Dogs in the Sand
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
At what point does ideology triumph over family? Countless ties have been severed whenever this question has reared its head. When protecting family runs counter to protecting others, how much can be sacrificed in the name of the greater good? Is there even such a thing?
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,645 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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At what point does ideology triumph over family? Countless ties have been severed whenever this question has reared its head. When protecting family runs counter to protecting others, how much can be sacrificed in the name of the greater good? Is there even such a thing?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Somewhere in the American Southwest, between the blistering sun and the rolling sand, two forms appear on the horizon. One wears a dark suit, while his brother has a tan one. They’re here to scout and photograph a plot that they plan to develop. They’re hoping that this endeavor won’t end up like the town before it. Or the one before that. Or the one before that.
The figure in tan seems to be having some trouble navigating his new surroundings, but he’s trying to keep the mood light regardless. He’s already thinking about what architecture might make someone want to live in a place like this. He’s also trying not to think too hard about where the bruises on his brother’s face came from.
Meanwhile, the dark suited man is only concerned with one thing: getting good shots as fast as possible. They need the investors to approve. No approval means no food on the table. No approval means the business goes under. No distractions. Just get the work done.
Is that smoke on the horizon?
The Characters
A man who prides himself on his past successes. After a long streak of bad luck, his once prosperous property development business is now on the brink of failure. It’s only him and his brother now, and he’s the only one who knows how to run things properly.
Things have gotten desperate, and he’s had to make many difficult decisions for the sake of keeping everything afloat. When your life’s work is on the line compromises must be made. It’s what has to be done. No point in dwelling on it.
A man who prides himself on his sense of right and wrong. He has spent most of his life dreaming of being an architect, but time and time again that dream has been dashed. For the time being he has settled for the next best thing: helping his brother run his once successful property development business.
Things could be better, but he’s been trying his best to bring a positive attitude to an unfortunate situation. Even when that situation ends up with him and his brother hiking out into the middle of the desert in a last ditch attempt to save the business, at least this time the site is peaceful.
Our Vision
Writer's Statement
Dogs began as an exercise in how to make a mythological situation believable to a current audience, but quickly expanded beyond that. While the bones of Rome’s foundational myth are definitely still present, this adaptation skews much more to the present than the past.
Romulus and Remus are revered as the builders of Rome, so it made sense that their modern equivalents would be property developers. And, of course, there are many who would claim that undeveloped land is not being utilized to its highest possible efficiency.
There is a fundamental difference between building upon the land and exploiting it. That difference of understanding would be the perfect way to make the fate of these brothers relatable, and to ask if the old imperial ideals taught in the myth have any place in modern society.
- Michael Kendrick
Director's Statement
When Michael approached me about evolving Dogs In The Sand into a short, the theme of brotherhood ties clashing with ideology is what drew me in. Having an extremely close relationship with my brother, the idea of us being severed by our beliefs was both a dark and foreign idea that I wanted to explore through this film.
After the most recent U.S. election, I saw many users on social media talk about "I cut off my parents, my brother, my xyz over who they voted for" not only placing this concept of the destruction of the family unit over philosophical differences on display, but also making the main theme of this piece of art extraordinarily timely.
My goal is that Dogs will be something that you watch not only to see how we translate the myth that founded Rome into a contemporary story, but for two balanced sides of emotions & ideas to be placed before you, clashing with each other until there is only one.
- Ryan Ritterby
Our video mood board is available for anyone to get a taste of our plans for cinematography, location, and character.
(Pictured Below: Roselle Castro and Sashank
Kanchustambam as Romulus and Remus)
Production History
Originally a short stage play, Dogs in the Sand had its first major evolution after its debut performance. Though the actors and director poured their time and effort into crafting a wonderful show, the practical limits of the theatre made it impossible to show the true importance of the play’s third character: the setting.
Gradually, the focus for how to best tell this story shifted toward the screen. We rebuilt the script from the ground up in order to best utilize its new medium. Now when you see two men buttoned into full suits while surrounded by all the natural beauty of the desert, something immediately feels… off.
As it should.
The Future
With a finalized script ready for production, we sought out the best filmmakers we knew to fill out our crew and bring this picture to life. In December of 2024, a trek in the desert —much like the one our two characters embark on— was made by the crew. There we found the spot where Dogs in the Sand would be brought to life: Borrego Springs, CA.
We are in the process of pre-production which will run concurrently with the Seed and Spark fundraiser. The next phase of pre-production consists of:
- Casting actors as Romulus and Remus
- Rehearsing the story with our actors
- Acquiring costumes and fitting them to the actors
- Sourcing and purchasing props
- A second location scout to refine shot list
- Planning out which cameras and gear we want to bring to Borrego Springs
- Logistical work such as scheduling, shot-listing, renting gear, and booking the inn where we’ll stay during our 4-day shoot
After we finish our 4-day shoot in Borrego Springs, we’ll pass off the film to our talented editors, who’ll cut, color, and sound mix this film into a tight story. Once a final cut has been solidified, it will be sent off to film festivals and posted for public viewing. At the same time, we’ll be compiling all of our photos, documents, and videos from the entire production process to send to our gracious investors as a show of our immense gratitude for their contribution to this story.
We're seeking a total of $8500 to be divided as such:
- 23.5% for rental of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment as well as other grip and rigging gear
- 17.6% for lodging on site
- 11.8% to pay our cast
- 11.8% for renting a period accurate car
- 11.8% to feed our cast and crew during the shoot
- 7.1% to pay for all design materials
- 5.9% to compensate our composer for an original Dogs in the Sand score
- 5.9% to cover any additional, unforeseen expenses as they arise
- 4.7% to cover travel expenses
In order to receive any funds we must raise at least $6800, that being 80% of our goal.
With these funds we will be able to tell this story of love, compassion, and betrayal exactly how we want to tell it. We will also be able to ensure that everyone involved is properly compensated for their labor and will be well taken care of while on location. We want our cast and crew to be as safe, comfortable, and supported as possible when the camera isn’t rolling so that we can guarantee the final product is as great as it can be.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera/Lens Rentals
Costs $2,000
In order to masterfully capture the stunning emptiness of the Californian desert, we plan on renting cinema cameras and anamorphic lenses.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Hiking and shooting out in the desert for 4 days is taxing, so we want to provide 3 good meals a day and lots of snacks for our team.
Lodging
Costs $1,500
We don't want to leave our team out in the desert any more than we have to, so this will go towards booking a nearby hotel or AirBnb.
Car Rental
Costs $1,000
In order to fit the late 90s - early 2000s period, we will rent an older car that has some character and will stand out in the desert.
Cast & Crew Payment
Costs $1,000
We want talented actors to bring Romulus and Remus to life, so we want to make sure that they are compensated for their hard work.
Dogs in the Sand Original Score
Costs $500
In order to build the soundscape to fill the void of the desert, we want to fairly compensate our friend Zach Konick to compose us a score.
Travel Expenses
Costs $400
The desert is far out from both San Diego and LA, where most of our people are based, so we want to make sure that their gas is covered.
Art/Costuming
Costs $600
We want the brothers' suits, the makeup they wear, and the props they use to feel authentic to the world of Dogs in the Sand.
Production Expenses
Costs $500
As is common in filmmaking, things can go wrong on the flip of a dime. These funds go towards any unforeseen expenses on our production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Team
RYAN RITTERBY - Director/Executive Producer
Ryan Ritterby is an actor/writer/director based in Los Angeles whose unique experience as a military kid allowed him to see a vibrancy of cultures across the globe. He prides himself as a storyteller first, always trying to connect with an audience either to make them laugh or to touch on their emotions. While studying at UC San Diego he wrote and directed numerous films, including a co-producing a feature musical film Another College Musical (2023) with Jalal Al-Marashi Jaffer that was accepted into multiple film festivals.
MICHAEL KENDRICK - Writer/Producer
Michael Kendrick is a writer and actor who has been performing for most of his life. His writing has been described as naturalistic in dialogue while keeping important, current issues the priority of his stories. Though his work has been primarily in live theatre previously, the observation that his short play “Dogs in the Sand” would thrive on film was the impetus of this project. His writing and acting work has garnered him accolades including the Jane Hawkins Award from Los Angeles Pierce College and the Jacob and Rita Bronowski Award from the University of California, San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
JALAL AL-MARASHI JAFFER - Producer/Assistant Director
Jalal Al-Marashi Jaffer graduated with a Bachelors in Visual Arts - Media from UC San Diego in June 2024. He now works at UC San Diego’s on-campus rental house to support film and audio projects for students and faculty. As a recipient of the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts Fellowship, he co-directed an original, feature-length musical with Ryan Ritterby. He also wrote, directed, and produced his honors thesis film, a heist/road trip early-2000s nostalgia piece. For three years, he ran the student-run film studio, Triton Television, managing their equipment inventory and budget, as well as facilitating the entire operation.
RIK VAN HOORN - Director of Photography
Rik van Hoorn fell in love with film after attending NYFA’s film camp in 2019. Since then he has been writing, directing, and shooting short films whenever he has the time. He currently studies film production at UC San Diego and works closely with Triton Television, a film organization on campus. He specializes in camera and lighting and takes utmost care to craft every shot. He was recently the director of photography for a short film placing top 20 in a film competition in which over two hundred films from across the world were submitted. He has also won awards for his films in both San Diego and the Bay Area.
RILEY MCGUIRE - Gaffer
Riley McGuire is a San Diego-based filmmaker, cinematographer, and gaffer, specializing in the art of visual storytelling through dynamic lighting and cinematic composition. With six years of experience in documentaries, commercial films, and narratives, Riley crafts scenes marked by rich contrasts, layered shadows, and evocative color palettes that bring depth and emotion to each story. Inspired by industry icons like Roger Deakins and Wally Pfister, as well as indie creators like Danny Gevirtz, Riley blends classic techniques with innovative perspectives to turn complex stories into immersive visual experiences. His film credits include "MONIQUE", "Ashes", Another College Musical.
SAARANG VINODH - Editor
Saarang Vinodh discovered his passion for editing as a junior at UC San Diego. He strives to create emotionally resonant narratives across genres to entertain and move audiences. Having recently graduated from the Visual Arts: Media program he is working towards making his Hollywood editing ambitions a reality. His first editorial work, Gunpoint, a Noir following a rookie detective uncovering a web of corruption, was screened at the UC San Diego Film Festival and Kamil Awards.
DEREK BRAJEVICH - BTS/Camera
Derek Brajevich is a filmmaker and multimedia artist based in Southern California. With a background as a collegiate sprinter and a lifelong athlete, his work regularly aims to captures the raw energy and rhythm of motion, blending athleticism with art. Passionate about exploring the intersection of ritual and creativity, his work is both precise and evocative. He is able to find balance between his own style, as well as serve the stylistic and artistic direction of any project he undertakes.
ZACHARY KONICK - Composer
Zachary Konick is a composer and percussionist currently based in Annapolis, Maryland. He holds degrees in music composition from the University of California San Diego (PhD), the University of South Florida (MM), and the University of Maryland College Park (BM). He has received notable performances by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, the newEarEnsemble, the Quasar Saxophone Quartet, the Florida Orchestra, the JACK, Ethel, Spektral, and Mivos String Quartets, as well as solo performances by Lee Hinkle, Rebecca Lloyd Jones and Alice Weinreb. His music has been conducted under the baton of Oliver Knussen, Aleck Karis, Michael Francis and Steven Schick. Zachary has written music for independent films and serves as a film scorer and audio team lead for The Experience Agency. Konick has studied and collaborated with some of today’s leading composers, including Roger Reynolds, Thomas DeLio, Chinary Ung, Lei Liang, Michelle Lou, Katharina Rosenberger, Baljinder Sekhon, and Paul Reller.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Somewhere in the American Southwest, between the blistering sun and the rolling sand, two forms appear on the horizon. One wears a dark suit, while his brother has a tan one. They’re here to scout and photograph a plot that they plan to develop. They’re hoping that this endeavor won’t end up like the town before it. Or the one before that. Or the one before that.
The figure in tan seems to be having some trouble navigating his new surroundings, but he’s trying to keep the mood light regardless. He’s already thinking about what architecture might make someone want to live in a place like this. He’s also trying not to think too hard about where the bruises on his brother’s face came from.
Meanwhile, the dark suited man is only concerned with one thing: getting good shots as fast as possible. They need the investors to approve. No approval means no food on the table. No approval means the business goes under. No distractions. Just get the work done.
Is that smoke on the horizon?
The Characters
A man who prides himself on his past successes. After a long streak of bad luck, his once prosperous property development business is now on the brink of failure. It’s only him and his brother now, and he’s the only one who knows how to run things properly.
Things have gotten desperate, and he’s had to make many difficult decisions for the sake of keeping everything afloat. When your life’s work is on the line compromises must be made. It’s what has to be done. No point in dwelling on it.
A man who prides himself on his sense of right and wrong. He has spent most of his life dreaming of being an architect, but time and time again that dream has been dashed. For the time being he has settled for the next best thing: helping his brother run his once successful property development business.
Things could be better, but he’s been trying his best to bring a positive attitude to an unfortunate situation. Even when that situation ends up with him and his brother hiking out into the middle of the desert in a last ditch attempt to save the business, at least this time the site is peaceful.
Our Vision
Writer's Statement
Dogs began as an exercise in how to make a mythological situation believable to a current audience, but quickly expanded beyond that. While the bones of Rome’s foundational myth are definitely still present, this adaptation skews much more to the present than the past.
Romulus and Remus are revered as the builders of Rome, so it made sense that their modern equivalents would be property developers. And, of course, there are many who would claim that undeveloped land is not being utilized to its highest possible efficiency.
There is a fundamental difference between building upon the land and exploiting it. That difference of understanding would be the perfect way to make the fate of these brothers relatable, and to ask if the old imperial ideals taught in the myth have any place in modern society.
- Michael Kendrick
Director's Statement
When Michael approached me about evolving Dogs In The Sand into a short, the theme of brotherhood ties clashing with ideology is what drew me in. Having an extremely close relationship with my brother, the idea of us being severed by our beliefs was both a dark and foreign idea that I wanted to explore through this film.
After the most recent U.S. election, I saw many users on social media talk about "I cut off my parents, my brother, my xyz over who they voted for" not only placing this concept of the destruction of the family unit over philosophical differences on display, but also making the main theme of this piece of art extraordinarily timely.
My goal is that Dogs will be something that you watch not only to see how we translate the myth that founded Rome into a contemporary story, but for two balanced sides of emotions & ideas to be placed before you, clashing with each other until there is only one.
- Ryan Ritterby
Our video mood board is available for anyone to get a taste of our plans for cinematography, location, and character.
(Pictured Below: Roselle Castro and Sashank
Kanchustambam as Romulus and Remus)
Production History
Originally a short stage play, Dogs in the Sand had its first major evolution after its debut performance. Though the actors and director poured their time and effort into crafting a wonderful show, the practical limits of the theatre made it impossible to show the true importance of the play’s third character: the setting.
Gradually, the focus for how to best tell this story shifted toward the screen. We rebuilt the script from the ground up in order to best utilize its new medium. Now when you see two men buttoned into full suits while surrounded by all the natural beauty of the desert, something immediately feels… off.
As it should.
The Future
With a finalized script ready for production, we sought out the best filmmakers we knew to fill out our crew and bring this picture to life. In December of 2024, a trek in the desert —much like the one our two characters embark on— was made by the crew. There we found the spot where Dogs in the Sand would be brought to life: Borrego Springs, CA.
We are in the process of pre-production which will run concurrently with the Seed and Spark fundraiser. The next phase of pre-production consists of:
- Casting actors as Romulus and Remus
- Rehearsing the story with our actors
- Acquiring costumes and fitting them to the actors
- Sourcing and purchasing props
- A second location scout to refine shot list
- Planning out which cameras and gear we want to bring to Borrego Springs
- Logistical work such as scheduling, shot-listing, renting gear, and booking the inn where we’ll stay during our 4-day shoot
After we finish our 4-day shoot in Borrego Springs, we’ll pass off the film to our talented editors, who’ll cut, color, and sound mix this film into a tight story. Once a final cut has been solidified, it will be sent off to film festivals and posted for public viewing. At the same time, we’ll be compiling all of our photos, documents, and videos from the entire production process to send to our gracious investors as a show of our immense gratitude for their contribution to this story.
We're seeking a total of $8500 to be divided as such:
- 23.5% for rental of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment as well as other grip and rigging gear
- 17.6% for lodging on site
- 11.8% to pay our cast
- 11.8% for renting a period accurate car
- 11.8% to feed our cast and crew during the shoot
- 7.1% to pay for all design materials
- 5.9% to compensate our composer for an original Dogs in the Sand score
- 5.9% to cover any additional, unforeseen expenses as they arise
- 4.7% to cover travel expenses
In order to receive any funds we must raise at least $6800, that being 80% of our goal.
With these funds we will be able to tell this story of love, compassion, and betrayal exactly how we want to tell it. We will also be able to ensure that everyone involved is properly compensated for their labor and will be well taken care of while on location. We want our cast and crew to be as safe, comfortable, and supported as possible when the camera isn’t rolling so that we can guarantee the final product is as great as it can be.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera/Lens Rentals
Costs $2,000
In order to masterfully capture the stunning emptiness of the Californian desert, we plan on renting cinema cameras and anamorphic lenses.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Hiking and shooting out in the desert for 4 days is taxing, so we want to provide 3 good meals a day and lots of snacks for our team.
Lodging
Costs $1,500
We don't want to leave our team out in the desert any more than we have to, so this will go towards booking a nearby hotel or AirBnb.
Car Rental
Costs $1,000
In order to fit the late 90s - early 2000s period, we will rent an older car that has some character and will stand out in the desert.
Cast & Crew Payment
Costs $1,000
We want talented actors to bring Romulus and Remus to life, so we want to make sure that they are compensated for their hard work.
Dogs in the Sand Original Score
Costs $500
In order to build the soundscape to fill the void of the desert, we want to fairly compensate our friend Zach Konick to compose us a score.
Travel Expenses
Costs $400
The desert is far out from both San Diego and LA, where most of our people are based, so we want to make sure that their gas is covered.
Art/Costuming
Costs $600
We want the brothers' suits, the makeup they wear, and the props they use to feel authentic to the world of Dogs in the Sand.
Production Expenses
Costs $500
As is common in filmmaking, things can go wrong on the flip of a dime. These funds go towards any unforeseen expenses on our production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Team
RYAN RITTERBY - Director/Executive Producer
Ryan Ritterby is an actor/writer/director based in Los Angeles whose unique experience as a military kid allowed him to see a vibrancy of cultures across the globe. He prides himself as a storyteller first, always trying to connect with an audience either to make them laugh or to touch on their emotions. While studying at UC San Diego he wrote and directed numerous films, including a co-producing a feature musical film Another College Musical (2023) with Jalal Al-Marashi Jaffer that was accepted into multiple film festivals.
MICHAEL KENDRICK - Writer/Producer
Michael Kendrick is a writer and actor who has been performing for most of his life. His writing has been described as naturalistic in dialogue while keeping important, current issues the priority of his stories. Though his work has been primarily in live theatre previously, the observation that his short play “Dogs in the Sand” would thrive on film was the impetus of this project. His writing and acting work has garnered him accolades including the Jane Hawkins Award from Los Angeles Pierce College and the Jacob and Rita Bronowski Award from the University of California, San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
JALAL AL-MARASHI JAFFER - Producer/Assistant Director
Jalal Al-Marashi Jaffer graduated with a Bachelors in Visual Arts - Media from UC San Diego in June 2024. He now works at UC San Diego’s on-campus rental house to support film and audio projects for students and faculty. As a recipient of the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts Fellowship, he co-directed an original, feature-length musical with Ryan Ritterby. He also wrote, directed, and produced his honors thesis film, a heist/road trip early-2000s nostalgia piece. For three years, he ran the student-run film studio, Triton Television, managing their equipment inventory and budget, as well as facilitating the entire operation.
RIK VAN HOORN - Director of Photography
Rik van Hoorn fell in love with film after attending NYFA’s film camp in 2019. Since then he has been writing, directing, and shooting short films whenever he has the time. He currently studies film production at UC San Diego and works closely with Triton Television, a film organization on campus. He specializes in camera and lighting and takes utmost care to craft every shot. He was recently the director of photography for a short film placing top 20 in a film competition in which over two hundred films from across the world were submitted. He has also won awards for his films in both San Diego and the Bay Area.
RILEY MCGUIRE - Gaffer
Riley McGuire is a San Diego-based filmmaker, cinematographer, and gaffer, specializing in the art of visual storytelling through dynamic lighting and cinematic composition. With six years of experience in documentaries, commercial films, and narratives, Riley crafts scenes marked by rich contrasts, layered shadows, and evocative color palettes that bring depth and emotion to each story. Inspired by industry icons like Roger Deakins and Wally Pfister, as well as indie creators like Danny Gevirtz, Riley blends classic techniques with innovative perspectives to turn complex stories into immersive visual experiences. His film credits include "MONIQUE", "Ashes", Another College Musical.
SAARANG VINODH - Editor
Saarang Vinodh discovered his passion for editing as a junior at UC San Diego. He strives to create emotionally resonant narratives across genres to entertain and move audiences. Having recently graduated from the Visual Arts: Media program he is working towards making his Hollywood editing ambitions a reality. His first editorial work, Gunpoint, a Noir following a rookie detective uncovering a web of corruption, was screened at the UC San Diego Film Festival and Kamil Awards.
DEREK BRAJEVICH - BTS/Camera
Derek Brajevich is a filmmaker and multimedia artist based in Southern California. With a background as a collegiate sprinter and a lifelong athlete, his work regularly aims to captures the raw energy and rhythm of motion, blending athleticism with art. Passionate about exploring the intersection of ritual and creativity, his work is both precise and evocative. He is able to find balance between his own style, as well as serve the stylistic and artistic direction of any project he undertakes.
ZACHARY KONICK - Composer
Zachary Konick is a composer and percussionist currently based in Annapolis, Maryland. He holds degrees in music composition from the University of California San Diego (PhD), the University of South Florida (MM), and the University of Maryland College Park (BM). He has received notable performances by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, the newEarEnsemble, the Quasar Saxophone Quartet, the Florida Orchestra, the JACK, Ethel, Spektral, and Mivos String Quartets, as well as solo performances by Lee Hinkle, Rebecca Lloyd Jones and Alice Weinreb. His music has been conducted under the baton of Oliver Knussen, Aleck Karis, Michael Francis and Steven Schick. Zachary has written music for independent films and serves as a film scorer and audio team lead for The Experience Agency. Konick has studied and collaborated with some of today’s leading composers, including Roger Reynolds, Thomas DeLio, Chinary Ung, Lei Liang, Michelle Lou, Katharina Rosenberger, Baljinder Sekhon, and Paul Reller.