Arcadia Village

Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Film Short

Drama, Thriller

Isabel Engel

1 Campaigns |

27 days :08 hrs :56 mins

Until Deadline

23 supporters | followers

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$4,500

Goal: $10,000 for production

When expecting mother Liza finds something disturbing in her trash bin, she must confront what it means for the life she’s built in her seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood.

About The Project

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Mission Statement

Arcadia Village explores fears of motherhood, the illusion of safety, and the unsettling realization that evil can exist in the most unexpected of places. Through psychological horror, the film examines how some of the greatest dangers can hide behind the people and places we trust most.

The Story


Liza and her husband Chris have recently moved into Arcadia Village, a seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood where they hope to build a future for their growing family. While preparing their new home for the arrival of their first child, Liza discovers something disturbing hidden in her trash bin.


Unsure how it got there or why it was left behind, Liza begins to look differently at the world around her. As the certainty she once felt about her home begins to fade, she is forced to question how well she truly knows the people closest to her- the friends, neighbors, and loved ones she has built her life around.




The concept for Arcadia Village came from an idea I had about what it might be like to discover the worst thing you could possibly find in a place you’d least expect. Would your perception of the place alter based on this discovery, even if the place itself hasn’t changed? In the film, Liza and her family live in an idyllic suburban neighborhood- a community in which she values and trusts. But as that trust is brought into question, she is forced to reconsider how well she knows the people closest to her. 





The story encapsulates my own thoughts and worries, such as fears of motherhood, the illusion of safety, and the revelation that evil often hides just beneath the surface. But as uncertainty continues to shape the world around us, I think the film will speak to many people’s current social anxieties and fears. I hope Arcadia Village will make for an unsettling and thought provoking experience that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll.




The visual style of Arcadia Village will contrast the psychological tension of the story with a world that feels familiar and ordinary. The film will present its suburban setting with a sense of normalcy, allowing the tension to come from the characters and the uncertainty surrounding them.



We will utilize longer lenses, restrained camera movement, voyeuristic compositions, and unusual framing that makes use of limited space within the frame. Inspired by the films of Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth, The Killing of a Sacred Deer), the camera will maintain an observational perspective, allowing the audience to experience the story through a quiet and detached lens.


Dogtooth (2009)


Killing of the Sacred Deer (2017)






Our goal is $10,000 in 30 days. We need your help.


Funds raised through Seed&Spark will go directly toward location fees, cast and crew compensation, production design, props, wardrobe, equipment, catering, and post-production, including editing, sound design, color grading, and festival deliverables.


A portion of the budget will also be allocated to festival submission fees. Our goal is to share Arcadia Village with audiences through the festival circuit and introduce the film to viewers who connect with thoughtful, character-driven psychological horror.




Spread the Word!


The biggest way you can help us reach our crowdfunding goal is by sharing Arcadia Village with your community. Every share, repost, and conversation helps us reach beyond our immediate networks and bring this film to life. If you’d like to support an independent filmmaker and help bring this psychological thriller short film to the screen, you can make a difference in our success!


Please share our campaign through social media, email, word-of-mouth — however you want! We truly can’t do this without you.


Please copy and paste the text below!


"Help bring psychological thriller short film Arcadia Village to life! The short film written and directed by Isabel Engel follows an expecting mother who discovers something unsettling in her seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood. Support the campaign on @seedandspark: bit.ly/arcadiavillagefilm"


Thank You!


Thank you for taking the time to learn about Arcadia Village. Whether you make a contribution, follow the campaign, or share it with others, your support helps make this film possible. We appreciate you being here.


Wishlist

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

Cast and Crew

Costs $5,900

Support the talented cast and crew who are bringing Arcadia Village to life through their time, skills, and dedication.

Post Production

Costs $1,200

Help us complete the final stages of Arcadia Village through editing, color, sound, and other finishing touches.

Props & Wardrobe

Costs $830

Help us create the world of Arcadia Village through the props, set details, and wardrobe that bring the story to life.

Catering & Craft Services

Costs $470

Keep our cast and crew energized with meals, snacks, and drinks throughout production.

Location Rental

Costs $500

Help us secure the locations needed to create the world and atmosphere of Arcadia Village.

Film Festival Submission Fees

Costs $500

Help us share Arcadia Village with audiences by submitting the film to festivals around the country.

Contingency

Costs $600

Cover unexpected production costs and ensure we can complete the film without compromising our vision.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

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