In The Flood
Grand Rapids, Michigan | Film Short
Thriller, Horror
A troubled architect is drawn into a bargain with an eternal stranger who offers redemption at a devastating cost in this surreal fable inspired by Jorge Louis Borges’ The Immortal.
In The Flood
Grand Rapids, Michigan | Film Short
Thriller, Horror
2 Campaigns | Michigan, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,560 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
59 supporters | followers
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A troubled architect is drawn into a bargain with an eternal stranger who offers redemption at a devastating cost in this surreal fable inspired by Jorge Louis Borges’ The Immortal.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In The Flood mixes the grief of a parent who realizes they won't be around to watch their child grow up, the awe-inducing short stories of Jorge Louis Borges, and a celebration of our opportunity to live life on a speck floating through the cosmos.
It's the story of Joe Neubaur, an architect haunted by the pull of a mysterious blueprint that drives people mad when they view it, yet he seems to be the only one immune to its threat. Over the course of one night, Joe will be offered a chance to reinvent himself into the man he's always wanted to be, but was too enamored with his own sense of immortality to become... but at a cost that threatens to take everything from him.
We live in a world that constantly tempts us to look away from our loved ones. To bury ourselves in work, distractions, and endless scrolling. This story cuts through the noise and makes us aware of the conflict.
We believe this project can move people, not just as a spooky tale, but as a mirror. A reminder that every moment counts, and that looking for immortality isn’t what makes us human. Embracing our mortality is.
Joe Neubaur: The mundane rhythms of life have crowded out his sense of gratitude about how well his life has turned out. So when a mysterious envelope shows up with brain-scrambling blueprints to a mysterious building, he's willing to sacrifice everything just for the chance to feel the old burn of excitement. Think George Bailey from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE right before he jumps from the bridge.
Jonah Neubaur: Joe's son, who thinks the world of him, even though Joe doesn't reciprocate. We meet Jonah a few years after the experience Joe had with the blueprints, and Joe... well, he's a much better dad now. What happened that night to change him so drastically?
Todd West: An old acquaintance who offers Joe the chance to witness an unfathomable mystery. While Joe takes for granted what he has in life, Todd embraces the comfort of money as a Zen capitalist: the value of money has so taken over the world that fighting it is futile, so why not enjoy the ride to hell?
The Immortal: Wait, is he really an immortal or just some delusional kook? Why does the answer matter? All you need to know is that Joe has the most important conversation of his life with this guy. The less you know, the better the movie will be!
We'll be emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the story, creating a tense atmosphere where the sense of mystery threatens to overtake our characters at any moment. Our influences range from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE to NIGHT OF THE HUNTER and ANNIHILATION.
You can also watch our most recent short film, YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT, here to get a sense of who we are.
We're also excited to be shooting this story on 16mm film, which will add a distinct feel to the images as well as create a unique experience on-set for our actors and crew.
OUR TEAM
Matt, Taylor, Jackson, and Michael are returning after creating YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT, and are welcoming Noah Elliot Morrison as Director of Photography and Erika Pineiro-Werksma as Production Designer. Head over to the Team tab to learn more about our awesome crew!
TIMELINE
Late November 2025: Filming in Grand Rapids, MI
January-May 2026: Editing
May 2026: Sound design, score, and color
June 2026: Begin festival submissions and debut screening for our supporters!
June 2027: Online debut
Opportunities to grow don't just show up on your doorstep in the film industry; you have to make your own. Our hope with this film is that by using what we learned from our successes with YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT, we can make something that will be an undeniable example of what Michigan-made films can be.
If we had known when making YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT what we know now, we would have done what we're doing now for IN THE FLOOD: keeping the run time to an easier-to-program 17 minutes, using familiar genre elements to bring more viewers into the world, and creating more memorable moments along the way to the big climax.
The money we raise will be used for production this November, beginning the post-production process, and funds for festival submissions.
DONATE AND PLEDGE
You can help by making a pledge. We'll need to meet 80% of our goal to keep any of the pledged funds. You can look at our wishlist if you want to contribute to a specific department, or look at our incentives like personalized shoutouts, exclusive behind-the-scenes IG access, and even a piece of actual film used to shoot the movie on. Whatever fits your budget! We mean it: no pledge is too small.
SPREAD THE WORD
Here's the real deal: the economy sucks right now, and money is tighter than it's been in a long time (we're here asking for money that we don't have, we get it!) The last thing we want is for anyone to think that the most important way to help is by giving money, because it's not. Sharing about this project on social media, sending it to a friend, or just following along for updates makes a meaningful impact in helping us reach our goal. Please share and follow along!
Follow us on Instagram @inthefloodfilm and on Facebook here.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
Thank you for your time and for checking out our campaign. We'd love to have you be a part of this journey with us!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera, Gear, & Film Costs
Costs $3,500
Shooting on film requires processing and digitization, but offers an unparalleled look image quality.
Room & Board Costs
Costs $2,000
Providing lodging, meals, and essentials for cast and crew while on location in Grand Rapids.
Talent Costs
Costs $2,500
Compensating our actors for their time, skill, and dedication to bringing the story to life.
Crew Costs
Costs $2,500
Paying our essential crew who make production possible.
Production Design
Costs $1,500
Building sets, props, and environments that make the world of In The Flood feel real and immersive.
Logistics & Fees Costs
Costs $500
Covers permits, insurance, union dues, and other essential costs to keep production legal and running smoothly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Matthew Paul Everitt, writer and director of In The Flood, is merging his love of the short stories of Jorge Louis Borges with his love of films like It’s a Wonderful Life, Annihilation, and Night of the Hunter. This project is an exciting foundation to expand on the themes and style of previous work, like You Can Go Home Whenever You Want and Live From My Mother’s Funeral.
Taylor Everitt has produced the award-winning short films You Can Go Home Whenever You Want and Waffle Home, as well as Matt's prior short films and music videos. When not moonlighting on set, Taylor is an email-slinging, calendar-wrangling project manager at Baas, a Grand Rapids creative agency.
Noah Elliott Morrison is our Director of Photography, who came to this project by fate, and his perspective is essential for capturing the surreal beauty of this story. He brings a balance of technical precision and emotional depth that will transform our story into something unforgettable.
Jackson Ezinga is our Assistant Director, whose previous credits include ADing I Love You Forever, directed by and starring Cazzie David, as well as Vulcanizadora and Relaxer by Joel Potrykus. Jackson has also written, directed, and starred in his own films, including License and Registration.
Erika Pineiro-Werksma has been with us since our very first project, Siren Sea (2018), and her work continues to elevate the world we’re creating. She’s a master at bringing surreal environments to life, grounding them in a way that feels both dreamlike and lived-in. Her designs will make this world one you won’t forget.
Michael B. Woods is not just our lead; he’s been a key collaborator in shaping this story from the start. Over the past few months, we’ve worked together to build a character that feels real and raw. He won awards for his work as The Custodian in You Can Go Home Whenever You Want, and he brings that same depth and authenticity to this role, making it one of his most compelling performances yet.
Paskal Rudnicke Casting, Emmy Award-winning for their work on The Bear, finds actors who not only fit the roles but also resonate with the heart of the story, and we’re grateful for their partnership in creating an ensemble that will truly elevate this film. Heck, they connected us with Michael B. Woods, so we owe them a life debt.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In The Flood mixes the grief of a parent who realizes they won't be around to watch their child grow up, the awe-inducing short stories of Jorge Louis Borges, and a celebration of our opportunity to live life on a speck floating through the cosmos.
It's the story of Joe Neubaur, an architect haunted by the pull of a mysterious blueprint that drives people mad when they view it, yet he seems to be the only one immune to its threat. Over the course of one night, Joe will be offered a chance to reinvent himself into the man he's always wanted to be, but was too enamored with his own sense of immortality to become... but at a cost that threatens to take everything from him.
We live in a world that constantly tempts us to look away from our loved ones. To bury ourselves in work, distractions, and endless scrolling. This story cuts through the noise and makes us aware of the conflict.
We believe this project can move people, not just as a spooky tale, but as a mirror. A reminder that every moment counts, and that looking for immortality isn’t what makes us human. Embracing our mortality is.
Joe Neubaur: The mundane rhythms of life have crowded out his sense of gratitude about how well his life has turned out. So when a mysterious envelope shows up with brain-scrambling blueprints to a mysterious building, he's willing to sacrifice everything just for the chance to feel the old burn of excitement. Think George Bailey from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE right before he jumps from the bridge.
Jonah Neubaur: Joe's son, who thinks the world of him, even though Joe doesn't reciprocate. We meet Jonah a few years after the experience Joe had with the blueprints, and Joe... well, he's a much better dad now. What happened that night to change him so drastically?
Todd West: An old acquaintance who offers Joe the chance to witness an unfathomable mystery. While Joe takes for granted what he has in life, Todd embraces the comfort of money as a Zen capitalist: the value of money has so taken over the world that fighting it is futile, so why not enjoy the ride to hell?
The Immortal: Wait, is he really an immortal or just some delusional kook? Why does the answer matter? All you need to know is that Joe has the most important conversation of his life with this guy. The less you know, the better the movie will be!
We'll be emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the story, creating a tense atmosphere where the sense of mystery threatens to overtake our characters at any moment. Our influences range from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE to NIGHT OF THE HUNTER and ANNIHILATION.
You can also watch our most recent short film, YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT, here to get a sense of who we are.
We're also excited to be shooting this story on 16mm film, which will add a distinct feel to the images as well as create a unique experience on-set for our actors and crew.
OUR TEAM
Matt, Taylor, Jackson, and Michael are returning after creating YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT, and are welcoming Noah Elliot Morrison as Director of Photography and Erika Pineiro-Werksma as Production Designer. Head over to the Team tab to learn more about our awesome crew!
TIMELINE
Late November 2025: Filming in Grand Rapids, MI
January-May 2026: Editing
May 2026: Sound design, score, and color
June 2026: Begin festival submissions and debut screening for our supporters!
June 2027: Online debut
Opportunities to grow don't just show up on your doorstep in the film industry; you have to make your own. Our hope with this film is that by using what we learned from our successes with YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT, we can make something that will be an undeniable example of what Michigan-made films can be.
If we had known when making YOU CAN GO HOME WHENEVER YOU WANT what we know now, we would have done what we're doing now for IN THE FLOOD: keeping the run time to an easier-to-program 17 minutes, using familiar genre elements to bring more viewers into the world, and creating more memorable moments along the way to the big climax.
The money we raise will be used for production this November, beginning the post-production process, and funds for festival submissions.
DONATE AND PLEDGE
You can help by making a pledge. We'll need to meet 80% of our goal to keep any of the pledged funds. You can look at our wishlist if you want to contribute to a specific department, or look at our incentives like personalized shoutouts, exclusive behind-the-scenes IG access, and even a piece of actual film used to shoot the movie on. Whatever fits your budget! We mean it: no pledge is too small.
SPREAD THE WORD
Here's the real deal: the economy sucks right now, and money is tighter than it's been in a long time (we're here asking for money that we don't have, we get it!) The last thing we want is for anyone to think that the most important way to help is by giving money, because it's not. Sharing about this project on social media, sending it to a friend, or just following along for updates makes a meaningful impact in helping us reach our goal. Please share and follow along!
Follow us on Instagram @inthefloodfilm and on Facebook here.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
Thank you for your time and for checking out our campaign. We'd love to have you be a part of this journey with us!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera, Gear, & Film Costs
Costs $3,500
Shooting on film requires processing and digitization, but offers an unparalleled look image quality.
Room & Board Costs
Costs $2,000
Providing lodging, meals, and essentials for cast and crew while on location in Grand Rapids.
Talent Costs
Costs $2,500
Compensating our actors for their time, skill, and dedication to bringing the story to life.
Crew Costs
Costs $2,500
Paying our essential crew who make production possible.
Production Design
Costs $1,500
Building sets, props, and environments that make the world of In The Flood feel real and immersive.
Logistics & Fees Costs
Costs $500
Covers permits, insurance, union dues, and other essential costs to keep production legal and running smoothly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Matthew Paul Everitt, writer and director of In The Flood, is merging his love of the short stories of Jorge Louis Borges with his love of films like It’s a Wonderful Life, Annihilation, and Night of the Hunter. This project is an exciting foundation to expand on the themes and style of previous work, like You Can Go Home Whenever You Want and Live From My Mother’s Funeral.
Taylor Everitt has produced the award-winning short films You Can Go Home Whenever You Want and Waffle Home, as well as Matt's prior short films and music videos. When not moonlighting on set, Taylor is an email-slinging, calendar-wrangling project manager at Baas, a Grand Rapids creative agency.
Noah Elliott Morrison is our Director of Photography, who came to this project by fate, and his perspective is essential for capturing the surreal beauty of this story. He brings a balance of technical precision and emotional depth that will transform our story into something unforgettable.
Jackson Ezinga is our Assistant Director, whose previous credits include ADing I Love You Forever, directed by and starring Cazzie David, as well as Vulcanizadora and Relaxer by Joel Potrykus. Jackson has also written, directed, and starred in his own films, including License and Registration.
Erika Pineiro-Werksma has been with us since our very first project, Siren Sea (2018), and her work continues to elevate the world we’re creating. She’s a master at bringing surreal environments to life, grounding them in a way that feels both dreamlike and lived-in. Her designs will make this world one you won’t forget.
Michael B. Woods is not just our lead; he’s been a key collaborator in shaping this story from the start. Over the past few months, we’ve worked together to build a character that feels real and raw. He won awards for his work as The Custodian in You Can Go Home Whenever You Want, and he brings that same depth and authenticity to this role, making it one of his most compelling performances yet.
Paskal Rudnicke Casting, Emmy Award-winning for their work on The Bear, finds actors who not only fit the roles but also resonate with the heart of the story, and we’re grateful for their partnership in creating an ensemble that will truly elevate this film. Heck, they connected us with Michael B. Woods, so we owe them a life debt.