GOLDEN
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Music
A forgotten singer, silenced by his illness, revisits his traumatic past when he teaches a college class full of aspiring musicians.
GOLDEN
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Music
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,874 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
64 supporters | followers
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A forgotten singer, silenced by his illness, revisits his traumatic past when he teaches a college class full of aspiring musicians.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The inspiration behind the film:
- The Art School Environment: Art school teachers often tell their students that success is possible with hard work and dedication. However, this raises an important question—should they be more realistic? Should students be made aware of the harsh realities of the art industry, or is it more beneficial for them to discover these challenges on their own?
- Inspiration from a YouTube Video: Link (8:58-18:39): A significant inspiration for this story came from a YouTube video where a well-known singer visited an arts college to share his experiences. During his visit, he led an exercise where students took turns singing short melodies they had written. Seeing the students’ passion overwhelmed him, and he broke down in tears. This moment felt incredibly cinematic, making it a perfect scene to bring to the screen.
What Makes GOLDEN Unique?
- It tells a college classroom story from the teacher’s perspective, offering a fresh angle on student-teacher dynamics.
- It features an original song inspired by 90s and early 2000s music, grounding the film in a nostalgic yet contemporary sound.
- The film challenges classroom stereotypes, featuring diverse characters such as a first-generation Asian immigrant pursuing music and a jock with a softer, more artistic side.
Artistic Direction:
- Cinematography: Naturalistic lighting with contrasting colors achieved through production design and costumes.
- Tone: A blend of coming-of-age and drama, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of students chasing their dreams. By balancing realism, artistry, and emotional depth, Golden aims to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences.
GOLDEN is a deeply resonant story that takes place in the often-overlooked world of creatives arts education. While teachers in education have such powerful role in shaping the lives of their students, their influence is rarely celebrated on the screen. We want to honor their impact in this film.
Our film blends the soul-stirring and nostalgic sounds of the 90s and early 2000s with the passion and ambition of this generation's youth. It speaks to multiple generations—millennials and baby boomers will find familiarity in its music, while young audiences will see themselves in the determination of its young, student characters.
Now, more than ever, we need stories that uplift, challenge, and inspire. Our film is not just a film—it is a celebration of the human spirit.
Bruce, once a famous singer. Twenty years ago, Bruce was a star, performing his hit song, in front his passionate fans. But as he approached a high note, he suddenly started to cough up blood. His career ended that night.
Now in his 40s, he’s struggling and refuses to go back to the music industry. Instead, he takes a substitute job: to teach songwriting at a college. The students, including Jacob and Z, are skeptical. Through music exercises and his teaching, Bruce eventually earns their approval. The ultimate test comes when Z suddenly has a panic attack: Bruce has to revisit his past trauma to help her conquer her own fears, reminding everyone that mistakes are part of learning.
The students request Bruce sings "Golden," but he refuses: he can’t sing anymore...until he hears them singing it together from outside the hallway. Inspired, he joins in. As he once again reaches for the same high note from twenty years ago...
Bruce:
Retired singer who wants nothing to do with the music industry. He’s soft and doesn’t recognize how capable he still is. He wants to prevent the students from making the same mistakes he made.
Jacob:
College student who is slightly cocky with a rough look. However, when he sings, he loosens up and becomes very vulnerable.
Z (Zixuan):
An international college student from China. Awkward, used to getting embarrassed. Her superpower is her passion. She feels isolated in the classroom because of where she’s from and her fear of self-expression.
To bring this film to life, we need the right resources to make our vision a reality. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our budget and timeline, so you know exactly how your support will make an impact.
Here's the timeline for our production. We have already begun pre-production in January and will continue to do so until August. We plan to have our final product ready in October!
Our team of students are very passionate about the project and want to bring it to life. Our years of experience of filmmaking will ensure that our project is cohesive, well-planned, and most importantly, meaningful. We are very lucky to have this team of wonderful and talented students.
We cannot make this film happen without your help. Every bit of donation will go a long way and bring our dream closer to reality. We urge you to join us on our journey, starting today!
Follow our socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenofficialfilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574069851103&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenfilm.official
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Panavision Lenses
Costs $1,000
Lenses with a vintage look, with the edges falling off to create a soft and nostalgic feeling.
Concert Location
Costs $1,000
Our film requires a huge concert set.
Production Design
Costs $1,000
To help create the environment of the film.
Craftys/Meals for Cast and Crew
Costs $1,500
To keep our cast and crew happy!
Transportation/Parking Fees
Costs $200
To reimburse our cast and crew for transportation!
Wrap Party/Screening
Costs $500
To cover the cost to rent out a cool place to show our film.
Insurance
Costs $1,000
As a backup in case anything happens on set.
Costumes & Wardrobe
Costs $100
To achieve the 90s and classroom looks, our crew needs to create realistic costumes.
Classroom Location
Costs $1,200
Our film requires a classroom location.
Film Festivals
Costs $500
Our team plans to submit the film to film festivals.
Marketing
Costs $200
Our team needs to print posters and spend money on advertising the film
Contingency
Costs $1,500
A percentage of the total budget for unexpected costs.
Arri Alexa Mini + Attachments (Monitor, Follow Focus System, etc.)
Costs $500
ARRI Alexa Mini provides excellent dynamic range and accurate skin tones that are well-suited for the concert and classroom scenes.
Lighting Equipment (Lights, Stands, Silks/Solids, Stingers, etc.)
Costs $800
Need lighting equipment to replicate concert lighting and create a sincere and naturalistic look for all classroom scenes.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director: Daniel Pan
Daniel is a Taiwanese-American writer and director based in Los Angeles. Daniel intends to tell dramas about youth, family, and hope. Having grown up in places like China and the Bay Area, he has a unique set of eyes when it comes to bringing his ideas to the screen and hopes to present the audience with a captivating, emotional journey with GOLDEN. Daniel studies Screenwriting with a minor in Advertising at the University of Southern California.
Producers: Kate Shiau, Jinyuan (Linda) Zheng, Laura Zhang, Andrew Woo
Kate is a Taiwanese American producer born in San Francisco, CA, dedicated to championing underrepresented voices and telling impactful stories. In addition to producing Golden, her other projects include serving as the producer of The Precipice, a producer on APCA’s episodic series You’re Dead to Me, and the associate producer on Baraye. She has also worked on various other short films in different capacities, gaining experience in production management, fundraising, and creative development. As a sophomore at USC pursuing a degree in Business of Cinematic Arts, she is passionate about crafting meaningful and authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Through her work, she strives to bring fresh perspectives to the screen and highlight stories that deserve to be told.
Jinyuan (Linda) is a Chinese filmmaker and producer, currently based in Los Angeles. A senior at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, she has produced multiple short films and TV commercials for world-renowned brands, gaining extensive experience in production management, creative development, and storytelling. Passionate about socially driven content, Jinyuan focuses on projects that explore societal issues and amplify underrepresented voices. With a global perspective and a commitment to impactful storytelling, she strives to create compelling narratives that inspire change and resonate with diverse audiences.
Laura is a Chinese-American production designer based in Los Angeles, CA. Her love for the arts began when she started off in fine arts as a little kid. She has experimented with all types of media and since then, has expanded into theater and film. She is currently pursuing a BA in Theatre Design and hopes to continue her passion for visual storytelling through projects that examine the human experience.
Andrew is a Chinese American filmmaker from Palo Alto, CA, who found his passion for filmmaking from making short films with friends in high school. Andrew is studying Cinema and Media Studies with an Entertainment Industry minor. He hopes to uplift underrepresented stories that spread empathy and spark progressive conversations with the stories he helps bring to life. With Golden, he plans to contribute his experience of working on other film sets as mainly a grip/gaffer to ensure that production runs smoothly and that the story can be told as written.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The inspiration behind the film:
- The Art School Environment: Art school teachers often tell their students that success is possible with hard work and dedication. However, this raises an important question—should they be more realistic? Should students be made aware of the harsh realities of the art industry, or is it more beneficial for them to discover these challenges on their own?
- Inspiration from a YouTube Video: Link (8:58-18:39): A significant inspiration for this story came from a YouTube video where a well-known singer visited an arts college to share his experiences. During his visit, he led an exercise where students took turns singing short melodies they had written. Seeing the students’ passion overwhelmed him, and he broke down in tears. This moment felt incredibly cinematic, making it a perfect scene to bring to the screen.
What Makes GOLDEN Unique?
- It tells a college classroom story from the teacher’s perspective, offering a fresh angle on student-teacher dynamics.
- It features an original song inspired by 90s and early 2000s music, grounding the film in a nostalgic yet contemporary sound.
- The film challenges classroom stereotypes, featuring diverse characters such as a first-generation Asian immigrant pursuing music and a jock with a softer, more artistic side.
Artistic Direction:
- Cinematography: Naturalistic lighting with contrasting colors achieved through production design and costumes.
- Tone: A blend of coming-of-age and drama, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of students chasing their dreams. By balancing realism, artistry, and emotional depth, Golden aims to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences.
GOLDEN is a deeply resonant story that takes place in the often-overlooked world of creatives arts education. While teachers in education have such powerful role in shaping the lives of their students, their influence is rarely celebrated on the screen. We want to honor their impact in this film.
Our film blends the soul-stirring and nostalgic sounds of the 90s and early 2000s with the passion and ambition of this generation's youth. It speaks to multiple generations—millennials and baby boomers will find familiarity in its music, while young audiences will see themselves in the determination of its young, student characters.
Now, more than ever, we need stories that uplift, challenge, and inspire. Our film is not just a film—it is a celebration of the human spirit.
Bruce, once a famous singer. Twenty years ago, Bruce was a star, performing his hit song, in front his passionate fans. But as he approached a high note, he suddenly started to cough up blood. His career ended that night.
Now in his 40s, he’s struggling and refuses to go back to the music industry. Instead, he takes a substitute job: to teach songwriting at a college. The students, including Jacob and Z, are skeptical. Through music exercises and his teaching, Bruce eventually earns their approval. The ultimate test comes when Z suddenly has a panic attack: Bruce has to revisit his past trauma to help her conquer her own fears, reminding everyone that mistakes are part of learning.
The students request Bruce sings "Golden," but he refuses: he can’t sing anymore...until he hears them singing it together from outside the hallway. Inspired, he joins in. As he once again reaches for the same high note from twenty years ago...
Bruce:
Retired singer who wants nothing to do with the music industry. He’s soft and doesn’t recognize how capable he still is. He wants to prevent the students from making the same mistakes he made.
Jacob:
College student who is slightly cocky with a rough look. However, when he sings, he loosens up and becomes very vulnerable.
Z (Zixuan):
An international college student from China. Awkward, used to getting embarrassed. Her superpower is her passion. She feels isolated in the classroom because of where she’s from and her fear of self-expression.
To bring this film to life, we need the right resources to make our vision a reality. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our budget and timeline, so you know exactly how your support will make an impact.
Here's the timeline for our production. We have already begun pre-production in January and will continue to do so until August. We plan to have our final product ready in October!
Our team of students are very passionate about the project and want to bring it to life. Our years of experience of filmmaking will ensure that our project is cohesive, well-planned, and most importantly, meaningful. We are very lucky to have this team of wonderful and talented students.
We cannot make this film happen without your help. Every bit of donation will go a long way and bring our dream closer to reality. We urge you to join us on our journey, starting today!
Follow our socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenofficialfilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574069851103&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenfilm.official
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Panavision Lenses
Costs $1,000
Lenses with a vintage look, with the edges falling off to create a soft and nostalgic feeling.
Concert Location
Costs $1,000
Our film requires a huge concert set.
Production Design
Costs $1,000
To help create the environment of the film.
Craftys/Meals for Cast and Crew
Costs $1,500
To keep our cast and crew happy!
Transportation/Parking Fees
Costs $200
To reimburse our cast and crew for transportation!
Wrap Party/Screening
Costs $500
To cover the cost to rent out a cool place to show our film.
Insurance
Costs $1,000
As a backup in case anything happens on set.
Costumes & Wardrobe
Costs $100
To achieve the 90s and classroom looks, our crew needs to create realistic costumes.
Classroom Location
Costs $1,200
Our film requires a classroom location.
Film Festivals
Costs $500
Our team plans to submit the film to film festivals.
Marketing
Costs $200
Our team needs to print posters and spend money on advertising the film
Contingency
Costs $1,500
A percentage of the total budget for unexpected costs.
Arri Alexa Mini + Attachments (Monitor, Follow Focus System, etc.)
Costs $500
ARRI Alexa Mini provides excellent dynamic range and accurate skin tones that are well-suited for the concert and classroom scenes.
Lighting Equipment (Lights, Stands, Silks/Solids, Stingers, etc.)
Costs $800
Need lighting equipment to replicate concert lighting and create a sincere and naturalistic look for all classroom scenes.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director: Daniel Pan
Daniel is a Taiwanese-American writer and director based in Los Angeles. Daniel intends to tell dramas about youth, family, and hope. Having grown up in places like China and the Bay Area, he has a unique set of eyes when it comes to bringing his ideas to the screen and hopes to present the audience with a captivating, emotional journey with GOLDEN. Daniel studies Screenwriting with a minor in Advertising at the University of Southern California.
Producers: Kate Shiau, Jinyuan (Linda) Zheng, Laura Zhang, Andrew Woo
Kate is a Taiwanese American producer born in San Francisco, CA, dedicated to championing underrepresented voices and telling impactful stories. In addition to producing Golden, her other projects include serving as the producer of The Precipice, a producer on APCA’s episodic series You’re Dead to Me, and the associate producer on Baraye. She has also worked on various other short films in different capacities, gaining experience in production management, fundraising, and creative development. As a sophomore at USC pursuing a degree in Business of Cinematic Arts, she is passionate about crafting meaningful and authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Through her work, she strives to bring fresh perspectives to the screen and highlight stories that deserve to be told.
Jinyuan (Linda) is a Chinese filmmaker and producer, currently based in Los Angeles. A senior at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, she has produced multiple short films and TV commercials for world-renowned brands, gaining extensive experience in production management, creative development, and storytelling. Passionate about socially driven content, Jinyuan focuses on projects that explore societal issues and amplify underrepresented voices. With a global perspective and a commitment to impactful storytelling, she strives to create compelling narratives that inspire change and resonate with diverse audiences.
Laura is a Chinese-American production designer based in Los Angeles, CA. Her love for the arts began when she started off in fine arts as a little kid. She has experimented with all types of media and since then, has expanded into theater and film. She is currently pursuing a BA in Theatre Design and hopes to continue her passion for visual storytelling through projects that examine the human experience.
Andrew is a Chinese American filmmaker from Palo Alto, CA, who found his passion for filmmaking from making short films with friends in high school. Andrew is studying Cinema and Media Studies with an Entertainment Industry minor. He hopes to uplift underrepresented stories that spread empathy and spark progressive conversations with the stories he helps bring to life. With Golden, he plans to contribute his experience of working on other film sets as mainly a grip/gaffer to ensure that production runs smoothly and that the story can be told as written.