Driving to the Funeral Film
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
When a grieving young woman is confronted by the reappearance of her estranged brother, she must decide whether or not to accompany him to a funeral. This film seeks to face the anger, destruction, and grief we carry with us as we learn to forgive the people we love the most for leaving us.
Driving to the Funeral Film
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
25 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$4,920
Goal: $21,538 for production
When a grieving young woman is confronted by the reappearance of her estranged brother, she must decide whether or not to accompany him to a funeral. This film seeks to face the anger, destruction, and grief we carry with us as we learn to forgive the people we love the most for leaving us.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Driving to the Funeral opens with Ellen, a young woman who has been striving to put her life back together after an unstable childhood. Everything comes crashing down with the news of a death in the family, and the reappearance of her brother, Leslie, who disappeared from her life three years ago. He begs her to come with him to the funeral in order to honor their mother's wishes. Secretly, he hopes that this impromptu road trip, along with a healthy dose of teasing and sibling banter, will be able to heal his relationship with Ellen but quickly finds that she holds too much hurt inside of herself to be resolved without causing them both a great deal of pain. It takes a sudden realization for them both to see each other as they truly are: two grieving siblings who still love each other deeply and without reservation, no matter the cost.
Driving to the Funeral is my USC Thesis Film. With your support, we hope shoot the film in late September/Early October, to be released by the time I graduate in May 2027. Check out our wishlist to see how the story elements below will be expressed through the creativity of filmmaking.
Driving to the Funeral started as a short story written by my childhood best friend, Laura Pierson. Reading it, I saw myself, my siblings, and our own healing processes. Throughout the years, we've all coped in our own ways, in hospitals, far away from each other, choosing numbness and anger. During COVID, we were forced to live in the same house and confront our trauma together. The bonds between each other, and between ourselves and our parents, turned from toxic and sharp to warm.
The last time I was in the hospital, it wasn't a secret between me and my mom anymore. My entire family was on a group call, telling me how much they loved me and how proud they were that I've made it this far. I still fear for the lives of my sisters, and they do for me, but we call now.
Laura was able to put into words the grief and love that I feel each and every day for my three sisters: through the story of Ellen and Leslie. Being able to make this film would be both a dedication of my devotion to my family, and also a dream come true for myself and Laura as collaborators and artists; marking the first time we're bringing a joint vision to the screen. This film also will showcase the care and talent of a variety of talented friends and filmmakers from my graduate program at USC. They each bring their own personal experiences, emotions, and vision to this project, creating its distinctive, nostalgic, surreal feel.
Over the next month, we'll be working to raise funding for Driving to the Funeral. Every dollar counts when it comes to supporting the creative output of the team. Donate to this campaign, Follow us on Instagram @drivingtothefuneralfilm to hear updates about the film and in-person events, and Share this campaign with anyone you feel might resonate with this particular story and the vision of the film.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals (Lens, Lighting, Sound)
Costs $9,000
The distinctive, surreal look of our lenses and lighting will help portray the dissociation and grief of the characters
Location Fees and Film Permits
Costs $4,000
Help us find and fund the motel location of our dreams, where the main action of the film will take place
Production Design, Costumes, and Hair/Make-up
Costs $4,000
Your support will help our artists create a custom set, make-up design, and costumes for the emotional finale scene of the film
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $3,000
Support our hard working cast and crew with the gift of warm meals and snacks
Post Production
Costs $588
Bring the world of our film to life through supporting the lab sessions of our editors, composer, colorist, and sound designers
Film Festival Fees
Costs $950
Help this film reach a wider audience through submission to major film festivals
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Driving to the Funeral opens with Ellen, a young woman who has been striving to put her life back together after an unstable childhood. Everything comes crashing down with the news of a death in the family, and the reappearance of her brother, Leslie, who disappeared from her life three years ago. He begs her to come with him to the funeral in order to honor their mother's wishes. Secretly, he hopes that this impromptu road trip, along with a healthy dose of teasing and sibling banter, will be able to heal his relationship with Ellen but quickly finds that she holds too much hurt inside of herself to be resolved without causing them both a great deal of pain. It takes a sudden realization for them both to see each other as they truly are: two grieving siblings who still love each other deeply and without reservation, no matter the cost.
Driving to the Funeral is my USC Thesis Film. With your support, we hope shoot the film in late September/Early October, to be released by the time I graduate in May 2027. Check out our wishlist to see how the story elements below will be expressed through the creativity of filmmaking.
Driving to the Funeral started as a short story written by my childhood best friend, Laura Pierson. Reading it, I saw myself, my siblings, and our own healing processes. Throughout the years, we've all coped in our own ways, in hospitals, far away from each other, choosing numbness and anger. During COVID, we were forced to live in the same house and confront our trauma together. The bonds between each other, and between ourselves and our parents, turned from toxic and sharp to warm.
The last time I was in the hospital, it wasn't a secret between me and my mom anymore. My entire family was on a group call, telling me how much they loved me and how proud they were that I've made it this far. I still fear for the lives of my sisters, and they do for me, but we call now.
Laura was able to put into words the grief and love that I feel each and every day for my three sisters: through the story of Ellen and Leslie. Being able to make this film would be both a dedication of my devotion to my family, and also a dream come true for myself and Laura as collaborators and artists; marking the first time we're bringing a joint vision to the screen. This film also will showcase the care and talent of a variety of talented friends and filmmakers from my graduate program at USC. They each bring their own personal experiences, emotions, and vision to this project, creating its distinctive, nostalgic, surreal feel.
Over the next month, we'll be working to raise funding for Driving to the Funeral. Every dollar counts when it comes to supporting the creative output of the team. Donate to this campaign, Follow us on Instagram @drivingtothefuneralfilm to hear updates about the film and in-person events, and Share this campaign with anyone you feel might resonate with this particular story and the vision of the film.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals (Lens, Lighting, Sound)
Costs $9,000
The distinctive, surreal look of our lenses and lighting will help portray the dissociation and grief of the characters
Location Fees and Film Permits
Costs $4,000
Help us find and fund the motel location of our dreams, where the main action of the film will take place
Production Design, Costumes, and Hair/Make-up
Costs $4,000
Your support will help our artists create a custom set, make-up design, and costumes for the emotional finale scene of the film
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $3,000
Support our hard working cast and crew with the gift of warm meals and snacks
Post Production
Costs $588
Bring the world of our film to life through supporting the lab sessions of our editors, composer, colorist, and sound designers
Film Festival Fees
Costs $950
Help this film reach a wider audience through submission to major film festivals
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team