In a village in 1550, Kings Lynn, England, sixteen-year old Verity lives under religious authority and strict social expectations. As daughter from a traditional family, Verity has been raised to be obedient and prepared for marriage, but she harbors a secret, her romantic relationship with her best friend, Margaret Bell.

Despite knowing the risks, Verity and Margaret have pursued their relationship in secret. However, Verity’s future has already been decided for her: she is arranged to marry Edmund, the bishop at the town church, who will raise Verity and her family’s rank tremendously once they wed. Verity is desperate not to go through with the marriage, but her parents make it clear that this is not her choice to make. Will Verity save herself, or risk everything to save the one she loves? Who truly pays the price when love defies the laws of faith? If Verity runs, is she fleeing from her past - or running toward her freedom?

At a time when queer rights and visibility are increasingly under threat, we felt compelled to amplify a queer woman’s story, one that has too often been diminished or erased throughout history. Burn For Me enters a social and political moment that continues to challenge traditional gender roles, embracing modern feminist ideals within the historical context of 16th-century Europe. The right to choose one’s own path, regardless of what is deemed “right” or “wrong”, is a freedom that feels precarious for women today. Verity stands as a reflection of women past, present, and future, reminding us to never stop fighting for what we love and believe in.

As a team of primarily female filmmakers, Burn For Me is deeply personal to us. We are drawn to stories that explore womanhood, identity, and the strength it takes to defy societal expectations. Our shared experiences allow us to approach this film with genuine empathy and authenticity, ensuring that Verity’s story is told with care and emotional truth. We understand the nuances of female relationships - the tenderness, the resilience, and the quiet defiance that often goes unseen - and we aim to bring those elements to the screen with honesty and depth. This project is more than a period drama to us; it is a reflection of our collective voice as women in film, reclaiming narratives that history has too often silenced.

Burn For Me is a historically accurate period piece that is set in a port and market town located in the borough of the country of Norfolk, England. Taking place in 1550 England, our characters are still under the rule of King Edward VI in a protestant town. The town is a mixed class. There was a wealthy merchant class involved in shipping and trade, a working poor class employed in manual labor, and a strong religious presence after the protestant reformation of Edward VI which later ended in 1553. 

We must reach 80% of our fundraising goal to receive the green light from Seed & Spark and access our funds. We have deep faith in this story and our team’s ability to bring it to life, but we can’t do it without your support. Read below to learn more about how each department contributes to the film.

Production Design and Concept Art by Blair Henry

As a period piece, our film relies on creating an immersive and historically accurate world. Our production design team is constructing Verity’s family home and Margaret’s bedroom - two key locations that anchor the film’s most emotional moments. We are also building the exterior of an English town, the setting of a pivotal scene where Verity pleads with her mother not to marry Edmund. From set design and handcrafted props to period-accurate weapons and costumes, every detail must be carefully sourced and built to reflect the 16th-century setting. A substantial portion of our budget is dedicated to set construction, materials, and specialized prop fabrication, ensuring we bring this world to life with authenticity and visual depth.

The visual storytelling of our film lies at the heart of our creative vision. A significant portion of our budget is dedicated to securing the right lighting equipment to shape each scene’s atmosphere and convey the film’s tone with precision and emotional depth.

Sketches by Eliza Garcia

To achieve historical authenticity, we are collaborating with a seamstress who specializes in period fashion to design and craft the costumes for Verity, Lilith, and Margaret. Our goal is for every character, no matter the size of their role, to look true to the time period and visually cohesive within the world we are creating. As a result, our costume department represents another major investment in bringing this story to life.

Our budget is allocated among a few big expenses, as seen in the pie chart: Locations and Set Operations (food), Cast, Cinematography department, and Production Design and Costumes!

Locations: While most of our film will be shot on the sound stages at Chapman University, where our sets will be constructed, we also have two key locations to secure: a historic church for Edmund’s sermon and an open field that serves as a rare moment of freedom and intimacy for Verity and Margaret. These locations are essential for grounding the story in authenticity and emotional depth. However, location fees and permits can be costly, and a portion of our budget is dedicated to ensuring we can film in spaces that truly capture the spirit of the story.

Cast & Crew: The heart of any film lies in its people. Our talented cast and dedicated crew bring Burn For Me to life through their artistry, skill, and commitment. Supporting them means providing fair compensation, nourishing meals, and the resources they need to create something extraordinary. Every dollar helps us maintain a safe, professional, and inspiring environment on set.

Ways you can support BURN FOR ME

• Pledge to our Seed & Spark Campaign: Explore the incentives on the right to see what you’ll receive for your contribution.
• Follow our Seed & Spark Campaign and be added to an email list where you can follow our film along through each stage of production!
• Spread the word: Share our campaign and social media with friends, family, and anyone who believes in supporting independent film.
• Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram at @burnformefilm for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to realizing this story. Thank you for your generosity and belief in our vision.

With gratitude,

Devyn Wong - Producer