EXPOSURE
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
After the overdose death of his father, 12 year old Dylan and his troubled mother Livia are driven to extremes as they grapple with loss, buried secrets, and the breakdown of their family. EXPOSURE is a psychological thriller about pain, obsession, and the shadows we inherit.
EXPOSURE
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $11,270 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
36 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
After the overdose death of his father, 12 year old Dylan and his troubled mother Livia are driven to extremes as they grapple with loss, buried secrets, and the breakdown of their family. EXPOSURE is a psychological thriller about pain, obsession, and the shadows we inherit.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"Some moments should never be captured."

 (5).jpg)
Livia and Adrian have two boys, twelve year old Dylan and a newborn baby Jacob. They are, by all accounts, terrible parents, selfish, addicted, and barely keeping it together. Adrian is a professional photographer and drug addict. Livia is an alcoholic tangled in an affair with Adrian's brother, Marcus. When Adrian overdoses and dies, the fragile household collapses even further. Livia quickly shifts her attention to Marcus, leaving Dylan and baby Jacob to fend for themselves. Dylan becomes increasingly consumed with photography. He wanders around staring at the world through the viewfinder of his camera. Watching. Waiting. But is he simply retreating into his own world… or documenting something darker? What 's he really up to? What might be exposed?
 (6).jpg)
Dylan
Quiet. Observant. Obsessive.
Dylan is the kind of kid most adults overlook, not because he’s invisible, but because he doesn’t ask to be seen. He doesn’t act out. He doesn’t cry. He doesn’t demand attention. He simply is. There’s a stillness to him that’s hard to read. While other kids might seek comfort in friends or toys, Dylan disappears behind a lens.
Played by: Jameson Barros
Meet Jameson Barros, a talented11-year-old actor from Los Angeles. With a passion for the performing arts ignited at the tender age of 5, Jameson began his journey in theater, where he quickly discovered his love for television and film. His dedication to honing his craft has led him to study acting intensively, mastering the skills needed to bring a diverse range of characters to life. His infectious enthusiasm and natural talent have already started to turn heads in the industry, and he has ambitious dreams of starring in major movies and TV series in the years to come. When he's not auditioning or rehearsing, Jameson enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new hobbies, and, of course, watching his favorite films and shows for inspiration. With his determination, creativity, and passion for storytelling, Jameson Barros is undoubtedly a rising star to watch as he continues to shine in the entertainment world.
Livia
Broken. Reckless. Surviving.
Livia moves fast, talks fast, loves fast, drinks fast, anything to keep from sitting still too long. She's careless. She wants to feel wanted, but not trapped. She’ll say she’s doing her best, and in some way, she believes that. But she measures motherhood by absence of disaster, if the baby’s fed and Dylan’s not setting the house on fire, what more do people expect?
Played by: Charlotte Benesch
While attending the British Academy of Performing Arts, Charlotte performed with lead roles in various musicals, including Epiphany, Quilt, and Children of Eden at the Source Theater in Washington D.C. Charlotte portrayed the role of "Veronica" in the nationally publicized and televised O Globo musical production of the Easter passion play. Her solo performance received accolades from the live audience at the play's taping. She can be seen in shows such as Outer Banks, Greenleaf, Mayans, and Daybreak.
Marcus
Grounded. Principled. Self-prioritizing.
Marcus doesn’t make decisions based on guilt or fantasy, he deals in reality. While Adrian was alive, Marcus had a situation that worked for him: close, but not too close. Now, with Adrian gone, the boundaries are messier, but Marcus hasn’t changed. He’s not cold, just clear. He doesn’t chase belonging. He helps where it makes sense, but draws the line where it doesn’t. Marcus keeps a healthy distance, not out of cruelty, but because he doesn't pretend to feel things he doesn't.
Played by: Sylvestre Maldonado
Sylvestre Maldonado is a Puerto Rican Afro-Latino actor from the South Bronx, known for his versatility and commanding screen presence. Growing up in New York City, he was drawn to the arts at an early age, using acting as a means of storytelling and self-expression. His journey into the entertainment industry began in independent films and television, quickly earning recognition for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters. Maldonado has appeared in a variety of television series, including Paradise on Hulu, NCIS: Origins, S.W.A.T., and Animal Kingdom, along with numerous independent films and short projects. With roots in the vibrant cultural scene of the South Bronx, he brings a unique perspective and authenticity to every role he takes on. He is currently based in Los Angeles.
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EXPOSURE matters because it speaks to the quiet, often invisible ways trauma shapes us, especially in childhood. It’s a story about what we don’t see, or choose not to, and the consequences of that silence. In a time when so much is loud and sensational, EXPOSURE chooses to whisper and in doing so, demands to be heard. This story blends grounded emotional drama with the tension of a psychological thriller. It's not just about what people do in the dark it’s about what we miss in the light.
Below are some behind the scenes shots from the trailer for EXPOSURE. We used a borrowed camera and sound equipment, working with what we had to give you a sense of the characters and the vibe of the film. The trailer shoot was fast, scrappy, and fueled by passion, and we’re proud of what we were able to create.
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 (7).jpg)
Where The Money Goes
We’re seeking $13,000 to bring this vision to life. Your support will help cover:
- Cast & Crew - Hiring talented actors and a lean, professional team
- Locations – Securing authentic, lived-in environments to shoot in
- Gear & Lighting – To achieve the atmospheric, cinematic look this story demands
- Production Design – Costumes, props, and the physical world of the film
- Post-Production – Editing, color grading, sound design, and original score
- Festival Submissions – So we can get this film seen and shared
Every dollar goes straight into making this film the best it can be.
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The script is written, the storyboards have been made and it’s time to start filming. Once funding is secured we will secure locations and begin production immediately, aiming for late August, 2025. Once the film has been shot and edited we plan on submitting to select film festivals.
Thank You
We are grateful for you joining our Exposure family. Your contribution is a major step forward for us all. We also want to remind you that following our page is just as important. Whether you make a contribution or help spread the word, please make sure to click the heart at the top of this page.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Talent
Costs $1,500
Cast that will bring this story to life.
Crew
Costs $6,000
Cinematography, sound, lighting, set design, hair and make up. Getting the right people together is our first priority.
Locations
Costs $1,500
It can't happen without the right locations.
Crafty and Meals
Costs $1,000
Everybody's gotta eat.
Post Production
Costs $2,500
Color grading, Sound Engineering, Editing, Composing. Super important parts of filmmaking.
Film Festival Run
Costs $500
Allows for the film to be entered into 10-15 film festivals around the nation. Such as Sundance, Tribeca, LA Shortfest and more.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
WRITER, DIRECTOR | Daniel Johnson
.jpg)
ACTOR, PRODUCER | "MARCUS" - Sylvestre Maldonado

Producer | Kaitlin Barros
.jpg)
Cinematographer | Elijah Garcia
.jpg)
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"Some moments should never be captured."

 (5).jpg)
Livia and Adrian have two boys, twelve year old Dylan and a newborn baby Jacob. They are, by all accounts, terrible parents, selfish, addicted, and barely keeping it together. Adrian is a professional photographer and drug addict. Livia is an alcoholic tangled in an affair with Adrian's brother, Marcus. When Adrian overdoses and dies, the fragile household collapses even further. Livia quickly shifts her attention to Marcus, leaving Dylan and baby Jacob to fend for themselves. Dylan becomes increasingly consumed with photography. He wanders around staring at the world through the viewfinder of his camera. Watching. Waiting. But is he simply retreating into his own world… or documenting something darker? What 's he really up to? What might be exposed?
 (6).jpg)
Dylan
Quiet. Observant. Obsessive.
Dylan is the kind of kid most adults overlook, not because he’s invisible, but because he doesn’t ask to be seen. He doesn’t act out. He doesn’t cry. He doesn’t demand attention. He simply is. There’s a stillness to him that’s hard to read. While other kids might seek comfort in friends or toys, Dylan disappears behind a lens.
Played by: Jameson Barros
Meet Jameson Barros, a talented11-year-old actor from Los Angeles. With a passion for the performing arts ignited at the tender age of 5, Jameson began his journey in theater, where he quickly discovered his love for television and film. His dedication to honing his craft has led him to study acting intensively, mastering the skills needed to bring a diverse range of characters to life. His infectious enthusiasm and natural talent have already started to turn heads in the industry, and he has ambitious dreams of starring in major movies and TV series in the years to come. When he's not auditioning or rehearsing, Jameson enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new hobbies, and, of course, watching his favorite films and shows for inspiration. With his determination, creativity, and passion for storytelling, Jameson Barros is undoubtedly a rising star to watch as he continues to shine in the entertainment world.
Livia
Broken. Reckless. Surviving.
Livia moves fast, talks fast, loves fast, drinks fast, anything to keep from sitting still too long. She's careless. She wants to feel wanted, but not trapped. She’ll say she’s doing her best, and in some way, she believes that. But she measures motherhood by absence of disaster, if the baby’s fed and Dylan’s not setting the house on fire, what more do people expect?
Played by: Charlotte Benesch
While attending the British Academy of Performing Arts, Charlotte performed with lead roles in various musicals, including Epiphany, Quilt, and Children of Eden at the Source Theater in Washington D.C. Charlotte portrayed the role of "Veronica" in the nationally publicized and televised O Globo musical production of the Easter passion play. Her solo performance received accolades from the live audience at the play's taping. She can be seen in shows such as Outer Banks, Greenleaf, Mayans, and Daybreak.
Marcus
Grounded. Principled. Self-prioritizing.
Marcus doesn’t make decisions based on guilt or fantasy, he deals in reality. While Adrian was alive, Marcus had a situation that worked for him: close, but not too close. Now, with Adrian gone, the boundaries are messier, but Marcus hasn’t changed. He’s not cold, just clear. He doesn’t chase belonging. He helps where it makes sense, but draws the line where it doesn’t. Marcus keeps a healthy distance, not out of cruelty, but because he doesn't pretend to feel things he doesn't.
Played by: Sylvestre Maldonado
Sylvestre Maldonado is a Puerto Rican Afro-Latino actor from the South Bronx, known for his versatility and commanding screen presence. Growing up in New York City, he was drawn to the arts at an early age, using acting as a means of storytelling and self-expression. His journey into the entertainment industry began in independent films and television, quickly earning recognition for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters. Maldonado has appeared in a variety of television series, including Paradise on Hulu, NCIS: Origins, S.W.A.T., and Animal Kingdom, along with numerous independent films and short projects. With roots in the vibrant cultural scene of the South Bronx, he brings a unique perspective and authenticity to every role he takes on. He is currently based in Los Angeles.
 (8).jpg)
EXPOSURE matters because it speaks to the quiet, often invisible ways trauma shapes us, especially in childhood. It’s a story about what we don’t see, or choose not to, and the consequences of that silence. In a time when so much is loud and sensational, EXPOSURE chooses to whisper and in doing so, demands to be heard. This story blends grounded emotional drama with the tension of a psychological thriller. It's not just about what people do in the dark it’s about what we miss in the light.
Below are some behind the scenes shots from the trailer for EXPOSURE. We used a borrowed camera and sound equipment, working with what we had to give you a sense of the characters and the vibe of the film. The trailer shoot was fast, scrappy, and fueled by passion, and we’re proud of what we were able to create.
.jpg)
 (7).jpg)
Where The Money Goes
We’re seeking $13,000 to bring this vision to life. Your support will help cover:
- Cast & Crew - Hiring talented actors and a lean, professional team
- Locations – Securing authentic, lived-in environments to shoot in
- Gear & Lighting – To achieve the atmospheric, cinematic look this story demands
- Production Design – Costumes, props, and the physical world of the film
- Post-Production – Editing, color grading, sound design, and original score
- Festival Submissions – So we can get this film seen and shared
Every dollar goes straight into making this film the best it can be.
.jpg)
The script is written, the storyboards have been made and it’s time to start filming. Once funding is secured we will secure locations and begin production immediately, aiming for late August, 2025. Once the film has been shot and edited we plan on submitting to select film festivals.
Thank You
We are grateful for you joining our Exposure family. Your contribution is a major step forward for us all. We also want to remind you that following our page is just as important. Whether you make a contribution or help spread the word, please make sure to click the heart at the top of this page.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Talent
Costs $1,500
Cast that will bring this story to life.
Crew
Costs $6,000
Cinematography, sound, lighting, set design, hair and make up. Getting the right people together is our first priority.
Locations
Costs $1,500
It can't happen without the right locations.
Crafty and Meals
Costs $1,000
Everybody's gotta eat.
Post Production
Costs $2,500
Color grading, Sound Engineering, Editing, Composing. Super important parts of filmmaking.
Film Festival Run
Costs $500
Allows for the film to be entered into 10-15 film festivals around the nation. Such as Sundance, Tribeca, LA Shortfest and more.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
About This Team
WRITER, DIRECTOR | Daniel Johnson
.jpg)
ACTOR, PRODUCER | "MARCUS" - Sylvestre Maldonado

Producer | Kaitlin Barros
.jpg)
Cinematographer | Elijah Garcia
.jpg)