Harbor Ties
Portland, Maine | Film Short
Horror, Nature
Harbor Ties follows the story of a member of small coastal Maine community discovering a darker nature to the lighthouse island just outside the harbor. Our film explores a fantasy fueled angle of the mysterious reality of coastal life, ocean disappearances and the salty local legends of Maine.
Harbor Ties
Portland, Maine | Film Short
Horror, Nature
1 Campaigns | Maine, United States
3 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$500
Goal: $10,000 for production
Harbor Ties follows the story of a member of small coastal Maine community discovering a darker nature to the lighthouse island just outside the harbor. Our film explores a fantasy fueled angle of the mysterious reality of coastal life, ocean disappearances and the salty local legends of Maine.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Ellie Willard is a fisherwoman from Little Harbor who discovers her sibling is missing from their post on a remote island lighthouse station. The salty Captain keeper persists that Jesper left suddenly the day before with a yearning for the sea and plans to fish up north. Ellie is suspicious and, on high alert, begins to investigate the island and the pries at the hard-shelled captain for answers. The deeper they cast into this island disappearance, the darker and stranger the true nature of harbor and its creatures become.
The themes explored in this concept relate to depicting a dark mystery in the coastal community of Maine while also bringing an authentic glimpse into to the depictions of harbor personalities. For those who grew up along these coasts and related to its workers, the symbology of the Maine lobsterworker isn't associated only with a very specific type of rain-slicked bearded lobsterman but belongs equally to the chorus of modern Mainers of all genders who work their coasts. To these salted individuals, learning about the creatures and life of their local environment is as much a cultural practice as it is trade motivated. The short film of Harbor Ties alludes to the unique warmth of the coastal community as we watch a worker of the harbor venture from its furthest reach to check on one of their own. Our protagonist reveals over the course of the short a fantastical and horrifying discovery about their harbor that only the strength of intergenerational folklore can explain. By paying homage to the lives of real coastal workers and filming on location in the home of historical lighthouse keepers, our goal is to keep the rich history alive and well in this modern folktale.
Ellie Willard
Ellie Willard is an early-thirties fisher and farmer who returned to their childhood town a few years ago to watch over their elusive sibling and learn the trade skills of the harbor where they grew up. After a celebration of life in the community, Ellie is drawn to randomly surprise their sibling Jesper on their lighthouse island station and discovers their worst fear come true in their disappearance. Highly perceptive and curious, Ellie exhausts every lead on the island in search of Jessie, leaving only the station's sole resident: a sea captain they trust very little.
Captain Sewall
It's unclear to everyone in Little Harbor how or when Captain Sewall began his station at Moore Isle Light, however everyone young and old remembers him begin there. Despite living in the modern station, Captain Sewall's lifestyle and mentality stay fixed within the vast imagination of the horizon and operating the light for the sailors of the North Atlantic. Ellie's visit has caught the captain and a particularly distracted time and begins to upset the rhythm and tides of the captain's salty lifestyle.
Jesper Willard
Younger sibling to Ellie, Jesper never left the town of Little Harbor and their isolated personality, distant from an already granite hearted community, has led them to being the assistant to the keeper on Moore Isle Light, an island and position Jesper never knew existed before the local grandmother recommended him to Captain Sewall. Since his station there a few years ago, Jespers disposition seems to have grown brighter, even was reportedly happy and cheerful by the mail boat operator the day before his disappearance.
Ruth
Ruth is the heart of the harbor itself and represents the strength and security of neighborly local leaders. Running the coastal deliveries and often local emergency response, Ruth, once an orphan child of lighthouse keepers herself, has become the center of an intergenerational community. In this short, Ruth’s appearance teases at the larger community and the close relationship with Ellie to be represented in an upcoming full length version of the script.
Rooted in naturalism, the visual style of Harbor Ties seeks to capture the island in its most authentic and raw form, enhanced by subtle, stylized lighting and camera techniques. Camera movement will be intentional and precisely executed to support the narrative and character motivation. The lighting of the film will embrace naturalism of the elements, from the deep shadows to the glare of the midday sun, while utilizing the tower's "light" as an ominous, impending force that holds the island spellbound. Think the lighting and colors of Robert Eggers “The Northman” with the intentional camera movement and naturalism of the Coen brother’s “No Country for Old Men”.
The Northman 2022
We are the team of Harbor Ties! This project is the culmination of friendships and connections we've made across our careers. Not only do we get to work with our peers, we're also very excited to meet with the community of Kennebunkport which is the port that houses Goat Island Light. We also have the backing of a lot of people across the state of Maine that we can't wait to show our work!
We are currently in the heat of pre-production, and we are rounding up the community of Maine to support this project and show everyone a depiction of a natural fantasy version of the harbors and workers of Maine.
Our timeline of production is around the early weeks of September 2026, we will be filming primarily in the amazing setting of Goat Island Lighthouse in
Kennebunkport, ME for a full week and 2 additional days for our smaller scenes.
The funds for this project primarily goes towards our art department and insurance while we’re at the island. Additionally, it also goes towards equipment rentals, travel costs, and food.
The location of this film is very beautiful, and the cast and crew of this project are very excited to get production off the floor! The visuals we have planned for Harbor Ties are enticing, compelling, and ambitious, everyone in the team is giving their all into creating this vision a reality.
Any type of support will help contribute towards Harbor Ties and is very appreciated!
Please share this campaign and follow us on Instagram @harbortiesfilm
Thank you!
Luis Valmadrid, Director/Producer
Mason Hawkes, Director/Producer/Writer
Zachary Cullen, Producer
Jane West, Producer/Actor
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rental Equipment
Costs $2,000
This wishlist item covers film camera and lighting rentals needed to achieve our creative vision.
Art Department
Costs $3,000
This wishlist item funds art department supplies and props to bring our film's world to life with authenticity.
Food and Safety
Costs $5,000
This wishlist item helps cover production insurance, on-set safety, and meals for our cast and crew.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We are the team of Harbor Ties! This project is the culmination of friendships and connections we've made across our careers. Not only do we get to work with our peers, we're also very excited to meet with the community of Kennebunkport which is the port that houses Goat Island Light. We also have the backing of a lot of people across the state of Maine that we can't wait to show our work!
Luis Valmadrid - Director
Luis is a filmmaker from the Philippines who moved to Maine four years ago. After earning an associate's degree from Southern Maine Community College, he began working at High Output while building experience in cinematography, lighting, directing, and producing. Through Harbor Ties, Luis is excited to tell a community driven story as he continues pursuing his goal of creating films around the world.
Mason Hawkes - Director
Mason is a filmmaker and actor from Gorham, Maine. After graduating from Southern Maine Community College in 2024 with a degree in Communications and New Media focused on film directing, they have continued pursuing freelance film and acting work while working at Big Sky Bread Company. As one of the directors of Harbor Ties, Mason is especially excited to connect with the Kennebunk community, whose generosity and enthusiasm have already played an important role in bringing the project to life.
Noah Anderson - Cinematographer
Noah is a Portland, Maine based cinematographer and filmmaker who discovered his passion for filmmaking at 13. After earning a degree from Southern Maine Community College, he built a freelance career working on commercials, music videos, documentaries, and short films. As the cinematographer on Harbor Ties, Noah is excited to bring the story to life on Goat Island while continuing to grow as a creative collaborator.
Clara Edgecomb - Assistant Director
Clara is a filmmaker and artist from Norwalk, Connecticut who earned an associate's degree from Southern Maine Community College and is completing a bachelor's degree in Media Arts Production with a focus in directing at Emerson College. She has worked on numerous short films as both a crew member and actor. Through Harbor Ties, Clara is excited to showcase the beauty of Goat Island Lighthouse while reconnecting with the Maine community that inspired her filmmaking journey.
Zachary Cullen - Producer
Zach is a filmmaker from Eliot, Maine. After graduating from Southern Maine Community College and Champlain College, he continued pursuing his passion for storytelling and bringing creative projects to life. As a producer on Harbor Ties, Zach is excited to be part of a film that highlights the power of connection, and collaboration. What excites him most about this project is working alongside a dedicated team of filmmakers who are committed to telling an authentic and meaningful story.
Jane West - Actress/Producer
Jane West is a classically trained actress based in New York City with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and training from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Barnard College, Stella Adler Studio, and Stonestreet Studios. Her work includes Off Broadway, film, and television, including Blood on the Bridge and Loyalists. She is also the creator, executive producer, and star of the upcoming feature Vacationland. In Harbor Ties, Jane stars as Ellie Willard.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Ellie Willard is a fisherwoman from Little Harbor who discovers her sibling is missing from their post on a remote island lighthouse station. The salty Captain keeper persists that Jesper left suddenly the day before with a yearning for the sea and plans to fish up north. Ellie is suspicious and, on high alert, begins to investigate the island and the pries at the hard-shelled captain for answers. The deeper they cast into this island disappearance, the darker and stranger the true nature of harbor and its creatures become.
The themes explored in this concept relate to depicting a dark mystery in the coastal community of Maine while also bringing an authentic glimpse into to the depictions of harbor personalities. For those who grew up along these coasts and related to its workers, the symbology of the Maine lobsterworker isn't associated only with a very specific type of rain-slicked bearded lobsterman but belongs equally to the chorus of modern Mainers of all genders who work their coasts. To these salted individuals, learning about the creatures and life of their local environment is as much a cultural practice as it is trade motivated. The short film of Harbor Ties alludes to the unique warmth of the coastal community as we watch a worker of the harbor venture from its furthest reach to check on one of their own. Our protagonist reveals over the course of the short a fantastical and horrifying discovery about their harbor that only the strength of intergenerational folklore can explain. By paying homage to the lives of real coastal workers and filming on location in the home of historical lighthouse keepers, our goal is to keep the rich history alive and well in this modern folktale.
Ellie Willard
Ellie Willard is an early-thirties fisher and farmer who returned to their childhood town a few years ago to watch over their elusive sibling and learn the trade skills of the harbor where they grew up. After a celebration of life in the community, Ellie is drawn to randomly surprise their sibling Jesper on their lighthouse island station and discovers their worst fear come true in their disappearance. Highly perceptive and curious, Ellie exhausts every lead on the island in search of Jessie, leaving only the station's sole resident: a sea captain they trust very little.
Captain Sewall
It's unclear to everyone in Little Harbor how or when Captain Sewall began his station at Moore Isle Light, however everyone young and old remembers him begin there. Despite living in the modern station, Captain Sewall's lifestyle and mentality stay fixed within the vast imagination of the horizon and operating the light for the sailors of the North Atlantic. Ellie's visit has caught the captain and a particularly distracted time and begins to upset the rhythm and tides of the captain's salty lifestyle.
Jesper Willard
Younger sibling to Ellie, Jesper never left the town of Little Harbor and their isolated personality, distant from an already granite hearted community, has led them to being the assistant to the keeper on Moore Isle Light, an island and position Jesper never knew existed before the local grandmother recommended him to Captain Sewall. Since his station there a few years ago, Jespers disposition seems to have grown brighter, even was reportedly happy and cheerful by the mail boat operator the day before his disappearance.
Ruth
Ruth is the heart of the harbor itself and represents the strength and security of neighborly local leaders. Running the coastal deliveries and often local emergency response, Ruth, once an orphan child of lighthouse keepers herself, has become the center of an intergenerational community. In this short, Ruth’s appearance teases at the larger community and the close relationship with Ellie to be represented in an upcoming full length version of the script.
Rooted in naturalism, the visual style of Harbor Ties seeks to capture the island in its most authentic and raw form, enhanced by subtle, stylized lighting and camera techniques. Camera movement will be intentional and precisely executed to support the narrative and character motivation. The lighting of the film will embrace naturalism of the elements, from the deep shadows to the glare of the midday sun, while utilizing the tower's "light" as an ominous, impending force that holds the island spellbound. Think the lighting and colors of Robert Eggers “The Northman” with the intentional camera movement and naturalism of the Coen brother’s “No Country for Old Men”.
The Northman 2022
We are the team of Harbor Ties! This project is the culmination of friendships and connections we've made across our careers. Not only do we get to work with our peers, we're also very excited to meet with the community of Kennebunkport which is the port that houses Goat Island Light. We also have the backing of a lot of people across the state of Maine that we can't wait to show our work!
We are currently in the heat of pre-production, and we are rounding up the community of Maine to support this project and show everyone a depiction of a natural fantasy version of the harbors and workers of Maine.
Our timeline of production is around the early weeks of September 2026, we will be filming primarily in the amazing setting of Goat Island Lighthouse in
Kennebunkport, ME for a full week and 2 additional days for our smaller scenes.
The funds for this project primarily goes towards our art department and insurance while we’re at the island. Additionally, it also goes towards equipment rentals, travel costs, and food.
The location of this film is very beautiful, and the cast and crew of this project are very excited to get production off the floor! The visuals we have planned for Harbor Ties are enticing, compelling, and ambitious, everyone in the team is giving their all into creating this vision a reality.
Any type of support will help contribute towards Harbor Ties and is very appreciated!
Please share this campaign and follow us on Instagram @harbortiesfilm
Thank you!
Luis Valmadrid, Director/Producer
Mason Hawkes, Director/Producer/Writer
Zachary Cullen, Producer
Jane West, Producer/Actor
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rental Equipment
Costs $2,000
This wishlist item covers film camera and lighting rentals needed to achieve our creative vision.
Art Department
Costs $3,000
This wishlist item funds art department supplies and props to bring our film's world to life with authenticity.
Food and Safety
Costs $5,000
This wishlist item helps cover production insurance, on-set safety, and meals for our cast and crew.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We are the team of Harbor Ties! This project is the culmination of friendships and connections we've made across our careers. Not only do we get to work with our peers, we're also very excited to meet with the community of Kennebunkport which is the port that houses Goat Island Light. We also have the backing of a lot of people across the state of Maine that we can't wait to show our work!
Luis Valmadrid - Director
Luis is a filmmaker from the Philippines who moved to Maine four years ago. After earning an associate's degree from Southern Maine Community College, he began working at High Output while building experience in cinematography, lighting, directing, and producing. Through Harbor Ties, Luis is excited to tell a community driven story as he continues pursuing his goal of creating films around the world.
Mason Hawkes - Director
Mason is a filmmaker and actor from Gorham, Maine. After graduating from Southern Maine Community College in 2024 with a degree in Communications and New Media focused on film directing, they have continued pursuing freelance film and acting work while working at Big Sky Bread Company. As one of the directors of Harbor Ties, Mason is especially excited to connect with the Kennebunk community, whose generosity and enthusiasm have already played an important role in bringing the project to life.
Noah Anderson - Cinematographer
Noah is a Portland, Maine based cinematographer and filmmaker who discovered his passion for filmmaking at 13. After earning a degree from Southern Maine Community College, he built a freelance career working on commercials, music videos, documentaries, and short films. As the cinematographer on Harbor Ties, Noah is excited to bring the story to life on Goat Island while continuing to grow as a creative collaborator.
Clara Edgecomb - Assistant Director
Clara is a filmmaker and artist from Norwalk, Connecticut who earned an associate's degree from Southern Maine Community College and is completing a bachelor's degree in Media Arts Production with a focus in directing at Emerson College. She has worked on numerous short films as both a crew member and actor. Through Harbor Ties, Clara is excited to showcase the beauty of Goat Island Lighthouse while reconnecting with the Maine community that inspired her filmmaking journey.
Zachary Cullen - Producer
Zach is a filmmaker from Eliot, Maine. After graduating from Southern Maine Community College and Champlain College, he continued pursuing his passion for storytelling and bringing creative projects to life. As a producer on Harbor Ties, Zach is excited to be part of a film that highlights the power of connection, and collaboration. What excites him most about this project is working alongside a dedicated team of filmmakers who are committed to telling an authentic and meaningful story.
Jane West - Actress/Producer
Jane West is a classically trained actress based in New York City with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and training from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Barnard College, Stella Adler Studio, and Stonestreet Studios. Her work includes Off Broadway, film, and television, including Blood on the Bridge and Loyalists. She is also the creator, executive producer, and star of the upcoming feature Vacationland. In Harbor Ties, Jane stars as Ellie Willard.