Caretaker
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
Based on the life of veteran Ryan "Doc" Polk, Caretaker is a redemption story of trauma, mental health, and loss. This is the story of a man abandoned by the institutions that he gave everything to protect, and the salvation he finds in the comfort of others to grow and heal.
Caretaker
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $18,250 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
40 supporters | followers
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Based on the life of veteran Ryan "Doc" Polk, Caretaker is a redemption story of trauma, mental health, and loss. This is the story of a man abandoned by the institutions that he gave everything to protect, and the salvation he finds in the comfort of others to grow and heal.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This film follows the story of Andrew “Doc” Connolly, a recently discharged Army Medic, as he mourns the death of his childhood friend and squadmate, Danny Macleod. As the scars of his service in Afghanistan begin to show with damaging results, Doc must confront his loss and reclaim a new life without his close friend by his side. A film focusing on themes of isolation and alienation, Caretaker is a COVID-friendly film, and with a flexible production schedule that allows us to roll with any surprises the pandemic may bring, we believe this project can be executed on our terms.
Part I: Pain
The beginning of Doc’s journey. Discharged and back home, he stops at an old neighborhood jaunt before leaving town.
Part I Look:
Dark tones
Naturalistic composition with desaturated blues and greens
Hard lighting
Emphasis on Silhouettes/Body Shapes
Part II: Fear
The festering of Doc’s trauma, hitting rock bottom, and the inspiration to heal.
Part II Look: Homelessness
Desaturated, Grey
Hard, harsh lighting
Part II Look: Library
Warm
Saturated
Soft, diffused lighting
Part III: Belief
Letting go of Danny, and the emboldened beginning of a new life through an act of defiance.
Part III Look:
Heavily Saturated
Anamorphic with flaring
Heavy emphasis on composition
Characters
Doc
Doc is a caring yet rough soldier in his late 20’s. He is not shy or timid by any means, but he leaves the talking to others. When Danny - his boisterous best friend – dies, Doc spirals into a depression that he is unable to overcome on his own.
Danny
Danny is a confident leader who loves being the center of attention. He and Doc are closer than family and their dedication to each other allows them to challenge one another in significant ways. It is because of Danny that Doc has been able to face his greatest fears, and vice versa.
Michael
Michael is a crass and gruff Lebanese veteran in his 60’s. He runs Doc and Danny’s favorite bar where they go for comfort and familiarity when they’re furloughed. With Danny gone, the place is no longer home, so Doc goes to see Michael one last time.
Mary
Mary is a tough, lively woman in her 60’s whose radiant personality gives her a youthful feel. She works at the library that Doc frequents to get out of the cold while homeless. Mary takes a liking to Doc and gives him the push he needs to move on with his life.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rentals and Permitting
Costs $2,500
The many locations in the film, including: The Bar, The Library, Metropolitan Streets, and more.
Grip and Lighting Rentals
Costs $2,500
All rentals and expendables for lighting and powering our film.
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,500
For expendables and equipment relating to the looks of our characters.
Camera Rentals
Costs $3,500
Rental kits and any other equipment needs to capture our film.
PPE & Safety
Costs $2,000
For rapid testing, PPE, and other safety guidelines and precautions that our film will take.
Share this update!
About This Team
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER:
JORDAN M. HAHN is a director, editor, and musician based in Los Angeles. He has made a name for himself in the short film world with works focused on human stories of identity and trauma. His films and music videos have been showcased internationally.
WRITER/PRODUCER:
RYAN "DOC" POLK is a veteran who deployed three times as a medic in the US Army over his six years of service. After he was discharged, he earned degrees in writing and acting and now lives and works in Los Angeles as a writer and actor.
PRODUCER:
SARAH ELIZA ARGENS is a bi-coastal producer who possesses a wide range of film and television experiences, including major motion pictures, made-for-tv movies, documentaries, and reality TV. With her beginnings in theatre, Sarah Eliza moved into film production fueled by her passion for telling heartfelt and meaningful stories.
PRODUCER:
WILLA NIELSEN is a producer based in Los Angeles working in film, television, and short form content. With experience in development, production, and post production, she supports projects from start to finish, honing a keen eye for impactful and heartfelt stories and helping the creative team thrive.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This film follows the story of Andrew “Doc” Connolly, a recently discharged Army Medic, as he mourns the death of his childhood friend and squadmate, Danny Macleod. As the scars of his service in Afghanistan begin to show with damaging results, Doc must confront his loss and reclaim a new life without his close friend by his side. A film focusing on themes of isolation and alienation, Caretaker is a COVID-friendly film, and with a flexible production schedule that allows us to roll with any surprises the pandemic may bring, we believe this project can be executed on our terms.
Part I: Pain
The beginning of Doc’s journey. Discharged and back home, he stops at an old neighborhood jaunt before leaving town.
Part I Look:
Dark tones
Naturalistic composition with desaturated blues and greens
Hard lighting
Emphasis on Silhouettes/Body Shapes
Part II: Fear
The festering of Doc’s trauma, hitting rock bottom, and the inspiration to heal.
Part II Look: Homelessness
Desaturated, Grey
Hard, harsh lighting
Part II Look: Library
Warm
Saturated
Soft, diffused lighting
Part III: Belief
Letting go of Danny, and the emboldened beginning of a new life through an act of defiance.
Part III Look:
Heavily Saturated
Anamorphic with flaring
Heavy emphasis on composition
Characters
Doc
Doc is a caring yet rough soldier in his late 20’s. He is not shy or timid by any means, but he leaves the talking to others. When Danny - his boisterous best friend – dies, Doc spirals into a depression that he is unable to overcome on his own.
Danny
Danny is a confident leader who loves being the center of attention. He and Doc are closer than family and their dedication to each other allows them to challenge one another in significant ways. It is because of Danny that Doc has been able to face his greatest fears, and vice versa.
Michael
Michael is a crass and gruff Lebanese veteran in his 60’s. He runs Doc and Danny’s favorite bar where they go for comfort and familiarity when they’re furloughed. With Danny gone, the place is no longer home, so Doc goes to see Michael one last time.
Mary
Mary is a tough, lively woman in her 60’s whose radiant personality gives her a youthful feel. She works at the library that Doc frequents to get out of the cold while homeless. Mary takes a liking to Doc and gives him the push he needs to move on with his life.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rentals and Permitting
Costs $2,500
The many locations in the film, including: The Bar, The Library, Metropolitan Streets, and more.
Grip and Lighting Rentals
Costs $2,500
All rentals and expendables for lighting and powering our film.
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,500
For expendables and equipment relating to the looks of our characters.
Camera Rentals
Costs $3,500
Rental kits and any other equipment needs to capture our film.
PPE & Safety
Costs $2,000
For rapid testing, PPE, and other safety guidelines and precautions that our film will take.
Share this update!
About This Team
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER:
JORDAN M. HAHN is a director, editor, and musician based in Los Angeles. He has made a name for himself in the short film world with works focused on human stories of identity and trauma. His films and music videos have been showcased internationally.
WRITER/PRODUCER:
RYAN "DOC" POLK is a veteran who deployed three times as a medic in the US Army over his six years of service. After he was discharged, he earned degrees in writing and acting and now lives and works in Los Angeles as a writer and actor.
PRODUCER:
SARAH ELIZA ARGENS is a bi-coastal producer who possesses a wide range of film and television experiences, including major motion pictures, made-for-tv movies, documentaries, and reality TV. With her beginnings in theatre, Sarah Eliza moved into film production fueled by her passion for telling heartfelt and meaningful stories.
PRODUCER:
WILLA NIELSEN is a producer based in Los Angeles working in film, television, and short form content. With experience in development, production, and post production, she supports projects from start to finish, honing a keen eye for impactful and heartfelt stories and helping the creative team thrive.