Empty Graves
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Thriller, LGBTQ
When Violet’s boyfriend mysteriously drops dead, she and her roommate, Imani, work together to bury his body in the woods behind their secluded home, but sinister intentions and fiery emotions of love and anger are thrust into the spotlight in this thriller short.
Empty Graves
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Thriller, LGBTQ
2 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,760 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
18 supporters | followers
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When Violet’s boyfriend mysteriously drops dead, she and her roommate, Imani, work together to bury his body in the woods behind their secluded home, but sinister intentions and fiery emotions of love and anger are thrust into the spotlight in this thriller short.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Imani and Violet are two roommates that had a short romantic fling some time ago, but that’s supposedly been behind them ever since Violet’s boyfriend, Roman, entered the picture. But when Roman suddenly drops dead from unknowingly eating almond cookies he’s allergic to, Imani swoops in to console Violet and bring them back together. That’s until Imani’s journal containing this entire orchestrated plan falls before Violet as they dig a grave for Roman’s body in the woods behind their house, quickly sending the plot and the two’s relationship into a downward spiral that can only go down in flames.
VIOLET - A cheery and colorful young woman who has managed to put behind a troubled past doing time in prison, and now happily lives with Imani in their secluded home whilst in a loving relationship with her boyfriend, Roman.
IMANI - Violet’s roommate and very brief ex-lover. The two had slept together once, but while Violet was able to move on, the experience has left its mark on Imani ever since. Punctuated by a dark personality, Imani is ultimately clever and conniving, unleashing her twisted plan to get back together with Violet.
ROMAN - Violet’s kind and caring boyfriend of about a year. Imani ultimately uses him as a sacrificial lamb in her plot, secretly exploiting his strong allergy to nuts to have him killed.
Our story takes place in Imani and Violet’s secluded home and the woods it’s surrounded by. The interior of the home will be punctuated by warm lights and a cozy atmosphere, but as the sun goes down and Roman’s dead body spoils the vibe, a wave of cool blues and darker colors washes over. This will especially be apparent when the pair venture out into the forest to dig the grave.
Empty Graves is part of the BFA Thesis film program at Columbia College Chicago. Our timeline plans for a 4-day shoot in mid-October 2024, with editing occurring during the following winter and spring, and submissions to festivals beginning Summer 2025.
Our goal of $5,500 is the minimum amount of money needed for Empty Graves to go into production. Given that we are a student production, most of that money will go towards securing our location(s) of Violet and Imani’s house and the woods it's surrounded by, along with feeding our cast and crew and fully realizing our vision for production design.
While our posted goal is the minimum amount needed to shoot the film, below are a few stretch goals that will greatly aid in the production process.
$6,000 - Contingency
Funds to pull from for unplanned expenses.
$6,300 - Marketing and Film Festival Costs
Covers all marketing and festival entry fees to get Empty Graves off the ground and exposure.
Empty Graves will need all the outreach we can get to help us reach out goal, so we kindly ask that you tell friends and family and share us on social media (Instagram: @emptygravesfilm). Feel free to email us at [email protected] with inquiries or media opportunities as well.
Thank you for your interest in our project and we hope that you can support us in our filmmaking journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Art Department
Costs $800
Covers props, set dec, wardrobe, and HMU expenses.
Locations
Costs $2,100
Secures the home and woods locations, as well as any necessary permits, over our 4-day shoot.
Catering and Crafty
Costs $1,400
Keep our cast and crew fed over the 4-day shoot.
Transportation
Costs $600
Get our crew, cast and equipment to and from set.
Miscellaneous
Costs $600
Costs ranging from generator rental, stunt coordinator, etc.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kirá Simone - Director
Kirá Simone was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and has been in love with filmmaking since she was a little girl. Her directing style is drama and chaotic-filled that’ll tug on people's heart strings. Kirá knew when she wanted to start filmmaking that she wanted to make and create stories that people can relate to whether is good, bad ugly or indifferent.
Hayden Myers - Producer
Hayden Myers is a senior student at Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Film and TV with a concentration in Producing. Raised in Rockton, Illinois, Hayden grew a love for filmmaking creating homemade movies with friends, later finding a knack for line producing and development work in his time in college, with "Empty Graves" being just the type of fast-paced thriller film he likes to put energy into. Outside of film, he enjoys reading graphic novels, learning metal songs on guitar, and being overly invested in sports.
Leticia Santos - Director of Photography
Leticia Santos is a senior film student at Columbia College Chicago, concentrating in cinematography. Lety is a proud Mexican-American, queer artist, born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she commutes from to the city via Metra train. She enjoys exploring Chicago and capturing its essence through street photography. When she doesn't have a camera, you might find her holding an oat milk chai latte or her poetry journal instead. She is super excited to work on "Empty Graves," as it will allow her to explore the thriller genre and shoot in the woods!
Sam Christensen - Production Designer
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Sam Christensen was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Sam is a senior in the Columbia College Chicago BFA film program. He is an aspiring production designer with a passion for design and has been working on designing and building sets since early high school. He is very excited to work on this project with such an amazing team. And he knows it will be a wonderful experience.
Alan Powell - Editor
Alan Powell loves to edit and considers himself an artist. Making creative decisions and controlling pacing are some of his favorite aspects of editing. In his free time, Alan likes to watch hours of YouTube, practice guitar, play single-player games, and hang out with his friends. Alan’s been editing since high school, preparing for this opportunity.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Imani and Violet are two roommates that had a short romantic fling some time ago, but that’s supposedly been behind them ever since Violet’s boyfriend, Roman, entered the picture. But when Roman suddenly drops dead from unknowingly eating almond cookies he’s allergic to, Imani swoops in to console Violet and bring them back together. That’s until Imani’s journal containing this entire orchestrated plan falls before Violet as they dig a grave for Roman’s body in the woods behind their house, quickly sending the plot and the two’s relationship into a downward spiral that can only go down in flames.
VIOLET - A cheery and colorful young woman who has managed to put behind a troubled past doing time in prison, and now happily lives with Imani in their secluded home whilst in a loving relationship with her boyfriend, Roman.
IMANI - Violet’s roommate and very brief ex-lover. The two had slept together once, but while Violet was able to move on, the experience has left its mark on Imani ever since. Punctuated by a dark personality, Imani is ultimately clever and conniving, unleashing her twisted plan to get back together with Violet.
ROMAN - Violet’s kind and caring boyfriend of about a year. Imani ultimately uses him as a sacrificial lamb in her plot, secretly exploiting his strong allergy to nuts to have him killed.
Our story takes place in Imani and Violet’s secluded home and the woods it’s surrounded by. The interior of the home will be punctuated by warm lights and a cozy atmosphere, but as the sun goes down and Roman’s dead body spoils the vibe, a wave of cool blues and darker colors washes over. This will especially be apparent when the pair venture out into the forest to dig the grave.
Empty Graves is part of the BFA Thesis film program at Columbia College Chicago. Our timeline plans for a 4-day shoot in mid-October 2024, with editing occurring during the following winter and spring, and submissions to festivals beginning Summer 2025.
Our goal of $5,500 is the minimum amount of money needed for Empty Graves to go into production. Given that we are a student production, most of that money will go towards securing our location(s) of Violet and Imani’s house and the woods it's surrounded by, along with feeding our cast and crew and fully realizing our vision for production design.
While our posted goal is the minimum amount needed to shoot the film, below are a few stretch goals that will greatly aid in the production process.
$6,000 - Contingency
Funds to pull from for unplanned expenses.
$6,300 - Marketing and Film Festival Costs
Covers all marketing and festival entry fees to get Empty Graves off the ground and exposure.
Empty Graves will need all the outreach we can get to help us reach out goal, so we kindly ask that you tell friends and family and share us on social media (Instagram: @emptygravesfilm). Feel free to email us at [email protected] with inquiries or media opportunities as well.
Thank you for your interest in our project and we hope that you can support us in our filmmaking journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Art Department
Costs $800
Covers props, set dec, wardrobe, and HMU expenses.
Locations
Costs $2,100
Secures the home and woods locations, as well as any necessary permits, over our 4-day shoot.
Catering and Crafty
Costs $1,400
Keep our cast and crew fed over the 4-day shoot.
Transportation
Costs $600
Get our crew, cast and equipment to and from set.
Miscellaneous
Costs $600
Costs ranging from generator rental, stunt coordinator, etc.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kirá Simone - Director
Kirá Simone was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and has been in love with filmmaking since she was a little girl. Her directing style is drama and chaotic-filled that’ll tug on people's heart strings. Kirá knew when she wanted to start filmmaking that she wanted to make and create stories that people can relate to whether is good, bad ugly or indifferent.
Hayden Myers - Producer
Hayden Myers is a senior student at Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Film and TV with a concentration in Producing. Raised in Rockton, Illinois, Hayden grew a love for filmmaking creating homemade movies with friends, later finding a knack for line producing and development work in his time in college, with "Empty Graves" being just the type of fast-paced thriller film he likes to put energy into. Outside of film, he enjoys reading graphic novels, learning metal songs on guitar, and being overly invested in sports.
Leticia Santos - Director of Photography
Leticia Santos is a senior film student at Columbia College Chicago, concentrating in cinematography. Lety is a proud Mexican-American, queer artist, born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she commutes from to the city via Metra train. She enjoys exploring Chicago and capturing its essence through street photography. When she doesn't have a camera, you might find her holding an oat milk chai latte or her poetry journal instead. She is super excited to work on "Empty Graves," as it will allow her to explore the thriller genre and shoot in the woods!
Sam Christensen - Production Designer
Sam Christensen was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Sam is a senior in the Columbia College Chicago BFA film program. He is an aspiring production designer with a passion for design and has been working on designing and building sets since early high school. He is very excited to work on this project with such an amazing team. And he knows it will be a wonderful experience.
Alan Powell - Editor
Alan Powell loves to edit and considers himself an artist. Making creative decisions and controlling pacing are some of his favorite aspects of editing. In his free time, Alan likes to watch hours of YouTube, practice guitar, play single-player games, and hang out with his friends. Alan’s been editing since high school, preparing for this opportunity.