Based on my life as a Stage 3A breast cancer survivor, support this film to continue bringing authentic, female-led stories about health and mental health into the world. Contribute to a film that provides solidarity to those struggling and insight to friends, family, and caretakers.
Based on my life as a Stage 3A breast cancer survivor, support this film to continue bringing authentic, female-led stories about health and mental health into the world. Contribute to a film that provides solidarity to those struggling and insight to friends, family, and caretakers.
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Story
Mission Statement
Hi, I'm Lauren, I'm an actor & filmmaker in LA. For years I held a lot of shame about having cancer and the ways I dealt with it. Now, I believe that sharing a story of how I survived the mental toll of diagnosis & treatment will provide solidarity for others who are struggling.About The Project
Has something ever happened to you that caused you to call into question everything you know about yourself, how you exist in the world, and how you engage with others? Has this forced you into being someone YOU hardly recognize, let alone are able to share with your friends and family?
Why me, why this, why now?
My example is specific, but the story is universal. When I was going through treatment, I didn't resonate with the "brave, fierce, warrior" cancer culture. It created an overwhelming pressure for me to be a "good" patient and prove that I could handle everything that was being thrown my way.
I saw film and television featuring cancer patients that didn't resonate with me - it felt bright sided and inauthentic. This made me feel isolated, alone, and that my thoughts were too negative. I felt like I was "doing it wrong", so I didn't let any one in, and instead tried to numb the pain. I figured I needed to protect my family and friends from my real feelings and put on a brave face.
Based on true events, I Can't Protect You tells the story of a cancer patient who doesn’t identify with the “brave, warrior cancer culture” and instead seeks solace in strangers and alcohol; but one fateful night, when her two worlds collide, she realizes how her actions are impacting those closest to her.
I've been in remission for 8 years, and I finally feel ready and empowered to share my experiences with others. I believe that this film showcases the complexity of dealing with a disease and interpersonal relationships in a way that provides solidarity without bright-siding the experience. My ultimate hope is that this film will make others (dealing with a disease or not) feel seen and less alone.
The team:
I met Bara Kim (the producer of this film, middle) in acting class in Los Angeles. We have worked together as actors and as filmmakers. Bara starred in a Doyen Artists film in 2020 and has been working with the team ever since. Doyen Artists, a production team in LA, is comprised of Josh Wordel (cinematographer, left), Chase Yi (gaffer, right), and Bara Kim (producer). Together they have written, directed, and produced dozens of films and commercials - I am thrilled to partner with them to make this film.
The look:
We're using a mix of cool and warm light to signify the main character's journey from secrecy and darkness to honesty and light. We will be using a combination of steady cam and handheld to distinguish the stability and instability of our main character and supporting characters. Below are shots from ShotDeck that follow the plot of the film, along with an example of the overall mood.
Euphoria, S1, E7, Dir. Sam Levinson
Moonlight (2016), Dir. Barry Jenkins
Fargo (1996), Dir. Joel Coen
La La Land (2016), Dir. Damien Chazelle
Sicaro (2015), Dir. Dennis Villeneuve
Judy (2019), Dir. Rupert Goold
Booksmart (2019), Dir. Olivia Wilde
Euphoria, S1, E5, Dir. Sam Levinson
Euphoria, S1, E3, Dir. Sam Levinson
Out of the Furnace (2013), Dir. Scott Cooper
Euphoria, S1, E1, Dir. Sam Levinson
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Dir. Bryan Singer
How we will use the funds:
- Where we are now:
- The script is finalized, the crew is in place, and we will be using the funds for pre-production, production, and post-production (see breakdown below).
- Pre-Producation
- Rent locations, acquire any permits
- Production:
- to pay the crew and our actors,
- pay for food on set,
- pay a hair and makeup artist who will be doing VFX makeup,
- purchase any necessary props or wardrobe
- Post-Production:
- to pay for an editor and color corrector
- sound design
- originial score
- festival submissions
How you can view & get involved:
Once the film is finished we will submit it to many festivals both in the United States and abroad. We will specifically be searching out female-focused festivals. We plan on sharing a private link to view the film with specific incentive contributors (see the incentive list). The production team will be hosting a private in-person screening of the film for those involved and based in Los Angeles.
You can follow @cantellmenuffin Instagram to follow the journey of the film. We'd love to hear from you, so please DM us with thoughts and questions.
Share about this campaign on social media! Copy and paste the language below:
Finance female-led cinema! Based on true events, this film tells the story of a cancer patient who doesn’t identify with the “brave, warrior cancer culture” and seeks solace in strangers and alcohol; but one fateful night, when her two worlds collide, she realizes how her actions are impacting those closest to her. This film hopes to empower those who are silently struggling to ask for help. https://seedandspark.com/fund/i-cant-protect-you?token=cbbec719aa5ed72a707fa8073a19fc4b25d839beed39dc2098cec63d7df4a336 @cantellmenuffin
What if the project is funded over 100%?
If the project surpasses the 100% goal, we will use the funds for travel for our cast and crew to attend festivals in which the film is accepted.
All other funds will be donated to METAvivor:
"Breast cancer fundraisers are everywhere, but most of the money raised goes toward breast cancer prevention and early detection efforts. Very little of it, only 2-3%, is dedicated toward research for Stage IV, metastatic breast cancer. METAvivor is the only organization that solely funds MBC research through a scientific peer review process. 100% of all donations go into MBC-specific research grants. METAvivor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible."
How we will handle Covid-19:
We take the safety and wellbeing of the cast and crew very seriously and will implement the following safety protocols:
- All cast and crew must be fulling vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination;
- All cast and crew must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of filming;
- All cast and crew will rapid test upon arrival to set and must test negative;
- N95 masks will be provided and those who wish to wear them may (as per LA County Guidelines, masks are not required indoors at this time, if that changes, we will change our mask policy);
- Windows will be open to increase airflow when not actively filming.
My promise to you:
This film will be made with immense care, sensitivity, and authenticity. I greatly appreciate you taking the time learn more about this project. If you have any questions, please reach out!
Incentives
$15
Brave
You're so brave and we want the world to know it! We want to thank you for your investment in this project with social media shoutouts (Instagram and Facebook), please include your IG handle and Facebook email address to be tagged.
$25
Fighter
You're a fighter, one of the greats. To thank you, we want to memorialize your giving by creating a custom "Fighter" card featuring YOU! You'll also be invited to a digital screening once it is ready for festival review.
*Include your IG handle and Facebook email for social media shoutouts
$50
Strong
You're so strong! For that, we are thanking you in the credits and you'll receive all of the above benefits (including the Fighter card).
*Include your IG handle and Facebook email for social media shoutouts
$100
Warrior
You're a warrior! You will get an invitation to a private digital screening and Q&A session with the cast and crew, plus all of the above benefits!
*Include your IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts.
$200
Fearless
You are fearless like a lion in the jungle walking through fire. For that, you earn access to behind the scenes footage of the shoot plus all of the above benefits.
*Include IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts
$1,000
Everything Happens for a Reason
Everything happens for a reason, and that reason is you! You're a digital producer baby! Plus, you are invited to our in-person film screening (only applicable to Los Angeles area) and you'll receive all of the previous benefits.
*Include IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts
$5,000
Look on the Bright Side
We're gonna need some shades, because this bright side is FAR too bright. You are an Executive Producer (sorry, no input in the script or final cut), but you'll have a 30 minute call with the creator, time to chat with the cast and crew, and our eternal love...plus all of the above benefits!
*Include IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Where we are now:
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
Brave
You're so brave and we want the world to know it! We want to thank you for your investment in this project with social media shoutouts (Instagram and Facebook), please include your IG handle and Facebook email address to be tagged.
$25
Fighter
You're a fighter, one of the greats. To thank you, we want to memorialize your giving by creating a custom "Fighter" card featuring YOU! You'll also be invited to a digital screening once it is ready for festival review.
*Include your IG handle and Facebook email for social media shoutouts
$50
Strong
You're so strong! For that, we are thanking you in the credits and you'll receive all of the above benefits (including the Fighter card).
*Include your IG handle and Facebook email for social media shoutouts
$100
Warrior
You're a warrior! You will get an invitation to a private digital screening and Q&A session with the cast and crew, plus all of the above benefits!
*Include your IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts.
$200
Fearless
You are fearless like a lion in the jungle walking through fire. For that, you earn access to behind the scenes footage of the shoot plus all of the above benefits.
*Include IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts
$1,000
Everything Happens for a Reason
Everything happens for a reason, and that reason is you! You're a digital producer baby! Plus, you are invited to our in-person film screening (only applicable to Los Angeles area) and you'll receive all of the previous benefits.
*Include IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts
$5,000
Look on the Bright Side
We're gonna need some shades, because this bright side is FAR too bright. You are an Executive Producer (sorry, no input in the script or final cut), but you'll have a 30 minute call with the creator, time to chat with the cast and crew, and our eternal love...plus all of the above benefits!
*Include IG handle and Facebook email for shoutouts
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Hi my name is Lauren Cantell and I am an Actor, Writer, and Filmmaker living in Los Angeles. I grew up in New Jersey and spent my adult life (college and post) in Philadelphia until I moved to LA in October 2020 - pushed by the pandemic to continue to seize my dreams on a much deeper level.
I didn't spend my whole live pursuing acting or storytelling. It wasn't until after going through cancer treatment that I had the courage to take improv classes, something with which I later fell in love, and began performing as a company member at the Philly Improv Theater. Improv is my first love because it gave me the freedom to try new things, fail, trust my team, and create something beautiful and weird. Lately I have been exploring the world of physical comedy through clown in Los Angeles.
I've been writing my entire life, and this story is one that I've been waiting 8 years to tell. I have a number of visual poems that I have written, directed, and acted in that explore themes of euphoric recall, family food trauma, and women's right to bodily autonomy.
I also wrote and starred in the short film "Passive Aggressive Work Meeting" (made during the pandemic with my cross-country friends) and have been cast in a number of other projects during my short time in LA. This film will be my narrative directorial debut.
For I Can't Protect You, I am collaborating with an LA-based production company called Doyen Artists, which consists of Bara Kim, Josh Wordel & Chase Yi. These creatives are muti-hypenates, but for this project, Bara Kim is the producer, Josh Wordel is the Director of Photography, and Chase Yi is sound. Check out the Doyen Artists work here: www.DoyenArtists.com
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