How Does This Work?
New York City, New York | Film Short
Sport, Teen
Like our characters are to each other, we can be the catalysts for growth. Supporting this film not only gives queer teens and young adults the space to acknowledge how language has ignored them but also helps us approach each other on a human level instead of trying to force change.
3 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$140
Goal: $3,000 for production
Like our characters are to each other, we can be the catalysts for growth. Supporting this film not only gives queer teens and young adults the space to acknowledge how language has ignored them but also helps us approach each other on a human level instead of trying to force change.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
While he has a decent relationship with Carter McReesh, Trever Joan longs for more than friendship by proximity. Having never experienced that teenage “rock n roll’ lifestyle, he jumps at his team captain’s offer to smoke. However, he soon realizes that a night of partying brings out the worst in his teammates. The group starts out by playing videogames, but prejudice floods the room when Trevor picks a queer coded skin. Truth or dare type questions make things worse and Trevor’s discontent manifests in an over exaggerated attempt to assimilate.
Throughout his teenage life, Trevor has struggled to pinpoint where progress starts. He’s certainly off put by the way his teammates talk, but believes coming out is social suicide. Carter, on the other hand, is far more confident and socially adept. Still, he understands how his teammates might react if he were to come out. Both Trevor and Carter are searching for a way to live truthfully.
Carter has some idea that Trevor may also be in the closet. As the night rages on, and Trevor grows more desperate, it becomes very clear. Trying to help, Carter offers to grab beers, for the team, with Trevor. Outside, the two of them drink, talk, and connect further on their shared struggle. For the first time, they are not alone. Picking up on the signals, Trevor takes his chance and kisses Carter. Carter responds with his own before the boys head back to the team. In the end, they are unable to change their teammates, but do find a place by each other’s side.
This is a story about discovery, identity, and community that promotes the effort of understanding how people think rather than blaming them for how they are raised.
Growing up in white suburbia, phrases like “it’s not gay if you have socks on” and “that shit is so gay” were commonplace at school and sports practices. I think that is, in part, due to how my peers were raised. Sports environments are extremely masculine and conforming, failing to offer space to those who don't fit in that 'required' box.
Furthermore, the world currently lives through an 'Us vs. Them' mentality. As a result, we aren't making as much progress as we'd like. How Does This Work? acknowledges these ideas and allows me to reflect on how I can support my community through art. The best way to move forward is not to blame others but, like Trevor and Carter, to find a place amongst our own.
In order to achieve a claustrophobic feeling where shot size reflects Trevor’s mindset, we will create a specific and noticeable difference between each setting in the film. There will be a literal progression from close ups to wide shots as Trevor becomes more comfortable with who he is.
This story takes place in a minimalistic setting. That doesn’t mean there is nothing to look at, but the atmosphere the Boys create is the focus. This is a character driven narrative that truly puts you in Trevor and Carter's shoes. We want to envelope the characters in an unmistakable surrounding but let the actors shine within it.
The production design will service a juxtaposition between temperature, setting, and subject matter. The team should find themselves comfortable and cozy. However, that is obviously not the case for Trevor. A warmer look will emphasize just how ostracized Trevor feels.
For more work by our Writer/Director Aidan Middlebrook, please go to aidanscreation.com
“Compassion is our greatest strength and I aim to use it to foster a more understanding world.”
Financially supporting our film isn't the only way to help. Follow us on Instagram @howdoesthiswork_shortfilm
Sharing our page and social media with friends and family will be a big help!
Thank you!
Music Credit (Fundraiser Video) - Beau Walker - New Beginnings is under a Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... https://soundcloud.com/beauwalkermusic Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY-toXu74Rg 🔎 Find more music here: https://breakingcopyright.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Set Decoration
Costs $400
A warm look will contribute to the thematic art direction we hope to achieve.
Passenger Van
Costs $1,500
This will be a crucial location for our shoot. It will also help us transport cast, crew, and equipment.
Filmic Lens Setup
Costs $300
We will be using soft lenses to help build an atmosphere that lends itself to the coming of age genre.
Prop Selection
Costs $300
Specifically chosen props will help us build a believable and immersive environment.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Aidan Middlebrook is a writer, director, and actor born and raised on the East Coast. In 2023, he wrote and directed a short film that was shot in three different U.S. states. What's Locked Away was an official selection at the New York Shorts International Film Festival. In May of last year, Aidan graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts' Film & Television program with a BFA. This past Spring, his feature screenplay Streamer placed at the 26th Beverly Hills Film Festival.
Inspired by personal storytelling, Aidan looks to explore the deeper aspects of humanity, such as grief, love, purpose, and identity among others.
Selin Unay is a Turkish writer, director, and producer. She is currently a senior at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, pursuing a degree in Film & Television Production--with a double major in Economics. She has produced multiple short films over the past year. As well as writing and directing her debut film Sylvia. She is passionate about bringing diverse voices together and original stories, like How Does This Work? to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
While he has a decent relationship with Carter McReesh, Trever Joan longs for more than friendship by proximity. Having never experienced that teenage “rock n roll’ lifestyle, he jumps at his team captain’s offer to smoke. However, he soon realizes that a night of partying brings out the worst in his teammates. The group starts out by playing videogames, but prejudice floods the room when Trevor picks a queer coded skin. Truth or dare type questions make things worse and Trevor’s discontent manifests in an over exaggerated attempt to assimilate.
Throughout his teenage life, Trevor has struggled to pinpoint where progress starts. He’s certainly off put by the way his teammates talk, but believes coming out is social suicide. Carter, on the other hand, is far more confident and socially adept. Still, he understands how his teammates might react if he were to come out. Both Trevor and Carter are searching for a way to live truthfully.
Carter has some idea that Trevor may also be in the closet. As the night rages on, and Trevor grows more desperate, it becomes very clear. Trying to help, Carter offers to grab beers, for the team, with Trevor. Outside, the two of them drink, talk, and connect further on their shared struggle. For the first time, they are not alone. Picking up on the signals, Trevor takes his chance and kisses Carter. Carter responds with his own before the boys head back to the team. In the end, they are unable to change their teammates, but do find a place by each other’s side.
This is a story about discovery, identity, and community that promotes the effort of understanding how people think rather than blaming them for how they are raised.
Growing up in white suburbia, phrases like “it’s not gay if you have socks on” and “that shit is so gay” were commonplace at school and sports practices. I think that is, in part, due to how my peers were raised. Sports environments are extremely masculine and conforming, failing to offer space to those who don't fit in that 'required' box.
Furthermore, the world currently lives through an 'Us vs. Them' mentality. As a result, we aren't making as much progress as we'd like. How Does This Work? acknowledges these ideas and allows me to reflect on how I can support my community through art. The best way to move forward is not to blame others but, like Trevor and Carter, to find a place amongst our own.
In order to achieve a claustrophobic feeling where shot size reflects Trevor’s mindset, we will create a specific and noticeable difference between each setting in the film. There will be a literal progression from close ups to wide shots as Trevor becomes more comfortable with who he is.
This story takes place in a minimalistic setting. That doesn’t mean there is nothing to look at, but the atmosphere the Boys create is the focus. This is a character driven narrative that truly puts you in Trevor and Carter's shoes. We want to envelope the characters in an unmistakable surrounding but let the actors shine within it.
The production design will service a juxtaposition between temperature, setting, and subject matter. The team should find themselves comfortable and cozy. However, that is obviously not the case for Trevor. A warmer look will emphasize just how ostracized Trevor feels.
For more work by our Writer/Director Aidan Middlebrook, please go to aidanscreation.com
“Compassion is our greatest strength and I aim to use it to foster a more understanding world.”
Financially supporting our film isn't the only way to help. Follow us on Instagram @howdoesthiswork_shortfilm
Sharing our page and social media with friends and family will be a big help!
Thank you!
Music Credit (Fundraiser Video) - Beau Walker - New Beginnings is under a Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... https://soundcloud.com/beauwalkermusic Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY-toXu74Rg 🔎 Find more music here: https://breakingcopyright.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Set Decoration
Costs $400
A warm look will contribute to the thematic art direction we hope to achieve.
Passenger Van
Costs $1,500
This will be a crucial location for our shoot. It will also help us transport cast, crew, and equipment.
Filmic Lens Setup
Costs $300
We will be using soft lenses to help build an atmosphere that lends itself to the coming of age genre.
Prop Selection
Costs $300
Specifically chosen props will help us build a believable and immersive environment.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Aidan Middlebrook is a writer, director, and actor born and raised on the East Coast. In 2023, he wrote and directed a short film that was shot in three different U.S. states. What's Locked Away was an official selection at the New York Shorts International Film Festival. In May of last year, Aidan graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts' Film & Television program with a BFA. This past Spring, his feature screenplay Streamer placed at the 26th Beverly Hills Film Festival.
Inspired by personal storytelling, Aidan looks to explore the deeper aspects of humanity, such as grief, love, purpose, and identity among others.
Selin Unay is a Turkish writer, director, and producer. She is currently a senior at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, pursuing a degree in Film & Television Production--with a double major in Economics. She has produced multiple short films over the past year. As well as writing and directing her debut film Sylvia. She is passionate about bringing diverse voices together and original stories, like How Does This Work? to life.