We live in a world that is in desperate need of the hope, optimism, and change that art brings. This film explores a futuristic world where all artists are persecuted. As student filmmakers, this is our Towson University senior thesis film on a topic we care deeply about- The value of the arts.
We live in a world that is in desperate need of the hope, optimism, and change that art brings. This film explores a futuristic world where all artists are persecuted. As student filmmakers, this is our Towson University senior thesis film on a topic we care deeply about- The value of the arts.
Participating In
100 Days of Optimism
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Story
Mission Statement
Our film is not only written, directed, and produced by women, but our story follows a strong, complex female character as she navigates the difficult and dangerous world she lives in through her art. Supported by a diverse cast and crew, we deeply value representation both on screen and off.About The Project
The Story
We are artists. You are artists. The world needs art. However, in a futuristic world where all art and music is forbidden, we explore the story of one pianist named Lyra who will do anything to play. She's a young citizen and underground musician of this world closely monitored by the government through a tracking device embedded in her hand. Though all she wants is to finish her piece of music, ultimately she must make the decision of what she is willing to lose and sacrifice for her art.
Kristin wrote this script after the defunding of the arts in the United States in 2017 and was inspired by the social change surrounding the arts that has begun since. As the pre-production team began forming with this idea in mind, we bonded over the common conviction that we all need art in our lives, and began developing themes and questions around this concept: How far would we go for our art? What would we sacrifice? How would we live without it?
Why Now?
Our world is in desperate need of the hope, optimism, and change that art and music bring. The tides of society have been shifting towards robotic productivity, but we believe that it is time to reclaim the life-giving and essential role of art and music in our shared culture. This film serves as a wake-up call for our society, exploring the dangers that could lie ahead for a world without art.
Why you?
Our team has the passion and determination to tell this story on screen, but we can't do it alone.
It truly takes a village to make a film, and the message of this film applies to artists, musicians, and everyone alike. This film is our senior thesis film at Towson University, and is a culmination of everything we've learned during our time as students. Some of our gear is supplied by the university but there are many other resources that we need to produce this story with the best quality and most natural feel. Please share our campaign, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and check out the incentives offered for financial support.
We can't do this without you!
Incentives
$1
Thank you!
For a gift of any amount, we will send you a personalized thank you email from our team and keep you updated on our production. Thank you for your support!
$5
Your Name in the Credits
We will feature your name in the credits of the film! Every little bit helps and we are grateful for your support!
$10
Lots of (Digital) Love
In addition to the gift listed above, you deserve a social media shoutout from our team because you're awesome for making this film happen!$25
VIP Access to the Finished Film
Because we think you're great for supporting us, you'll get access to view this finished project before the film's wide release. Keep an eye out for your VIP private viewing link this summer! (Oh yes, in addition to the thank you note and social media shoutout)$50
Key to the Melody
Music is at the heart of this film, and we want to send you the key to it. In addition to the aforementioned, we will send you a digital copy of the piano music from our main theme! $100
Behind the Scenes Access
We want you to be one of the first to see this world come to life through a personalized video sent exclusively from behind-the-scenes on set.... On top of all the awesome gifts listed above!
$250
All of the Notes
What have we done to deserve your kindness?! We want to send you a digital copy of the full score by composer Andrei Shulgach, along with the previously listed gifts, to say thank you!$500
Your Art + This Film
This is a film for artists, by artists. You are part of this story, and we want to feature your art in the set decoration in our film. (Logistically, we cannot ship items for out-of-towners, but are happy to replicate digital copies.) Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Executive Producer Status
Being the star that you are, you've earned the glorified Executive Producer status on our film. From the film's end credits to IMDb credit, as well as every previously listed gift, you get the whole nine-yards... it's the least we can do to say thanks!Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$1
Thank you!
For a gift of any amount, we will send you a personalized thank you email from our team and keep you updated on our production. Thank you for your support!
$5
Your Name in the Credits
We will feature your name in the credits of the film! Every little bit helps and we are grateful for your support!
$10
Lots of (Digital) Love
In addition to the gift listed above, you deserve a social media shoutout from our team because you're awesome for making this film happen!$25
VIP Access to the Finished Film
Because we think you're great for supporting us, you'll get access to view this finished project before the film's wide release. Keep an eye out for your VIP private viewing link this summer! (Oh yes, in addition to the thank you note and social media shoutout)$50
Key to the Melody
Music is at the heart of this film, and we want to send you the key to it. In addition to the aforementioned, we will send you a digital copy of the piano music from our main theme! $100
Behind the Scenes Access
We want you to be one of the first to see this world come to life through a personalized video sent exclusively from behind-the-scenes on set.... On top of all the awesome gifts listed above!
$250
All of the Notes
What have we done to deserve your kindness?! We want to send you a digital copy of the full score by composer Andrei Shulgach, along with the previously listed gifts, to say thank you!$500
Your Art + This Film
This is a film for artists, by artists. You are part of this story, and we want to feature your art in the set decoration in our film. (Logistically, we cannot ship items for out-of-towners, but are happy to replicate digital copies.) Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Executive Producer Status
Being the star that you are, you've earned the glorified Executive Producer status on our film. From the film's end credits to IMDb credit, as well as every previously listed gift, you get the whole nine-yards... it's the least we can do to say thanks!Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
MEET OUR TEAM!Kristin Kinsey is a passionate storyteller with the drive and determination to make change. She enjoys writing and directing films that offer commentary on relevant social issues in a dramatic and exaggerated way. Her past films have sensitively addressed topics such as sexual assault. As the Writer and Director on this film, she knows the story inside and out and is ready to bring it to the screen.
Emily Dietz is a business-minded creative who loves to tell stories that matter. Music and film are her two favorite mediums for communicating messages that challenge perceptions. As the Producer on this film, she is geared up to see the project through to our viewers.
Nathan Airey is a master with the camera who has been working professionally for several years. He is ready to capture this story through delivering a beautiful image.
Danny is an editing wizard and all around helpful guy who jumped right in to assist with art department! When we wrap this film, his work begins.
Kristin had been developing this script for almost a year when she pitched the idea to Emily, who was immediately inspired by the message and the musical elements. As they prepared to begin pre-production, Nathan and Danny brought their skill and experience onboard when they joined the team. Several other professionals have been drawn to this idea and we've been assembling a killer team, from a talented Production Designer, creative Makeup Artist, and gifted Composer, to name a few.
We couldn't be more excited to hit the set with our incredible team!
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