Alphabet Soup
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
A young girl struggles to come to terms with her identity. The term "asexual" constantly flits around in her brain, and she begins to wonder if she can ignore it. Can she pretend to be like everyone else? Or will she finally acknowledge what she's long known to be true?
Alphabet Soup
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
15 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,410
Goal: $10,000 for pre-production
A young girl struggles to come to terms with her identity. The term "asexual" constantly flits around in her brain, and she begins to wonder if she can ignore it. Can she pretend to be like everyone else? Or will she finally acknowledge what she's long known to be true?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Astrid is surrounded by sex culture. Which is fine, of course, because that's part of the human experience– except for the fact that she can't seem to care for it one bit.
On a night out celebrating a friend’s birthday, Astrid has the opportunity to dive into hook-up culture. Surrounded by loud music, bodies mashing against each other, and friends who are eager for her to take the next “step”, will she fall in with the rest of society, or will the pit in her stomach grow larger than ever?
'Alphabet Soup' began as our writer and director’s college thesis back in 2024. Ashley Lavalle was just starting her senior year and was slowly coming to terms with the fact that she might be asexual. Even so, she was too scared to say it out loud, afraid that it might make it real. Instead, she wrote it all down.
This film is a product of that. She spent the whole school year perfecting the script with her advisor, now co-producer, Shannon Marie Sullivan. She even presented it with the help of two of her friends and accompanied it with a detailed paper on the lack of asexuality in media.
And that leads us to today. Ashley still avoids saying the word 'asexual' out loud. She is still not completely accepting of what is most likely true. But this film is important, not just to her but to so many others as well. So many people have joined this project since its fruition, and so many have reached out since the campaign for it began. It's no longer a want for more asexual representation in media: it's a need.
The current United States government is adamant about proposing laws and restrictions on the queer community, attempting to deny the existence of LGBTQIA+ people. In fact, it’s happening across the world. Not all, but many legislators are actively working to undo the painstakingly hard work that people like Marsha P. Johnson fought for. It’s disheartening to both watch and experience. Our trans siblings are subject to it most of all.
In light of all of this, it’s imperative that we are louder than ever. Queer stories are just as important as any other story. While this film is being made to help bridge the gap of asexual representation in media, it’s also being made at this specific point in time to show that you cannot rid the world of queer people. Queer people have always been here and will always be here. There is no question about that, and we must use our artistry to put power to our voices, now more than ever.
As ‘Alphabet Soup’ finishes up pre-production work, we are gearing up to begin shooting during the second half of September. We will be filming for a total of four days. Following that, we will immediately move into post-production mode! As editing goes on, we will start releasing BTS photos as well as early access perks to those who contributed. We will also finalize our list of film festivals to submit to during this time. We plan to publicly release our short on YouTube in mid-to-late 2027, but that is dependent on whether ‘Alphabet Soup’ is accepted into film festivals and what that timeline looks like.
With all of that in mind, we are asking for YOUR support in raising a total of $10,000 for our film. While that may seem like a lot, it only just covers everything we need for the film.
One of the biggest portions of our funds will go to locations. We need around $2500-$3500 to secure our intended filming spots. We will also be using the money raised to pay for our much-needed equipment, props, and food for long set days. Further funds will also be going towards our post-production workflow so that we can hire a colorist, composer, and editor!
But, most of all, if we are able to raise the full amount (or more!), we will be able to properly pay our cast and crew for their hard work! While everyone has signed on to this project out of the love of the story and the art of filmmaking, it would be just that much better to be able to compensate everyone for their efforts.
While we are sharing with our network as much as possible, we need YOUR help to get us across the finish line! Here’s what you can do:
- PLEDGE to our campaign
- SHARE our campaign on social media and with friends
- FOLLOW us here on Seed&Spark as well as our accounts on social media for updates
- Instagram: @alphabetsoupfilm
- TikTok: @alphabetsoupfilm
THANK YOU! We truly can’t thank you enough for taking the time to learn about our film. It’s a story about truth and love, embedded with a touch of humanity every step of the way. This film is not about completely accepting an identity, but more about allowing oneself to feel okay with it. Change is scary, especially when the change is considered outside of the societal norm. We hope that, by creating this film, someone watching will realize that what they're feeling isn't fake; it's just different. And although feeling different often comes with feeling scared, it most definitely doesn't mean that it's wrong.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Film Festival Submissions
Costs $700
If we want to get our film out there, we're going to need to submit it to some incredible festivals!
Post Production
Costs $800
Between a colorist, composer, sound mixer, and video editor, we're going to make sure they're all fairly compensated!
Equipment
Costs $1,500
From big lights and hefty hard drives so that we don't lose any data to the smallest bit of gaff tape– this stuff is important!
Cast and Crew Compensation
Costs $2,000
Our team has worked so hard for the love of the craft and the story!
Locations
Costs $3,500
Two of our scenes take place in areas we can't exactly get to without help: a bar and a bookstore!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Ashley Lavalle - Writer, Director, Executive Producer
My name is Ashley Lavalle, and I've been immersed in the film and theatre world for as long as I can remember. I am a graduate of Pace University, earning a BFA degree in Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers, and Commercials. I also spent time at Oxford studying with the British American Drama Academy. I've worked both in front and behind the camera, knowing it's important to understand both areas. When it comes to production, I have previous experience as a director, script supervisor, and video editor. Most recently, I worked as a stage hand for the play Blue Bottle.
This film is both frightening for me to put out in the world and cathartic. I'm so insanely appreciative of the crew I have and could not be more grateful for the support I've received thus far.
Leah Rasmussen - Director of Photography
My name is Leah Rasmussen, I am 28 years old, and currently based in NYC. I am a passionate worker in the film industry and a lover of storytelling. So many franchises, like Marvel, got me introduced to what life was like behind the scenes of films, and I knew I’ve always wanted to be a part of that world.
I mainly work on short projects as DP/Director/1st AC and occasionally do set photography. I love creating and bringing my friends' creative works to life in any way I can! Which is why I am excited to DP ‘Alphabet Soup’! This movie will reach and relate to many young adults out there trying to find out who they are, and despite it being a bit scary, it can also be beautiful.
Grace Combs - Assistant Director
My name is Grace, I’m 26 years old, and I’m so excited to be a part of this project! Most of my filmmaking so far consists of amateur projects with my friends, so this will be my first foray into a professional setting. I’ll be acting as an assistant director, in charge of wrangling the talent and making sure things stay on track, as well as providing support to the director however needed.
This film’s story is about coming of age in a world of overwhelming opinions, where being any kind of different comes with the fear of being rejected. As someone who identifies as asexual, if I had been able to watch a film like this in high school, it could have spared me a lot of grief and self-doubt. Any chance this film can provide comfort to someone who’s feeling broken or alone makes it a project worthy of my time.
Shannon Marie Sullivan - Co-Producer
Hi! I'm Shannon Marie Sullivan -- an actor, filmmaker, and educator working professionally in NYC for the past 15 years. Notable acting credits include: "Law & Order", "Law & Order SVU", "NCIS: New Orleans", Basement, and much more. An ever-evolving artist, last year I produced my first feature documentary, We Learn to See By Singing in the Dark: Making the Opera Sensorium Ex, and am in pre-production for a sports documentary series, Measureless: The Untold Story of Sheck Exley. I am on faculty at Pace University, where I met writer/director Ashley Lavalle and served as her thesis advisor while she wrote Alphabet Soup. It is my honor to return to the project as a co-producer! Alphabet Soup exemplifies what I love about film -- the opportunity to share stories that deepen our understanding of humanity, expand our hearts, and invite us to reexamine our lives.
Aubrie Swaenepoel - Co-Producer
My name is Aubrie Swaenepoel. I am a senior at Pace University studying Acting for Film and Media. I am a part of the producing team for Alphabet Soup! I previously worked as an Associate Producer on the film The Week After, an opportunity I had through my Assistant to the Producer Internship at Pace University. I got into producing during my time at Pace because I wanted to help bring stories to life that I believe need to be told. That’s how I feel about Alphabet Soup; I believe this film is deeply meaningful and can help many people feel seen.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Astrid is surrounded by sex culture. Which is fine, of course, because that's part of the human experience– except for the fact that she can't seem to care for it one bit.
On a night out celebrating a friend’s birthday, Astrid has the opportunity to dive into hook-up culture. Surrounded by loud music, bodies mashing against each other, and friends who are eager for her to take the next “step”, will she fall in with the rest of society, or will the pit in her stomach grow larger than ever?
'Alphabet Soup' began as our writer and director’s college thesis back in 2024. Ashley Lavalle was just starting her senior year and was slowly coming to terms with the fact that she might be asexual. Even so, she was too scared to say it out loud, afraid that it might make it real. Instead, she wrote it all down.
This film is a product of that. She spent the whole school year perfecting the script with her advisor, now co-producer, Shannon Marie Sullivan. She even presented it with the help of two of her friends and accompanied it with a detailed paper on the lack of asexuality in media.
And that leads us to today. Ashley still avoids saying the word 'asexual' out loud. She is still not completely accepting of what is most likely true. But this film is important, not just to her but to so many others as well. So many people have joined this project since its fruition, and so many have reached out since the campaign for it began. It's no longer a want for more asexual representation in media: it's a need.
The current United States government is adamant about proposing laws and restrictions on the queer community, attempting to deny the existence of LGBTQIA+ people. In fact, it’s happening across the world. Not all, but many legislators are actively working to undo the painstakingly hard work that people like Marsha P. Johnson fought for. It’s disheartening to both watch and experience. Our trans siblings are subject to it most of all.
In light of all of this, it’s imperative that we are louder than ever. Queer stories are just as important as any other story. While this film is being made to help bridge the gap of asexual representation in media, it’s also being made at this specific point in time to show that you cannot rid the world of queer people. Queer people have always been here and will always be here. There is no question about that, and we must use our artistry to put power to our voices, now more than ever.
As ‘Alphabet Soup’ finishes up pre-production work, we are gearing up to begin shooting during the second half of September. We will be filming for a total of four days. Following that, we will immediately move into post-production mode! As editing goes on, we will start releasing BTS photos as well as early access perks to those who contributed. We will also finalize our list of film festivals to submit to during this time. We plan to publicly release our short on YouTube in mid-to-late 2027, but that is dependent on whether ‘Alphabet Soup’ is accepted into film festivals and what that timeline looks like.
With all of that in mind, we are asking for YOUR support in raising a total of $10,000 for our film. While that may seem like a lot, it only just covers everything we need for the film.
One of the biggest portions of our funds will go to locations. We need around $2500-$3500 to secure our intended filming spots. We will also be using the money raised to pay for our much-needed equipment, props, and food for long set days. Further funds will also be going towards our post-production workflow so that we can hire a colorist, composer, and editor!
But, most of all, if we are able to raise the full amount (or more!), we will be able to properly pay our cast and crew for their hard work! While everyone has signed on to this project out of the love of the story and the art of filmmaking, it would be just that much better to be able to compensate everyone for their efforts.
While we are sharing with our network as much as possible, we need YOUR help to get us across the finish line! Here’s what you can do:
- PLEDGE to our campaign
- SHARE our campaign on social media and with friends
- FOLLOW us here on Seed&Spark as well as our accounts on social media for updates
- Instagram: @alphabetsoupfilm
- TikTok: @alphabetsoupfilm
THANK YOU! We truly can’t thank you enough for taking the time to learn about our film. It’s a story about truth and love, embedded with a touch of humanity every step of the way. This film is not about completely accepting an identity, but more about allowing oneself to feel okay with it. Change is scary, especially when the change is considered outside of the societal norm. We hope that, by creating this film, someone watching will realize that what they're feeling isn't fake; it's just different. And although feeling different often comes with feeling scared, it most definitely doesn't mean that it's wrong.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Film Festival Submissions
Costs $700
If we want to get our film out there, we're going to need to submit it to some incredible festivals!
Post Production
Costs $800
Between a colorist, composer, sound mixer, and video editor, we're going to make sure they're all fairly compensated!
Equipment
Costs $1,500
From big lights and hefty hard drives so that we don't lose any data to the smallest bit of gaff tape– this stuff is important!
Cast and Crew Compensation
Costs $2,000
Our team has worked so hard for the love of the craft and the story!
Locations
Costs $3,500
Two of our scenes take place in areas we can't exactly get to without help: a bar and a bookstore!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Ashley Lavalle - Writer, Director, Executive Producer
My name is Ashley Lavalle, and I've been immersed in the film and theatre world for as long as I can remember. I am a graduate of Pace University, earning a BFA degree in Acting for Film, Television, Voiceovers, and Commercials. I also spent time at Oxford studying with the British American Drama Academy. I've worked both in front and behind the camera, knowing it's important to understand both areas. When it comes to production, I have previous experience as a director, script supervisor, and video editor. Most recently, I worked as a stage hand for the play Blue Bottle.
This film is both frightening for me to put out in the world and cathartic. I'm so insanely appreciative of the crew I have and could not be more grateful for the support I've received thus far.
Leah Rasmussen - Director of Photography
My name is Leah Rasmussen, I am 28 years old, and currently based in NYC. I am a passionate worker in the film industry and a lover of storytelling. So many franchises, like Marvel, got me introduced to what life was like behind the scenes of films, and I knew I’ve always wanted to be a part of that world.
I mainly work on short projects as DP/Director/1st AC and occasionally do set photography. I love creating and bringing my friends' creative works to life in any way I can! Which is why I am excited to DP ‘Alphabet Soup’! This movie will reach and relate to many young adults out there trying to find out who they are, and despite it being a bit scary, it can also be beautiful.
Grace Combs - Assistant Director
My name is Grace, I’m 26 years old, and I’m so excited to be a part of this project! Most of my filmmaking so far consists of amateur projects with my friends, so this will be my first foray into a professional setting. I’ll be acting as an assistant director, in charge of wrangling the talent and making sure things stay on track, as well as providing support to the director however needed.
This film’s story is about coming of age in a world of overwhelming opinions, where being any kind of different comes with the fear of being rejected. As someone who identifies as asexual, if I had been able to watch a film like this in high school, it could have spared me a lot of grief and self-doubt. Any chance this film can provide comfort to someone who’s feeling broken or alone makes it a project worthy of my time.
Shannon Marie Sullivan - Co-Producer
Hi! I'm Shannon Marie Sullivan -- an actor, filmmaker, and educator working professionally in NYC for the past 15 years. Notable acting credits include: "Law & Order", "Law & Order SVU", "NCIS: New Orleans", Basement, and much more. An ever-evolving artist, last year I produced my first feature documentary, We Learn to See By Singing in the Dark: Making the Opera Sensorium Ex, and am in pre-production for a sports documentary series, Measureless: The Untold Story of Sheck Exley. I am on faculty at Pace University, where I met writer/director Ashley Lavalle and served as her thesis advisor while she wrote Alphabet Soup. It is my honor to return to the project as a co-producer! Alphabet Soup exemplifies what I love about film -- the opportunity to share stories that deepen our understanding of humanity, expand our hearts, and invite us to reexamine our lives.
Aubrie Swaenepoel - Co-Producer
My name is Aubrie Swaenepoel. I am a senior at Pace University studying Acting for Film and Media. I am a part of the producing team for Alphabet Soup! I previously worked as an Associate Producer on the film The Week After, an opportunity I had through my Assistant to the Producer Internship at Pace University. I got into producing during my time at Pace because I wanted to help bring stories to life that I believe need to be told. That’s how I feel about Alphabet Soup; I believe this film is deeply meaningful and can help many people feel seen.