How To Save The World... Or So I Think, follows high-schooler, AUSTIN, as he struggles with his own personal demon, personified by a big, furry monster. His monster sees himself as a friend who is helping, but in reality, he only makes Austin's life miserable by giving him anxiety and OCD.

Austin feels misunderstood by everyone. Like his life is unbearable. His parents only want to help him, but they don't know how which only makes things worse. On top of this, he is forced to reconnect with his old friend whose worlds have only been separated over the years.

Austin must find a way to balance his school and social lives, while also coming to terms with his own monster.

I'm Shane Weiss, writer and director of the film and I have suffered with both OCD and anxiety for as long as I can remember... And let me tell you, it's not fun. Somedays are better than others. The others being days where I'd much rather not get out of bed. The sad reality is, many people suffer from my same issues, some in different flavors. Whether it's your own OCD, anxiety, depression, trauma, phobia, anything... it can be debilitating and cause a feeling of isolation. Like there is no answer. For me, I've decided to use the power of storytelling and film as a way of therapy for me and to get this private battle off my chest so people know the real me. I'm not here to lecture how to deal with your own struggles, but I want to say that it shouldn't be a weakness, but a strength special to you. Use it as your own tool and to never forget that you are in control.

SHANE WEISS - DIRECTOR/WRITER

Shane Weiss was born to tell stories. With a weird imagination, he sees life through a unique lens. He is a writer/director/editor, having graduated from the CSUN film production program with an emphasis in editing and is AVID certified. Shane has a desire to show the mundane as anything but as everything in life has a certain wonder buried beneath it. He has gone on to gain experience working on such productions as THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND (2018), LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY (2023), & HAPPY GILMORE 2 (2025) as well as editing an award winning music video, "Flashback," by Holland Greco. He was also a finalist in multiple screenwriting contests such as Screencraft's 2021 feature film competition. Shane is eager to share his most vulnerable side on screen as well as giving the world a sense of wonder and escapism through his own eyes. 

SAM LUND - PRODUCER

Sam Lund is an experienced freelancer in the film & television industry in Los Angeles with over 50 productions under his belt. He graduated from San Francisco State in 2020 with a Bachelors in Cinema and a minor in Race and Resistance Studies. Over the years, he has developed an unhealthy reliance on coffee but, more importantly, he has refined his skillset on productions such as WOLFS, Happy Gilmore 2 and Superman. Sam's passion for visual storytelling has manifested itself in his desire to help others tell their stories and have their voices heard. You need a workhorse to get your project made? Need someone to champion your story's integrity but stay on budget? Sam's your man!

NICK BENJAMIN - SUPERVISING PRODUCER

Nick Benjamin is a Brazilian-American writer/director/producer who graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A self-taught filmmaker since age twelve, his award-winning shorts have screened at festivals including Sundance, Screamfest, and Catalina. His psychological thriller A STATE OF (2023) earned multiple awards, and his most recent short UNDER (2025) continues his exploration of childhood fear and trauma. Nick has also directed award-winning music videos, including “Flashback” by Holland Greco and “Lovesick” by Liv Belda, and has worked alongside notable directors like Michael Bay and Brad Peyton during all phases of production on their respective films, 6 UNDERGROUND (2019) and ATLAS (2024). As a producer, he enjoys helping others tell compelling stories that bring out their unique vision in a bold way. Nick aims to tell emotionally charged stories that blend their respective genres with social commentary.

DILLON WEISS - COMPOSER

Dillon Weiss is a dedicated music producer and composer with a passion for innovation and continuous growth. He holds an Associates Degree in Audio Recording and Engineering, a Bachelor’s Degree in the Business of Entertainment, a certificate in sound design, and a Master’s Degree in Music Production from Berklee College of Music. He is an award winning composer and has had his work shown at numerous film festivals, including his work in the short film A STATE OF (2023). As a composer, he has been mentored and taught be legendary composer, Thomas Newman, and has taken what he’s learned and incorporates it in his work to date. As a composer, he now composes music for Deepak Chopra’s guided meditations, learning more about worldly instruments and pushing the boundaries of what we think we are familiar with and bringing something new that blends orchestral, worldly, and synthetic instruments.

KAIJ - COSTUME DESIGNER

Mariah “Kaij” Jackson is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Stylist based in LA. She has been sewing and creating wardrobe looks since high school. Whether it’s through scripts, mood-boards, or story boards, Kaij is very passionate about creating looks to tell the story of each character. Her long term goal is to be in the 892 and 705 local union. Kaij loves creating and collaborating with others and is now focusing on films, commercials, and music videos.

CALVIN CHIN - EDITOR

Calvin Chin is an award-winning editor who graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2018. A self-taught filmmaker since sixth grade, he has worked on both independent films and official content for Netflix, Disney Plus, Marvel Studios, and more. From editing the HBO Max musical Fine China, to a viral anime series on YouTube, to official trailers for Arcane, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Avatar: The Way of Water, Calvin continues to explore unique cultural stories through innovative visual storytelling and sound design.

MORE TO COME!!

Don't worry! No monster is getting their hands on this budget!

The money will all be used to make the best film possible, by giving everyone the tools to achieve it. We want the best for everyone and to allow our crew to work in a professional and respectful environment.

At least 70% of our budget will be spent on giving our crew a deserved salary for their hard work and dedication to the project. Everyone involved is doing this for their love of film and their passion for bringing this story to life.

Insurance... well, hopefully we won't need to use it, but it's better safe than sorry!

Equipment doesn't come cheap and while we wish it did, we want the best of the best. If we're gonna do this, and we are gonna do this, we want to make the highest quality film that we will all be proud of and anyone who donates will be proud to be a part of.

You can't make a film without food. Enough said.

Lastly, locations... We're proud to be shooting in Los Angeles, home of cinema. And while it may be the home of cinema, its homes are expensive, even to rent for a day. This portion of the budget will be used to secure the perfect locations to depict each scene in the best way possible and the way they were envisioned in the writing stage of the film.

All money raised is going directly into the film!

Thank you for joining us on this journey and showing the world that we are not alone.