DARK ROOM
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
DARK ROOM: An ambitious short film project intent on sharing a touching story of memory and fatherhood, while simultaneously showcasing the ritual of film photography and its community.
DARK ROOM
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
30 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$3,291
Goal: $6,479 for production
DARK ROOM: An ambitious short film project intent on sharing a touching story of memory and fatherhood, while simultaneously showcasing the ritual of film photography and its community.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In DARK ROOM, we meet Alan, a man so wrapped in grief he has to erase all traces and all memories of his late wife from his life. He rips down pictures, throws away frames, and, in the process, pushes away his daughter. In the turmoil, Alan walls himself off in the quiet red light of his dark photo development room...
Sparked by the discovery of a lost film roll, Alan is forced to develop a past he thought was buried. The images that emerge in the chemical trays threaten to unearth a real truth hidden behind fabricated memories. One photo suggests a deep betrayal, but another, taken by his wife in secret, reveals a moment of profound love and fatherhood Alan never knew she saw.
_________________________________________
At its heart, DARK ROOM is about how we choose to remember the people we've lost. It's about a father and daughter who can only find their way back to each other by facing the messy, beautiful, and complicated truth of their memories. We've poured everything into this story, and now we need your help to bring it to light. Join us in making a film about love, loss, and the courage it takes to look at the whole picture. "
- Joshua Triezenberg, Director of DARK ROOM
Simply put, DARK ROOM the film could never exist without the film development community. A premier goal of Pink Moose with DARK ROOM is to bolster and spotlight the film development community, a passionate group of people championing the chemical miracle of analog photography, an art that is slowly becoming lost to digitization. We are committing ourselves to portraying this process and the effect it has on the individual with complete accuracy and reverence. We proudly and loudly hope that DARK ROOM inspires audiences to explore film photography for themselves.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The visual language of DARK ROOM is a direct reflection of Alan's fractured psychological state. We will employ a stark visual dichotomy, creating two distinct worlds that the audience will see and feel: the cold, harsh reality of the present and the warm, dreamlike haze of memory.
The present day will be captured in a monochromatic & de-saturated palette, drained of warmth and vitality. This choice reflects not only Alan’s emotional state, but also the suffocating stillness of his existence. The camera will remain static and architectural, locking him into frames serving as visual cages, reminding us that isolation is not only an internal condition but also something enforced by the very space he inhabits.
The flashbacks will be rendered like a fading 1970s photograph brought to life, in sharp contrast to the rigid stillness of his present. These moments will breathe with warmth and intimacy. It will feel alive in a way Alan's present can't. Ultimately the visual strategy hinges on a collision of forms—the present as a cold, colorless photograph, and the past as a hazy, imperfect image full of motion.
The only element that bridges these two worlds is the piercing, safe red light of the dark room — this intentional contrast will be a powerful, immersive experience. The audience won't just watch Alan's journey; they will feel the cold loneliness of his present and the bittersweet warmth of the past he is desperately trying to understand. The look and feel of the film are not just an aesthetic choice; they are the core engine of our story.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To bring this story to life with the degree of care and craftsmanship it requires, we need to raise $6,479 by the end of our campaign. To receive any funds at all from Seed&Spark, we must raise at least 80% of our goal, or $5,183.20. Our production is scheduled to begin principal photography in November 2026, and your contributions will arrive at a crucial time, allowing our team to lock in the locations, materials, and equipment for production that we are already researching.
|
On Seed&Spark, productions that raise 30% of their overall total within their first week have a whopping 90% chance to raise their total funds.
|
The budget for DARK ROOM is divided as follows:
For a more detailed breakdown of the budget, click here.
We have the script and the vision, but now we need you. Your contribution will help us rent authentic darkroom equipment and cameras that will make this world feel real. We want to showcase this story and the physical photography community in the way it deserves. Join our team, and let's develop this film together.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Say Hi! We'd love to talk!
At Pink Moose we have assembled a crack-shot team of artists; each individually bringing their own talent and perspective to the team. Check out the Team Page to learn more about each member of the Pink Moose Family!
If you have any questions or just want to talk, feel free to reach out at [email protected]
PRODUCTION BUDGET: $6,479
Share DARK ROOM with your community:
- Connect with us on Instagram: @darkroomfilmofficial
- Join the DARK ROOM DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.com/users/darkroomfilm
- As an act of support, share our Seed&Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/dark-room-short-film/#story
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sponsor a day in our Dark Room!
Costs $500
This is our key location for filming and arguably the single most important expense of the entire project.
Festival Submissions!
Costs $220
This would cover the cost of at least three film festival submissions, allowing DARK ROOM to be seen.
Sound Package
Costs $350
We love silent films, but DARK ROOM is not one. Help our film be seen AND heard!
Camera Package
Costs $1,300
In terms of equipment, this is arguably the most important. Securing this will give the production its key piece of equipment.
Lighting and Grip Package
Costs $500
This DARK ROOM is dark, but you should still be able to see it! Great lighting elevates not only a film's look, but the entire narrative.
Props
Costs $350
This would cover all the physical assets/props that are used during production.
Wardrobe/Costumes
Costs $400
This would include all the costume design for the talented cast. Securing this ensure the costumes are high-quality and true to DARK ROOM.
Production Insurance
Costs $500
This would insure our talent and physical assets while in production, keeping our crew, talent, and film safe from whatever could happen.
Post Production
Costs $600
This ensures a seamless post-production and a polished, professional-looking film.
Fund the Music of Dark Room
Costs $400
Months from now you catch yourself humming. Is that the score from DARK ROOM? That maybe even YOU helped fund so it could exist? Amazing!
Unexpected Costs
Costs $200
Sometimes the unexpected happens! This emergency fund ensures the unexpected stays unexpected rather than disastrous.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JOSHUA TRIEZENBERG - DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER
Joshua Triezenberg is a filmmaker, musician, and the Co-Founder of Pink Moose Productions. His journey from touring the Midwest as a songwriter to filmmaking was driven by a search for true collaboration. His proudest accomplishment is the creation of Pink Moose itself—a company he is building into a safe and growing home where talented artists can thrive. He brings this deep passion for collaborative, character-driven storytelling to his role as Director of DARK ROOM.
What drew Joshua to DARK ROOM was Donovan Napoli’s tender and natural script. The film's themes of remorse and retrospection resonate with his belief in extreme accountability—the choice to either face the fires you’ve started yourself or remain stagnant. He is compelled by Alan's ultimate journey toward growth, responsibility, and the understanding that you must care for yourself before you can be there for others.
Inspired by the power of art to capture profound, universal feelings—like hearing The Beach Boys on a summer day—Joshua’s mission is to create cinematic experiences that elevate emotion and explore moments of both wonder and pain. When not on set, he dedicates his time to working with his team to make Pink Moose Productions a bigger, cooler, and more inclusive home for storytellers.
TIMOTHY TRIEZENBERG - PRODUCER
Tim Triezenberg is a Producer and co-founder of Pink Moose Productions, a filmmaking collective born in Chicago and now based in LA. For Tim and his team, the goal has always been to tell powerful, character-focused stories. DARK ROOM is the embodiment of that mission. It’s the reason Pink Moose exists, and he's excited to be a part of the team bringing it to life.
CALLIAH SQUYRES - MAKEUP ARTIST
Calliah Squyres is an LA-based, professionally trained special effects makeup artist known for her bold creativity and detailed artistry. Realistic wounds are her specialty, but can do any and all types of makeup. She played a key role in the production of SHOOT ME, bringing its eerie visuals to life through her work with prosthetics and character makeup. Since joining Pink Moose Productions in late 2024, Calliah has become a go-to collaborator for high-concept visual projects. Most recently, she showcased her talents on the music video and EP cover for Bad Women by Ashamad, delivering haunting, cinematic looks that elevated the project’s dark aesthetic.
SAMANTHA BYQUIST - SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Samantha Byquist studied Arts Management, where she discovered her passion for the world of marketing. With a natural eye for creativity and storytelling, she has always been inspired by the way ideas can connect with people and leave a lasting impression. Now working with Pink Moose Productions, Samantha has found the perfect place to merge her love of marketing with Pink Moose’s dedication to film. She is passionate about the art of film not only as a medium for storytelling but also as a powerful way to showcase ideas, brands, and visions. For Samantha, film is more than entertainment. It is a platform to inspire, engage, and share meaningful stories.
JORDAN KETTER - EDITOR AND PRODUCER
Jordan Ketter graduated from UW Milwaukee with a BFA in Film, Video, Animation and New Genres where he developed dynamic and innovative video production skills. He’s won several awards from film festivals around the country for his work as a director, writer and cinematographer. As a professional film and social media editor he uses his eye for the cut to inform every decision during filming.
TREVOR WIERS - CINEMATOGRAPHER AND PRODUCER
Originally from Chicago and now LA-based, Trevor Wiers is a Cinematographer and Producer at Pink Moose Productions. With a focus on creating worlds that bring people together both on set and in life, he is excited to be working with the talented writer who created Dark Room and help bring his vision to life.
DONOVAN NAPOLI - SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER
LA-based, Bay Area-born emerging screenwriter with years of experience crafting high-concept dramas. Donovan Napoli is honored to bring his script DARK ROOM to life with Pink Moose Productions. Recent work includes MenandWomen, a story that explores control and dependency through the lives of a young couple physically bound together, shifting between present-day and historical San Francisco. Inspired by the incredible dialogue of Aaron Sorkin and the inventive narratives of Charlie Kaufman, he hopes one day it will be his own voice that inspires others. Known for blending out-of-this-world concepts with bold, character-driven storytelling.
DEMETRI BOUZOS - PRODUCER
Demetri Bouzos is an LA-based Greek-American actor, writer, and producer with Pink Moose Productions. Raised outside the Bay Area, Demetri’s immigrant roots shaped the foundation of his mission statement to tell stories informed by both our shared pasts and our desired futures. A graduate of USC’s School of Dramatic Arts and School of Cinematic Arts, a member of Diana Castle’s The Imagined Life Acting studio, and a student of The Groundlings LA Improv School, Demetri is incredibly excited to help bring DARK ROOM to life and share this story, emphasizing the value of the physical photography community and the importance of its preservation in today’s digital world.
WES PEPPERS - POST PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Wes Peppers is a writer, VFX Artist, and the primary animator of Pink Moose Productions. Coming from the Chicago area, he and his production team came to California in hopes of telling good stories through strong narratives and relatable characters.
Drawing inspiration from the hand-drawn cartoons of Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. Animation, the irreverence of Kevin Smith, and anything fantasy or sci-fi, Wes brings a unique approach to every project he is a part of. With upcoming projects, like TOTEM (Dir.), STARTING FIRES, (VFX), and DARK ROOM (Post Coord.), Wes is hitting the ground running and doesn’t intend to stop, working with his team to get better and bigger with every project they tackle.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In DARK ROOM, we meet Alan, a man so wrapped in grief he has to erase all traces and all memories of his late wife from his life. He rips down pictures, throws away frames, and, in the process, pushes away his daughter. In the turmoil, Alan walls himself off in the quiet red light of his dark photo development room...
Sparked by the discovery of a lost film roll, Alan is forced to develop a past he thought was buried. The images that emerge in the chemical trays threaten to unearth a real truth hidden behind fabricated memories. One photo suggests a deep betrayal, but another, taken by his wife in secret, reveals a moment of profound love and fatherhood Alan never knew she saw.
_________________________________________At its heart, DARK ROOM is about how we choose to remember the people we've lost. It's about a father and daughter who can only find their way back to each other by facing the messy, beautiful, and complicated truth of their memories. We've poured everything into this story, and now we need your help to bring it to light. Join us in making a film about love, loss, and the courage it takes to look at the whole picture. "
- Joshua Triezenberg, Director of DARK ROOM
Simply put, DARK ROOM the film could never exist without the film development community. A premier goal of Pink Moose with DARK ROOM is to bolster and spotlight the film development community, a passionate group of people championing the chemical miracle of analog photography, an art that is slowly becoming lost to digitization. We are committing ourselves to portraying this process and the effect it has on the individual with complete accuracy and reverence. We proudly and loudly hope that DARK ROOM inspires audiences to explore film photography for themselves.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The visual language of DARK ROOM is a direct reflection of Alan's fractured psychological state. We will employ a stark visual dichotomy, creating two distinct worlds that the audience will see and feel: the cold, harsh reality of the present and the warm, dreamlike haze of memory.
The present day will be captured in a monochromatic & de-saturated palette, drained of warmth and vitality. This choice reflects not only Alan’s emotional state, but also the suffocating stillness of his existence. The camera will remain static and architectural, locking him into frames serving as visual cages, reminding us that isolation is not only an internal condition but also something enforced by the very space he inhabits.
The flashbacks will be rendered like a fading 1970s photograph brought to life, in sharp contrast to the rigid stillness of his present. These moments will breathe with warmth and intimacy. It will feel alive in a way Alan's present can't. Ultimately the visual strategy hinges on a collision of forms—the present as a cold, colorless photograph, and the past as a hazy, imperfect image full of motion.
The only element that bridges these two worlds is the piercing, safe red light of the dark room — this intentional contrast will be a powerful, immersive experience. The audience won't just watch Alan's journey; they will feel the cold loneliness of his present and the bittersweet warmth of the past he is desperately trying to understand. The look and feel of the film are not just an aesthetic choice; they are the core engine of our story.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To bring this story to life with the degree of care and craftsmanship it requires, we need to raise $6,479 by the end of our campaign. To receive any funds at all from Seed&Spark, we must raise at least 80% of our goal, or $5,183.20. Our production is scheduled to begin principal photography in November 2026, and your contributions will arrive at a crucial time, allowing our team to lock in the locations, materials, and equipment for production that we are already researching.
|
On Seed&Spark, productions that raise 30% of their overall total within their first week have a whopping 90% chance to raise their total funds.
|
The budget for DARK ROOM is divided as follows:
For a more detailed breakdown of the budget, click here.
We have the script and the vision, but now we need you. Your contribution will help us rent authentic darkroom equipment and cameras that will make this world feel real. We want to showcase this story and the physical photography community in the way it deserves. Join our team, and let's develop this film together.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Say Hi! We'd love to talk!
At Pink Moose we have assembled a crack-shot team of artists; each individually bringing their own talent and perspective to the team. Check out the Team Page to learn more about each member of the Pink Moose Family!
If you have any questions or just want to talk, feel free to reach out at [email protected]
PRODUCTION BUDGET: $6,479Share DARK ROOM with your community:
- Connect with us on Instagram: @darkroomfilmofficial
- Join the DARK ROOM DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.com/users/darkroomfilm
- As an act of support, share our Seed&Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/dark-room-short-film/#story
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sponsor a day in our Dark Room!
Costs $500
This is our key location for filming and arguably the single most important expense of the entire project.
Festival Submissions!
Costs $220
This would cover the cost of at least three film festival submissions, allowing DARK ROOM to be seen.
Sound Package
Costs $350
We love silent films, but DARK ROOM is not one. Help our film be seen AND heard!
Camera Package
Costs $1,300
In terms of equipment, this is arguably the most important. Securing this will give the production its key piece of equipment.
Lighting and Grip Package
Costs $500
This DARK ROOM is dark, but you should still be able to see it! Great lighting elevates not only a film's look, but the entire narrative.
Props
Costs $350
This would cover all the physical assets/props that are used during production.
Wardrobe/Costumes
Costs $400
This would include all the costume design for the talented cast. Securing this ensure the costumes are high-quality and true to DARK ROOM.
Production Insurance
Costs $500
This would insure our talent and physical assets while in production, keeping our crew, talent, and film safe from whatever could happen.
Post Production
Costs $600
This ensures a seamless post-production and a polished, professional-looking film.
Fund the Music of Dark Room
Costs $400
Months from now you catch yourself humming. Is that the score from DARK ROOM? That maybe even YOU helped fund so it could exist? Amazing!
Unexpected Costs
Costs $200
Sometimes the unexpected happens! This emergency fund ensures the unexpected stays unexpected rather than disastrous.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JOSHUA TRIEZENBERG - DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER
Joshua Triezenberg is a filmmaker, musician, and the Co-Founder of Pink Moose Productions. His journey from touring the Midwest as a songwriter to filmmaking was driven by a search for true collaboration. His proudest accomplishment is the creation of Pink Moose itself—a company he is building into a safe and growing home where talented artists can thrive. He brings this deep passion for collaborative, character-driven storytelling to his role as Director of DARK ROOM.
What drew Joshua to DARK ROOM was Donovan Napoli’s tender and natural script. The film's themes of remorse and retrospection resonate with his belief in extreme accountability—the choice to either face the fires you’ve started yourself or remain stagnant. He is compelled by Alan's ultimate journey toward growth, responsibility, and the understanding that you must care for yourself before you can be there for others.
Inspired by the power of art to capture profound, universal feelings—like hearing The Beach Boys on a summer day—Joshua’s mission is to create cinematic experiences that elevate emotion and explore moments of both wonder and pain. When not on set, he dedicates his time to working with his team to make Pink Moose Productions a bigger, cooler, and more inclusive home for storytellers.
TIMOTHY TRIEZENBERG - PRODUCER
Tim Triezenberg is a Producer and co-founder of Pink Moose Productions, a filmmaking collective born in Chicago and now based in LA. For Tim and his team, the goal has always been to tell powerful, character-focused stories. DARK ROOM is the embodiment of that mission. It’s the reason Pink Moose exists, and he's excited to be a part of the team bringing it to life.
CALLIAH SQUYRES - MAKEUP ARTIST
Calliah Squyres is an LA-based, professionally trained special effects makeup artist known for her bold creativity and detailed artistry. Realistic wounds are her specialty, but can do any and all types of makeup. She played a key role in the production of SHOOT ME, bringing its eerie visuals to life through her work with prosthetics and character makeup. Since joining Pink Moose Productions in late 2024, Calliah has become a go-to collaborator for high-concept visual projects. Most recently, she showcased her talents on the music video and EP cover for Bad Women by Ashamad, delivering haunting, cinematic looks that elevated the project’s dark aesthetic.
SAMANTHA BYQUIST - SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Samantha Byquist studied Arts Management, where she discovered her passion for the world of marketing. With a natural eye for creativity and storytelling, she has always been inspired by the way ideas can connect with people and leave a lasting impression. Now working with Pink Moose Productions, Samantha has found the perfect place to merge her love of marketing with Pink Moose’s dedication to film. She is passionate about the art of film not only as a medium for storytelling but also as a powerful way to showcase ideas, brands, and visions. For Samantha, film is more than entertainment. It is a platform to inspire, engage, and share meaningful stories.
JORDAN KETTER - EDITOR AND PRODUCER
Jordan Ketter graduated from UW Milwaukee with a BFA in Film, Video, Animation and New Genres where he developed dynamic and innovative video production skills. He’s won several awards from film festivals around the country for his work as a director, writer and cinematographer. As a professional film and social media editor he uses his eye for the cut to inform every decision during filming.
TREVOR WIERS - CINEMATOGRAPHER AND PRODUCER
Originally from Chicago and now LA-based, Trevor Wiers is a Cinematographer and Producer at Pink Moose Productions. With a focus on creating worlds that bring people together both on set and in life, he is excited to be working with the talented writer who created Dark Room and help bring his vision to life.
DONOVAN NAPOLI - SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER
LA-based, Bay Area-born emerging screenwriter with years of experience crafting high-concept dramas. Donovan Napoli is honored to bring his script DARK ROOM to life with Pink Moose Productions. Recent work includes MenandWomen, a story that explores control and dependency through the lives of a young couple physically bound together, shifting between present-day and historical San Francisco. Inspired by the incredible dialogue of Aaron Sorkin and the inventive narratives of Charlie Kaufman, he hopes one day it will be his own voice that inspires others. Known for blending out-of-this-world concepts with bold, character-driven storytelling.
DEMETRI BOUZOS - PRODUCER
Demetri Bouzos is an LA-based Greek-American actor, writer, and producer with Pink Moose Productions. Raised outside the Bay Area, Demetri’s immigrant roots shaped the foundation of his mission statement to tell stories informed by both our shared pasts and our desired futures. A graduate of USC’s School of Dramatic Arts and School of Cinematic Arts, a member of Diana Castle’s The Imagined Life Acting studio, and a student of The Groundlings LA Improv School, Demetri is incredibly excited to help bring DARK ROOM to life and share this story, emphasizing the value of the physical photography community and the importance of its preservation in today’s digital world.
WES PEPPERS - POST PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Wes Peppers is a writer, VFX Artist, and the primary animator of Pink Moose Productions. Coming from the Chicago area, he and his production team came to California in hopes of telling good stories through strong narratives and relatable characters.
Drawing inspiration from the hand-drawn cartoons of Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. Animation, the irreverence of Kevin Smith, and anything fantasy or sci-fi, Wes brings a unique approach to every project he is a part of. With upcoming projects, like TOTEM (Dir.), STARTING FIRES, (VFX), and DARK ROOM (Post Coord.), Wes is hitting the ground running and doesn’t intend to stop, working with his team to get better and bigger with every project they tackle.