Microsoft’s Sydney the chatbot declaring that it wants to be one, it has become abundantly clear that the technology behind artificial intelligence is both complex, and concerning.
We are a dedicated group of aspiring filmmakers who have spent the past five years cutting our teeth in the professional film industry, and now we're ready to utilize what we've learned for our own independent short film. We're passionate about this story, but we need your help to tell it!
In order for our set to run smoothly and the finished film to look professional, we must raise some money to help with the expenses that are both unavoidable, and necessary — And that's where you come in! So now we'll break down the project, and what your pledge will be going towards.
Terri Randle is the acclaimed author of a bestselling series of crime novels, but in the wake of finishing her most beloved work, she falters and stalls, perpetually dissatisfied with her repeated attempts to write a new book.
After spending the better part of five years in a self-imposed isolation, she has grown increasingly detached from the outside world, and the world has in turn become unrecognizable, largely due to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence.
An eternal skeptic, she has always harbored doubts about both the efficiency and the safety of the android assistants that have taken the world by storm, so when she receives one as a birthday gift, it's not long before she grows haunted by the strange behavior of this synthetic companion called "A.L.E.C."
The visual language of our film is based in a mix of clear and saturated shades of blue, green, and brown, as illustrated by the color palette below.
The choice of such an Earthy palette is a very purposeful one — Terri is a character who lives in a secluded artistic getaway surrounded by nothing but nature, so we want to seize the opportunity to highlight the inherent beauty of our one of a kind location.
Using this organic look as a base, our next step is to tailor the film’s cinematography to the underlying themes of our story. Terri is a very haunted individual — She’s haunted by the expectations of others, by the solitude of her everyday life, and eventually by Alec the robot.
We’re hoping to evoke this feeling through the use of voyeuristic angles where the camera almost becomes an omniscient presence spying on Terri’s private life. Much of the cinematography will utilize wide angles and long shots, some of which will track or slowly zoom on our characters to help achieve that uncanny voyeurism.
At the same time, there’s a great deal of intimacy to our story — It deals with very human emotions, and with what it means to be human. For this reason, we also plan to infuse a good deal of medium and single shots that seek to meet the characters where they live rather than watch them from the outside.
In order to capture this balance of voyeurism and intimacy where an artificial element is introduced to an otherwise natural world, we’ll be shooting on a RED Komodo 6K camera with ARRI Ultra Prime Lenses.
This particular marriage of camera and lenses will not only give us a clean, clear, and realistic image, but when paired with our naturalistic approach to the film’s lighting, it’s sure to be the exact combination this story calls for.
Perhaps our most ambitious undertaking is the creation of a full-body robot suit that we are having 3D printed from specifications composed by our Production Designer, Hannah Hildebrandt.
The printing will be done by Dangling Carrot Creative, a graphic design and production company used by professional films and TV shows. After printing, the suit will receive paint and finishing to give it a look as polished and convincing as any Hollywood costume.
In the interest of being pragmatic, we are setting our fundraising goal at $25,000, but in reality, our budget will probably end up being closer to $30,000 — And with your help, we can take this project all the way! Please read on for a breakdown of our project milestones, as well as a full analysis of our budget.
We are currently in the final stages of our "Pre-Production" process, which is all of the legwork that needs to be done before cameras can start rolling. And while some of the funds raised here will help us complete that phase of the project, most of them will go towards our "Production" process, which is the actual filming of our movie. Please read on for a bulleted breakdown of our campaign timeline, which leads directly into our shoot!
MARCH 2023
- Crowdfunding Campaign LAUNCHES!
- Robot Costume Under Construction
- Locations Locked
- Additional Crew Secured
- Auditions & Casting Sessions Begin
APRIL 2023
- Insurance Secured
- Camera & Lighting Equipment Secured
- Casting Announcements Begin
- Travel Secured For Distant Team Members
- Crowdfunding Campaign CLOSES!
MAY 2023
- Props & Set Decorations Secured
- Robot Costume Completed
- Distant Team Members Travel To Atlanta
- Crew Preps Location For Filming
- ACTION! Production Runs May 26 - May 30
Every pledge makes a difference, and if you're gracious enough to contribute to our campaign, we want to make sure you're getting something in return — That's why we've established an eclectic mix of rewards that you can unlock depending on the amount you pledge.
Each reward builds on the last — So the greater the pledge, the greater the prize! All pledges will receive a thank you email and a private link to view the finished film online, but please take a look at our page's "Incentives" bar for a comprehensive breakdown of each and every reward!
We can't do this without you, so please help us spread the word by sharing our project! We'll even help you get started — Feel free to copy/paste these sample Instagram posts:
Help filmmakers @ryankonig1796, @hannah.hildebrandt, @jaedonhuie, & @ianreagan21 by supporting their indie short film "A.L.E.C." on @seedandspark: seedandspark.com/fund/alec
I'm so excited to see the sci-fi project @alecshortfilm by @ryankonig1796, @hannah.hildebrandt, @jaedonhuie, & @ianreagan21 — Support them on @seedandspark: seedandspark.com/fund/alec
And make sure you click "follow project" at the top of our page — Seed & Spark rewards us for building our audience, so your click could mean we earn things like festival fee waivers!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Aputure Nova Lights
Costs $500
More indispensable lights!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Location Rentals
Costs $5,000
A story is only as good as its setting, and ours is no exception!
Costume Finishing Materials
Costs $965
Once our robot suit is printed, it will need to be treated with sanding, paint, and polishing!
3D Printing Services
Costs $535
We can't make this film without our robot, and this is how we're building him!
Grip Van
Costs $750
It's an absolute necessity to have a van loaded with everything our lighting crew could ever need!
4x4 Frames
Costs $200
These frames are essential for holding the materials that help us manipulate light!
12x12 Frames
Costs $500
These frames are essential for holding the materials that help us manipulate light!
Honda 3000W Generator
Costs $410
Lots of lights need lots of power!
ARRI 300W Fresnel Lights
Costs $156
Some of the most dependable lights on the market!
Cast Salaries
Costs $4,250
We must be able to pay our talented actors the compensation they deserve!
Aputure LS 1200d Pro Light
Costs $400
A good camera and lenses are nothing without good lighting, and this one will be an essential asset!
Production Insurance
Costs $1,000
Safety first, and we can't rent equipment without insurance!
Cargo Van
Costs $450
We'll have lots of large set decorations that will need to be transported to and from our locations!
Camera Support
Costs $634
Whether it's something big like a dolly or something small like a lens filter, cameras need support!
ARRI Ultra Prime Lenses
Costs $2,250
We're going to need top-notch lenses if we want this film to look professional!
RED Komodo 6K
Costs $1,500
This workhorse of a camera is going to capture beautiful images in stunning 6K high definition!
Catering
Costs $1,500
A fed crew is a happy crew!
Travel Expenses
Costs $1,500
We have several cast and crew members traveling from out-of-state!
Crew Salaries
Costs $2,500
Our core team is strong, but we're going to need extra hands on set to pull this off!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our core creative team is comprised of passionate and diverse individuals who have spent the past five years building promising careers in the professional film and television industry. And although their careers are just beginning, they've already amassed a collective resume of close to thirty projects from major production companies.
Together they have worked under such studios as Amazon, AMC, Apple, Columbia, DC, Disney, HBO, Lionsgate, Marvel, Netflix, Paramount, Showtime, Sony, Universal, and Warner Brothers. Below are just some of the many movies and television shows that they've had the opportunity to be a part of.
We believe it is this first-hand industry experience, combined with our own history of personal projects, that gives our team a unique advantage in producing an independent short film of this caliber. From the first draft of a script to the final release of a movie, we have an intimate understanding of the filmmaking process, and now we're ready to utilize what we've learned.
Please read on to learn more about some of our dedicated crew members, and keep an eye on our page's "Updates" section for new additions to the team!
Ryan Konig is our Director and Writer — An Executive Assistant with extensive experience both on set and in the production office, he has worked directly under A-list Actors, Directors, and Producers on big-budget feature films and television shows.
His time shadowing industry professionals has given him the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of their business, from development through production. He has aided Producers in assembling core crew members, edited sizzle reels for Directors, and regularly coordinated with an Actor's agents regarding the development of upcoming projects.
Prior to his work in the professional film industry, Ryan studied film at Towson University, where he spent his years writing, directing, and editing personal projects and college productions. His collegiate efforts yielded no less than six successful short films, and even a low-budget feature, which is how we know he has what it takes to bring his vision for this futuristic cautionary tale to life.
Hannah Hildebrandt is our Producer and Production Designer — A member of the Art Director's Guild, she actively works as an Assistant Art Director and has a history of working under iconic Production Designers, Directors, and Producers on award-winning feature films and television shows.
Prior to becoming an Assistant Art Director, she spent several years working in the Art and Set Decoration departments on major projects. She also spent time working at a large production company, where she was immersed in all stages of filmmaking through pitching, development, pre-production, filming, post-production, and marketing.
In addition to her experience on large-scale productions, Hannah has also produced and designed several independent short films, which is how we know she will guide our team to the finish line, ensuring that the crew's needs are being met every step of the way, all while creating the look of Alec the robot and the world which he inhabits.
Jaedon Huie is our Cinematographer — An Assistant District Attorney in New York City, he is the only member of our team with a career outside of the film industry, but that hasn't stopped him from stepping behind a camera every chance he gets. He has been an active Photographer for ten years, and a Cinematographer for six.
During his college years, he spent almost as much time making short films as he did studying to become a prosecutor, proving he's just as passionate about making movies as anyone else on our team. Even in the midst of officially starting his law career, he has managed to maintain an impressive body of work as either a Cinematographer or Camera Operator, leaving the door open for a future in film.
With ten short films already under his belt, he has firmly established his natural talent for filmmaking, which is how we know he has the keen eye needed to capture the visual tone and aesthetic that are essential to our story.
Ian Reagan is our Support Specialist — An accomplished On-Set Assistant, he has forged his budding career path on more than a dozen productions, including a major feature film where he served as the sole assistant for six different cast members simultaneously.
In addition to his work on set, he is also an aspiring screenwriter whose work has placed among the top submissions in screenplay competitions both nationwide and international. But unlike the more straightforward roles he assumes on larger productions, Ian wears many hats on small-scale short films such as ours, and his contributions as a member of our team cannot be understated.
When faced with a low budget and a small crew, each department only consists of two people, and one of them is Ian. Whether it’s lights, camera, sound, or set decoration, he specializes in supporting every department whenever help is needed, which is how we know that the heavy lifting of our crew is in good hands.
Maythavee Tjhang is our Assistant Director — An Atlanta-based Producer, Director, and AD in the underground film community, she has spent more than five years supporting independent film projects, including two features and three web series.
As a filmmaker, Maythavee has produced and directed narratives that inspire untold stories, including her recently released feature directorial debut, “Dragon City,” an Asian American dramedy film.
Between her own body of work and the support she’s provided to other independent filmmakers, Maythavee has established herself as a creative force to be reckoned with, which is how we know she has what it takes to tackle the logistical challenges of our film.
Beth Rasinski is our 2nd Assistant Director — An experienced member of Georgia's growing film community, she actively works as a Key Set Production Assistant on major movies and television shows in and around the Atlanta area.
Beth has worked alongside several of our team members professionally, and is currently on track to join the Directors Guild of America as the next big step of her burgeoning AD career.
Beth's extensive on-set experience has given her a comprehensive knowledge of the production workflow, which is how we know she'll be a valuable addition to our AD team.
Josh Dollison is our Assistant Camera and Graphic Designer — A seasoned Art Department Assistant, he has crafted visuals for a multitude of feature films and television shows, including custom props, clothing, and signage.
In addition to his professional work in the Art Department, Josh has several years of experience working in the Camera Department on independent films. He has served as a Cinematographer on numerous shorts and features, and is even preparing to release a film of his own later this year.
Josh's experience behind the camera on independent projects has taught him how to think outside the box and work quickly to achieve high quality visuals on small budgets, which is how we know he'll give Jaedon the support needed to capture every last frame of our film.
Jeremy Ponafala is our Gaffer — A successful freelancer, he has nearly six years of experience in the Set Lighting department, having worked on upwards of thirty short films, commercials, and corporate video shoots.
Most people outside of the film industry probably aren't familiar with the role of a Gaffer, but Jeremy has become an invaluable member of our team over the years, so we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a position that truly is one of the unsung heroes on a film set.
Lighting a scene is often the thing that takes the most time, but for Jeremy it's second nature. He has an innate ability to visualize exactly which lights should be used and where they should go, crafting detailed floor plans for the lighting setups of each and every camera angle. Above all, he has a strong work ethic, which is how we know he will commit to delivering the atmospheric look this story demands.
Lucas Huie is our Key Grip — An up-and-coming independent filmmaker based out of Baltimore, he is well on the way to making a name for himself as an emerging talent.
Prior to joining our team, Lucas had the opportunity to direct his debut short film, “Turkey on Rye,” which is currently being screened at film festivals nationwide.
Between his eccentric personality and sheer dedication to filmmaking, Lucas is always a valuable addition to any production, which is how we know we can count on him to deliver the effort needed to lead our Grip team.
Alberto García is our Key Sound Mixer — The founder of Soft Sticks Sound, he has been working in his field for over twenty years, capturing audio that ranges from narrative and promotional films to live music and theatrical performances.
As a lifelong musician, Alberto previously held the role of Music Director in a collegiate house, where he cultivated his skills as a recordist, performer, and producer. And during his time at the University of South Florida, a course in sound design steered him towards field recording, foley, and production sound.
Alberto's unique background and skill set make him one of the most experienced members of our crew, which is how we know our audio team will provide an invaluable level of support and produce an exceptional quality of work.
Bailey Herrington is our Sound Mixer and Boom Operator — A newly minted member of the team at Soft Sticks Sound, she has a passion for storytelling that she brings with her to each and every set.
In addition to her work in the Sound Department, Bailey is also an aspiring actress with several roles in independent horror films already under her belt.
Whether she's working in front of the camera or behind it, she always feels honored to bring stories to life, which is how we know she will deliver the crisp, clear audio that our film needs to sound professional.
Julia De La Luz is our Prop Master — Currently working as a Graphic Designer, she has spent several years building her creative skill set in the Art, Props, Wardrobe, and Set Decoration departments.
Julia began her creative journey working on numerous film and theatre productions at Towson University, before moving to Atlanta to start her career in the professional industry.
Julia has always had a passion for storytelling, and she’s proven time and again that she channels that passion into a keen attention to detail, which is how we know she will put her very best work into the many meaningful props of our film.
Jordan Rosenstein is our Hair & Makeup Artist — An Atlanta-based professional with over five years of experience in the beauty industry, her career began in special events and weddings, always with the goal of transitioning into the film industry.
During her time at Kennesaw State University, Jordan studied at both Make-Up Designory and the Georgia Film Academy, which officially launched her entertainment career. Her production work includes projects for companies like Netflix and Amazon, as well as commercials, music videos, and independent films, both short and feature.
Jordan's love of storytelling and passion for makeup blend seamlessly to bring an added layer of depth to all the characters she works on, which is how we know she will make sure that our cast is looking and feeling their best each and every day.
Lisha Hocking is our Still Photographer — A recent graduate of the Film Stills Academy, her film career has taken her from Los Angeles to Atlanta, working as a Coordinator for many talented teams in the Art and Set Decoration departments.
Always a camera in hand, Lisha has taken many set photos over the years, and has even volunteered her photography skills for the nonprofit “Global Village Project.” Behind the scenes is where she feels most at home, and bringing a story to life for the world to see is what makes her heart sing.
From stage managing a theatre production in her early days, to coordinating large departments on film productions, and silently blending into the background with her camera, Lisha has a proven passion for the arts, which is how we know she will do an exemplary job of capturing what happens on-set and behind the scenes of our film.
Crystal R Davis is our Assistant Casting Director — An accomplished actress herself, she operates PhotoSafe Actor's Performance Services in Atlanta, where she coaches and tapes her fellow actors through their auditions and monologues.
Crystal began her journey in the entertainment industry by working primarily as a background actor, stand-in, and photo double in over forty film and TV productions around Georgia, and has since gone on to attain principal work, including a Co-Starring role on CMT's Nashville.
Her experience as both an actor and acting coach makes her uniquely qualified to identify the best and brightest local talent, which is how we know we can count on her to help us fill every last role.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things over the past few years, and filmmaking is no exception — That's why we will be taking every precaution necessary to make sure everyone feels safe on set. One of the biggest benefits of having so many team members who work in the professional industry is our familiarity with the new normal of film production amidst a slew of health and safety protocols.
While we won't be making the use of PPE mandatory, we will be taking steps to ensure that everyone is healthy and comfortable — Not only will we be requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative test, but we will also be providing sanitizer, masks, and face-shields at all times for anyone who wants them. This is shaping up to be a tremendous team, and we want every one of them to have a blast and feel safe doing it!