Goats in Trees
Palm Springs, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
All my life I've wanted to make films that tell stories no one's seen. Goats in Trees is my passion project, inspired by a true incident that happen to me. Packed with twists and paranoia, It's a thriller where you can't trust anyone inside the hotel. Help Justin escape by funding the film!
Goats in Trees
Palm Springs, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
1 Campaigns |
15 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$625
Goal: $5,000 for production
All my life I've wanted to make films that tell stories no one's seen. Goats in Trees is my passion project, inspired by a true incident that happen to me. Packed with twists and paranoia, It's a thriller where you can't trust anyone inside the hotel. Help Justin escape by funding the film!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The film follows Justin, an aspiring actor who books his first real role. The film opens as he gets back to his hotel after a brutal night on set. His plan is simple: sleep, check out, finish his last day of shooting. But when he wakes up, everything goes sideways. He's trapped by a string of bad luck and some deeply unsettling people. Now he has to find a way out of the hotel before it's too late.
My team and I are making this film to showcase the isolation and hardship that come with chasing a dream - something we've lived firsthand. We're inspired by the great thrillers that shaped us, and we want this project to prove that you can create your own opportunities. With the funds we raise, we'll start production as soon as the 30-day campaign ends. Our goal is to have this film ready to release by the end of the year.
Mood Board
Goats in Trees was inspired by films like "Seven (1995), Shutter Island (2010), Secret Window (2004), and Obsession (2026).
Meet the Cast and Crew
Christopher Lopez (Writer, Director, and Actor)
Christopher was born and raised in the Coachella Valley by two immigrant parents from Mexico. His passion for cinema led him to act in short films, student projects, and plays. Now, six years later, he's stepping behind the camera to create his own opportunities. With "Goats in Trees", Christopher aims to tell a story that matters to him - and inspire others to pursue their dreams in filmmaking.
Social Media: @christopherlopezxo
Nathan Cox (Cinematographer)
Nathan is a Palm Springs-based photographer/cinematographer and commercial producer. He has worked on hundreds of local TV commercials and created a few short independent films with other local artists. Nathan is very passionate about bringing this story to life.
K. Cunningham (Assistant Director and Actress)
K. Cunningham graduated with honors from San Francisco State University with a BA in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in Lighting Design and Electrics. She has worked as an Electrician at various theatres across California, using light and design to help bring stories to life onstage. After the pandemic brought the performing arts industry to a halt, she embraced new creative opportunities that eventually led her to Los Angeles. Today, she is pursuing a career in acting, film, and the theatre arts, while continuing to tell stories rooted in empathy, resilience, and the unexpected ways that people can change.
Joseph Portoles (Actor)
Joseph is an actor, singer, and, as of recently, an LA resident. He and Christopher believe that the only way to make it further in this business is to make your own projects with the people you love. Hence, “Goats in Trees” and many more.
Social Media: Joseph.portoles
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sony ECM-VG1 Electret Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Costs $288
Great sound is key for this film.
Sony SF-M Series TOUGH SDXC Memory Card
Costs $190
High-Quality SD card to insure we don't run out of storage throughout the 3 days of shooting.
FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM Full-frame Standard Zoom G Master Lens
Costs $1,600
Goats in Trees needs tight hotel shots in low light. The 24-70mm F2.8 lets us film close-ups + tracking shots without swapping lenses.
Paying/Feeding the team
Costs $2,000
Raising $2,000 covers meals and day rates for our Coachella Valley crew. A fed, paid team means safer sets and better performances on camera
Costumes and Special affect
Costs $500
$500 covers key costumes and practical effects. The right wardrobe and SFX make the story visceral and keep audiences on edge.
Festival Run
Costs $400
Once the film is complete, I would love for the film to be seen across many festivals across the country.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our cast includes K, Joseph, and Jjerry — just a few of the talented actors bringing Goats in Trees to life. Beyond acting, K and Joseph will also serve as 1st and 2nd AD, bringing hands-on experience behind the camera.
Our cinematographer, Nathan, has a proven eye for unique, compelling visuals. Nate and I have collaborated before, and he consistently elevates every frame.
We’re still expanding the team, but I’m confident in our core crew. I’m proud to be building this film with Coachella Valley locals who share the same drive and vision.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The film follows Justin, an aspiring actor who books his first real role. The film opens as he gets back to his hotel after a brutal night on set. His plan is simple: sleep, check out, finish his last day of shooting. But when he wakes up, everything goes sideways. He's trapped by a string of bad luck and some deeply unsettling people. Now he has to find a way out of the hotel before it's too late.
My team and I are making this film to showcase the isolation and hardship that come with chasing a dream - something we've lived firsthand. We're inspired by the great thrillers that shaped us, and we want this project to prove that you can create your own opportunities. With the funds we raise, we'll start production as soon as the 30-day campaign ends. Our goal is to have this film ready to release by the end of the year.
Mood Board
Goats in Trees was inspired by films like "Seven (1995), Shutter Island (2010), Secret Window (2004), and Obsession (2026).
Meet the Cast and Crew
Christopher Lopez (Writer, Director, and Actor)
Christopher was born and raised in the Coachella Valley by two immigrant parents from Mexico. His passion for cinema led him to act in short films, student projects, and plays. Now, six years later, he's stepping behind the camera to create his own opportunities. With "Goats in Trees", Christopher aims to tell a story that matters to him - and inspire others to pursue their dreams in filmmaking.
Social Media: @christopherlopezxo
Nathan Cox (Cinematographer)
Nathan is a Palm Springs-based photographer/cinematographer and commercial producer. He has worked on hundreds of local TV commercials and created a few short independent films with other local artists. Nathan is very passionate about bringing this story to life.
K. Cunningham (Assistant Director and Actress)
K. Cunningham graduated with honors from San Francisco State University with a BA in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in Lighting Design and Electrics. She has worked as an Electrician at various theatres across California, using light and design to help bring stories to life onstage. After the pandemic brought the performing arts industry to a halt, she embraced new creative opportunities that eventually led her to Los Angeles. Today, she is pursuing a career in acting, film, and the theatre arts, while continuing to tell stories rooted in empathy, resilience, and the unexpected ways that people can change.
Joseph Portoles (Actor)
Joseph is an actor, singer, and, as of recently, an LA resident. He and Christopher believe that the only way to make it further in this business is to make your own projects with the people you love. Hence, “Goats in Trees” and many more.
Social Media: Joseph.portoles
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sony ECM-VG1 Electret Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Costs $288
Great sound is key for this film.
Sony SF-M Series TOUGH SDXC Memory Card
Costs $190
High-Quality SD card to insure we don't run out of storage throughout the 3 days of shooting.
FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM Full-frame Standard Zoom G Master Lens
Costs $1,600
Goats in Trees needs tight hotel shots in low light. The 24-70mm F2.8 lets us film close-ups + tracking shots without swapping lenses.
Paying/Feeding the team
Costs $2,000
Raising $2,000 covers meals and day rates for our Coachella Valley crew. A fed, paid team means safer sets and better performances on camera
Costumes and Special affect
Costs $500
$500 covers key costumes and practical effects. The right wardrobe and SFX make the story visceral and keep audiences on edge.
Festival Run
Costs $400
Once the film is complete, I would love for the film to be seen across many festivals across the country.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our cast includes K, Joseph, and Jjerry — just a few of the talented actors bringing Goats in Trees to life. Beyond acting, K and Joseph will also serve as 1st and 2nd AD, bringing hands-on experience behind the camera.
Our cinematographer, Nathan, has a proven eye for unique, compelling visuals. Nate and I have collaborated before, and he consistently elevates every frame.
We’re still expanding the team, but I’m confident in our core crew. I’m proud to be building this film with Coachella Valley locals who share the same drive and vision.