Amongst the Starz
Long Beach, California | Film Short
Family, Teen
As basketball season nears, cosmic loving teen CJ is focused on tryouts when she befriends the mysterious neighborhood kid Marz, who loves challenging her to games of 1on1, but after a confrontation leads to the loss of her grandma's necklace, she discovers new facets of the life she knew, and Marz.
Amongst the Starz
Long Beach, California | Film Short
Family, Teen
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,350 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
59 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
As basketball season nears, cosmic loving teen CJ is focused on tryouts when she befriends the mysterious neighborhood kid Marz, who loves challenging her to games of 1on1, but after a confrontation leads to the loss of her grandma's necklace, she discovers new facets of the life she knew, and Marz.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
CJ, an easygoing teen, spends her days the same, practicing ball and watching space launches. Although recently a mysterious new kid at the park, Marz, has befriended her and they quickly become close friends. Following a game of pick up, Marz persuades CJ to break free from her routine, reluctantly she joins him.
(CJ and Marz Meet at the Park)
Their adventure takes them to a food truck event, where CJ reveals her fascination with space is due to feeling like a piece of her lives there. In the midst of their conversation, the neighborhood bully walks up and begins antagonizing CJ. Simultaneously, tensions are rising between CJ's parents back home, revealing hidden fractures within their seemingly well-put-together home.
(BTS Shots from the Trailer production)
After discovering she lost her grandmother’s necklace, CJ’s parents finally disclose a long-held secret and this revelation becomes a catalyst for healing within the family. Although the news shakes CJ's world, it leads her to discover the missing piece within herself and grapples with the realities of her new world.
(CJ and the Family have a serious talk)
Why is this story so important to tell, you ask? This story is not one of personal experience, but one of shared experience so, I wanted to tell it in a delicate way to give a voice to those who may have gone through it. This story was provided to me in a vision and I realized it is one that is shared by many, but told by little. Without giving too much of the amazing storyline away, this narrative aims to spread awareness of the importance of communication in families, family traumas and spirituality.
(BTS Shots from the Trailer production)
As the Writer and Director of this compelling story, my primary goal is to ignite meaningful conversations. I draw inspiration from directors like Justin Simeon and Jordan Peele, who excel in creating works that provoke thought and encourage dialogue. Jordan Peele's films, in particular, are masterful in leaving Easter eggs that invite viewers to revisit and discover new layers with each viewing—a technique I aim to emulate in this film. Even in the trailer, there are hidden clues that will only reveal themselves fully upon watching the entire film.
(BTS Shots from the Trailer production)
That is where your help comes in! With your support, our team will be able to do just that. Come with us as we travel life’s journey with CJ as she discovers herself Amongst the Stars.
(Amongst the Starz Trailer Poster)
$8,000 is our bare minimum to be successfully green-lit and our first goal.
We were able to put together just enough resources to shoot the trailer to provide a visual aid of the potential of this project, but in reaching our goal of $10,000, this will allow us to put this short into full production.
Once we reach $8,000 we will be green lit to go into full production and we will begin pre-production for our film. Upon completion of production and post-production, we will then begin to enter our amazing short into film festivals.
Where’s your money going exactly?
Budget Breakdown
· Production 72.0%
· Post Production 20%
· Festivals / Marketing 8%
Production
· Filming – I mean without this, we have nothing
· Lights – lighting will create the emotions for the film. Trust me it makes a difference
· Sound – this can make or break the film, we need good quality
· Crafty / Meals – gotta feed our talent, right!
· Rates – allows us to compensate everyone’s amazing skills and talents
· Locations – this will help us compensate those within our neighborhoods who allow us to use their spaces. Support small businesses.
Production is the meat and potatoes, bread and butter, however you want to call it, it’s the most important piece. Without this, we’ve got nothing. We will need to rent industry standard equipment in order to ensure the quality of our film is of standard for festival submissions and because we simply want it to look good! Look good, feel good.
Post Production
· Editing
· Composing
· Color Grading
· Sound
Yes, now we have a film, but a film is not complete just by filming. All the extra hard work happens once its all said and done. This is how we are going to make it all come together.
Festivals / Marketing
· Submission fees
What’s a film without telling people about it!? We will need help spreading the word for the film once complete. Allowing it to reach a wider audience, creating a variety of opportunities for all of us involved.
All of the cast & crew would just like to say thank you for your support. With your help, we'll be able to take this dream and make it a reality.
If anything, please FOLLOW & SHARE our campaign with all those you know. Every voice is needed big & small.
(Cast & Crew Photos from set)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Loations
Costs $400
For locking down locations to local supporters within our communities. To show our appreciation for their spaces.
FILMING
Costs $4,400
Obtaining all the proper equipment needed to produce a great film, including camera, lighting, and sound equipment.
Cast & Crew
Costs $2,400
To pay our cast & crew fair wages for all the talent they bring to the film. Couldn't do this without them.
Post Production
Costs $2,000
We have a film, but our film is not complete until it's been edited and all the loose ends put together in editing.
Festivals
Costs $800
Covers costs for festival submissions allowing us to share ATS with a larger audience, on bigger platforms.
Share this update!
About This Team
Right now, our team is small, but mighty, and room to grow. With our small crew and accessible resources, we were able to produce the trailer for this future short, but through this campaign, you can help us obtain the remaining missing pieces we need to make this short a masterpiece and that includes grip, sound and post. Regardless, check out our current mighty ATS Team below!
Jay Wilson
That's me. I am the writer and director of this amazing short. I would love to include a thorough list of accolades, awards and accomplishments, but I am a first time director and this is the first of many films I am working to bring to life. One small step for all film-kind.
Sade Wilson
Sade is one who wears many hats. By day she is a Education Code Specialist, by night a Production Manager and Assistant Director. She has assisted with the production of smaller shorts, such as "Perseverance" and "Courageous and Confident." As my sister and #1 supporter, I am glad to have her on my team.
Q Burdette
Is the man with a plan. He has produced over 300 videos and has worked with the likes of Jordin Sparks, Dawn Richard, and Keke Palmer. He is a videographer and editor born and raised in LA. He has a passion for capturing moments through movement, and his LA roots infuse his work with authenticity and vibrancy making every project come alive.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
CJ, an easygoing teen, spends her days the same, practicing ball and watching space launches. Although recently a mysterious new kid at the park, Marz, has befriended her and they quickly become close friends. Following a game of pick up, Marz persuades CJ to break free from her routine, reluctantly she joins him.
(CJ and Marz Meet at the Park)
Their adventure takes them to a food truck event, where CJ reveals her fascination with space is due to feeling like a piece of her lives there. In the midst of their conversation, the neighborhood bully walks up and begins antagonizing CJ. Simultaneously, tensions are rising between CJ's parents back home, revealing hidden fractures within their seemingly well-put-together home.
(BTS Shots from the Trailer production)
After discovering she lost her grandmother’s necklace, CJ’s parents finally disclose a long-held secret and this revelation becomes a catalyst for healing within the family. Although the news shakes CJ's world, it leads her to discover the missing piece within herself and grapples with the realities of her new world.
(CJ and the Family have a serious talk)
Why is this story so important to tell, you ask? This story is not one of personal experience, but one of shared experience so, I wanted to tell it in a delicate way to give a voice to those who may have gone through it. This story was provided to me in a vision and I realized it is one that is shared by many, but told by little. Without giving too much of the amazing storyline away, this narrative aims to spread awareness of the importance of communication in families, family traumas and spirituality.
(BTS Shots from the Trailer production)
As the Writer and Director of this compelling story, my primary goal is to ignite meaningful conversations. I draw inspiration from directors like Justin Simeon and Jordan Peele, who excel in creating works that provoke thought and encourage dialogue. Jordan Peele's films, in particular, are masterful in leaving Easter eggs that invite viewers to revisit and discover new layers with each viewing—a technique I aim to emulate in this film. Even in the trailer, there are hidden clues that will only reveal themselves fully upon watching the entire film.
(BTS Shots from the Trailer production)
That is where your help comes in! With your support, our team will be able to do just that. Come with us as we travel life’s journey with CJ as she discovers herself Amongst the Stars.
(Amongst the Starz Trailer Poster)
$8,000 is our bare minimum to be successfully green-lit and our first goal.
We were able to put together just enough resources to shoot the trailer to provide a visual aid of the potential of this project, but in reaching our goal of $10,000, this will allow us to put this short into full production.
Once we reach $8,000 we will be green lit to go into full production and we will begin pre-production for our film. Upon completion of production and post-production, we will then begin to enter our amazing short into film festivals.
Where’s your money going exactly?
Budget Breakdown
· Production 72.0%
· Post Production 20%
· Festivals / Marketing 8%
Production
· Filming – I mean without this, we have nothing
· Lights – lighting will create the emotions for the film. Trust me it makes a difference
· Sound – this can make or break the film, we need good quality
· Crafty / Meals – gotta feed our talent, right!
· Rates – allows us to compensate everyone’s amazing skills and talents
· Locations – this will help us compensate those within our neighborhoods who allow us to use their spaces. Support small businesses.
Production is the meat and potatoes, bread and butter, however you want to call it, it’s the most important piece. Without this, we’ve got nothing. We will need to rent industry standard equipment in order to ensure the quality of our film is of standard for festival submissions and because we simply want it to look good! Look good, feel good.
Post Production
· Editing
· Composing
· Color Grading
· Sound
Yes, now we have a film, but a film is not complete just by filming. All the extra hard work happens once its all said and done. This is how we are going to make it all come together.
Festivals / Marketing
· Submission fees
What’s a film without telling people about it!? We will need help spreading the word for the film once complete. Allowing it to reach a wider audience, creating a variety of opportunities for all of us involved.
All of the cast & crew would just like to say thank you for your support. With your help, we'll be able to take this dream and make it a reality.
If anything, please FOLLOW & SHARE our campaign with all those you know. Every voice is needed big & small.
(Cast & Crew Photos from set)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Loations
Costs $400
For locking down locations to local supporters within our communities. To show our appreciation for their spaces.
FILMING
Costs $4,400
Obtaining all the proper equipment needed to produce a great film, including camera, lighting, and sound equipment.
Cast & Crew
Costs $2,400
To pay our cast & crew fair wages for all the talent they bring to the film. Couldn't do this without them.
Post Production
Costs $2,000
We have a film, but our film is not complete until it's been edited and all the loose ends put together in editing.
Festivals
Costs $800
Covers costs for festival submissions allowing us to share ATS with a larger audience, on bigger platforms.
Share this update!
About This Team
Right now, our team is small, but mighty, and room to grow. With our small crew and accessible resources, we were able to produce the trailer for this future short, but through this campaign, you can help us obtain the remaining missing pieces we need to make this short a masterpiece and that includes grip, sound and post. Regardless, check out our current mighty ATS Team below!
Jay Wilson
That's me. I am the writer and director of this amazing short. I would love to include a thorough list of accolades, awards and accomplishments, but I am a first time director and this is the first of many films I am working to bring to life. One small step for all film-kind.
Sade Wilson
Sade is one who wears many hats. By day she is a Education Code Specialist, by night a Production Manager and Assistant Director. She has assisted with the production of smaller shorts, such as "Perseverance" and "Courageous and Confident." As my sister and #1 supporter, I am glad to have her on my team.
Q Burdette
Is the man with a plan. He has produced over 300 videos and has worked with the likes of Jordin Sparks, Dawn Richard, and Keke Palmer. He is a videographer and editor born and raised in LA. He has a passion for capturing moments through movement, and his LA roots infuse his work with authenticity and vibrancy making every project come alive.