Clair de Lune
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
Hours after bringing down a major human trafficking ring, a driven DA, aided by the officer she trusts most, must race to find her missing daughter. But as the search takes an increasingly unsettling turn, she’s forced to confront a painful truth she’s been unwilling to face.
Clair de Lune
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
78 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$22,600
Goal: $30,000 for production
Hours after bringing down a major human trafficking ring, a driven DA, aided by the officer she trusts most, must race to find her missing daughter. But as the search takes an increasingly unsettling turn, she’s forced to confront a painful truth she’s been unwilling to face.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When her twelve-year-old daughter goes missing just hours after a landmark victory against a human trafficking ring, a driven district attorney launches a desperate search with the help of the officer she trusts most. But as the night unfolds and the investigation draws her toward a dangerous confrontation, she’s forced to reckon with the personal cost of a life consumed by duty, and a painful truth she’s been unwilling to face.
Clair de Lune is more than a suspenseful race against time. It's a story about family, forgiveness, and what it truly means to be present for the people we love.
Clair de Lune begins with a universal fear, but it's ultimately about something even more familiar: how the very things we dedicate ourselves to -our careers, our responsibilities, even our sense of purpose- can quietly pull us away from the people we love most.
At its core, this is an emotional thriller about family, justice, and second chances. We believe great stories entertain us, but the best ones endure by touching us.
Named after Debussy's timeless composition, Clair de Lune reflects the film's emotional rhythm - moving from quiet intimacy to mounting suspense before arriving at a deeply human conclusion. Like the music itself, this film reminds us that love can endure even in our darkest hours.
A parent's worst nightmare.
The missed phone call... The text that never comes...
The moment your imagination begins to race...
We're making Clair de Lune because we believe the most powerful thrillers don't just keep us guessing...
...they remind us what's truly worth fighting for.
Every day, families around the world face moments that change their lives forever. Clair de Lune explores what happens when justice becomes personal, reminding us that behind every case is a family longing to be whole again. We hope this film sparks conversation about the importance of showing up for the people we love... before it's too late.
Independent films don't exist because one person believes in them.
They exist because a community does.
Your support allows us to bring together an incredible cast and crew, secure locations, build the world of the film, and give this story the production value it deserves.
Every contribution -large or small- will help us create a timeless, festival-quality film that reflects the care and passion we've poured into every page of the script.
Most importantly, you're joining us as partners on this journey.
Your support will help fund:
- Professional cast and crew
- Camera, lighting and sound equipment
- Production design
- Locations and permits
- Wardrobe and props
- Meals and transportation
- Post-production
- Color grading
- Original score and music production
- Insurance
- Film festival submissions
Our goal is simple:
Create a short film that can stand the test of time alongside the best films on the festival circuit, while introducing audiences to a story we believe deserves to be experienced.
If we surpass our funding goal, additional support will allow us to:
- Increase shooting time for key scenes
- Expand production design / elevate production value
- Add additional key crew / equipment
- Enhance visual effects and finishing
- Submit to additional film festivals
- Create accessibility materials, including captions
- Produce behind-the-scenes content for our supporters
Independent filmmaking has always been about people coming together to tell stories that matter.
Whether you contribute financially, share our campaign, or simply help spread the word, you're becoming part of the Clair de Lune family.
Thank you,
Kathleen Lancaster & Carl Thiel
Kathleen Lancaster – Writer / Producer / Actor
Kathleen Lancaster is a writer, actor, and filmmaker with more than two decades of experience in television, film, and theater, including appearances in Law & Order: SVU and The Closer. Drawing on her experience as a performer, she creates character-driven stories about ordinary people discovering extraordinary courage.
Carl Thiel – Writer / Director / Editor / Composer
Carl Thiel is an award-winning filmmaker and composer known for crafting emotionally resonant stories with a distinctive cinematic voice. By directing, editing, and scoring Clair de Lune, Carl brings a unified creative vision to every stage of the filmmaking process.
We're excited to officially announce some great additions to the team!
Nicole Rodan – Producer
Nicole is an extraordinary producer with extensive experience across independent film, commercial, and branded content. Her credits include feature films such as Gone Are the Days, starring Lance Henriksen, Tom Berenger and Danny Trejo; The Teller and the Truth, on which she served as producer and executive producer; and Oak, starring Armand Assante and Catherine Daddario. She's produced countless national and international campaigns for major brands including Nike, Ford, GM and Dyson, to name a few. Her work also includes the acclaimed documentaryThe Road to ACL, featuring Foo Fighters, Gary Clark Jr. and other acclaimed artists, as well as international campaigns for WildAid featuring talent such as Jackie Chan and Josh Duhamel. Known for her hands-on approach and extensive production experience, Nicole brings a wealth of practical filmmaking expertise to Clair de Lune.
Burns Burns – Production Design
Burns is an extraordinary production designer with a gift for creating richly detailed environments that deepen character, reinforce story, and help shape unforgettable cinematic worlds. His production design credits include Sympathy for the Devil, starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman; Bandit, starring Josh Duhamel and Mel Gibson; and The Vanished, starring Thomas Jane and Anne Heche. With a background spanning production design, producing, and directing, Burns brings both an incredible visual eye and a deep understanding of storytelling to the project.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $12,500
Supporting the talented and experienced cast & crew whose creativity and expertise make every frame of Clair de Lune the best it can be.
Camera, Lighting & Sound Rental
Costs $4,500
Professional camera, lighting, and sound equipment will help create the cinematic atmosphere that defines the film.
Locations, Production Design & Wardrobe
Costs $3,750
From transforming practical locations to carefully chosen props & wardrobe, every visual detail helps immerse audiences into the story.
Production Expenses
Costs $3,000
Meals, transportation, permits, expendables and the countless logistics that keep a professional set running efficiently.
Post Production
Costs $3,750
Where the film comes together through editing, music, sound design and color grading to create a polished cinematic experience.
Insurance, Festivals & Contingency
Costs $2,500
Production insurance, festival submissions, deliverables and a contingency reserve to ensure the film reaches audience around the world.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kathleen Lancaster – Writer / Producer / Actor
Kathleen Lancaster is a writer, actor, and filmmaker with more than two decades of experience in television, film, and theater, including appearances in Law & Order: SVU and The Closer. Drawing on her experience as a performer, she creates character-driven stories about ordinary people discovering extraordinary courage.
Carl Thiel – Writer / Director / Editor / Composer
Carl Thiel is an award-winning filmmaker and composer known for crafting emotionally resonant stories with a distinctive cinematic voice. By directing, editing, and scoring Clair de Lune, Carl brings a unified creative vision to every stage of the filmmaking process.
Nicole Rodan – Producer. Nicole is an extraordinary producer with extensive experience across independent film, commercial, and branded content. Her credits include feature films such as Gone Are the Days, starring Lance Henriksen, Tom Berenger and Danny Trejo; The Teller and the Truth, on which she served as producer and executive producer; and Oak, starring Armand Assante and Catherine Daddario. She's produced countless national and international campaigns for major brands including Nike, Ford, GM and Dyson, to name a few. Her work also includes the acclaimed documentaryThe Road to ACL, featuring Foo Fighters, Gary Clark Jr. and other acclaimed artists, as well as international campaigns for WildAid featuring talent such as Jackie Chan and Josh Duhamel. Known for her hands-on approach and extensive production experience, Nicole brings a wealth of practical filmmaking expertise to Clair de Lune.
Burns Burns – Production Design
Burns is an extraordinary production designer with a gift for creating richly detailed environments that deepen character, reinforce story, and help shape unforgettable cinematic worlds. His production design credits include Sympathy for the Devil, starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman; Bandit, starring Josh Duhamel and Mel Gibson; and The Vanished, starring Thomas Jane and Anne Heche. With a background spanning production design, producing, and directing, Burns brings both an incredible visual eye and a deep understanding of storytelling to the project.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When her twelve-year-old daughter goes missing just hours after a landmark victory against a human trafficking ring, a driven district attorney launches a desperate search with the help of the officer she trusts most. But as the night unfolds and the investigation draws her toward a dangerous confrontation, she’s forced to reckon with the personal cost of a life consumed by duty, and a painful truth she’s been unwilling to face.
Clair de Lune is more than a suspenseful race against time. It's a story about family, forgiveness, and what it truly means to be present for the people we love.
Clair de Lune begins with a universal fear, but it's ultimately about something even more familiar: how the very things we dedicate ourselves to -our careers, our responsibilities, even our sense of purpose- can quietly pull us away from the people we love most.
At its core, this is an emotional thriller about family, justice, and second chances. We believe great stories entertain us, but the best ones endure by touching us.
Named after Debussy's timeless composition, Clair de Lune reflects the film's emotional rhythm - moving from quiet intimacy to mounting suspense before arriving at a deeply human conclusion. Like the music itself, this film reminds us that love can endure even in our darkest hours.
A parent's worst nightmare.
The missed phone call... The text that never comes...
The moment your imagination begins to race...
We're making Clair de Lune because we believe the most powerful thrillers don't just keep us guessing...
...they remind us what's truly worth fighting for.
Every day, families around the world face moments that change their lives forever. Clair de Lune explores what happens when justice becomes personal, reminding us that behind every case is a family longing to be whole again. We hope this film sparks conversation about the importance of showing up for the people we love... before it's too late.
Independent films don't exist because one person believes in them.
They exist because a community does.
Your support allows us to bring together an incredible cast and crew, secure locations, build the world of the film, and give this story the production value it deserves.
Every contribution -large or small- will help us create a timeless, festival-quality film that reflects the care and passion we've poured into every page of the script.
Most importantly, you're joining us as partners on this journey.
Your support will help fund:
- Professional cast and crew
- Camera, lighting and sound equipment
- Production design
- Locations and permits
- Wardrobe and props
- Meals and transportation
- Post-production
- Color grading
- Original score and music production
- Insurance
- Film festival submissions
Our goal is simple:
Create a short film that can stand the test of time alongside the best films on the festival circuit, while introducing audiences to a story we believe deserves to be experienced.
If we surpass our funding goal, additional support will allow us to:
- Increase shooting time for key scenes
- Expand production design / elevate production value
- Add additional key crew / equipment
- Enhance visual effects and finishing
- Submit to additional film festivals
- Create accessibility materials, including captions
- Produce behind-the-scenes content for our supporters
Independent filmmaking has always been about people coming together to tell stories that matter.
Whether you contribute financially, share our campaign, or simply help spread the word, you're becoming part of the Clair de Lune family.
Thank you,
Kathleen Lancaster & Carl Thiel
Kathleen Lancaster – Writer / Producer / Actor
Kathleen Lancaster is a writer, actor, and filmmaker with more than two decades of experience in television, film, and theater, including appearances in Law & Order: SVU and The Closer. Drawing on her experience as a performer, she creates character-driven stories about ordinary people discovering extraordinary courage.
Carl Thiel – Writer / Director / Editor / Composer
Carl Thiel is an award-winning filmmaker and composer known for crafting emotionally resonant stories with a distinctive cinematic voice. By directing, editing, and scoring Clair de Lune, Carl brings a unified creative vision to every stage of the filmmaking process.
We're excited to officially announce some great additions to the team!
Nicole Rodan – Producer
Nicole is an extraordinary producer with extensive experience across independent film, commercial, and branded content. Her credits include feature films such as Gone Are the Days, starring Lance Henriksen, Tom Berenger and Danny Trejo; The Teller and the Truth, on which she served as producer and executive producer; and Oak, starring Armand Assante and Catherine Daddario. She's produced countless national and international campaigns for major brands including Nike, Ford, GM and Dyson, to name a few. Her work also includes the acclaimed documentaryThe Road to ACL, featuring Foo Fighters, Gary Clark Jr. and other acclaimed artists, as well as international campaigns for WildAid featuring talent such as Jackie Chan and Josh Duhamel. Known for her hands-on approach and extensive production experience, Nicole brings a wealth of practical filmmaking expertise to Clair de Lune.
Burns Burns – Production Design
Burns is an extraordinary production designer with a gift for creating richly detailed environments that deepen character, reinforce story, and help shape unforgettable cinematic worlds. His production design credits include Sympathy for the Devil, starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman; Bandit, starring Josh Duhamel and Mel Gibson; and The Vanished, starring Thomas Jane and Anne Heche. With a background spanning production design, producing, and directing, Burns brings both an incredible visual eye and a deep understanding of storytelling to the project.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $12,500
Supporting the talented and experienced cast & crew whose creativity and expertise make every frame of Clair de Lune the best it can be.
Camera, Lighting & Sound Rental
Costs $4,500
Professional camera, lighting, and sound equipment will help create the cinematic atmosphere that defines the film.
Locations, Production Design & Wardrobe
Costs $3,750
From transforming practical locations to carefully chosen props & wardrobe, every visual detail helps immerse audiences into the story.
Production Expenses
Costs $3,000
Meals, transportation, permits, expendables and the countless logistics that keep a professional set running efficiently.
Post Production
Costs $3,750
Where the film comes together through editing, music, sound design and color grading to create a polished cinematic experience.
Insurance, Festivals & Contingency
Costs $2,500
Production insurance, festival submissions, deliverables and a contingency reserve to ensure the film reaches audience around the world.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kathleen Lancaster – Writer / Producer / Actor
Kathleen Lancaster is a writer, actor, and filmmaker with more than two decades of experience in television, film, and theater, including appearances in Law & Order: SVU and The Closer. Drawing on her experience as a performer, she creates character-driven stories about ordinary people discovering extraordinary courage.
Carl Thiel – Writer / Director / Editor / Composer
Carl Thiel is an award-winning filmmaker and composer known for crafting emotionally resonant stories with a distinctive cinematic voice. By directing, editing, and scoring Clair de Lune, Carl brings a unified creative vision to every stage of the filmmaking process.
Nicole Rodan – Producer. Nicole is an extraordinary producer with extensive experience across independent film, commercial, and branded content. Her credits include feature films such as Gone Are the Days, starring Lance Henriksen, Tom Berenger and Danny Trejo; The Teller and the Truth, on which she served as producer and executive producer; and Oak, starring Armand Assante and Catherine Daddario. She's produced countless national and international campaigns for major brands including Nike, Ford, GM and Dyson, to name a few. Her work also includes the acclaimed documentaryThe Road to ACL, featuring Foo Fighters, Gary Clark Jr. and other acclaimed artists, as well as international campaigns for WildAid featuring talent such as Jackie Chan and Josh Duhamel. Known for her hands-on approach and extensive production experience, Nicole brings a wealth of practical filmmaking expertise to Clair de Lune.
Burns Burns – Production Design
Burns is an extraordinary production designer with a gift for creating richly detailed environments that deepen character, reinforce story, and help shape unforgettable cinematic worlds. His production design credits include Sympathy for the Devil, starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman; Bandit, starring Josh Duhamel and Mel Gibson; and The Vanished, starring Thomas Jane and Anne Heche. With a background spanning production design, producing, and directing, Burns brings both an incredible visual eye and a deep understanding of storytelling to the project.