Barracuda
San Antonio, Texas | Film Short
Crime, Drama
Broke, brilliant, and troubled, Ezra, a dropout, turns a dark web data breach into an illegal multimillion-dollar empire. But power comes at a price, and as paranoia, betrayal, and the line between right and wrong disappears, he faces the truth: when you sell your soul, there are no refunds.
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,657 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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Broke, brilliant, and troubled, Ezra, a dropout, turns a dark web data breach into an illegal multimillion-dollar empire. But power comes at a price, and as paranoia, betrayal, and the line between right and wrong disappears, he faces the truth: when you sell your soul, there are no refunds.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Imagine waking up one morning to find the digital keys to everything— social security numbers, private addresses, and intimate details of billions— spilled onto the darkest corners of the internet. This isn't the plot for the next generic Netflix thriller series. This was April 2024. While the world blinked and moved on, the fallout created a manic frenzy for cyber criminals from all across the globe.
A 40-minute crime drama/dark comedy inspired by last year’s events, Barracuda makes for a timely and deeply personal commentary on the age of digital enslavement in which we’re currently living in. At the story’s center is Ezra Iscariot. At 23, he's a brilliant college dropout haunted by the recent tragic deaths of his parents and struggling with the care of his quadriplegic younger brother. Having gone his whole life poverty-stricken, staring down a future built on society's scraps, Ezra sees the data breach not as a disaster but as salvation.
Satiric grit and digital noir— is the only way Barracuda can be tonally described. At its core, the film is a satiric black comedy, a gritty crime thriller, and a neo-noir drama.
How quickly does "enough" become "more"? In a generation tainted by hustle culture and exploitation over being a decent human, how far will someone go when backed into a corner? Rooted in the real-world anxieties of constant data mishandling and digital insecurity, our story explores the human cost and ethical decay behind the unrelenting world of online criminality without flinching or toning down the severity of this very true reality.
MEET THE HEART OF OUR STORY.
EZRA
A brilliant but deeply cynical hacker/scammer driven by a fierce desperation to escape poverty and provide for his brother. Charismatic, sharp, and quick on his feet, albeit morally flexible, he masterminds increasingly risky cons as he aims higher and higher up the food chain. His appetite for power clashes constantly with his buried conscience, generating an internal, paradoxical mental battle.
PEDRO
Ezra's pragmatic and tech-savvy right-hand man, Pedro is, and always has been, a hustler. Loyal to the operation, he handles the technical legwork and isn't afraid to make ruthless decisions when necessary. He often acts as a grounded, if morally compromised, counterpoint to Ezra's volatility.
FRANK
A gifted technical mind haunted by personal demons and a crippling drug addiction makes Frank both an invaluable asset and a volatile liability. Once a respected university professor, his erratic behavior and simmering rage all stem from a marriage gone down the drain. His brilliance is constantly overshadowed by his unpredictability, posing anywhere from a mild to wildly intense threat to the crew's stability.
MICHAEL
A manipulative and unnervingly calm FBI agent specializing in cybercrime, projecting an air of bureaucratic control that masks a cold ruthlessness. Operating with a disturbing ambiguity beneath his professional mask, his relentless pursuit suggests motivations that may extend beyond simple justice.
SAL
An arrogant, fast-talking, and obscenely wealthy tech CEO embodying corporate vulgarity and entitlement. Dismissive of consequences and accustomed to wielding power, he operates with a casual disregard for legality and rules altogether. His overconfidence and involvement in more than shady dealings make him a significant, though maybe underestimated, player in the unfolding anarchy.
Barracuda visually rejects polished perfection for a raw, visceral, documentary-like aesthetic that throws you directly into Ezra's increasingly chaotic headspace. Shot entirely using a combination of anamorphic and vintage lenses, including the Helios 44-2 (famously used on The Batman (2022) and Dune Part II (2024), presented in a wide 2.39:1 aspect ratio; a combination we think will paint a distinct, character-rich image that feels both cinematic and intimately flawed.
We're emulating the look and feel of 35mm Kodak Vision3 250D and 500T color negative film. Expect deep colors, tangible grain, and a slightly surreal, nostalgic quality.
The camera rarely sits still. Primarily handheld or shoulder-rigged, we move as the characters move, making for an organic sense of immersion, placing you directly into their shoes, creating a viewing that makes you feel like a witness to real, unscripted events.
Our production approach is lean and agile, minimizing overblown large-scale setups for smaller, more run-and-gun rigs to emphasize realism and capture the more intimate moments within a completely character-driven story.
Barracuda doesn't exist in a vacuum. Its foundation is derived from a myriad of modern classics that explore the deeply complex themes of contemporary life.
If you felt the kinetic, darkly comedic rise and fall of Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) or the audacious, based-on-real-events hustle of Todd Phillips War Dogs (2016), you'll recognize the frantic energy and intensity driving Barracuda.
The film shares a lineage with the psychological intensity and anti-establishment edge of David Fincher’s Fight Club (1999), questioning societal structures and delving into the mindset of someone operating outside the lines. Parallel to USA Networks Mr. Robot (2015-2019), Barracuda plunges into the authentic anxieties and technical realities of the cyber world.
Shooting entirely on location in San Antonio, TX, we have already partnered with some of the city’s most unique and prestigious businesses, utilizing the city's distinct blend of industrial landscapes and vibrant downtown energy, infusing every moment with a lived-in authenticity that feels undeniably real.
Here's a small peek of what to expect:
Barracuda is tailored specifically for viewers who crave and appreciate intelligent, tastefully edgy, and thought-provoking media.
Audiences who appreciate fast-paced, high-stakes stories exploring the criminal underworld and the consequences of risky/dangerous choices will find themselves feeling right at home.
Beyond specific genres, Barracuda tells an urgent and relevant human story about ambition, desperation, family, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a chaotic modern world. It's a cautionary tale that aims to resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider fighting a rigged system.
$3,750
This is what our team aims to raise to cover production costs as we roll cameras this upcoming summer. This is the absolute bare minimum that is required in order to begin and keep production up and running.
Here's exactly how your contribution will be allocated.
While part of a larger production plan, achieving this specific goal allows us to secure the essential elements that define what this film will be through gaining access to operational necessities. Every single dollar you contribute goes directly onto the screen and helps ensure we can shoot effectively and keep our team energized.
Why Barracuda, Why Now?
We are in a transitional period in history, the middle children of a much larger picture. Unthinkable amounts of sensitive information are now unrestricted and readily available to anyone with a device and a droplet of curiosity, or animosity. How we act now will determine whether our human lineage lives or dies to the machine. That isn’t hyperbole either; events like this set a precedent that inevitably have a trickle-down effect in which sets the stage for more complex, catastrophic scenes down the line.
In an era defined by constant data leaks, partnered with the rapid rise of AI-driven scams, and the blurring of ethical lines in the relentless pursuit of the 'hustle,' Barracuda is a story that, as each day passes, becomes more and more essential to tell. It’s a mirror reflecting the cracks of right now, told in a deeply personal, human way.
I believe this story needs to be told not just to entertain and provoke thought but also to serve as a crucial warning. Your contribution makes this urgent vision possible. Join us in making something special, unique, and full of heart for the screen.
-Le
FOLLOW US ON SEED & SPARK AND OTHER SOCIALS.
Use the tag #Barracuda on social media and tag us @Barracuda.onnion on Instagram!
If you're interested, here is some other work from our writer & director, Le.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Lens Package
Costs $700
This is the soul of Barracuda's unique visuals. Separate from the camera body, these are essential to achieve the textured, cinematic look.
Camera Package
Costs $1,670
This covers the rental of the core camera body and essential rigging to capture the absolute heart of Barracuda's unique visual identity.
Locations & Production Design
Costs $400
Creating a distinct, tangible world requires both securing authentic spaces and dressing them effectively. This covers that!
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $350
Keeping our dedicated cast and crew fueled and focused is crucial. This ensures we can provide meals and sufficient craft services for all.
Wardrobe & Props
Costs $330
The small details sell the story. This grants us flexibility to source or create the specific wardrobe pieces to define our characters look.
Transportation
Costs $300
Moving people and gear efficiently across our diverse San Antonio locations is key. This budget covers essential transportation costs.
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET OUR LEAD PRODUCTION TEAM.
We are proud to have a team composed fully of POCs and predominantly women in our lead and intermediate production roles.
LE | Writer, Director and Cinematographer
DANNA | Unit Production Manager
MADDISON | Assistant Director
MCKENNA | Executive Producer
GINGER | Producer
Ron Rios | Producer
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Imagine waking up one morning to find the digital keys to everything— social security numbers, private addresses, and intimate details of billions— spilled onto the darkest corners of the internet. This isn't the plot for the next generic Netflix thriller series. This was April 2024. While the world blinked and moved on, the fallout created a manic frenzy for cyber criminals from all across the globe.
A 40-minute crime drama/dark comedy inspired by last year’s events, Barracuda makes for a timely and deeply personal commentary on the age of digital enslavement in which we’re currently living in. At the story’s center is Ezra Iscariot. At 23, he's a brilliant college dropout haunted by the recent tragic deaths of his parents and struggling with the care of his quadriplegic younger brother. Having gone his whole life poverty-stricken, staring down a future built on society's scraps, Ezra sees the data breach not as a disaster but as salvation.
Satiric grit and digital noir— is the only way Barracuda can be tonally described. At its core, the film is a satiric black comedy, a gritty crime thriller, and a neo-noir drama.
How quickly does "enough" become "more"? In a generation tainted by hustle culture and exploitation over being a decent human, how far will someone go when backed into a corner? Rooted in the real-world anxieties of constant data mishandling and digital insecurity, our story explores the human cost and ethical decay behind the unrelenting world of online criminality without flinching or toning down the severity of this very true reality.
MEET THE HEART OF OUR STORY.
EZRA
A brilliant but deeply cynical hacker/scammer driven by a fierce desperation to escape poverty and provide for his brother. Charismatic, sharp, and quick on his feet, albeit morally flexible, he masterminds increasingly risky cons as he aims higher and higher up the food chain. His appetite for power clashes constantly with his buried conscience, generating an internal, paradoxical mental battle.
PEDRO
Ezra's pragmatic and tech-savvy right-hand man, Pedro is, and always has been, a hustler. Loyal to the operation, he handles the technical legwork and isn't afraid to make ruthless decisions when necessary. He often acts as a grounded, if morally compromised, counterpoint to Ezra's volatility.
FRANK
A gifted technical mind haunted by personal demons and a crippling drug addiction makes Frank both an invaluable asset and a volatile liability. Once a respected university professor, his erratic behavior and simmering rage all stem from a marriage gone down the drain. His brilliance is constantly overshadowed by his unpredictability, posing anywhere from a mild to wildly intense threat to the crew's stability.
MICHAEL
A manipulative and unnervingly calm FBI agent specializing in cybercrime, projecting an air of bureaucratic control that masks a cold ruthlessness. Operating with a disturbing ambiguity beneath his professional mask, his relentless pursuit suggests motivations that may extend beyond simple justice.
SAL
An arrogant, fast-talking, and obscenely wealthy tech CEO embodying corporate vulgarity and entitlement. Dismissive of consequences and accustomed to wielding power, he operates with a casual disregard for legality and rules altogether. His overconfidence and involvement in more than shady dealings make him a significant, though maybe underestimated, player in the unfolding anarchy.
Barracuda visually rejects polished perfection for a raw, visceral, documentary-like aesthetic that throws you directly into Ezra's increasingly chaotic headspace. Shot entirely using a combination of anamorphic and vintage lenses, including the Helios 44-2 (famously used on The Batman (2022) and Dune Part II (2024), presented in a wide 2.39:1 aspect ratio; a combination we think will paint a distinct, character-rich image that feels both cinematic and intimately flawed.
We're emulating the look and feel of 35mm Kodak Vision3 250D and 500T color negative film. Expect deep colors, tangible grain, and a slightly surreal, nostalgic quality.
The camera rarely sits still. Primarily handheld or shoulder-rigged, we move as the characters move, making for an organic sense of immersion, placing you directly into their shoes, creating a viewing that makes you feel like a witness to real, unscripted events.
Our production approach is lean and agile, minimizing overblown large-scale setups for smaller, more run-and-gun rigs to emphasize realism and capture the more intimate moments within a completely character-driven story.
Barracuda doesn't exist in a vacuum. Its foundation is derived from a myriad of modern classics that explore the deeply complex themes of contemporary life.
If you felt the kinetic, darkly comedic rise and fall of Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) or the audacious, based-on-real-events hustle of Todd Phillips War Dogs (2016), you'll recognize the frantic energy and intensity driving Barracuda.
The film shares a lineage with the psychological intensity and anti-establishment edge of David Fincher’s Fight Club (1999), questioning societal structures and delving into the mindset of someone operating outside the lines. Parallel to USA Networks Mr. Robot (2015-2019), Barracuda plunges into the authentic anxieties and technical realities of the cyber world.
Shooting entirely on location in San Antonio, TX, we have already partnered with some of the city’s most unique and prestigious businesses, utilizing the city's distinct blend of industrial landscapes and vibrant downtown energy, infusing every moment with a lived-in authenticity that feels undeniably real.
Here's a small peek of what to expect:
Barracuda is tailored specifically for viewers who crave and appreciate intelligent, tastefully edgy, and thought-provoking media.
Audiences who appreciate fast-paced, high-stakes stories exploring the criminal underworld and the consequences of risky/dangerous choices will find themselves feeling right at home.
Beyond specific genres, Barracuda tells an urgent and relevant human story about ambition, desperation, family, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a chaotic modern world. It's a cautionary tale that aims to resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider fighting a rigged system.
$3,750
This is what our team aims to raise to cover production costs as we roll cameras this upcoming summer. This is the absolute bare minimum that is required in order to begin and keep production up and running.
Here's exactly how your contribution will be allocated.
While part of a larger production plan, achieving this specific goal allows us to secure the essential elements that define what this film will be through gaining access to operational necessities. Every single dollar you contribute goes directly onto the screen and helps ensure we can shoot effectively and keep our team energized.
Why Barracuda, Why Now?
We are in a transitional period in history, the middle children of a much larger picture. Unthinkable amounts of sensitive information are now unrestricted and readily available to anyone with a device and a droplet of curiosity, or animosity. How we act now will determine whether our human lineage lives or dies to the machine. That isn’t hyperbole either; events like this set a precedent that inevitably have a trickle-down effect in which sets the stage for more complex, catastrophic scenes down the line.
In an era defined by constant data leaks, partnered with the rapid rise of AI-driven scams, and the blurring of ethical lines in the relentless pursuit of the 'hustle,' Barracuda is a story that, as each day passes, becomes more and more essential to tell. It’s a mirror reflecting the cracks of right now, told in a deeply personal, human way.
I believe this story needs to be told not just to entertain and provoke thought but also to serve as a crucial warning. Your contribution makes this urgent vision possible. Join us in making something special, unique, and full of heart for the screen.
-Le
FOLLOW US ON SEED & SPARK AND OTHER SOCIALS.
Use the tag #Barracuda on social media and tag us @Barracuda.onnion on Instagram!
If you're interested, here is some other work from our writer & director, Le.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Lens Package
Costs $700
This is the soul of Barracuda's unique visuals. Separate from the camera body, these are essential to achieve the textured, cinematic look.
Camera Package
Costs $1,670
This covers the rental of the core camera body and essential rigging to capture the absolute heart of Barracuda's unique visual identity.
Locations & Production Design
Costs $400
Creating a distinct, tangible world requires both securing authentic spaces and dressing them effectively. This covers that!
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $350
Keeping our dedicated cast and crew fueled and focused is crucial. This ensures we can provide meals and sufficient craft services for all.
Wardrobe & Props
Costs $330
The small details sell the story. This grants us flexibility to source or create the specific wardrobe pieces to define our characters look.
Transportation
Costs $300
Moving people and gear efficiently across our diverse San Antonio locations is key. This budget covers essential transportation costs.
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET OUR LEAD PRODUCTION TEAM.
We are proud to have a team composed fully of POCs and predominantly women in our lead and intermediate production roles.
LE | Writer, Director and Cinematographer
DANNA | Unit Production Manager
MADDISON | Assistant Director
MCKENNA | Executive Producer
GINGER | Producer
Ron Rios | Producer