Chasing Lorelai
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Mystery
SKID ROW, LOS ANGELES. This is your home. Living out of your car. GLASS SHATTERS. Your home is covered in errant shards and the only thing you have left has been stolen. What would you do? How far would you go?
Chasing Lorelai
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Mystery
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,462 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
56 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
SKID ROW, LOS ANGELES. This is your home. Living out of your car. GLASS SHATTERS. Your home is covered in errant shards and the only thing you have left has been stolen. What would you do? How far would you go?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
There are an estimated 135,000+ homeless people in California alone. Seventy percent of whom are classified as “unsheltered”, meaning the state does not provide help to them in terms of housing*. In fact, homelessness increased by four-point-one percent in just this past year**.
Nowadays there’s a lot of talk about representation, but representation is not just about race or sexual orientation. True representation is seeing yourself on-screen with the recognition that your story matters. Living on the sidewalk is a norm in Los Angeles, yet there are far fewer intimate portrayals of homeless people than any race, creed, or orientation–despite being an ever-present (and ever-growing) part of our daily lives.
Chasing Lorelai explores this underground subculture in Los Angeles and tells the story of one of our greatest modern injustices: homelessness. Our story tackles the physical and emotional turmoil of being homeless in the United States. Through this depiction, we hope to foster empathy, understanding, and positive action for some of the most neglected members of our modern-day society.
*California Homelessness Statistics
**Homelessness in Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles, home to the largest homeless population in the United States. After falling on hard times, Ben is one of them. While living out of his car on the treacherous streets of Downtown Los Angeles, Ben discovers his car broken into and his radio stolen. Ben and his best friend, Gael, scramble to find the man responsible, only to realize the thief has more in common with Ben than he initially thought.
Characters
Ben (22)
Stranded in the streets of Los Angeles, Ben is a troubled young man living out of his car. He maintains a very strict routine to keep up appearances. Although he tries his best to keep people at arm's length, it all comes crashing down when someone steals his radio. Ben is slim, of middling height with bluish-grey eyes and a stern face.
Gael (23)
Gael is an affable young Ecuadorian man who works with Ben in their coffee shop. After witnessing the theft, Gael is somewhat involuntarily dragged on a search through the roughness and grime of LA's night scene to find his friend's radio. Gael is a loyal friend to Ben, even if he is sometimes hesitant to do what Ben asks of him. Gael is stocky, heavy-built with hazel eyes and a charming face.
Why Us?
Growing up with his siblings, our director (Robert de Geus) cultivated an extremely collaborative approach to filmmaking, which has had a ripple effect on his ability to bring out the best in his cast and crew today. As a director, de Geus’ films often deal with sensitive and thought-provoking subjects, and he has a track record of successfully navigating complex topics with tact and sensitivity. His experience with the homelessness issue, coupled with his innate ability to portray raw emotion and human struggles in a realistic manner make him the ideal candidate to shed light on the harsh realities faced by those experiencing homelessness.
The Chasing Lorelai team is composed of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about storytelling and dedicated to creating cinematic pieces that resonate with audiences. They have the technical know-how and the shared artistic vision to bring the complex and nuanced world of the homeless to life on the screen. With their collective talent and commitment to excellence, this crew will be able to tell a homeless story that captures empathy, sensitivity, and authenticity, while still highlighting the important social issues surrounding homelessness.
Why This Project?
Chasing Lorelai is necessary because it sheds light on a significant social issue that irrevocably impacts millions of lives around the world. Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. By telling stories that explore the realities of homelessness, filmmakers can help to educate audiences about the underlying causes of homelessness, challenge stereotypes, and encourage empathy and understanding toward those who are experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, films about the homeless experience can bring attention to the social and economic factors that contribute to homelessness, and advocate for systemic change to address these issues. By raising awareness and promoting empathy, films about the homeless experience can have a powerful impact on both individual viewers and society as a whole.
Why Now?
Now, more than ever before, it is important to tell stories about the homeless experience as the crisis grows. Exacerbating factors, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have left many individuals and families facing eviction, job loss, and economic insecurity. Films about the homeless plight can highlight the human toll of these challenges and bring attention to the urgent need for change and support systems to address them.
The other reason this film is so timely is because of the lack of homeless representation in the film and television. This under-representation stems from several problems. For starters, homelessness is a complex issue that can be challenging to portray in a way that does not perpetuate stereotypes or reinforce stigmatizing attitudes toward the homeless. Secondly, homelessness is often a hidden issue, and those who are experiencing homelessness may be reluctant to share their stories for fear of judgment or discrimination. Finally, many of those who have experienced homelessness lack the power or ability to tell their story due to socioeconomic standing and a lack of representation within the industry.
Still, it is vital that the media give voice to those who are experiencing homelessness. By giving voice to the experiences of those who are often marginalized and overlooked, this film promotes greater empathy and understanding, making them an important tool for social justice and advocacy.
Why Should You Support Us?
An investment in this project is an investment in the voice of the voiceless.
Films like Chasing Lorelai provide a powerful window into the lives of the marginalized. By engaging with this film, you are supporting that community and investing in making sure they are heard. Homelessness is often the result of systemic issues like poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health obstacles, and substance abuse. It can happen to anyone, at any time, and can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
Ultimately, caring about the homeless and their voices is a reflection of our shared humanity, and our collective responsibility to create a world that is inclusive, compassionate, and just.
Our challenge is to make film that shows a unique and different side of Los Angeles. As a city that has been the backdrop to cinema for over a hundred years, that's a tall order. Here are the specifics on how we'll accomplish this (and the changes we're making from Hollywood to set a different tone):
- Emphasis on locations around Los Angeles that are often unseen
- Refusing to make a set or location look "pretty" or aesthetic beforehand
- Extreme Cinéma vérité camera and directing style
- Vintage lenses to create a sense of age and texture to the world of Skid Row
- Shoot "French Hours"
- No Post-Production Effects
- Limited use of make-up
- Almost completely night shooting
- Compact Cameras for unique angles (BlackMagic)
- Emphasis on Ambient and Natural Light to create a Chiaroscuro looking effect during night shoots
Look Book
COVID Safety Plan:
Our project will follow all State and Union protocols applicable to our project. Although many precautions are no longer applicable in 2023, we will be mandating consistent sanitizing (sets and hands), providing tests for anyone feeling sick, and exercising reasonable caution.
Currently, Chasing Lorelai is in its pre-production phase. While we have a completed script, budget, and crew, this campaign allows us to reach our next goal: production. Our next steps, once production begins, will be casting, location scouting, and story-boarding which will run concurrently with this campaign. This allows us to immediately begin shooting when we reach our goal so we can release this project to the world as soon as possible.
Our long-term objectives lie in a few different areas. Once we wrap the film, Chasing Lorelai will enter post-production and ideally, we'll begin submitting to festivals. As we are all students in film school, we also intend to submit this film for the Student Academy Awards. In addition to this, we will be submitting to 40+ film festivals worldwide with a special emphasis on those that care about social inequality and justice issues. When those festival runs are complete the film will be released to backers who've paid for those tiers, but our plan (as it stands) is to spread the film openly and freely available to the public on an online video platform. Our team believes in the imperative nature of this film and, therefore, we would like everyone to be able to consume our film with the fewest hindrances possible.
If we reach beyond our target, here are the goals we would pursue:
- Pursue a Big Name Actor for the role of Gael
- Expand our Fight Sequence
- Acquiring Famous/Recognizable LA Locations
- And More!
Successfully crowdfunding is all about reaching beyond our personal networks--that's where YOU come in!
If you’d like to be a part of our project and enjoy supporting unique, under-represented stories, please share our page (below we’ve included some potential posts). Your support makes a tangible difference in our success!
Help the team @chasinglorelai by supporting their short film “Chasing Lorelai” about a homeless man and his search for redemption.
Join them on @seedandspark:
seedandspark.com/fund/chasing-lorelai
I just supported the short film @chasinglorelai directed by filmmaker @robertdegeus and WOW, you've got to support this story!
Check them out on @seedandspark:
seedandspark.com/fund/chasing-lorelai
I can’t wait to see the short film @chasinglorelai this fall!
Support them on @seedandspark:
seedandspark.com/fund/chasing-lorelai
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Story Copyright
Costs $65
This ensures no one else can steal our story, script, or idea.
Stunt Equipment
Costs $550
This equipment allows us to safely fake a character biting another character and other such stunts.
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,140
This covers all camera equipment and rentals so we can properly record our short film.
Wardrobe
Costs $695
This allows us to properly dress our 12 characters over the course of the film.
Makeup
Costs $285
This allows us to get special effects makeup to fake injuries.
Set Dressing
Costs $519
This allows us to perfect the mise-en-scène through proper placement and dressing of our sets.
Props
Costs $282
This covers all the props and items characters need to interact with inside the world of the film.
Picture Vehicle
Costs $950
This allows our production to use a car we can shoot in as well as provides us a set for Ben's home.
Art Department
Costs $1,025
This allows the Art Department to add texture to the set and locations we shoot at.
Sound
Costs $50
We have most of our sound equipment, but this would allow us to invest in an extra lavalier.
Set Lighting
Costs $170
This allows us to add accentuate characters on top of the natural light we already plan to use.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
This allows us to keep our crew (working for free) from starving on long shoot days.
Location Releases & Permits
Costs $2,520
This allows us to shoot on location in DTLA, which is integral to our production.
Insurance
Costs $600
This is to protect the crew, cast, and production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is a tight-knit group of friends and filmmakers who share one thing in common: a passion for storytelling. All of us have worked together in various capacities, but this is the first time we have collectively united behind a singular project: Chasing Lorelai. Although the team will grow and shift as the fundraising progresses, the crew below are our core members. Without their input and support this film would never have gotten to the point it's at now.
Robert de Geus - Writer/Director
Hey! My name is Robert de Geus, I was born and raised in the Bay Area and discovered my love of film at an extraordinarily young age. I grew up creating films with my siblings which has created a tight bond that gives me people I can always trust in this field. In that regard, I am extraordinarily lucky. Currently, I have two Associates degrees in Film from Santa Monica College (and I'm due to get my Bachelors from CSU Northridge this December). My previous work includes hundreds of projects (both big and small) and I have won upwards of seven awards for my films.
Chasing Lorelai is a meaningful story to me and I know it will be meaningful to a whole community. The reactions I have had from my peers inside and outside the industry have been overwhelmingly positive and I am grateful to have the support to speak about something so vitally important.
Alex Winters - Producer
Hey, I’m Alex Winters and I am a Latino-American filmmaker from Roseville, California. My passion for film began at an early age and this passion has driven me to pursue a career in the industry. I am a Senior at California State University, Northridge pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment Media Management. I have worked on three senior thesis films; “Here”, “El Sueno”, and “90 Miles.” I have also produced videos for CSUN and worked on independent films like “Ravine” and “Mind Games.
I chose to work on this project for two reasons; this story shares a new and strong perspective of homeless people, and I believe in this director. This story will bring humanity back to society’s perception of the homeless people and Robert De Geus is a director with a clear vision His confidence, intelligence, and collaborative spirit make it an absolute pleasure when working with him.
Sofia Ayerdi - Producer
Hey guys, I am a Mexican-American producer, writer, and director. I am an alumna of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Gold Rising Program, which seeks to develop careers of filmmakers with diverse backgrounds. My achievements during the program led to being a Trophy Presenter at the 94th Academy Awards. I am a fellow of Blackmagic Collective and was part of the First Frame Initiative for emerging directors.
I chose to be part of this project because of the story. When I first heard it I was immediately connected. I consider it impactful and timely. Secondly, I trust Robert as a director and rely on his ability to deliver a professional and emotionally powerful short film. I even used him briefly to help edit my senior thesis film: "El Sueño". I look forward to the fantastic film I know we can make.
Katelyn de Geus - Director of Photography
Hello World!
I am a filmmaker passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless. I am a director, writer, and cinematographer that aims to tell stories that will make a difference. My work includes multiple collegiate awards for my films and I have scripted and storyboarded an original series under Nickelodeon mentorship. Through the medium of film, I hope to make people feel heard.
“Chasing Lorelai” is a story that needs to be told. It addresses the all too silenced issues of mental health, homelessness, loss, and the incredible guilt that comes along with it. Our main character, Ben, is lost at the beginning of the film. We follow him in his journey to find the parts of himself that he left in the past. So many people struggle in silence and alone with similar plights to Ben's. This film, and the incredible team chosen to bring it to life, will offer a hand to those in the dark.
Cesar De Luna - Editor
Hi! I’m Cesar De Luna. As a child, I knew there were so many things that I wanted to grow up to do but there was one idea that stuck with me: I wanted to become a social media influencer. Although it may have seemed like a stretch, that was only the start of it for me. By 14 I had my first camera and was editing. Now, in 2022 and I am majoring in Film Production, with an emphasis in Editing. As a kid, I hadn’t realized how small I was thinking. Why edit for social media videos, when you could be editing for the big screen? And that’s my new goal. To be a film editor with absolutely no worries in life except for deadlines and new ideas.
This film specifically speaks to me in many ways. After reading it, I was sure I had to be a part of the team. This is a beautiful story with different turns and emotions intertwined throughout it. The topic of homelessness is as relevant as ever with over half a million homeless United States residents. I’m confident that bringing this film to life will help shine a light on this social issue. All the while unfolding a beautiful love story and tying it back up with a silk bow.
Pyae "Cindy" Pying - Production Design
Hiii! I’m Pyae Phyo Pying (Cindy) and I am a CSUN Senior in the Film Production program with an emphasis in Sound. I was born and raised in Mandalay, Myanmar. The experiences of growing up in both Burmese and Chinese cultures have brought me a sense of creativity. I hope to become a sound mixer or production designer in my career in the industry. I have worked as an Art Director on an online reality dating show, “Cali’s Flipped” (2022). AD for a short film, “In the Closet” (2022). I also worked as a Boom Op and Sound Mixer for CSUN student short films and was an Art PA for CSUN thesis “Manong” and “90 Miles” (2022).
I choose to work on this project as a Production Designer because of Robert, the director of this project. He is very responsible and talented and always cares about my opinions as a PD. Having a good vibe in the team is very important; I trust him to lead all the crew members to work professionally and make it a fun team. Secondly, a story that is based on reality has always attracted me. Robert’s story is very personal, and when I listened to it, it really got into my heart. The story is unique and exciting.
Jacob de Geus - Assistant Camera
Hey,
I'm Jacob de Geus, a Los Angeles-based independent filmmaker currently studying at Santa Monica Community College. I have written and directed several award-winning short films, which have given me the honor of judging the Menlo-Atherton Student Film Festival. Presently, I am also an official selection for the San Diego Independent Filmmakers Festival. I've been making films since before I can remember, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
Beyond its incredibly unique presentation of Los Angeles, "Chasing Lorelei" tells an emotionally resonant story that breaks new ground on a taboo subject: "homelessness." Furthermore, I believe in the passionate and talented people working behind the scenes and supporting this project. It's truly a labor of love through and through, and I'm confident that will be evident on screen.
Patil Emanuelle - Co-Writer
I am Patil. I help write. I good writer. I like story. Good story. Make into film. Thank you.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
There are an estimated 135,000+ homeless people in California alone. Seventy percent of whom are classified as “unsheltered”, meaning the state does not provide help to them in terms of housing*. In fact, homelessness increased by four-point-one percent in just this past year**.
Nowadays there’s a lot of talk about representation, but representation is not just about race or sexual orientation. True representation is seeing yourself on-screen with the recognition that your story matters. Living on the sidewalk is a norm in Los Angeles, yet there are far fewer intimate portrayals of homeless people than any race, creed, or orientation–despite being an ever-present (and ever-growing) part of our daily lives.
Chasing Lorelai explores this underground subculture in Los Angeles and tells the story of one of our greatest modern injustices: homelessness. Our story tackles the physical and emotional turmoil of being homeless in the United States. Through this depiction, we hope to foster empathy, understanding, and positive action for some of the most neglected members of our modern-day society.
*California Homelessness Statistics
**Homelessness in Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles, home to the largest homeless population in the United States. After falling on hard times, Ben is one of them. While living out of his car on the treacherous streets of Downtown Los Angeles, Ben discovers his car broken into and his radio stolen. Ben and his best friend, Gael, scramble to find the man responsible, only to realize the thief has more in common with Ben than he initially thought.
Characters
Ben (22)
Stranded in the streets of Los Angeles, Ben is a troubled young man living out of his car. He maintains a very strict routine to keep up appearances. Although he tries his best to keep people at arm's length, it all comes crashing down when someone steals his radio. Ben is slim, of middling height with bluish-grey eyes and a stern face.
Gael (23)
Gael is an affable young Ecuadorian man who works with Ben in their coffee shop. After witnessing the theft, Gael is somewhat involuntarily dragged on a search through the roughness and grime of LA's night scene to find his friend's radio. Gael is a loyal friend to Ben, even if he is sometimes hesitant to do what Ben asks of him. Gael is stocky, heavy-built with hazel eyes and a charming face.
Why Us?
Growing up with his siblings, our director (Robert de Geus) cultivated an extremely collaborative approach to filmmaking, which has had a ripple effect on his ability to bring out the best in his cast and crew today. As a director, de Geus’ films often deal with sensitive and thought-provoking subjects, and he has a track record of successfully navigating complex topics with tact and sensitivity. His experience with the homelessness issue, coupled with his innate ability to portray raw emotion and human struggles in a realistic manner make him the ideal candidate to shed light on the harsh realities faced by those experiencing homelessness.
The Chasing Lorelai team is composed of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about storytelling and dedicated to creating cinematic pieces that resonate with audiences. They have the technical know-how and the shared artistic vision to bring the complex and nuanced world of the homeless to life on the screen. With their collective talent and commitment to excellence, this crew will be able to tell a homeless story that captures empathy, sensitivity, and authenticity, while still highlighting the important social issues surrounding homelessness.
Why This Project?
Chasing Lorelai is necessary because it sheds light on a significant social issue that irrevocably impacts millions of lives around the world. Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. By telling stories that explore the realities of homelessness, filmmakers can help to educate audiences about the underlying causes of homelessness, challenge stereotypes, and encourage empathy and understanding toward those who are experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, films about the homeless experience can bring attention to the social and economic factors that contribute to homelessness, and advocate for systemic change to address these issues. By raising awareness and promoting empathy, films about the homeless experience can have a powerful impact on both individual viewers and society as a whole.
Why Now?
Now, more than ever before, it is important to tell stories about the homeless experience as the crisis grows. Exacerbating factors, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have left many individuals and families facing eviction, job loss, and economic insecurity. Films about the homeless plight can highlight the human toll of these challenges and bring attention to the urgent need for change and support systems to address them.
The other reason this film is so timely is because of the lack of homeless representation in the film and television. This under-representation stems from several problems. For starters, homelessness is a complex issue that can be challenging to portray in a way that does not perpetuate stereotypes or reinforce stigmatizing attitudes toward the homeless. Secondly, homelessness is often a hidden issue, and those who are experiencing homelessness may be reluctant to share their stories for fear of judgment or discrimination. Finally, many of those who have experienced homelessness lack the power or ability to tell their story due to socioeconomic standing and a lack of representation within the industry.
Still, it is vital that the media give voice to those who are experiencing homelessness. By giving voice to the experiences of those who are often marginalized and overlooked, this film promotes greater empathy and understanding, making them an important tool for social justice and advocacy.
Why Should You Support Us?
An investment in this project is an investment in the voice of the voiceless.
Films like Chasing Lorelai provide a powerful window into the lives of the marginalized. By engaging with this film, you are supporting that community and investing in making sure they are heard. Homelessness is often the result of systemic issues like poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health obstacles, and substance abuse. It can happen to anyone, at any time, and can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
Ultimately, caring about the homeless and their voices is a reflection of our shared humanity, and our collective responsibility to create a world that is inclusive, compassionate, and just.
Our challenge is to make film that shows a unique and different side of Los Angeles. As a city that has been the backdrop to cinema for over a hundred years, that's a tall order. Here are the specifics on how we'll accomplish this (and the changes we're making from Hollywood to set a different tone):
- Emphasis on locations around Los Angeles that are often unseen
- Refusing to make a set or location look "pretty" or aesthetic beforehand
- Extreme Cinéma vérité camera and directing style
- Vintage lenses to create a sense of age and texture to the world of Skid Row
- Shoot "French Hours"
- No Post-Production Effects
- Limited use of make-up
- Almost completely night shooting
- Compact Cameras for unique angles (BlackMagic)
- Emphasis on Ambient and Natural Light to create a Chiaroscuro looking effect during night shoots
Look Book
COVID Safety Plan:
Our project will follow all State and Union protocols applicable to our project. Although many precautions are no longer applicable in 2023, we will be mandating consistent sanitizing (sets and hands), providing tests for anyone feeling sick, and exercising reasonable caution.
Currently, Chasing Lorelai is in its pre-production phase. While we have a completed script, budget, and crew, this campaign allows us to reach our next goal: production. Our next steps, once production begins, will be casting, location scouting, and story-boarding which will run concurrently with this campaign. This allows us to immediately begin shooting when we reach our goal so we can release this project to the world as soon as possible.
Our long-term objectives lie in a few different areas. Once we wrap the film, Chasing Lorelai will enter post-production and ideally, we'll begin submitting to festivals. As we are all students in film school, we also intend to submit this film for the Student Academy Awards. In addition to this, we will be submitting to 40+ film festivals worldwide with a special emphasis on those that care about social inequality and justice issues. When those festival runs are complete the film will be released to backers who've paid for those tiers, but our plan (as it stands) is to spread the film openly and freely available to the public on an online video platform. Our team believes in the imperative nature of this film and, therefore, we would like everyone to be able to consume our film with the fewest hindrances possible.
If we reach beyond our target, here are the goals we would pursue:
- Pursue a Big Name Actor for the role of Gael
- Expand our Fight Sequence
- Acquiring Famous/Recognizable LA Locations
- And More!
Successfully crowdfunding is all about reaching beyond our personal networks--that's where YOU come in!
If you’d like to be a part of our project and enjoy supporting unique, under-represented stories, please share our page (below we’ve included some potential posts). Your support makes a tangible difference in our success!
Help the team @chasinglorelai by supporting their short film “Chasing Lorelai” about a homeless man and his search for redemption.
Join them on @seedandspark:
seedandspark.com/fund/chasing-lorelai
I just supported the short film @chasinglorelai directed by filmmaker @robertdegeus and WOW, you've got to support this story!
Check them out on @seedandspark:
seedandspark.com/fund/chasing-lorelai
I can’t wait to see the short film @chasinglorelai this fall!
Support them on @seedandspark:
seedandspark.com/fund/chasing-lorelai
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Story Copyright
Costs $65
This ensures no one else can steal our story, script, or idea.
Stunt Equipment
Costs $550
This equipment allows us to safely fake a character biting another character and other such stunts.
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,140
This covers all camera equipment and rentals so we can properly record our short film.
Wardrobe
Costs $695
This allows us to properly dress our 12 characters over the course of the film.
Makeup
Costs $285
This allows us to get special effects makeup to fake injuries.
Set Dressing
Costs $519
This allows us to perfect the mise-en-scène through proper placement and dressing of our sets.
Props
Costs $282
This covers all the props and items characters need to interact with inside the world of the film.
Picture Vehicle
Costs $950
This allows our production to use a car we can shoot in as well as provides us a set for Ben's home.
Art Department
Costs $1,025
This allows the Art Department to add texture to the set and locations we shoot at.
Sound
Costs $50
We have most of our sound equipment, but this would allow us to invest in an extra lavalier.
Set Lighting
Costs $170
This allows us to add accentuate characters on top of the natural light we already plan to use.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
This allows us to keep our crew (working for free) from starving on long shoot days.
Location Releases & Permits
Costs $2,520
This allows us to shoot on location in DTLA, which is integral to our production.
Insurance
Costs $600
This is to protect the crew, cast, and production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is a tight-knit group of friends and filmmakers who share one thing in common: a passion for storytelling. All of us have worked together in various capacities, but this is the first time we have collectively united behind a singular project: Chasing Lorelai. Although the team will grow and shift as the fundraising progresses, the crew below are our core members. Without their input and support this film would never have gotten to the point it's at now.
Robert de Geus - Writer/Director
Hey! My name is Robert de Geus, I was born and raised in the Bay Area and discovered my love of film at an extraordinarily young age. I grew up creating films with my siblings which has created a tight bond that gives me people I can always trust in this field. In that regard, I am extraordinarily lucky. Currently, I have two Associates degrees in Film from Santa Monica College (and I'm due to get my Bachelors from CSU Northridge this December). My previous work includes hundreds of projects (both big and small) and I have won upwards of seven awards for my films.
Chasing Lorelai is a meaningful story to me and I know it will be meaningful to a whole community. The reactions I have had from my peers inside and outside the industry have been overwhelmingly positive and I am grateful to have the support to speak about something so vitally important.
Alex Winters - Producer
Hey, I’m Alex Winters and I am a Latino-American filmmaker from Roseville, California. My passion for film began at an early age and this passion has driven me to pursue a career in the industry. I am a Senior at California State University, Northridge pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment Media Management. I have worked on three senior thesis films; “Here”, “El Sueno”, and “90 Miles.” I have also produced videos for CSUN and worked on independent films like “Ravine” and “Mind Games.
I chose to work on this project for two reasons; this story shares a new and strong perspective of homeless people, and I believe in this director. This story will bring humanity back to society’s perception of the homeless people and Robert De Geus is a director with a clear vision His confidence, intelligence, and collaborative spirit make it an absolute pleasure when working with him.
Sofia Ayerdi - Producer
Hey guys, I am a Mexican-American producer, writer, and director. I am an alumna of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Gold Rising Program, which seeks to develop careers of filmmakers with diverse backgrounds. My achievements during the program led to being a Trophy Presenter at the 94th Academy Awards. I am a fellow of Blackmagic Collective and was part of the First Frame Initiative for emerging directors.
I chose to be part of this project because of the story. When I first heard it I was immediately connected. I consider it impactful and timely. Secondly, I trust Robert as a director and rely on his ability to deliver a professional and emotionally powerful short film. I even used him briefly to help edit my senior thesis film: "El Sueño". I look forward to the fantastic film I know we can make.
Katelyn de Geus - Director of Photography
Hello World!
I am a filmmaker passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless. I am a director, writer, and cinematographer that aims to tell stories that will make a difference. My work includes multiple collegiate awards for my films and I have scripted and storyboarded an original series under Nickelodeon mentorship. Through the medium of film, I hope to make people feel heard.
“Chasing Lorelai” is a story that needs to be told. It addresses the all too silenced issues of mental health, homelessness, loss, and the incredible guilt that comes along with it. Our main character, Ben, is lost at the beginning of the film. We follow him in his journey to find the parts of himself that he left in the past. So many people struggle in silence and alone with similar plights to Ben's. This film, and the incredible team chosen to bring it to life, will offer a hand to those in the dark.
Cesar De Luna - Editor
Hi! I’m Cesar De Luna. As a child, I knew there were so many things that I wanted to grow up to do but there was one idea that stuck with me: I wanted to become a social media influencer. Although it may have seemed like a stretch, that was only the start of it for me. By 14 I had my first camera and was editing. Now, in 2022 and I am majoring in Film Production, with an emphasis in Editing. As a kid, I hadn’t realized how small I was thinking. Why edit for social media videos, when you could be editing for the big screen? And that’s my new goal. To be a film editor with absolutely no worries in life except for deadlines and new ideas.
This film specifically speaks to me in many ways. After reading it, I was sure I had to be a part of the team. This is a beautiful story with different turns and emotions intertwined throughout it. The topic of homelessness is as relevant as ever with over half a million homeless United States residents. I’m confident that bringing this film to life will help shine a light on this social issue. All the while unfolding a beautiful love story and tying it back up with a silk bow.
Pyae "Cindy" Pying - Production Design
Hiii! I’m Pyae Phyo Pying (Cindy) and I am a CSUN Senior in the Film Production program with an emphasis in Sound. I was born and raised in Mandalay, Myanmar. The experiences of growing up in both Burmese and Chinese cultures have brought me a sense of creativity. I hope to become a sound mixer or production designer in my career in the industry. I have worked as an Art Director on an online reality dating show, “Cali’s Flipped” (2022). AD for a short film, “In the Closet” (2022). I also worked as a Boom Op and Sound Mixer for CSUN student short films and was an Art PA for CSUN thesis “Manong” and “90 Miles” (2022).
I choose to work on this project as a Production Designer because of Robert, the director of this project. He is very responsible and talented and always cares about my opinions as a PD. Having a good vibe in the team is very important; I trust him to lead all the crew members to work professionally and make it a fun team. Secondly, a story that is based on reality has always attracted me. Robert’s story is very personal, and when I listened to it, it really got into my heart. The story is unique and exciting.
Jacob de Geus - Assistant Camera
Hey,
I'm Jacob de Geus, a Los Angeles-based independent filmmaker currently studying at Santa Monica Community College. I have written and directed several award-winning short films, which have given me the honor of judging the Menlo-Atherton Student Film Festival. Presently, I am also an official selection for the San Diego Independent Filmmakers Festival. I've been making films since before I can remember, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
Beyond its incredibly unique presentation of Los Angeles, "Chasing Lorelei" tells an emotionally resonant story that breaks new ground on a taboo subject: "homelessness." Furthermore, I believe in the passionate and talented people working behind the scenes and supporting this project. It's truly a labor of love through and through, and I'm confident that will be evident on screen.
Patil Emanuelle - Co-Writer
I am Patil. I help write. I good writer. I like story. Good story. Make into film. Thank you.