“He Made His Bed” is a family-centered drama short film written and directed by Maddy Freeman. Focusing on a divorced man juggling two long-distance families, the film explores issues of separation and departure at a time when situations like this are more prevalent than ever due to the pandemic.
“He Made His Bed” is a family-centered drama short film written and directed by Maddy Freeman. Focusing on a divorced man juggling two long-distance families, the film explores issues of separation and departure at a time when situations like this are more prevalent than ever due to the pandemic.
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Story
Mission Statement
While most divorce stories highlight the process, it is rare to find stories that showcase the aftermath. Our goal is to depict what happens after. Maddy’s experience with her parents' divorce and growing up with one parent living in another country makes her the perfect person to tell this story.About The Project
When he realizes how he hurt the son he left behind, a divorced man must choose between his two kids from his separate marriages.
Tom seems to have everything: a beautiful house, a nice car, an incredible wife, and a wonderful son. However, his life is not as perfect as it seems—Tom is divorced and has another, older son living on the other side of the country.
When Tom travels to New York City for a business trip, he visits his older son, Connor, and sees that he is doing well. However, as he continues to spend time with Connor, Tom realizes just how much his absence has hurt his son.
Tom does not want his younger son to end up the same way, and he recognizes the harm that can come from spending so much time apart. Because of this, Tom decides he must choose between his two children, hoping that focusing all of his time and energy on his younger son will ensure that at least he will be okay.
My parents are divorced, and my father is remarried. He now has two kids with his current wife, and his family lives in Hong Kong. However, my sister, brother, and I grew up in New Jersey with our mother. In the years since my parents' divorce, my father has been traveling back and forth between the United States and Asia. Even so, my father spends more of his time in Hong Kong—especially now due to the travel restrictions in place because of the pandemic.
Due to Hong Kong's travel restrictions, I haven't been able to see my father since January 2020. My father has not been able to come to the United States, and I have not been able to visit him in Hong Kong. It has been two years since I have last seen him, and even more time will pass until I can finally see him again. This is the longest I have ever gone without seeing my father.
I know I am not alone—today, there are more families than ever dealing with separation. Due to everything going on in the world keeping families apart and tearing apart others (including my own), I not only know that this is the story I need to tell, but that now is the time to tell it.
He Made His Bed tells a story grounded in reality, so we will be giving the film a realistic and natural look. We will be using muted, unsaturated colors to help us emphasize the harsh realities of everyday life.
Our goal is to visually depict the lifestyle differences that can occur in single parent versus married households. To do this, we will show a contrast between Tom’s situation and that of his single mother ex-wife, Sharon.
We are currently in pre-production for this film. We will be shooting over the course of five days, from March 25 to 29, across seven different physical locations in both New York City and New Jersey. The crew will be entirely composed of NYU students and recent alumni. Once we shoot the film, we will complete post-production, which includes editing, color correction, sound design, and scoring. When the film is finished, we will premiere it in a film festival and distribute it publicly at the end of its festival run.
There are high costs associated with film production, and, accordingly, we will need funding in order to take the film through the production and post-production processes.
We are looking to raise $14,500. This will help us cover the costs for equipment, production design, locations, transportation, food and craft services, post-production, film festivals, and additional expenses we might incur.
If we reach our fundraising goal, we will be able to shoot our film in March, complete post-production on our film by September 2022, and share our story with the world approximately a year after its festival premiere, which we hope will be at the end of 2022 or start of 2023.
Ensuring the health and safety of our cast and crew is essential during our production process. With COVID-19 still an issue, we will take every necessary precaution to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak on our set. NYU has strict guidelines in place, and we will be adhering to them. In addition, we will also follow CDC guidelines. We will ensure that all cast and crew complies with COVID-19 protocol on our set.
If there is an uptick in COVID-19 cases that prevents production from proceeding on our scheduled dates, we will temporarily pause production, delay our shoot, and resume when it is safe for our cast and crew to return.
The crew is mostly composed of NYU students and recent alumni, all of whom have volunteered their time and are working for no pay. By contributing to this film, you will be supporting a talented and ambitious group of students looking to jumpstart their careers in the film industry.
In addition, making a film is expensive. There are many costs to cover, including equipment, locations, transportation, food, and post-production. Your donation will help us pay for the expenses we encounter as we bring this film to life.
Lastly, this is an incredibly personal story, and it is one that is timely. Due to familial separation caused by the pandemic, so many people can relate to the themes we express in this film, which makes now the perfect time to tell this story. Your support will enable us to share our story with the world.
But we can’t do this without your help. Any amount, however large or small, is a significant contribution. We need to raise at least 80% of the budget to keep the funds we raise. Help us reach our goal!
There are many ways you can help. Please consider making a donation to our project. If you are not already, please follow our crowdfunding campaign page on Seed&Spark, and don’t forget to share our campaign. Like our page on Facebook (@HeMadeHisBed), follow us on Instagram (@hemadehisbedfilm), and follow us on Twitter (@HeMadeHisBed). Every contribution helps. If you are unable to donate at this time but are still interested in supporting our project, please spread the word by sharing our campaign.
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about our production and for your generosity. All help is greatly appreciated. Now, let’s make a movie!
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If you have any additional questions about this project, please reach out to: [email protected]
For more information about Maddy Freeman, please visit: https://www.maddyfreemanproductions.com/
Incentives
$25
Shoutout on Social Media
We will highlight your contribution to our film with a shoutout on our social media platforms. Additionally, we will send you a personalized badge with our logo and your name, which you can share on social media to show that you're a part of our project!
$50
Special Thanks Credit
We will highlight your contribution to our film by featuring your name in the credits, along with the cast and crew.
Also includes: Shoutout on Social Media
$100
Digital Package
You will receive a downloadable, printable, high-resolution PDF of our campaign-exclusive poster, only available as a part of this crowdfunding campaign. We will also send you a PDF copy of the final draft of our script for the film. In addition, you will receive a collection of downloadable film stills, as well as a personalized thank you note.
Also includes: Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$150
Behind the Scenes Package
We will send you a digital collection featuring photos and videos detailing our on-set journey, in addition to some behind-the-scenes footage from the film. You will also receive a personalized video to thank you for your support.
Also includes: Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$200
Signed Package
You will receive a signed downloadable, printable, high-resolution PDF of our campaign-exclusive poster, in addition to a signed PDF copy of the final draft of our script for the film. We will also send you an additional exclusive still that will be personalized for you!
Also includes: Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$250
Private Link to the Film
See the film early with a private link to the completed film, which will be sent before the film's public release.
Also includes: Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$500
Physical Package
A perfect addition to your walls, you will receive a signed printed copy of our campaign-exclusive poster. In addition, you will receive a signed printed copy of the final draft of our script for the film. We will also include a handwritten thank you note.
Also includes: Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$625
Live Preview Screening
You will be invited to attend the film's first private screening. This will either be held in-person or remotely, depending on COVID-19 restrictions at the time of release. We will keep you updated!
Also includes: Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$750
Personal Meeting with the Team
You will be invited to take part in a one-on-one meeting with Maddy, Sam, and Adriana. This will either be held in-person or remotely, depending on COVID-19 restrictions at the time of the meeting.
Also includes: Live Preview Screening, Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$1,000
Associate Producer Credit
In return for your generous donation, you will be listed as an associate producer in the credits of the film!
Also includes: Personal Meeting with the Team, Live Preview Screening, Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$1,500
Executive Producer Credit
Words can't describe our gratitude, but we can list you as an executive producer in the credits of the film!
Also includes: Personal Meeting with the Team, Live Preview Screening, Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$25
Shoutout on Social Media
We will highlight your contribution to our film with a shoutout on our social media platforms. Additionally, we will send you a personalized badge with our logo and your name, which you can share on social media to show that you're a part of our project!
$50
Special Thanks Credit
We will highlight your contribution to our film by featuring your name in the credits, along with the cast and crew.
Also includes: Shoutout on Social Media
$100
Digital Package
You will receive a downloadable, printable, high-resolution PDF of our campaign-exclusive poster, only available as a part of this crowdfunding campaign. We will also send you a PDF copy of the final draft of our script for the film. In addition, you will receive a collection of downloadable film stills, as well as a personalized thank you note.
Also includes: Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$150
Behind the Scenes Package
We will send you a digital collection featuring photos and videos detailing our on-set journey, in addition to some behind-the-scenes footage from the film. You will also receive a personalized video to thank you for your support.
Also includes: Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$200
Signed Package
You will receive a signed downloadable, printable, high-resolution PDF of our campaign-exclusive poster, in addition to a signed PDF copy of the final draft of our script for the film. We will also send you an additional exclusive still that will be personalized for you!
Also includes: Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$250
Private Link to the Film
See the film early with a private link to the completed film, which will be sent before the film's public release.
Also includes: Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$500
Physical Package
A perfect addition to your walls, you will receive a signed printed copy of our campaign-exclusive poster. In addition, you will receive a signed printed copy of the final draft of our script for the film. We will also include a handwritten thank you note.
Also includes: Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$625
Live Preview Screening
You will be invited to attend the film's first private screening. This will either be held in-person or remotely, depending on COVID-19 restrictions at the time of release. We will keep you updated!
Also includes: Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$750
Personal Meeting with the Team
You will be invited to take part in a one-on-one meeting with Maddy, Sam, and Adriana. This will either be held in-person or remotely, depending on COVID-19 restrictions at the time of the meeting.
Also includes: Live Preview Screening, Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$1,000
Associate Producer Credit
In return for your generous donation, you will be listed as an associate producer in the credits of the film!
Also includes: Personal Meeting with the Team, Live Preview Screening, Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
$1,500
Executive Producer Credit
Words can't describe our gratitude, but we can list you as an executive producer in the credits of the film!
Also includes: Personal Meeting with the Team, Live Preview Screening, Physical Package, Private Link to the Film, Signed Package, Behind the Scenes Package, Digital Package, Special Thanks Credit, Shoutout on Social Media
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Maddy Freeman — Director, Writer, Producer
Born and raised in New Jersey, Maddy Freeman is a film director, producer, and writer. She is currently an undergraduate student earning her BFA in Film and Television Production at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Maddy has directed multiple award-winning short films. Among her most recently recognized films are Appetite (2020), Because I Love Him (2019), Interview (2019), and Turn Off (2019). In addition to He Made His Bed, Maddy is currently producing her debut feature, which she co-wrote and will be directing. While in high school, Maddy created numerous commercials, documentaries, montages, and short videos for local and international clients and corporations. During that time, Maddy worked on many creative pieces, including short films and web series, and she continues to work on such projects today. Maddy was recently brought on to direct a project for Hooked, where she directed and edited a short narrative film to stream on their platforms. She is also the founder and CEO of her production company, Uncharted Productions, LLC. For more information, visit https://www.maddyfreemanproductions.com/.
Samantha Joia — ProducerSamantha Joia is a New York based writer, director and producer. She recently graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts, where she met Maddy and became enamored with this script. Samantha has had internships with several production companies, most recently Darren Arronofsky's Protozoa, which has given her a strong background in development. She couldn't be more excited to produce He Made His Bed!
Adriana Cisneros — ProducerAdriana has been an exceptional writer since early on, and she molded her craft into screenwriting. She is exploring her avenues at Tisch with a major in drama, and she fell in love with producing through her minor and by directing as well. To put it short, she considers herself a da Vinci of film, but she will never say it. An artist and a businesswoman, Adriana’s intellect knows no bounds.
Toby Romero — Director of PhotographyToby Romero is a cinematographer based in New York City and Los Angeles. He has worked on numerous narrative films, commercials, documentary, and experimental shoots taking him from places like Tel Aviv, Israel to Ketchikan, Alaska. Toby is no stranger to the spotlight. His work has been featured by US News, selected multiple times for NYU’s showcases, and screened at festivals around the world. He’s been accepted for a fellowship with Ghetto Film School and a four year internship with Warner Bros. leading him to his work on the Netflix show Fuller House. His Norwegian and Latino background help influence his unique visual style. He strives to work with a range of people and doesn’t allow one single genre to confine him as he continues to present his name and reputation in the industry. When he’s not on set, Toby can be found in the ocean surfing or on the mountain snowboarding.
Audrey Roh — 1st Assistant DirectorAudrey Roh graduated from NYU Tisch with a Major in Film & TV and double Minors in Producing and Classics. She has held nearly every position on set and continuously challenges herself to use those experiences to hone her producing and AD skills. Her past work includes positions at The Take, Katch Media, Maven Screen Media, and the Tribeca Film Festival. She is currently an agent’s assistant at ICM Partners.
Nick Duffy — Unit Production ManagerNick Duffy is an eccentric filmmaker who has done everything from directing, screenwriting, acting, hair & makeup, script suping, and now unit production manager! He is someone who can get things done but also has fun with production and generally helps liven the atmosphere of set. He can be easily spotted with his questionable outfit choices and binder full of script notes. He’s excited to work on He Made His Bed as he thinks it’s a fantastic script and can’t wait to see it come to life.
Madeline Henderson — Production DesignerMadeline Henderson is a production designer from Oxford, Mississippi. She attended Elon University, where she was heavily involved in student run productions. She is passionate about bringing films to life through thoughtful design. She currently lives and works in New York City, NY.
Tomer Keysar — 1st Assistant CameraTomer is a senior documentary student at NYU Gallatin from Chicago. He is excited by the documentary process of discovering and telling a story, and he hopes to raise awareness about social issues through his films. The films he has helped make have been about censorship, identity, community, and safety regulation. Tomer has worked closely with filmmakers Hilla Medalia and Erez Laufer. In his free time Tomer plays baseball and surfs the B&H website.
Jackson Yeomans — GafferJackson is a senior NYU student gaffer and colorist with more than 4 years of film lighting experience on both student and independent productions. He enjoys photography, reading, and Welch's Fruit Snacks.
Sophia Hiller — Casting DirectorSophia is a senior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts in her last semester, pursuing Film & TV post-production, with an additional focus in casting and business operations. She uses her company, Hiller Castings, as an outlet to help her connect people through transferral of her skills. Sophia has worked on everything from commercial to narrative works. He Made his Bed is just one of the many projects that align with her vision and Sophia is super excited to help bring the vision to life.
Anjali Moorthy — Assistant ProducerAnjali Moorthy is a freshman at NYU Tisch Film & TV. Born in the States and raised in India, she brings with her a culturally rich background of writing (prose and poetry), music, and Indian classical dance. Anjali is intrigued by the process of executing directorial vision, and is looking forward to gaining valuable insight into producing through this opportunity. Spearheading an animated Pixar film and creating a movie musical are two things high on her bucket list, and she can’t wait to get started on her journey there.
Alexander Zinn — Production AssistantAlexander Zinn majors in film & television and minors in producing, entertainment business, and mathematics. He’s worked on a number of student and professional productions, and brings an affinity for logistics backed by a tireless enthusiasm to the project.
Celia Tewey — Graphic DesignerCelia Tewey is a graduate of New York University with a BFA in Film & Television and triple minors in Journalism, Entertainment Producing, and Media Business. Celia has a strong passion for stories about mental health, social justice, young women, and humanitarian rights. Celia currently works as an Assistant Producer at NBC Universal and runs a freelance animation and graphics studio on the side. Her work in both the Animation and Producing fields has screened at over 10 film festivals nationwide. She is overjoyed to be a part of an incredible team on He Made His Bed, a project that has been many years in the making!
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