I Didn't Dream Last Night
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
Have you ever been in a job that is good enough but not great? The pay is ok, your coworkers are fine, but the work isn't exciting. Otis, in I Didn't Dream Last Night, finds himself in that same position. For Otis to chase his dreams, he risks losing his mundane job. So... are his dreams worth it?
I Didn't Dream Last Night
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,220 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
27 supporters | followers
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Have you ever been in a job that is good enough but not great? The pay is ok, your coworkers are fine, but the work isn't exciting. Otis, in I Didn't Dream Last Night, finds himself in that same position. For Otis to chase his dreams, he risks losing his mundane job. So... are his dreams worth it?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A defeated old man, Otis, has accepted the fact that he will never be able to fulfill his dreams of building his own airplane. Instead, he settles for watching unique small planes take off at the local airstrip. His dreams of becoming an engineer have been traded for a comfortable life behind his desk job selling Tequila. His velvet prison. Until he learns of an investment firm on the top floor of their building that just moved in. He can see the door to a different life slowly open for him. He takes a chance to risk everything for a dream that was never guaranteed. Until he gets caught by his boss. Will Otis retaliate against his boss, further putting his job in jeopardy, or submit to his velvet prison?
Why Make This Project?
Oftentimes, our dreams are killed by settling for something that is just comfortable enough. The inspiration behind this project is the issue that so many people face, which is the belief that: just ok is good enough. Working at a restaurant where the tips are good is great in the moment, but so many people get stuck there, unable to find the time to chase their dreams, and ultimately leave people hopeless. This story will hopefully inspire those who feel hopeless to take charge of their lives and begin living each day in pursuit of their dreams. Whether it is a new job, a new house, or a vacation that has been put off for years, this film is about taking that step towards a more fulfilling life.
Our Plan
We are currently in pre-production, finalizing our plans to begin filming in early September. Once principal photography ends, post-production will begin, and during this stage, our editor, sound design team, and composer will work together to shape the film into its final form and bring its emotional core to life. The support from this campaign will directly fund the production of the film, helping us secure the resources needed to create the highest-quality film possible. Once completed, we plan to submit the film to festivals across the country to find an audience, build industry exposure, and secure distribution. After its festival run, we intend to make the film available for a wider audience to enjoy.
If we exceed our funding goal, every additional dollar will go toward elevating the film through enhanced post-production and additional festival submissions, to help the film reach as many people as possible. If our story resonates with you, please consider making a pledge, following our campaign, and sharing it with friends and family. Every contribution and every share helps bring this film one step closer to the screen.
Schedule
Pre-Production: June 2026-September 2026
Production: September 2026
Post Production: October 2026 - February 2027
Film Festival Submission: March 2027
Budget Breakdown
Locations: $3,000
The Office Location is a key location for the storytelling of this script. Due to the high hourly rates of an office building floor, we have decided to allocate a large portion of our budget towards a high-quality space.
Production Design: $1,000
Production design is a key component to telling this story's theme cohesively, so we are determined to make each shot vibrant with life through our production Design.
Lighting and Grip: $3,000
Every film is shot through a specific lens; the quality of this film will be on par with films in theaters, and because of this high standard, we require a large portion of the budget to be put towards the Cine team.
Cast: $750
The cast is what makes the story shine brightest. This film requires high-level acting, and we plan on casting the best actors for these roles, but it will require a large budget to cast the correct actors for these roles.
Catering and Crafty: $750
Feeding our cast and crew is an essential aspect of each set; it sets the morale, and because most of the crew is volunteering, we must make sure they are properly fed.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lunch for Cast and Crew
Costs $750
Help feed the people bringing this story to life. Your contribution keeps our cast and crew energized through long shoot days and makes you
Transportation to set
Costs $250
Movies don't make themselves, but are created by our cast and crew, and with your contribution, can ensure a safe ride to the set.
Key Prop
Costs $100
The script requires an RC plane to establish the theme of the story. By donating, you ensure a consistent theme throughout the film.
Office (Primary Shooting Location)
Costs $2,500
Every film has a location for filming. With your help, we can find our perfect location, which will elevate the quality of the film.
Production Design
Costs $750
No one wants to look at an empty room. Help us fill each of the locations with a curated design and look.
Lighting and G/E
Costs $1,000
Our Cinematographer can't always use sunlight, and with your help, can ensure consistent, interesting lighting designs
Cast
Costs $1,250
A good cast is essential in the making of a compelling film. We plan to pay our talented cast, and with your help, we can make that happen.
Camera Lenses
Costs $500
Our camera can't shoot without a lens and we want to ensure high quality shots throughout.
Camera Body
Costs $900
The body of the camera is essential to filming a short film, and we aim for the highest quality possible.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jackson Waters is a writer, director, and producer raised in Napa, California, and now based in Los Angeles, California. Jackson studied at Chapman University, where he majored in Television Writing and Production, and there he found his passion for filmmaking. While studying, he produced two films, edited two others, and directed a pilot episode. Post graduation, Jackson continues to grow within the film industry by producing an independent feature and directing an advertisement for Mendo Clothing. Jackson now hopes to tell his story through the production and directing of up-and-coming short films.
Jack Fischer is a producer and director, Jack has had the opportunity to work on multiple projects spanning from commercial to feature film production. What he values most is work that has something unique to say from a unique perspective, which immediately drew him to I Didn’t Dream Last Night. Working with the crew at large, he’s beyond excited to make this project and is beyond grateful for any help along the way.
Aliana Nuño is passionate about all aspects of filmmaking. In recent years, she dove into the casting and talent agency route and strives to continue telling bold and impactful stories.
Tavin McAllister is a writer, director, and Sound Designer originally from Spokane Valley, Washington, but now based in LA and Orange County. Tavin has earned a BFA in Television Writing and Production at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in Orange, CA. It was here that Tavin discovered his passion for Sound Design, while continuing to grow as a Writer and Director. Tavin is now based in LA and Orange County and working as an independent writer, director, and sound designer. He hopes to continue telling stories, creating beautiful mixes, meeting cool people, and working professionally in film and television writing, production, and post-production.
Leger Taylor is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer with a passion for crafting emotionally driven imagery that serves the story above all else. Working across narrative, commercial, and music video projects, his approach blends naturalistic lighting with intentional, character-focused visuals to create work that feels both cinematic and deeply human.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A defeated old man, Otis, has accepted the fact that he will never be able to fulfill his dreams of building his own airplane. Instead, he settles for watching unique small planes take off at the local airstrip. His dreams of becoming an engineer have been traded for a comfortable life behind his desk job selling Tequila. His velvet prison. Until he learns of an investment firm on the top floor of their building that just moved in. He can see the door to a different life slowly open for him. He takes a chance to risk everything for a dream that was never guaranteed. Until he gets caught by his boss. Will Otis retaliate against his boss, further putting his job in jeopardy, or submit to his velvet prison?
Why Make This Project?
Oftentimes, our dreams are killed by settling for something that is just comfortable enough. The inspiration behind this project is the issue that so many people face, which is the belief that: just ok is good enough. Working at a restaurant where the tips are good is great in the moment, but so many people get stuck there, unable to find the time to chase their dreams, and ultimately leave people hopeless. This story will hopefully inspire those who feel hopeless to take charge of their lives and begin living each day in pursuit of their dreams. Whether it is a new job, a new house, or a vacation that has been put off for years, this film is about taking that step towards a more fulfilling life.
Our Plan
We are currently in pre-production, finalizing our plans to begin filming in early September. Once principal photography ends, post-production will begin, and during this stage, our editor, sound design team, and composer will work together to shape the film into its final form and bring its emotional core to life. The support from this campaign will directly fund the production of the film, helping us secure the resources needed to create the highest-quality film possible. Once completed, we plan to submit the film to festivals across the country to find an audience, build industry exposure, and secure distribution. After its festival run, we intend to make the film available for a wider audience to enjoy.
If we exceed our funding goal, every additional dollar will go toward elevating the film through enhanced post-production and additional festival submissions, to help the film reach as many people as possible. If our story resonates with you, please consider making a pledge, following our campaign, and sharing it with friends and family. Every contribution and every share helps bring this film one step closer to the screen.
Schedule
Pre-Production: June 2026-September 2026
Production: September 2026
Post Production: October 2026 - February 2027
Film Festival Submission: March 2027
Budget Breakdown
Locations: $3,000
The Office Location is a key location for the storytelling of this script. Due to the high hourly rates of an office building floor, we have decided to allocate a large portion of our budget towards a high-quality space.
Production Design: $1,000
Production design is a key component to telling this story's theme cohesively, so we are determined to make each shot vibrant with life through our production Design.
Lighting and Grip: $3,000
Every film is shot through a specific lens; the quality of this film will be on par with films in theaters, and because of this high standard, we require a large portion of the budget to be put towards the Cine team.
Cast: $750
The cast is what makes the story shine brightest. This film requires high-level acting, and we plan on casting the best actors for these roles, but it will require a large budget to cast the correct actors for these roles.
Catering and Crafty: $750
Feeding our cast and crew is an essential aspect of each set; it sets the morale, and because most of the crew is volunteering, we must make sure they are properly fed.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lunch for Cast and Crew
Costs $750
Help feed the people bringing this story to life. Your contribution keeps our cast and crew energized through long shoot days and makes you
Transportation to set
Costs $250
Movies don't make themselves, but are created by our cast and crew, and with your contribution, can ensure a safe ride to the set.
Key Prop
Costs $100
The script requires an RC plane to establish the theme of the story. By donating, you ensure a consistent theme throughout the film.
Office (Primary Shooting Location)
Costs $2,500
Every film has a location for filming. With your help, we can find our perfect location, which will elevate the quality of the film.
Production Design
Costs $750
No one wants to look at an empty room. Help us fill each of the locations with a curated design and look.
Lighting and G/E
Costs $1,000
Our Cinematographer can't always use sunlight, and with your help, can ensure consistent, interesting lighting designs
Cast
Costs $1,250
A good cast is essential in the making of a compelling film. We plan to pay our talented cast, and with your help, we can make that happen.
Camera Lenses
Costs $500
Our camera can't shoot without a lens and we want to ensure high quality shots throughout.
Camera Body
Costs $900
The body of the camera is essential to filming a short film, and we aim for the highest quality possible.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jackson Waters is a writer, director, and producer raised in Napa, California, and now based in Los Angeles, California. Jackson studied at Chapman University, where he majored in Television Writing and Production, and there he found his passion for filmmaking. While studying, he produced two films, edited two others, and directed a pilot episode. Post graduation, Jackson continues to grow within the film industry by producing an independent feature and directing an advertisement for Mendo Clothing. Jackson now hopes to tell his story through the production and directing of up-and-coming short films.
Jack Fischer is a producer and director, Jack has had the opportunity to work on multiple projects spanning from commercial to feature film production. What he values most is work that has something unique to say from a unique perspective, which immediately drew him to I Didn’t Dream Last Night. Working with the crew at large, he’s beyond excited to make this project and is beyond grateful for any help along the way.
Aliana Nuño is passionate about all aspects of filmmaking. In recent years, she dove into the casting and talent agency route and strives to continue telling bold and impactful stories.
Tavin McAllister is a writer, director, and Sound Designer originally from Spokane Valley, Washington, but now based in LA and Orange County. Tavin has earned a BFA in Television Writing and Production at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in Orange, CA. It was here that Tavin discovered his passion for Sound Design, while continuing to grow as a Writer and Director. Tavin is now based in LA and Orange County and working as an independent writer, director, and sound designer. He hopes to continue telling stories, creating beautiful mixes, meeting cool people, and working professionally in film and television writing, production, and post-production.
Leger Taylor is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer with a passion for crafting emotionally driven imagery that serves the story above all else. Working across narrative, commercial, and music video projects, his approach blends naturalistic lighting with intentional, character-focused visuals to create work that feels both cinematic and deeply human.