When Ray walks in on her best friend Cora about to kill herself, the two women are forced to address the distance between them caused by their lives evolving in different directions. This is a 10 minute proof of concept dark comedy exploring postpartum depression and friendship.
When Ray walks in on her best friend Cora about to kill herself, the two women are forced to address the distance between them caused by their lives evolving in different directions. This is a 10 minute proof of concept dark comedy exploring postpartum depression and friendship.
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Story
Mission Statement
With 'Cray' I hope to raise awareness around maternal mental health and postpartum depression. The inspiration for this came from my personal experience of having a baby at the start of the pandemic.About The Project
Without taking itself too seriously, Cray explores stigma-ridden topics such as suicide and mental illness. Cora and Ray have been best friends since their first day of college. Over 10 years later, their lives couldn't be more different. Cora just had a baby and is secretly struggling with postpartum depression. Ray's career is on the upswing but she's secretly having an affair with her co-worker. It is clear that these two young women are struggling to preserve their friendship. When Ray catches Cora about to kill herself, can she save her and their friendship?
I had my first child at the start of the pandemic. My whole world was turned upside down and the isolation, compounded by the COVID lockdown, catapulted me into depression and anxiety. During that time I learned about a young mother, Nima Bhakta, who had killed herself from postpartum depression. I did not know her personally yet her death affected me deeply. So many thoughts ran through my head That could have been me... I wish I could have been there for her... I wish she could have known she was not alone.
I love being an actor because it affords me the opportunity to help people feel raw and real emotions. One of my coping mechanisms on maternity leave was making comedic shorts on TikTok about relatable motherhood experiences. Over time I grew interested in taking this a step further into what I hope will be a TV series about navigating friendship with the struggles of motherhood and mental illness.
Sonia Sawkar as RAY
Ray (short for Shreya) grew up in a middle class suburban town outside of LA. One of just a handful of brown kids in her school she always struggled to connect with her South Asian heritage. Tall Waspy men areher kryptonite which is how she fell into Christian's thirst trap. Ray is slightly self absorbed and low-key attracted to drama. Despite her shortcomings she is fiercely loyal and would walk through fire for her loved ones. Ray and Cora met at UC Berkeley as dormmates freshman year. Ray has always been the one getting into trouble and Cora has always been the one coming to her rescue.
For more about Sonia: Website | Instagram
Antonia Miran as CORA
Cora was born and raised in the Bay Area. She is a sarcastic feminist who may come off abrasive but is genuine in everything she does. Cora majored in Journalism and always dreamed of becoming a frontline news reporter however after meeting her husband, Carlos out of college her ambitions were side stepped as she fell into a whirlwind of love, marriage and then baby. The stress and isolation of having a baby, especially during a pandemic, has taken a toll on her though she has hidden this from everyone around her.
For more about Antonia: Website | Instagram
Alex Mortensen as CHRISTIAN (Ray's Co-worker)
Born and raised in Australia, Christian moved to the states for college. Naturally charistmatic he is used to skating through life on his good looks and charm. It is no surprise that Ray falls hard for him. Christian is secretly terrified of being alone and thus is a serial monogamer regardless of whether or not he is actually into his girlfriend.
For more about Alex: Website | Instagram
Noe Flores as CARLOS (Cora's husband)
Carlos is a happy-go-lucky goofball who takes great pride in being a dad. He is a loving partner and fully committed to his family and to telling dad jokes. He is always well intentioned but his obtuseness and relentlessly positive attitude tends to push Cora over the edge.
For more about Noe: Website | Instagram
Penelope as PENELOPE (Cora and Carlos's daughter)
Penelope is a happy baby, deeply loved and cared for by everyone around her!
The themes (suicide, depression, strife) are dark but the visuals are light. Cray's style is a combination of comedies and dramas involving strong female friendships.
Cray cannot come to life without your help!
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $12,000
$12,000 is the bare minimum needed to cover production costs for two days of filming, at a production quality everyone involved can be proud if. This DOES NOT include pre-production and post-production costs.
A huge chunk of our production budget is going towards the crew. When you back this campaign, you will be helping provide jobs to countless filmmakers who have been struggling to find work during the pandemic.
SAFETY MEASURES
Creating a film during a pandemic requires countless extra measures which becomes an added expense. We will be hiring a Covid Safety Officer to be on set for both days of filming and purchasing all the required PPE to keep everyone safe. Furthermore we will make sure everyone gets vaccinated in advance of filming and is COVID tested prior to being on set.
WHERE CRAY WILL GO
Cray will be pitched to major networks as a proof of concept (pilot) for a television series. Cray will also be submitted to prominent film festivals all over the world.
When you contribute to our campaign you are supporting a film that:
- Cares about the mental health and livelihood of mothers everywhere
- Is committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness
- Supports strong female friendships and female empowerment
- Values female filmmakers and diversity in front of, and behind the camera
- Is committed to saving lives
PLEASE FOLLOW AND SHARE!
- Follow this campaign page on Seed & Spark, and also our Instagram and Facebook pages. Be sure to use #craytv across any social media platforms!
- Spread the word and message of Cray! Tell your friends, family and colleagues
- Keep following our campaign! Regular visits to our Seed & Spark page will keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and we sincerely hope you will help fund our project!
Incentives
$25
Cray Comic
Become a Cray Cartoon! Send us a photo of yourself and we'll convert it into a personalized digital cartoon!
Claimed: 8 of 30
$50
Private Digital Screening
Cray cannot be shared publicly until it is done circulating the film festivals which will take several months. With this perk, you don't have to wait! You will get access to the private screening (via a private link that will be viewable for 48 hrs, available post-production).
Claimed: 33 of 50
$60
Annual Passes to all Awesome Theatre Productions
“Theatre for People Who Didn’t Know They Liked Theatre”
Do you live in the Bay Area? Then you don't want to miss out on this AWESOME opportunity! Score a ticket to ALL Awesome Theater original plays by local playwrights for the next 12 months, performed at independent theaters in San Francisco!
Sonia starred in the Awesome Theatre Production "Let's Kill Jessica" at Pianofight which sold out every performance and received rave reviews!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$75
1hr Salsa Lesson with Elena
Elena is a champion salsa dancer and teacher who is known for her elegant and fluid style and body movement. She has trained with Mambo King Eddie Torres, Seaon "Stylist" Bristol, Yamulée and was a principal dancer on World Summit Champs Haute Couture professional dance team under the direction of World Salsa Champion Luis Aguilar. As a teacher, she specializes in followers styling, teaching the art of partner connection, and helping make dancers out of people who swear they have two left feet. While she is a huge believer in developing proper dance technique, she also believes that everyone has their own special and unique dance in them that should be explored and celebrated. Technique enhances your dance voice! She can't wait to dance with you. Lesson available virtually in unable to meet in person (Elena's location will depend on the timing of the sessino being booked).
Sold Out!
$75
Cine Circle annual pass *PRICE CUT*
Ready to start fundraising for your own film? Or have you already made your film and need to figure out marketing, distribution, etc.? Then this is the perk for you! In the last year alone, purchasing a ticket to every single Cine Circle event including pitching competitions, indie film festivals, workshops, webinars and networking events would have cost over $1,000! Better hurry, there's only two available!
For more info: www.cinecircle.co.uk
You will also get all the perks listed above (excluding the fitness trainer and coaching session perks)!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$75
60 min Fitness Trainer Session with Alejandro
Alejandro Pelayo is a Personal Trainer with a degree in Kinesiology. He specializes in burning fat and building muscle! This perk will get you a 60 minute full body session of personal training at his gym in San Ramon! Great perk for any Bay Area locals. Better jump on it though because there's only ONE available!
You will also get ALL THE PERKS listed ABOVE!
Sold Out!
$90
You're an Actor!
With this perk you get to be a parkgoer during Cora and Ray's altercation at Golden Gate Park! Better get that acceptance speech ready!
Claimed: 0 of 15
$95
1 Hour Editorial Photoshoot
Ever fantacized about being on the cover of Vogue? Well here's your chance! Get a 1 hour outdoor photoshoot in San Francisco (transportation not included) with the ever talented photographer, Luke Wold from Tonal Imagery. There's only 2 available so don't waste time with this one!
Luke is the principal photographer. His passion for photography began at a very young age. Playing with cameras as a child and moving into taking a traditional photography class while in high school, he learned the basics well before digital cameras existed. Throughout the years, photography has remained a deep passion and hobby while building his skill set. As a former model for the likes of Ford and Look modeling agencies, Luke got first-hand knowledge of what it means to be in front of a camera, while paying attention to the inner workings of the industry. Moving from nightlife photography to travel and landscape photography, Luke is now using his skill set to create and capture the beauty of people and places all around us through the vessel of Tonal Imagery. Tonal Imagery is a creative photography project that aims to capture moments in life that are either natural or artistically created for all to see and enjoy.
Sold Out!
$100
1 hr Coaching Session With Dr. Salaverry
Mia Salaverry, Ph.D., LMFT is a veteran life coach and psychologist. She’s passionate about transformation and knows what it takes to achieve this, a commitment not widely talked about or facilitated by coaches. You will move through 4 core processes; 1st The Commitment, 2nd Identifying Your Stage of Growth, 3rd Creating Your Personal Roadmap, and 4th Formulating An Action Plan. Imagine having a coach with 30 years of client experience, a full life journey, and a deep understanding of how to rise above the pitfalls encountered in relationships. Move from feeling stuck and hopeless to creating what you dream for yourself, your personal best. For a limited time only this work is offered at a fraction of its usual cost. If you’re ready to make the commitment of a lifetime to yourself and to those you love, sign up.
Sold Out!
$100
1 hour Coaching Session with Areyla
Areyla Faeron is a Personal & Professional Development Coach, Creative Consultant, and lifetime Artist. With this perk you'll get a personalized 60 minute one-on-one coaching session!
You will also get ALL THE PERKS listed ABOVE (excluding the fitness trainer perk)!
Areyla's work centralizes around supporting female Creatives to take massive action towards fulfilling the lives and careers that truly reflect who they are on the inside. Through skillful conversation and provocative questions, Areyla uncovers the limiting beliefs that hold her clients back. From identifying self-doubt and moving past fear, to mapping out the pathway to career satisfaction, Areyla's focus is on empowering her clients to confidently go after what they want. And to feel both clear and excited while doing it.
Sold Out!
$125
VIP treatment *PRICE CUT*
Get two backstage passes to the Cray premiere and after party (at a location TBD in San Francisco), and photos with the cast & crew (transportation and lodging not included. COVID restrictions apply.)! Your name will also appear under the Thank You credits at the end of the film.
If you're unable to make it to the in-person premiere, you will get the Digital Screening Perk and the Zoom Happy Hour Perk instead! PLUS the Thank You & Meme shoutout, Dad Joke Central and Cray Comic perks!
Sold Out!
$500
The All-Inclusive
Can't decide which perk to get? Well now you don't have to! The All-Inclusive gets you ALL the perks listed above (excluding fitness and career coaching sessions and CineCircle perk)!
Your name will also appear in the Thank You credits at the end of the film!
Claimed: 2 of 4
$1,000
Who's the Boss?
YOU ARE. Congratulations, you're an Associate Producer! Your name will be listed as part of the production team at the ending credits, PLUS you will receive IMDb credit AND the All-Inclusive Perk!
Claimed: 0 of 5
$2,500
SHERO status -EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
You are our hero and savior and now, an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER! Your name will be in the opening credits, PLUS you will receive IMDb credit AND the All-Inclusive Perk!
Claimed: 1 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$25
Cray Comic
Become a Cray Cartoon! Send us a photo of yourself and we'll convert it into a personalized digital cartoon!
Claimed: 8 of 30
$50
Private Digital Screening
Cray cannot be shared publicly until it is done circulating the film festivals which will take several months. With this perk, you don't have to wait! You will get access to the private screening (via a private link that will be viewable for 48 hrs, available post-production).
Claimed: 33 of 50
$60
Annual Passes to all Awesome Theatre Productions
“Theatre for People Who Didn’t Know They Liked Theatre”
Do you live in the Bay Area? Then you don't want to miss out on this AWESOME opportunity! Score a ticket to ALL Awesome Theater original plays by local playwrights for the next 12 months, performed at independent theaters in San Francisco!
Sonia starred in the Awesome Theatre Production "Let's Kill Jessica" at Pianofight which sold out every performance and received rave reviews!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$75
1hr Salsa Lesson with Elena
Elena is a champion salsa dancer and teacher who is known for her elegant and fluid style and body movement. She has trained with Mambo King Eddie Torres, Seaon "Stylist" Bristol, Yamulée and was a principal dancer on World Summit Champs Haute Couture professional dance team under the direction of World Salsa Champion Luis Aguilar. As a teacher, she specializes in followers styling, teaching the art of partner connection, and helping make dancers out of people who swear they have two left feet. While she is a huge believer in developing proper dance technique, she also believes that everyone has their own special and unique dance in them that should be explored and celebrated. Technique enhances your dance voice! She can't wait to dance with you. Lesson available virtually in unable to meet in person (Elena's location will depend on the timing of the sessino being booked).
Sold Out!
$75
Cine Circle annual pass *PRICE CUT*
Ready to start fundraising for your own film? Or have you already made your film and need to figure out marketing, distribution, etc.? Then this is the perk for you! In the last year alone, purchasing a ticket to every single Cine Circle event including pitching competitions, indie film festivals, workshops, webinars and networking events would have cost over $1,000! Better hurry, there's only two available!
For more info: www.cinecircle.co.uk
You will also get all the perks listed above (excluding the fitness trainer and coaching session perks)!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$75
60 min Fitness Trainer Session with Alejandro
Alejandro Pelayo is a Personal Trainer with a degree in Kinesiology. He specializes in burning fat and building muscle! This perk will get you a 60 minute full body session of personal training at his gym in San Ramon! Great perk for any Bay Area locals. Better jump on it though because there's only ONE available!
You will also get ALL THE PERKS listed ABOVE!
Sold Out!
$90
You're an Actor!
With this perk you get to be a parkgoer during Cora and Ray's altercation at Golden Gate Park! Better get that acceptance speech ready!
Claimed: 0 of 15
$95
1 Hour Editorial Photoshoot
Ever fantacized about being on the cover of Vogue? Well here's your chance! Get a 1 hour outdoor photoshoot in San Francisco (transportation not included) with the ever talented photographer, Luke Wold from Tonal Imagery. There's only 2 available so don't waste time with this one!
Luke is the principal photographer. His passion for photography began at a very young age. Playing with cameras as a child and moving into taking a traditional photography class while in high school, he learned the basics well before digital cameras existed. Throughout the years, photography has remained a deep passion and hobby while building his skill set. As a former model for the likes of Ford and Look modeling agencies, Luke got first-hand knowledge of what it means to be in front of a camera, while paying attention to the inner workings of the industry. Moving from nightlife photography to travel and landscape photography, Luke is now using his skill set to create and capture the beauty of people and places all around us through the vessel of Tonal Imagery. Tonal Imagery is a creative photography project that aims to capture moments in life that are either natural or artistically created for all to see and enjoy.
Sold Out!
$100
1 hr Coaching Session With Dr. Salaverry
Mia Salaverry, Ph.D., LMFT is a veteran life coach and psychologist. She’s passionate about transformation and knows what it takes to achieve this, a commitment not widely talked about or facilitated by coaches. You will move through 4 core processes; 1st The Commitment, 2nd Identifying Your Stage of Growth, 3rd Creating Your Personal Roadmap, and 4th Formulating An Action Plan. Imagine having a coach with 30 years of client experience, a full life journey, and a deep understanding of how to rise above the pitfalls encountered in relationships. Move from feeling stuck and hopeless to creating what you dream for yourself, your personal best. For a limited time only this work is offered at a fraction of its usual cost. If you’re ready to make the commitment of a lifetime to yourself and to those you love, sign up.
Sold Out!
$100
1 hour Coaching Session with Areyla
Areyla Faeron is a Personal & Professional Development Coach, Creative Consultant, and lifetime Artist. With this perk you'll get a personalized 60 minute one-on-one coaching session!
You will also get ALL THE PERKS listed ABOVE (excluding the fitness trainer perk)!
Areyla's work centralizes around supporting female Creatives to take massive action towards fulfilling the lives and careers that truly reflect who they are on the inside. Through skillful conversation and provocative questions, Areyla uncovers the limiting beliefs that hold her clients back. From identifying self-doubt and moving past fear, to mapping out the pathway to career satisfaction, Areyla's focus is on empowering her clients to confidently go after what they want. And to feel both clear and excited while doing it.
Sold Out!
$125
VIP treatment *PRICE CUT*
Get two backstage passes to the Cray premiere and after party (at a location TBD in San Francisco), and photos with the cast & crew (transportation and lodging not included. COVID restrictions apply.)! Your name will also appear under the Thank You credits at the end of the film.
If you're unable to make it to the in-person premiere, you will get the Digital Screening Perk and the Zoom Happy Hour Perk instead! PLUS the Thank You & Meme shoutout, Dad Joke Central and Cray Comic perks!
Sold Out!
$500
The All-Inclusive
Can't decide which perk to get? Well now you don't have to! The All-Inclusive gets you ALL the perks listed above (excluding fitness and career coaching sessions and CineCircle perk)!
Your name will also appear in the Thank You credits at the end of the film!
Claimed: 2 of 4
$1,000
Who's the Boss?
YOU ARE. Congratulations, you're an Associate Producer! Your name will be listed as part of the production team at the ending credits, PLUS you will receive IMDb credit AND the All-Inclusive Perk!
Claimed: 0 of 5
$2,500
SHERO status -EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
You are our hero and savior and now, an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER! Your name will be in the opening credits, PLUS you will receive IMDb credit AND the All-Inclusive Perk!
Claimed: 1 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
THE CREW
Sonia Sawkar - Writer | Director | Executive Producer
Gemma Doll-Grossman - Director of Photography/Cinematographer
Gemma Doll-Grossman is a LA-based cinematographer. A San Francisco native with Wesleyan University degrees in Film Studies + Biology, Gemma worked in Italy for many years before returning to the US to get her MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory (class of 2019). Gemma is committed to exploring untapped perspectives, centering female voices and crafting images that make audience's skin crawl.
Eric Michael Kochmer - Producer
Kochmer is a writer/director/producer with a background in experimental theater. He produced and starred in avant garde filmmaker George Landow’s film DIALOGUES (2009). Between 2006 and 2012, he appeared in over 30 feature and short films, including: I’M NOT HERE (Dances With Films), and VIRGINITY (The Boston International Film Festival), as well as starring in the crime thriller WHITE RABBIT (Cinequest, Vision Award Winner).
Kochmer’s directorial feature film debut WAY DOWN IN CHINATOWN (WMMFest) found distribution through 366WeirdMovies and Amazon. 2018 saw the release of his second feature film ABOUT STRANGERS: Road Series Volume I (Best Picture Award, Innuendo International Film Festival), as well as the first phase of the project I'VE SAID AND DONE THINGS THAT NO-ONE WILL EVER REMEMBER (over 100 episodes). He is currently in development on a live, multimedia version of the series, adapted for galleries and other art spaces. His third feature film, HER AND HIM, as well as his fourth feature, the documentary JACK MADE A PLAY ABOUT JOHN, are both slated to premiere in 2021. Kochmer also serves as the Chief of Production for the film collective and production company We Make Movies., as well as Co-Festival Director of WMMINTL.
Stephanie Yuen - First AD
Stephanie Victoria is a native San Francisco based filmmaker. She has traveled the world filming documentaries and sharing untold stories. She started her professional career as a costume designer, and worked her way up to Assistant Directing. She has a keen eye for details and ensures every department is properly taken care of on every production. When she isn’t blazing through production she is on the hunt for the trendiest foods and will travel everywhere for the best bite.
Big Break Sound
Danny is the founder and Creative Director of Big Break Sound. Before earning his degree in Sound Arts in 2010, he worked years as a professional DJ and music producer. After earning the degree and working in the music, TV and Film industry, he's decided to bring together his experience and network of top musicians and producers to provide world-class audio and music services. Danny and his network of artists around the country bring years of music production, studio engineering, mastering, creative consulting, film scoring and sound design...and turned it into a full-service post-production and audio solution powerhouse.
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