Blood and Milk
New Orleans, Louisiana | Film Short
Drama
What do we do with the pieces of our broken souls after traumatic events? What do we wonder about…and worry about? BLOOD AND MILK follows a teenager on the journey of answering these questions for herself.
Blood and Milk
New Orleans, Louisiana | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | Louisiana, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $13,240 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
69 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
What do we do with the pieces of our broken souls after traumatic events? What do we wonder about…and worry about? BLOOD AND MILK follows a teenager on the journey of answering these questions for herself.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The story of this short film takes place a few years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Weezy, a day-dreaming teenager living in New Orleans, feels safest with her mind amongst the clouds, reflecting on the wonder of the world, while perusing her local thrift store with her best friend, Virginia. She does this so she can distance herself from the difficult parts of her life: living in a trailer in the front yard of her flooded home, adjusting to her changing body, and navigating her problematic relationships with her crush, her mother, and her mother's boyfriend. But when Weezy becomes pregnant, she has to abandon the clouds and come crashing down to Earth in order to figure out what to do about it.
I wrote this film as a survivor of two life-changing events:
I was a teenager with my sisters when our New Orleans community was torn apart after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina...
...and I was a mother with young daughters living in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In both instances, I experienced first-hand how difficult it is for children to rebound after a catastrophic event – and I saw how the world expects them to be resilient and adapt quickly to the change. We expect young people to grow up the way they always have, but we do not realize how alone they are.
Both the Hurricane Katrina devastation and the COVID-19 pandemic left a legacy of isolation and confusion, not just for young people, but for our society as a whole. To combat this, many systems and industries are currently experiencing a time of rebuilding. For the entertainment industry in particular, now needs to be a time of healing and a time to remember what is important in our culture and fortify it. It is important to tell the tough stories to heal – stories that will bring us together and allow us to grieve. Only then will we be able to move on to happier, healthier lives. And perhaps move on again to be able to dream amongst the clouds...
I was always a writer, but the first time I wrote a play was the semester after Hurricane Katrina. It gave me an artistic outlet that I hadn’t explored before and in truth, being able to tell my own stories saved me.
Since then, I have found myself to be at my happiest when writing about New Orleans and its people. Since that first play, I have written many plays, screenplays, and television episodes. But this will be the first film I wrote myself that I will be directing – which means it will be a window into my full vision.
They say the things that scare you the most are the ones you care the most about – and if that is true, then this will be a hell of a great film.
All of the themes I write about are converging in this story: New Orleans history, female generations of family, magical realism, trauma, home/belonging, and self-identity. Also, oak trees. I love oak trees. The tone is a coming-of-age drama in the world of Beasts of the Southern Wild. There are two distinctive visual feelings of the film. The first are the harsh bright white tones of the hospital room, the school, and the inside of the trailer, which then contrasts with the warm comforting sanctuary of the thrift shop with string lights and whimsical items hanging from the ceiling. This film is unique because it centers on a multifaceted black female teenage story that hasn’t been seen since the film Precious.
To make this short film, we will need to pay for a lot of elements that include three days of filming and two months of post-production for a total budget of $12,000.
If you resonated with the story and sentiments shared here, we would be honored to have you as our partner in getting this film made. There are multiple ways to do so:
"Make a Pledge" – Financial contribution to this campaign page – any amount helps! Just click the "Make a Pledge" button at the top and follow the instructions.
"Wishlist" – Please consider clicking on our "Wishlist" tab above to see if you can help out in other ways.
"Follow" – It boosts our campaign profile if you become a follower of this campaign by clicking the heart "Follow" button at the top – that way you can stay updated on our progress.
"SHARE" – Lastly, it helps us if you "Share" this page with your friends and family!
If you have any questions or comments for us, please click the "Comment" button at the top.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $1,500
Cost to pay five New Orleans actors for three days of filming.
Crew
Costs $2,000
Cost to pay crew working on set for three days of filming.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $1,500
Cost to pay for cameras, lenses, lighting, microphones, and insurance.
Locations
Costs $400
Cost to pay for places where we will be filming.
Props, Costumes, Make Up
Costs $100
Cost for what the actors hold, wear, and look like.
Meals
Costs $600
Cost to feed cast and crew working on set for three filming days.
Transportation
Costs $400
Cost to move the cast, crew, and equipment to and from locations.
Music and Sound Mixing
Costs $1,500
Cost to level the sound and add music to the film.
Editing and Color Correcting
Costs $2,500
Cost to professionally edit the look of every frame of the film.
Film Festival Applications
Costs $500
Cost to submit the film to festivals and screenings around the country.
Contingency
Costs $1,000
An emergency fund in case something goes wrong.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Eve Crusto (Writer, Director, Producer) is a writer and mother on a mission to bring her ancestral Louisiana Creole stories to life. She holds a BA in African American Studies from Mount Holyoke College, a Louisiana Teacher Certification via Teach For America (Greater New Orleans), and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she was a recipient of the Rita and Burton Goldberg Award for Excellence in Screenwriting. Her screenplays have received honors from the Chicago International Film Festival, the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, and NYU's Fusion Film Festival. Her plays have been performed in California, Colorado, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, and New York including at Theatre for the New City, La Mama E.T.C., Theatre Row, and The Producer’s Club. She is an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Screenwriting Competition Finalist, a recipient of the Theatre Masters National MFA Playwrights Award, a featured TV writer of Tisch’s OTHER Showcase of Under-heard Voices, and the winner of the 2020 Development Grant from the International Centre for Women Playwrights. Eve was a staff writer on DreamWorks' FRIGHT KREWE for Hulu/Disney+. Eve lives in Los Angeles, but New Orleans lives in her.
Jo Rochelle (Producer) is a Jamaican American TV writer and filmmaker, based in Los Angeles, originally from Minneapolis. She holds a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is an alumnus of Teach For America (Mississippi Delta). With Issa Rae Productions, she created and directed BLACK STUDENT UNION (BSU). She is also the creator and director of the digital series, DORM THERAPY and MAX COMPACT. Jo has written on several series for Black&Sexy TV. Her work has screened at Dances with Films, Urbanworld, and BlackStar, among others. She has developed a family drama pilot at Netflix and has written for GOOD TROUBLE on Freeform/Hulu.
Adam Stephenson (Casting Director) is an industry Veteran of 16 years and nearly 100 credits as an Actor, Screenwriter, and Casting Professional. He has appeared on screen in recurring roles on MR. MERCEDES, THE PURGE, and 13 REASONS WHY along with Guest Starring episodes of CHICAGO MED, LEVERAGE: REDEMPTION and THE RESIDENT. In the Casting department, he has worked with Coulon Casting in New Orleans to help populate the worlds of Marvel's LOGAN, 3 Seasons of Disney's THE SECRET OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, and cult horror hits FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S and RENFIELD. Adam funnels all of this experience into his newest venture, Mad Sparks Productions. Being on set of low-budget Indies all the way to 9-figure Studio Blockbusters alongside directors like Chris Landon, Antoine Fuqua, and Jack Bender has been invaluable in understanding every aspect of Filmmaking. A firm believer that "all ships rise with the tide"; he hopes to partner his production company with other storytellers to bring more entertainment from concept to festival premieres and beyond.
J’aiLa Christina Price (playing Weezy) is a Black female educator, artist, and advocator committed to empowering the global majority, ensuring her stories resonate within and beyond her communities. With an M.F.A. in Film and Theatre from the University of New Orleans, she has cultivated a rich and diverse career in the performing arts. She has been recognized as the Region 6 Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship recipient at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) 56 and recently played Raylyn in Blood at the Root, one of the invited performances at KCACTF 56, directed by R’Myni Watson. With The Nola Project, J’aiLa portrayed Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Gifty in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Her performances continued with Le Petit Theater Reading Series (Petit Reads) as Opal in Fat Ham and at Tulane’s Shakespeare Festival as Katherina (Kate) in The Taming of the Shrew. Through her work, J’aiLa Christina Price continuously learns and evolves, leveraging her talents and skills to inspire, empower, and unite artists.
K Steele (playing Francine) is from Violet, Louisiana, located in the greater New Orleans area. She studied Theatre at The University of New Orleans, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Her first Television debut was on the award-winning American Drama Series, "Queen Sugar" (Ava DuVernay).
Jailyn Rae (playing Virginia) is a dynamic actress from New Orleans, Louisiana. Represented by Action Talent Agency and Mincks Talent Management, she's known for roles in 'Lisa Frankenstein' and 'Lights Out.' With versatility in commercials and print ads, Jailyn, a skilled vocalist and musician, brings a vibrant spirit to both stage and screen.
Malik Eli (playing Tex) is an actor born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up, he was involved in musical theatre and has done multiple stage shows including Grease and Clue. Malik now actively pursues acting in film and television. You can see him in ‘The Tutor’ (2023) and the upcoming film ‘Average Joe’ (2024).
Kevin Cheatham (playing Meric) was born in New York but raised in New Orleans since he was a teenager. He is a father of three adults and a new-to-the-world granddaughter. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard where he has had many experiences. Acting has been his joy but he also performs stunts for film and television. He holds a B.S. in IT Management and is working towards a B.A. in Digital Cinematography. He enjoys anything that takes him outdoors from festivals to playing in league sports.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The story of this short film takes place a few years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Weezy, a day-dreaming teenager living in New Orleans, feels safest with her mind amongst the clouds, reflecting on the wonder of the world, while perusing her local thrift store with her best friend, Virginia. She does this so she can distance herself from the difficult parts of her life: living in a trailer in the front yard of her flooded home, adjusting to her changing body, and navigating her problematic relationships with her crush, her mother, and her mother's boyfriend. But when Weezy becomes pregnant, she has to abandon the clouds and come crashing down to Earth in order to figure out what to do about it.
I wrote this film as a survivor of two life-changing events:
I was a teenager with my sisters when our New Orleans community was torn apart after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina...
...and I was a mother with young daughters living in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In both instances, I experienced first-hand how difficult it is for children to rebound after a catastrophic event – and I saw how the world expects them to be resilient and adapt quickly to the change. We expect young people to grow up the way they always have, but we do not realize how alone they are.
Both the Hurricane Katrina devastation and the COVID-19 pandemic left a legacy of isolation and confusion, not just for young people, but for our society as a whole. To combat this, many systems and industries are currently experiencing a time of rebuilding. For the entertainment industry in particular, now needs to be a time of healing and a time to remember what is important in our culture and fortify it. It is important to tell the tough stories to heal – stories that will bring us together and allow us to grieve. Only then will we be able to move on to happier, healthier lives. And perhaps move on again to be able to dream amongst the clouds...
I was always a writer, but the first time I wrote a play was the semester after Hurricane Katrina. It gave me an artistic outlet that I hadn’t explored before and in truth, being able to tell my own stories saved me.
Since then, I have found myself to be at my happiest when writing about New Orleans and its people. Since that first play, I have written many plays, screenplays, and television episodes. But this will be the first film I wrote myself that I will be directing – which means it will be a window into my full vision.
They say the things that scare you the most are the ones you care the most about – and if that is true, then this will be a hell of a great film.
All of the themes I write about are converging in this story: New Orleans history, female generations of family, magical realism, trauma, home/belonging, and self-identity. Also, oak trees. I love oak trees. The tone is a coming-of-age drama in the world of Beasts of the Southern Wild. There are two distinctive visual feelings of the film. The first are the harsh bright white tones of the hospital room, the school, and the inside of the trailer, which then contrasts with the warm comforting sanctuary of the thrift shop with string lights and whimsical items hanging from the ceiling. This film is unique because it centers on a multifaceted black female teenage story that hasn’t been seen since the film Precious.
To make this short film, we will need to pay for a lot of elements that include three days of filming and two months of post-production for a total budget of $12,000.
If you resonated with the story and sentiments shared here, we would be honored to have you as our partner in getting this film made. There are multiple ways to do so:
"Make a Pledge" – Financial contribution to this campaign page – any amount helps! Just click the "Make a Pledge" button at the top and follow the instructions.
"Wishlist" – Please consider clicking on our "Wishlist" tab above to see if you can help out in other ways.
"Follow" – It boosts our campaign profile if you become a follower of this campaign by clicking the heart "Follow" button at the top – that way you can stay updated on our progress.
"SHARE" – Lastly, it helps us if you "Share" this page with your friends and family!
If you have any questions or comments for us, please click the "Comment" button at the top.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $1,500
Cost to pay five New Orleans actors for three days of filming.
Crew
Costs $2,000
Cost to pay crew working on set for three days of filming.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $1,500
Cost to pay for cameras, lenses, lighting, microphones, and insurance.
Locations
Costs $400
Cost to pay for places where we will be filming.
Props, Costumes, Make Up
Costs $100
Cost for what the actors hold, wear, and look like.
Meals
Costs $600
Cost to feed cast and crew working on set for three filming days.
Transportation
Costs $400
Cost to move the cast, crew, and equipment to and from locations.
Music and Sound Mixing
Costs $1,500
Cost to level the sound and add music to the film.
Editing and Color Correcting
Costs $2,500
Cost to professionally edit the look of every frame of the film.
Film Festival Applications
Costs $500
Cost to submit the film to festivals and screenings around the country.
Contingency
Costs $1,000
An emergency fund in case something goes wrong.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Eve Crusto (Writer, Director, Producer) is a writer and mother on a mission to bring her ancestral Louisiana Creole stories to life. She holds a BA in African American Studies from Mount Holyoke College, a Louisiana Teacher Certification via Teach For America (Greater New Orleans), and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she was a recipient of the Rita and Burton Goldberg Award for Excellence in Screenwriting. Her screenplays have received honors from the Chicago International Film Festival, the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, and NYU's Fusion Film Festival. Her plays have been performed in California, Colorado, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, and New York including at Theatre for the New City, La Mama E.T.C., Theatre Row, and The Producer’s Club. She is an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Screenwriting Competition Finalist, a recipient of the Theatre Masters National MFA Playwrights Award, a featured TV writer of Tisch’s OTHER Showcase of Under-heard Voices, and the winner of the 2020 Development Grant from the International Centre for Women Playwrights. Eve was a staff writer on DreamWorks' FRIGHT KREWE for Hulu/Disney+. Eve lives in Los Angeles, but New Orleans lives in her.
Jo Rochelle (Producer) is a Jamaican American TV writer and filmmaker, based in Los Angeles, originally from Minneapolis. She holds a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is an alumnus of Teach For America (Mississippi Delta). With Issa Rae Productions, she created and directed BLACK STUDENT UNION (BSU). She is also the creator and director of the digital series, DORM THERAPY and MAX COMPACT. Jo has written on several series for Black&Sexy TV. Her work has screened at Dances with Films, Urbanworld, and BlackStar, among others. She has developed a family drama pilot at Netflix and has written for GOOD TROUBLE on Freeform/Hulu.
Adam Stephenson (Casting Director) is an industry Veteran of 16 years and nearly 100 credits as an Actor, Screenwriter, and Casting Professional. He has appeared on screen in recurring roles on MR. MERCEDES, THE PURGE, and 13 REASONS WHY along with Guest Starring episodes of CHICAGO MED, LEVERAGE: REDEMPTION and THE RESIDENT. In the Casting department, he has worked with Coulon Casting in New Orleans to help populate the worlds of Marvel's LOGAN, 3 Seasons of Disney's THE SECRET OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, and cult horror hits FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S and RENFIELD. Adam funnels all of this experience into his newest venture, Mad Sparks Productions. Being on set of low-budget Indies all the way to 9-figure Studio Blockbusters alongside directors like Chris Landon, Antoine Fuqua, and Jack Bender has been invaluable in understanding every aspect of Filmmaking. A firm believer that "all ships rise with the tide"; he hopes to partner his production company with other storytellers to bring more entertainment from concept to festival premieres and beyond.
J’aiLa Christina Price (playing Weezy) is a Black female educator, artist, and advocator committed to empowering the global majority, ensuring her stories resonate within and beyond her communities. With an M.F.A. in Film and Theatre from the University of New Orleans, she has cultivated a rich and diverse career in the performing arts. She has been recognized as the Region 6 Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship recipient at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) 56 and recently played Raylyn in Blood at the Root, one of the invited performances at KCACTF 56, directed by R’Myni Watson. With The Nola Project, J’aiLa portrayed Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Gifty in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Her performances continued with Le Petit Theater Reading Series (Petit Reads) as Opal in Fat Ham and at Tulane’s Shakespeare Festival as Katherina (Kate) in The Taming of the Shrew. Through her work, J’aiLa Christina Price continuously learns and evolves, leveraging her talents and skills to inspire, empower, and unite artists.
K Steele (playing Francine) is from Violet, Louisiana, located in the greater New Orleans area. She studied Theatre at The University of New Orleans, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Her first Television debut was on the award-winning American Drama Series, "Queen Sugar" (Ava DuVernay).
Jailyn Rae (playing Virginia) is a dynamic actress from New Orleans, Louisiana. Represented by Action Talent Agency and Mincks Talent Management, she's known for roles in 'Lisa Frankenstein' and 'Lights Out.' With versatility in commercials and print ads, Jailyn, a skilled vocalist and musician, brings a vibrant spirit to both stage and screen.
Malik Eli (playing Tex) is an actor born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up, he was involved in musical theatre and has done multiple stage shows including Grease and Clue. Malik now actively pursues acting in film and television. You can see him in ‘The Tutor’ (2023) and the upcoming film ‘Average Joe’ (2024).
Kevin Cheatham (playing Meric) was born in New York but raised in New Orleans since he was a teenager. He is a father of three adults and a new-to-the-world granddaughter. He is a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard where he has had many experiences. Acting has been his joy but he also performs stunts for film and television. He holds a B.S. in IT Management and is working towards a B.A. in Digital Cinematography. He enjoys anything that takes him outdoors from festivals to playing in league sports.