Comet Orphan
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Sci-Fi
Charlotte claims she is an alien: a COMET ORPHAN, left behind on Earth after a family holiday. As her comet returns after 20 years, she is torn between two options : whether to stay with her boyfriend and friends or to take once-in-a-life-time chance to reunite with her family.
Comet Orphan
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Sci-Fi
2 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,105 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
20 supporters | followers
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Charlotte claims she is an alien: a COMET ORPHAN, left behind on Earth after a family holiday. As her comet returns after 20 years, she is torn between two options : whether to stay with her boyfriend and friends or to take once-in-a-life-time chance to reunite with her family.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This short film is a Mockumentary about a 30-year-old woman, Charlotte, who believes she is an alien: a COMET ORPHAN, left behind on Earth after a family holiday from their comet. Now working in a Lancaster print shop, only her boyfriend and a well-meaning group of alien supporters believe her story as an alien. As her supporters and boyfriend prepare for the return of Charlotte’s comet, she is torn apart by two homes. Is she going to stay on Earth with her boyfriend (who’s gearing up for a proposal), or should she reunite with her long-lost family on her home planet?
Director's statement
Tone & Style
COMET ORPHAN will be told as a MOCKUMENTARY.
A film crew catches wind of Charlotte and her story and travels to a small town to film her: about the girl from outer space.
Stylistically, this film will be a vibrant, nostalgic palette - an 80s vibe. Warm colours but lonesome visuals, paired with the heartwarming comedy of the script, will give a bittersweet and introspective feel.
Reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGZQ5RK13LY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G393z8s8nFY&t=43s
Schedule
- December: PRE PRODUCTION
In December, we will lock our script and launch the crowdfunding. We will search for the cast, crew, location, etc.
We're launching a crowdfunding campaign. With your help, we can bring this project to life.
- January: PRE PRODUCTION
After the holidays, we'll dive into a deeper pre-production phase, from casting decisions to location lock, crew lock and so on. This is when we bring our vision to life.
- February: Lights, Camera, Action! Production Begins
The cameras will start rolling in February, and our story will see Charlotte's story become true!
- February - March: The Art of Post-Production
February and March will be dedicated to editing, sound design, color, and everything that goes into creating a seamless and mesmerizing cinematic experience.
- April: The Final Film Takes Shape
Our film will reach its final form, ready to dazzle our audiences.
- April ~ : Festivals and Global Showcase
Starting in April, we're taking our creation to the world stage, showcasing it at prestigious film festivals worldwide. Your support will help us make a significant impact and share our story with audiences globally.
Thank you all so much for reading through it, and please join us on this journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Design
Costs $1,600
A story about a girl from a comet comes with some pretty specific design requirements - that's where this bit of the budget will go!
Camera equipment
Costs $1,500
A wise man once said, "To shoot a film, one must have a camera. Etc..."
Locations
Costs $1,000
We've been lucky enough to get some favours from studios to shoot in, but we need a field to launch Charlotte's rocketship.
Editor
Costs $1,000
We have found an amazing editor who loves the script and they have done us a huge favour with their pricing, but this is the price!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This team is a joining of the forces between the USC, and Lee Strasberg filmmakers. "Comet Orphan" started life in an advanced writing lab early in 2023, and caught the hearts of everyone taking part in it - going through the process of drafting, developing and pitching the story until, rightfully, it was chosen to receive partial funding from the Lee Strasberg Institute as the first film they're making in 2024. Here is the team that is bringing it to life:
Hyejin "Grace" Park, writer/director: I am a film director, screenwriter, and film editor obsessed with telling stories that capture little struggles and victories in life. I’ve written and directed 24 short films that garnered numerous awards and nominations that explores dreams, unconsciousness, and supernatural events to address social issues, including Rope from Heaven (2023), co-directed a USC feature film, Jack & Lou (2023) and two feature-length micro-series.
Natalie Gimon-Valencia, producer: Natalie’s artistic journey began as a professional dancer in her native city of Toronto, Canada. Her passion for film led her to study at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute where she obtained an Associate Degree in acting. Through her studies, she discovered film production and has since acted in and produced award-winning theater productions and films. Her latest short film, A Game’s Fall, received five nominations and was awarded Best Drama and Best Cinematography at The Lee Strasberg 3x5 Film Competition. She will be producing and featuring in Comet Orphan, and is looking forward to bringing this beautiful story to life.
Arwen "Ziyu" Wang, producer: Arwen's a dedicated international filmmaker currently pursuing her studies at the University of Southern California. Her efforts have led to films nominated for various awards worldwide, and her passion continues to drive her creativity in the world of cinematic storytelling, especially in her approach to telling intimate and sensitive stories.
Henry Thompson, associate producer: Henry's a producer/actor/writer from Bristol, England. He grew up a theatre kid through and through, and the love of the limelight has never left. What started out as a way to get noticed whilst dressing up has evolved into a love of telling stories from all sides of the lens; and what started out as a blind love of theatre has evolved into a joyous pursuit of movie success. As an actor, Henry has played the lead in the award winning feature “The Anarchist’s Dream” (2021), and in “La Mia Italia” (2023) - and earlier this year was nominated for his first Best Actor award. As a producer, he has worked on numerous short films, most recently on his own scripts “Blind Optimism” and “Tomorrow”, both pre-release and destined for greatness. Or at least his own DVD collection.
Jonathan E. McCormack, director of photography: Jonathan E. McCormack is a Cinematographer based in Los Angeles working in a variety of independent film, documentary, music videos, and commercials. While growing up in rural Missouri, Jonathan developed a strong connection to nature as a place where his imagination could run free. Film was always a big part of his life and gave him a lens to view the world outside the isolation of a small town. Jonathan uses his imagery to explore characters and all the nuances of the world in ways that words cannot. Jonathan received his MFA in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California in December 2022. He was nominated for a 2023 ASC Heritage Award for his work in the short documentary Down the Road.
Shan Jiang, production designer: Shan Jiang is a production designer, cinematographer, colorist and storyboard artist based in LA. He's a passionate filmmaker and loves projects that values sociological issues.
Aayush Kumaran, 1st Assistant Director: I’m an actor from Mumbai India. I grew up obsessed with sci-fi, fantasy, action and comedy and always had love for the performing arts. My childlike desires to be like the characters in my favourite stories pushed me towards acting, dancing, and martial arts. After receiving accolades in judo and muay thai and having worked as a professional dancer in Toronto, I moved to LA where I studied method acting and acted in various projects. Recently, having worked on ‘Tomorrow’ as assistant director, I found joy in helping create films from behind the camera. I’m excited to explore this path and help tell stories with valuable messages.
Zander Padget, (also) 1st AD: Zander Padget is a filmmaker interested in exploring perspective inside of vibrant films that greatly entertain an audience. After studying dance and art history in college, Zander’s first films were site specific dance films that focused on the power of space, movement and rhythm. Eventually, the want to share specific ideas and emotions lead him to narrative film where he has since fallen in love with the power of story.
Joy Jiang, PR manager/Marketing: Youran“Joy” Jiang, a dedicated architecture student at USC, merges her academic focus with a passion for cinematic storytelling. With a background in stage design and theatre, she brings a unique perspective and profound understanding to her journey as an aspiring filmmaker.
Our team is a hybrid of talent from all over the world, and have come together for a story of a woman from outside it. There's a joke in there somewhere...we'll get back to you when we've found it.
Thank you for your time. Enjoy the other pages on the fundraiser, and we'll see you at the end!
Love,
The Comet Orphans
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This short film is a Mockumentary about a 30-year-old woman, Charlotte, who believes she is an alien: a COMET ORPHAN, left behind on Earth after a family holiday from their comet. Now working in a Lancaster print shop, only her boyfriend and a well-meaning group of alien supporters believe her story as an alien. As her supporters and boyfriend prepare for the return of Charlotte’s comet, she is torn apart by two homes. Is she going to stay on Earth with her boyfriend (who’s gearing up for a proposal), or should she reunite with her long-lost family on her home planet?
Director's statement
Tone & Style
COMET ORPHAN will be told as a MOCKUMENTARY.
A film crew catches wind of Charlotte and her story and travels to a small town to film her: about the girl from outer space.
Stylistically, this film will be a vibrant, nostalgic palette - an 80s vibe. Warm colours but lonesome visuals, paired with the heartwarming comedy of the script, will give a bittersweet and introspective feel.
Reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGZQ5RK13LY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G393z8s8nFY&t=43s
Schedule
- December: PRE PRODUCTION
In December, we will lock our script and launch the crowdfunding. We will search for the cast, crew, location, etc.
We're launching a crowdfunding campaign. With your help, we can bring this project to life.
- January: PRE PRODUCTION
After the holidays, we'll dive into a deeper pre-production phase, from casting decisions to location lock, crew lock and so on. This is when we bring our vision to life.
- February: Lights, Camera, Action! Production Begins
The cameras will start rolling in February, and our story will see Charlotte's story become true!
- February - March: The Art of Post-Production
February and March will be dedicated to editing, sound design, color, and everything that goes into creating a seamless and mesmerizing cinematic experience.
- April: The Final Film Takes Shape
Our film will reach its final form, ready to dazzle our audiences.
- April ~ : Festivals and Global Showcase
Starting in April, we're taking our creation to the world stage, showcasing it at prestigious film festivals worldwide. Your support will help us make a significant impact and share our story with audiences globally.
Thank you all so much for reading through it, and please join us on this journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Design
Costs $1,600
A story about a girl from a comet comes with some pretty specific design requirements - that's where this bit of the budget will go!
Camera equipment
Costs $1,500
A wise man once said, "To shoot a film, one must have a camera. Etc..."
Locations
Costs $1,000
We've been lucky enough to get some favours from studios to shoot in, but we need a field to launch Charlotte's rocketship.
Editor
Costs $1,000
We have found an amazing editor who loves the script and they have done us a huge favour with their pricing, but this is the price!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This team is a joining of the forces between the USC, and Lee Strasberg filmmakers. "Comet Orphan" started life in an advanced writing lab early in 2023, and caught the hearts of everyone taking part in it - going through the process of drafting, developing and pitching the story until, rightfully, it was chosen to receive partial funding from the Lee Strasberg Institute as the first film they're making in 2024. Here is the team that is bringing it to life:
Hyejin "Grace" Park, writer/director: I am a film director, screenwriter, and film editor obsessed with telling stories that capture little struggles and victories in life. I’ve written and directed 24 short films that garnered numerous awards and nominations that explores dreams, unconsciousness, and supernatural events to address social issues, including Rope from Heaven (2023), co-directed a USC feature film, Jack & Lou (2023) and two feature-length micro-series.
Natalie Gimon-Valencia, producer: Natalie’s artistic journey began as a professional dancer in her native city of Toronto, Canada. Her passion for film led her to study at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute where she obtained an Associate Degree in acting. Through her studies, she discovered film production and has since acted in and produced award-winning theater productions and films. Her latest short film, A Game’s Fall, received five nominations and was awarded Best Drama and Best Cinematography at The Lee Strasberg 3x5 Film Competition. She will be producing and featuring in Comet Orphan, and is looking forward to bringing this beautiful story to life.
Arwen "Ziyu" Wang, producer: Arwen's a dedicated international filmmaker currently pursuing her studies at the University of Southern California. Her efforts have led to films nominated for various awards worldwide, and her passion continues to drive her creativity in the world of cinematic storytelling, especially in her approach to telling intimate and sensitive stories.
Henry Thompson, associate producer: Henry's a producer/actor/writer from Bristol, England. He grew up a theatre kid through and through, and the love of the limelight has never left. What started out as a way to get noticed whilst dressing up has evolved into a love of telling stories from all sides of the lens; and what started out as a blind love of theatre has evolved into a joyous pursuit of movie success. As an actor, Henry has played the lead in the award winning feature “The Anarchist’s Dream” (2021), and in “La Mia Italia” (2023) - and earlier this year was nominated for his first Best Actor award. As a producer, he has worked on numerous short films, most recently on his own scripts “Blind Optimism” and “Tomorrow”, both pre-release and destined for greatness. Or at least his own DVD collection.
Jonathan E. McCormack, director of photography: Jonathan E. McCormack is a Cinematographer based in Los Angeles working in a variety of independent film, documentary, music videos, and commercials. While growing up in rural Missouri, Jonathan developed a strong connection to nature as a place where his imagination could run free. Film was always a big part of his life and gave him a lens to view the world outside the isolation of a small town. Jonathan uses his imagery to explore characters and all the nuances of the world in ways that words cannot. Jonathan received his MFA in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California in December 2022. He was nominated for a 2023 ASC Heritage Award for his work in the short documentary Down the Road.
Shan Jiang, production designer: Shan Jiang is a production designer, cinematographer, colorist and storyboard artist based in LA. He's a passionate filmmaker and loves projects that values sociological issues.
Aayush Kumaran, 1st Assistant Director: I’m an actor from Mumbai India. I grew up obsessed with sci-fi, fantasy, action and comedy and always had love for the performing arts. My childlike desires to be like the characters in my favourite stories pushed me towards acting, dancing, and martial arts. After receiving accolades in judo and muay thai and having worked as a professional dancer in Toronto, I moved to LA where I studied method acting and acted in various projects. Recently, having worked on ‘Tomorrow’ as assistant director, I found joy in helping create films from behind the camera. I’m excited to explore this path and help tell stories with valuable messages.
Zander Padget, (also) 1st AD: Zander Padget is a filmmaker interested in exploring perspective inside of vibrant films that greatly entertain an audience. After studying dance and art history in college, Zander’s first films were site specific dance films that focused on the power of space, movement and rhythm. Eventually, the want to share specific ideas and emotions lead him to narrative film where he has since fallen in love with the power of story.
Joy Jiang, PR manager/Marketing: Youran“Joy” Jiang, a dedicated architecture student at USC, merges her academic focus with a passion for cinematic storytelling. With a background in stage design and theatre, she brings a unique perspective and profound understanding to her journey as an aspiring filmmaker.
Our team is a hybrid of talent from all over the world, and have come together for a story of a woman from outside it. There's a joke in there somewhere...we'll get back to you when we've found it.
Thank you for your time. Enjoy the other pages on the fundraiser, and we'll see you at the end!
Love,
The Comet Orphans