Brain Spotting
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Fantasy, Comedy
Failing writer Julie is suddenly struck with inspiration when her fantasy creations leap off the page and into her life. The price of her creativity comes at a high cost however when she discovers her visions are the result of a brain tumor. A dark comedy about what it means to pursue a dream.
Brain Spotting
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Fantasy, Comedy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,150 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
98 supporters | followers
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Failing writer Julie is suddenly struck with inspiration when her fantasy creations leap off the page and into her life. The price of her creativity comes at a high cost however when she discovers her visions are the result of a brain tumor. A dark comedy about what it means to pursue a dream.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Brain Spotting is a fantastical dark comedy in which we follow failing novelist Julie Winters on both the best and worst day of her life.
After her long term migraines are diagnosed as the result of a brain tumor, the fictional characters of her badly written story come to life, to challenge and inspire her work. Does the good outweigh the bad (and the deadly)? Or is the cost of following one's dream too high a price?
Julie - A beleaguered, wannabe YA fantasy writer who can't seem to catch a break in life (and won't be getting one anytime soon).
Will - Julie's scruffy, newly ex-boyfriend who can't let her go. He cares (just mostly about himself).
Ithalia - An elf warrior fated to save the kingdom of Anzenglaraug from a plague of terrifying creatures (whom Julie has yet to flesh out).
Garret - A newly crowned, half elf ruler, torn between his love for Ithalia and his people (and also a stand in for Will).
Dr. Yadav - The well-meaning and overly pleasant doctor whom diagnoses Julie's condition. (He really does mean well).
With a hungry and diverse crew at the helm, using a variety of stylized elements of production, we aim to create contrasting realities within Julie. We want to take the viewer through the varying physical and emotional worlds that she inhabits to give a tangible progression of her plight and journey. Our initial glimpse into her writers-blocked mind is contrasted by the bleak reality of her everyday, until we move into the fantasical, heightened space that is inspired by a questionable (but effective) source.
In addition to the practical effects shaping our story, our writing and characterization plays with a mixture of genres, blending humor with uncomfortable subject matter, asking the audience to wrestle with both the light and dark themes of Julie's situation.
The inspiration for our story comes from my (Chelsea's) personal experience as a writer and creative, and my own way of dealing with pain through humor (because if you're not laughing, you're crying). The struggles between pursuing what you want most in this world and surviving in this world are ones a lot of those of us drawn to the arts can relate to, especially today as creative industries navigate next steps in the wake of an uncertain future.
This piece explores the in-between space of that spectrum, of want and survival, the grey areas and duality between desire and consequence. The price one pays to feel fulfilled, to find purpose in their life, and the repercussions of that choice.
The pilot that this short is based on just made it to the final round and won an honorable mention in the SoCal Screenplay Competition too! Its previously received placement accolades with the Atlanta Film Festival, Emerging Screenwriters Competition, and Filmmatic Inroads Fellowship. So that's cool!
Currently, we've got a full cast and crew set, most locations scouted, and tentative dates for shooting in March/April! We're also in the process of finding a sponsor for catering and/or craft services (could it be you?) and doing makeup tests for our mythical elven creatures!
January 2025 - Pre-production!
February 2025 - Crowdfunding!
March/April 2025 - The Rehearsing! The Shooting!
May 2025 - The Post Production!
June 2025 (Ideally) - The Wrap Party! The Screening!
Summer 2025 - The Film Festival Submissions!
With this Seed & Spark campaign, we'll be able to fund our location rentals, pay our wonderful cast and crew, feed every last person, and shape our film with the sparkly imagination of a young YA author!
Once our short baby is in the can (or since it'll be shot digitally, on the hard drive), edited, colored and sweetened (for sound, not for taste), we plan on taking it to film festivals throughout the United States--specifically those like the PROOF Film Festival here in Los Angeles--that showcase proof of concept flms looking to be further developed and produced.
--And for that, we're so eternally grateful. "And if you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little futher.*"
We would love it if you would consider joining us on this epic quest we're setting out on, either by pledge, or by keeping in touch with us! In order to receive funding from this Seed & Spark campaign, we must reach 80% of our goal within 30 days in order to keep our funds. So tell ya friends, tell ya wife, share this page with everybody!
You can follow our journey through socials on Blue Sky and Instagram for updates!
Share, re-post and spread the word!
*Yes that's a Shawshank quote.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $1,500
For our doctor's office set, and Elfin lands!
Craft Service & Meals
Costs $1,000
Even fantasy creatures have to eat, and our crew is no exception! Want to sponser a day of catering? Let us know!
Production Costs
Costs $7,500
Wages to pay our merry cast & crew, equipment & materials, and post production costs!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our merry band of revelers (i.e. our cast and crew) is small yet mighty! Here are some of those working on our labor of love and fantasy:
Chelsea Spirito (Writer, Director, Elf Priestess)
Spearheading this project, Brain Spotting will be Chelsea's third produced short. A native of Los Angeles, she has been working in various positions within the entertainment industry since the age of seventeen, now working primarily as a writer and voice over performer. Based on her own self discovery, she often writes about women’s evolving journeys, characters struggling to uncover hidden truths about themselves, and blends offbeat humor with poignant human reflection. (Because if you're not laughing, you're crying). Outside of working in film, Chelsea also volunteers in film, working regularly with the American Cinematheque and on two LA local boards for SAG-AFTRA. www.chelseaspirito.com // @chelsisneato
Jordan Paley (Producer, 1st AD, Necromancer)
Raised in a Long Island Blockbuster Video by sentient VHS tape, Jordan fell in love with movies at a very young age. Some of his first memories were of watching KIng Kong, Star Wars and listening to records with his dad. This led him down a long, dark path full of monsters, music and adventure.
Jordan has worked on movies in the Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel and DC Universes, which really was as awesome as it sounds. His feature film directorial debut goes into production later in 2025.
Nelson "JJ" Flores (Cinematographer, Dragon Lord)
Having worked in the film industry as a Cinematographer for over a decade, J.J. has dived into many projects produced by creatives in Los Angeles.
Recognized for Best Cinematography at the Rainbow Umbrella Film Awards and nominated at the Top Indie Film Awards, J.J. has pushed the envelope in creating a visual language for each production he’s worked on, and he hopes to further that success with upcoming narratives such as Brain Spotting.
From documentaries to advertisements, his adaptability is vast when devising captivating work for the screen. Through his lens, J.J. takes an empathetic approach to humanity, encouraging viewers to connect on a deeper level with his characters. Outside of film, J.J. splits his time traveling between Los Angeles and New York with his wife Dani, taking photographs, and fostering bunnies looking for forever homes.
Roxanne McDanel (Hair & Makeup, Garden Witch)
Roxanne is a Beauty and Fx Makeup Artist with over 10 years of experience. She started her career working in the Austin indie film scene before relocating to Los Angeles in 2018. She has worked on productions of all styles and sizes, but loves creating makeup looks that enhance the story and characters.
Mayur Chauhan (Dr. Yadav, Rogue Warlock)
Mayur Chauhan is an LA-based immigrant-actor-writer-comedian and teacher of creativity. He has worked in multiple feature films, TV shows, including The Rookie (ABC), Welcome to Chippendales (Hulu), Cocaine Sisters (UrbanFlix) and TV commercials.
He writes stories in all forms and has published over 40 pieces in Khôra, McSweeney’s and elsewhere. A Bread Loaf, VONA and Key West Literary Seminar scholar, Mayur created and facilitates C.A.R.E. for Artists– an 8-week long online creativity, & accountability group for artists across disciplines. He wants you to know that you’re amazing. Mayur loves writing letters by hand, chai and you. IG: @mayurchauhanstory Web: www.mayurchauhan.com
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Brain Spotting is a fantastical dark comedy in which we follow failing novelist Julie Winters on both the best and worst day of her life.
After her long term migraines are diagnosed as the result of a brain tumor, the fictional characters of her badly written story come to life, to challenge and inspire her work. Does the good outweigh the bad (and the deadly)? Or is the cost of following one's dream too high a price?
Julie - A beleaguered, wannabe YA fantasy writer who can't seem to catch a break in life (and won't be getting one anytime soon).
Will - Julie's scruffy, newly ex-boyfriend who can't let her go. He cares (just mostly about himself).
Ithalia - An elf warrior fated to save the kingdom of Anzenglaraug from a plague of terrifying creatures (whom Julie has yet to flesh out).
Garret - A newly crowned, half elf ruler, torn between his love for Ithalia and his people (and also a stand in for Will).
Dr. Yadav - The well-meaning and overly pleasant doctor whom diagnoses Julie's condition. (He really does mean well).
With a hungry and diverse crew at the helm, using a variety of stylized elements of production, we aim to create contrasting realities within Julie. We want to take the viewer through the varying physical and emotional worlds that she inhabits to give a tangible progression of her plight and journey. Our initial glimpse into her writers-blocked mind is contrasted by the bleak reality of her everyday, until we move into the fantasical, heightened space that is inspired by a questionable (but effective) source.
In addition to the practical effects shaping our story, our writing and characterization plays with a mixture of genres, blending humor with uncomfortable subject matter, asking the audience to wrestle with both the light and dark themes of Julie's situation.
The inspiration for our story comes from my (Chelsea's) personal experience as a writer and creative, and my own way of dealing with pain through humor (because if you're not laughing, you're crying). The struggles between pursuing what you want most in this world and surviving in this world are ones a lot of those of us drawn to the arts can relate to, especially today as creative industries navigate next steps in the wake of an uncertain future.
This piece explores the in-between space of that spectrum, of want and survival, the grey areas and duality between desire and consequence. The price one pays to feel fulfilled, to find purpose in their life, and the repercussions of that choice.
The pilot that this short is based on just made it to the final round and won an honorable mention in the SoCal Screenplay Competition too! Its previously received placement accolades with the Atlanta Film Festival, Emerging Screenwriters Competition, and Filmmatic Inroads Fellowship. So that's cool!
Currently, we've got a full cast and crew set, most locations scouted, and tentative dates for shooting in March/April! We're also in the process of finding a sponsor for catering and/or craft services (could it be you?) and doing makeup tests for our mythical elven creatures!
January 2025 - Pre-production!
February 2025 - Crowdfunding!
March/April 2025 - The Rehearsing! The Shooting!
May 2025 - The Post Production!
June 2025 (Ideally) - The Wrap Party! The Screening!
Summer 2025 - The Film Festival Submissions!
With this Seed & Spark campaign, we'll be able to fund our location rentals, pay our wonderful cast and crew, feed every last person, and shape our film with the sparkly imagination of a young YA author!
Once our short baby is in the can (or since it'll be shot digitally, on the hard drive), edited, colored and sweetened (for sound, not for taste), we plan on taking it to film festivals throughout the United States--specifically those like the PROOF Film Festival here in Los Angeles--that showcase proof of concept flms looking to be further developed and produced.
--And for that, we're so eternally grateful. "And if you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little futher.*"
We would love it if you would consider joining us on this epic quest we're setting out on, either by pledge, or by keeping in touch with us! In order to receive funding from this Seed & Spark campaign, we must reach 80% of our goal within 30 days in order to keep our funds. So tell ya friends, tell ya wife, share this page with everybody!
You can follow our journey through socials on Blue Sky and Instagram for updates!
Share, re-post and spread the word!
*Yes that's a Shawshank quote.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $1,500
For our doctor's office set, and Elfin lands!
Craft Service & Meals
Costs $1,000
Even fantasy creatures have to eat, and our crew is no exception! Want to sponser a day of catering? Let us know!
Production Costs
Costs $7,500
Wages to pay our merry cast & crew, equipment & materials, and post production costs!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our merry band of revelers (i.e. our cast and crew) is small yet mighty! Here are some of those working on our labor of love and fantasy:
Chelsea Spirito (Writer, Director, Elf Priestess)
Spearheading this project, Brain Spotting will be Chelsea's third produced short. A native of Los Angeles, she has been working in various positions within the entertainment industry since the age of seventeen, now working primarily as a writer and voice over performer. Based on her own self discovery, she often writes about women’s evolving journeys, characters struggling to uncover hidden truths about themselves, and blends offbeat humor with poignant human reflection. (Because if you're not laughing, you're crying). Outside of working in film, Chelsea also volunteers in film, working regularly with the American Cinematheque and on two LA local boards for SAG-AFTRA. www.chelseaspirito.com // @chelsisneato
Jordan Paley (Producer, 1st AD, Necromancer)
Raised in a Long Island Blockbuster Video by sentient VHS tape, Jordan fell in love with movies at a very young age. Some of his first memories were of watching KIng Kong, Star Wars and listening to records with his dad. This led him down a long, dark path full of monsters, music and adventure.
Jordan has worked on movies in the Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel and DC Universes, which really was as awesome as it sounds. His feature film directorial debut goes into production later in 2025.
Nelson "JJ" Flores (Cinematographer, Dragon Lord)
Having worked in the film industry as a Cinematographer for over a decade, J.J. has dived into many projects produced by creatives in Los Angeles.
Recognized for Best Cinematography at the Rainbow Umbrella Film Awards and nominated at the Top Indie Film Awards, J.J. has pushed the envelope in creating a visual language for each production he’s worked on, and he hopes to further that success with upcoming narratives such as Brain Spotting.
From documentaries to advertisements, his adaptability is vast when devising captivating work for the screen. Through his lens, J.J. takes an empathetic approach to humanity, encouraging viewers to connect on a deeper level with his characters. Outside of film, J.J. splits his time traveling between Los Angeles and New York with his wife Dani, taking photographs, and fostering bunnies looking for forever homes.
Roxanne McDanel (Hair & Makeup, Garden Witch)
Roxanne is a Beauty and Fx Makeup Artist with over 10 years of experience. She started her career working in the Austin indie film scene before relocating to Los Angeles in 2018. She has worked on productions of all styles and sizes, but loves creating makeup looks that enhance the story and characters.
Mayur Chauhan (Dr. Yadav, Rogue Warlock)
Mayur Chauhan is an LA-based immigrant-actor-writer-comedian and teacher of creativity. He has worked in multiple feature films, TV shows, including The Rookie (ABC), Welcome to Chippendales (Hulu), Cocaine Sisters (UrbanFlix) and TV commercials.
He writes stories in all forms and has published over 40 pieces in Khôra, McSweeney’s and elsewhere. A Bread Loaf, VONA and Key West Literary Seminar scholar, Mayur created and facilitates C.A.R.E. for Artists– an 8-week long online creativity, & accountability group for artists across disciplines. He wants you to know that you’re amazing. Mayur loves writing letters by hand, chai and you. IG: @mayurchauhanstory Web: www.mayurchauhan.com