In a world ruled by metrics, how far would you go to help a stranger in the dark?

Dedicated Support is a short film about Emily, a burned-out call center worker AND Jon, a desperate customer.

What starts as a tense, standard customer service dispute slowly unravels into a profound late-night confession. As Jon opens up about a deep personal loss and a memorable trip to a putt-putt golf course, Emily realizes this call is about much more than a software update.

Emily faces a choice: follow the corporate rules that keep her employed, or risk it all to somehow help this total stranger.

MEET 'EMILY'

I met Salem Poindexter a few years ago; she's bubbly and outgoing and just a joy to be around. She's always eager to get involved in local productions, be they student or indie film, and she's a writer herself, having created a short film in 2022. When she isn't on set or in rehearsal, she's working on her craft, studying with local acting coaches, and every summer she passes on her gift for acting to the next generation through her non-profit work at the Surry Arts Council in Mt. Airy, North Carolina! We are lucky to be able to work with Salem! 

MEET 'JON'

The first time I met Jordan Killian on set, there was an instant bond. He's friendly, hard working, prolific, and more importantly, he's eager to dive in and really explore characters. When he's not in rehearsal or on-camera, you’ll probably find him outdoors — traveling the world, fly fishing the Appalachians, or geeking out over vintage watches. Jordan has quickly gained a reputation in the NC community for being a standout performer. I've been lucky to work with Jordan in other roles, but I knew this role would give him more to sink his teeth into as an actor!

Caleb Dillon | Director - Producer

Caleb is an award-winning independent filmmaker and screenwriter with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of the UNCSA MFA Screenwriting program and the UCLA Professional Program, his work has been recognized by the Austin Film Festival, the Nicholl Fellowships, and ScreenCraft. He has a deep background in high-concept genre and family drama, recently completing the acclaimed short 'Good Behavior.'

Jerry Gordinier | Screenwriter

A UX Design veteran with over 15 years of experience (including 8 years at Google), Jerry's creative focus is on screenwriting, music production, and independent film. He is the founder of Coney Dog Studios and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Stephen Lemieux | Cinematographer

Stephen Lemieux is a filmmaker from Cary, North Carolina, with a focus on cinematography, editing, directing, and writing. His previous film 'Parting Gift' was awarded best director and best screenplay for the first Ridder Film Festival , and he's created multiple independent pilots. Stephen left LA to pursue more independent narrative filmmaking.

Michael Stipe | Sound Mixer - Recordist

Michael Stipe is, hands down, the most dedicated sound mixer I have ever worked with. Not only is he an expert about all things audio, but he works as part of a dedicated team at his studio, 36 North in Durham. Michael is a 'sound' investment.

What I loved about Jerry's script was that the human connection is what saves the day. We live in a world where we are digitally separated from each other, but in our story, Emily and Jon only truly connect IRL. That resonated with me as a storyteller, and is a message I am excited to share.

Working closely with the cinematographer, Emily and Jon will (at first) feel isolated - we do this by framing them as wide and lonely at first in sickly hues and high contrast lighting. In almost every case, we'll be working with ambient lighting, be it fridge light, a laptop's glow, etc.

As the piece continues and they start to open up, we get in closer and closer, until finally we are shooting the project as though they are in the same room together. This tells the viewer they are engaging, friendly and desiring friendship.

What at first will feel drab and dingy is only a ploy to prepare the audience for what's coming. By the end of the piece, our characters will be connected in both spirit and in life as they meet up in person. Their previously dark and dingy world is wiped away by bright, in-your-face fireworks, and in that moment, we know both our characters are going to be okay!

So what starts as tight and tense ends wide and open, where the two of them find a true human connection.

Caleb will tap into his local filmmaking network to get a great crew and outstanding talent! Caleb remains excited to continue supporting indie film, and NC film, especially.  This will be a small, closely knit set with bare bones crew - a cameraman, an AC, a sound recordist, two cast, and the director. And that's it! No frills, no fuss. 

We'll be shooting MAY 30TH! We anticipate production to take about a day or two at the most. Then we'll jump right into post and have a cut by summer with our submission process to begin in the fall. 

Every dollar matters, and anything under $2500 will go directly to supporting the production, starting with cast and crew, gear, location fees, and a dedicated hard drive. Not a dime will be wasted.

As long as we can earn $2000, we'll make this thing one way or another, but if we can earn a little extra, here's how that money will be spent:

$2000 - Production would be completely covered, including paying all cast and crew a typical day rate!

$2500 - Production Plus some... this would allow us a few extras... maybe we rent a mini-jib for the day, or a few custom lenses, or hire a Gaffer for the afternoon. Either way it will be just a little bit extra to make production that much sweeter.

$3000 - Post Production Expanded. This would allow us a little extra breathing room in terms of coloring, titles, close captioning, and a complete Digital Cinema Package. 

$4000 - Local Festivals - Monies raised beyond this point will be used to submit to local festivals, both in NC and CA.

$4500 - Larger Festivals - At this level, we can submit to a few of the larger festivals, such as Sundance, South by Southwest, TIFF, and a fewothers.

$5000 - Networking in Person! Caleb and/or Jerry could attend a few festivals; the funds may cover hotels and travel.

Festival submissions add up fast, but it's an important part of the strategy to gain some notoriety.

We'll submit to about ten festivals on either coast, with Raleigh, NC, and San Francisco, CA being our home cities, and a few festivals that we know the promoters at, like the Austin Film Festival. resulting in greater exposure for the film.

After that, we'll aim our sights a little higher - more prestigious festivals and those harder to get into. The big festivals aren't cheap. If we get a screening, we'll use some of the funds raised towards in-person attendance for the creative team.

Your support means the world to us!

Whether you are a friend, family member, or a perfect stranger, we are so happy you are contributing to our film!

Thank you for continuing to support the indie filmmaking community.