Cella's Theme

New York City, New York | Film Short

Fantasy, Adventure

Jay Welch

1 Campaigns | New York, United States

10 days :16 hrs :20 mins

Until Deadline

149 supporters | followers

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$20,221

Goal: $33,000 for production

While seeking a spiritual evolution, Cella has found herself trapped in a reclusive existence with her partner, Lion'el. When Jack, a wounded castaway, is mysteriously sent to Cella's door, all three are forced to confront terrifying and liberating truths.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Have you ever felt trapped? Felt like there was this beautiful life outside the confines of your current situation? Well, there is! All you have to do is believe... then watch as this magical world coalesces around you and grants you the path. Now, do you have the courage to step forward?

The Story


Jay Welch is an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker originally from Richmond, VA, now based in NYC. Cella's Theme is Jay's directorial debut, but he has been acting on stage and in film his whole life. Previous film credits include: Redsin: Martyrs of Dissent, Redsin, Instrument Assassins, and The Dragon Within; Regional Theatre credits include: Take Me Out, The Foreigner, and Something Intangible. He has studied at The Atlantic Theatre Company, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Firehouse Theatre in RVA. Cella's Theme is a magical dream of his many years in the making, and he can't wait to share it with everyone!



Piper Parks is an American actress based in NYC. She is an alumna of Michael Howard Studios Acting Conservatory. Recent feature film credits include Deathstreamer and It’s Always the Quiet Ones. Piper can also be seen in the web series “Check, Please!” Piper is honored to be working with Jay and the Cella’s Theme Team on this incredible project and to learn everything Cella will have to offer!



Amanda Schussel is an actress, dancer, director, choreographer, and producer. She has been seen off-Broadway and on screen. Her credits include performing the lead role of Sarah in Mar Vista at Signature Theatre and the assassin, Claire in the movie Redsin Martyrs of Dissent, now available on Amazon Prime. She was also the associate director of Secondary Ed, a full-length play. Amanda has studied with Penny Templeton and at GSS. She is so excited to be part of Cella’s Theme!



Christopher Ortiz is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and script analyst based in NYC. He has been a screenplay judge and analyst with NYISA since 2018. His recent Feature Film Redsin: Martyrs of Dissent has been met with critical acclaim and numerous awards. Past directorial credits include Redsin, Arson, and Tug, including Co-Producing Ramen Symphony.  



Darren Tun is a visionary cinematographer, filmmaker, and editor residing in New York City. His impressive portfolio features camera operation on Avatar: Fire & Ash, direction of Let It Snow, and principal photography for Where Is My Mind. He is excited to join the Cella’s Theme team and looking for to seeing how the story unfolds!



Lulu Dakinah is a fashion stylist, costume designer, model, and artist based in NYC. She is an alumna of the Fashion Retail Academy in London, UK. Lulu has collaborated with brands such as SugarLizard, Double Punch, and Splash Splash, and can’t wait to begin unraveling the mystery of Cella’s Theme’s Twisted Little Things as the Cella's Theme principle Costume Designer!


Many films and storytelling mediums have helped shape the style and narrative of Cella’s Theme, such as: 


The Final Fantasy video game series:

-steampunk/fantasy aesthetic, and

-the series' quest to overcome archaic sovereign states.

In particular, "Final Fantasy 6", "Final Fantasy 7", and "Final Fantasy 10".



The Studio Ghibli films:

-magical, otherworldly whimsy, and

-the exploration of mystical dimensions.

Most notably in Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away.



These aesthetics and motifs come alive in the realm of horror/fantasy live-action cinema, as seen in films like:

Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and The Green Knight.

These stories delve into the:

-struggle for existence and liberation,

-the quest for identity, and

-the pivotal theme of choice—the choice between duty and the truth in our hearts.

All in all, these stories are spiritual journeys that highlight the ever-present and transformative power of love.

A note from the Writer/Director:

I decided to put this film project together because I was feeling trapped. I was living a comfortable life, but I was not maximizing my potential! There was this burning desire in me to step into my power, spread my wings, and create projects that meant something to me and came from my heart; but, I was lost in the small necessities of life, looking only for little scraps of pleasure, and afraid to step outside my world of safety. In making this film, I am finally stepping into my own courage. Your support on this journey would mean the world to me!




Do you believe art has the power to inspire?

We do! We believe that film is a transformative medium.

The very purpose of cinema, from its inception to now, has been to hold a mirror to nature, both good and bad, and to reflect the values of society.

This film is specifically designed to shed light on the greatest parts of ourselves while bringing awareness to our worst.

By joining our campaign, you join a movement and help spearhead a crusade to appeal to the better angels in all of us.

We are not intended to be trapped in our old paradigms forever. A shift is happening! Enlightened cinematic storytelling holds the torch that leads us individually to a new place of freedom, and collectively to place of connectedness.

There is a beautiful life for us all; we just have to believe.


Do you love anything and everything Fantasy?

Enigmatic Creatures ?- Check!

An Arcane Forest ? - Check!

Swords and Armor ?- Check!

Mysterious Dimensions ? - Check!

Some Magical Mischief ? - Check!

CGI Flying Dragons ? - uhhh, well...


Have you ever felt trapped?

Felt like you were on the brink of something magical, but something held you back? We've definitely been there.

Maybe you just needed a little help? We always work better when we do things together.

Being a part of this journey helps us step into our magical life, and the energy you put into the world comes right back to you.

So you could be walking into your beautiful life in no time too.


Plus, there are tons of cool perks and invites you can get!



There are two main ways you can contribute:


1. Make a financial contribution to our campaign right here on this page! Just click **MAKE A PLEDGE** and enter an amount. A contribution of any size, big or small is incredibly HELPFUL to us.

In exchange for your pledge, you can receive some incredible, one-of-a-kind, Cella's Theme REWARDS. For more info, check out our detailed incentive list, plus brief budget breakdown below of exactly what you'll be contributing to.


2. If you can’t pledge, that’s okay! Then tell everyone you know about this film! Sharing this campaign is huge! Get on your social channel and SPREAD THE WORD!






Thank you so much for your help!

With your help we can finally assist Cella, our entire cast & crew, and YOU

in discovering that long-awaited, always wished-for peace that we all seek.

Thank you.


Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Cast

Costs $6,900

The heart and soul of our film.

Cinematography

Costs $6,150

Make the vision real.

Production Management

Costs $1,900

Someone to keep us all in check.

Production Sound

Costs $3,900

Make our voices heard.

Makeup Design

Costs $3,100

Create the characters.

Armor & Costume

Costs $2,850

Cella doesn't wear Carhartt.

Post-Production

Costs $3,100

You can fix everything in post.

Swords & Props

Costs $1,600

All fantasy movies have to have swords!

Transportation

Costs $1,900

The L Train doesn't stop in FantasyLand.

Food Craft Services

Costs $1,600

Actors like that, you have to feed everyday...

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team


Jay Welch is an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker originally from Richmond, VA, now based in NYC. Cella's Theme is Jay's directorial debut, but he has been acting on stage and in film his whole life. Previous film credits include: Redsin: Martyrs of Dissent, Redsin, Instrument Assassins, and The Dragon Within; some Regional Theatre credits include: Take Me Out, The Foreigner, and Something Intangible. He has studied at The Atlantic Theatre Company, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Firehouse Theatre in RVA. Cella's Theme is a magical dream of his many years in the making, and he can't wait to share it with everyone!



Piper Parks is an American actress based in NYC. She is an alumna of Michael Howard Studios Acting Conservatory. Recent feature film credits include Deathstreamer and It’s Always the Quiet Ones. Piper can also be seen in the web series “Check, Please!” Piper is honored to be working with Jay and the Cella’s Theme Team on this incredible project and to learn everything Cella will have to offer!



Amanda Schussel is an actress, dancer, director, choreographer, and producer. She has been seen off-Broadway and on screen. Her credits include performing the lead role of Sarah in Mar Vista at Signature Theatre and the assassin Claire in the movie Redsin Martyrs of Dissent, now available on Amazon Prime. She was also the associate director of Secondary Ed, a full-length play. Amanda has studied with Penny Templeton and at GSS. She is so excited to be part of Cella’s Theme!



Christopher Ortiz is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and script analyst based in NYC. He has been a screenplay judge and analyst with NYISA since 2018. His recent Feature Film Redsin: Martyrs of Dissent has been met with critical acclaim and numerous awards. Past directorial credits include Redsin, Arson, and Tug, including Co-Producing Ramen Symphony.  



Darren Tun is a visionary cinematographer, filmmaker, and editor residing in New York City. His impressive portfolio features camera operation on Avatar: Fire & Ash, direction of Let It Snow, and principal photography for Where Is My Mind. He is excited to join the Cella’s Theme team and looking for to seeing how the story unfolds!


Lulu Dakinah is a fashion stylist, costume designer, model, and artist based in NYC. She is an alumna of the Fashion Retail Academy in London, UK. Lulu has collaborated with brands such as SugarLizard, Double Punch, and Splash Splash, and can’t wait to begin unraveling the mystery of Cella’s Theme’s Twisted Little Things as the Cella's Theme principle Costume Designer!



Current Team

Supporters

Followers

Incentives