Just Us
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Shorts Program
After experiencing a tragic loss, Andre retreats into solitary confinement. Separating from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kayla, he eventually files for divorce, putting their once-joyful home on the market. But when Kayla spends the night in the ER, Andre arrives, marking a new beginning.
Just Us
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Shorts Program
2 Campaigns | California, United States
86 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$8,800
Goal: $10,000 for production
After experiencing a tragic loss, Andre retreats into solitary confinement. Separating from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kayla, he eventually files for divorce, putting their once-joyful home on the market. But when Kayla spends the night in the ER, Andre arrives, marking a new beginning.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After experiencing a tragic loss, Andre retreats into solitary confinement. Separating from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kayla, he eventually files for divorce and puts their once-joyful home on the market. But when Kayla experiences a medical mishap and spends the night in the ER, Andre arrives. Will this mark the beginning of the end or the beginning of their healing journey?
From Kawan (Writer/Co-Director):
JUST US came to me in three parts.
The first part came a few years ago. I saw an interview about a woman who lost a child and her marriage resulted in divorce. She said she regretted the marriage ending and realized that she got all the care she needed, but her then-husband got no support, and thus had to grieve alone.
The second part was when I discovered that my sister, the one who passed, was only a little younger than me. She’d probably be in her mid to late twenties if she were alive today. The part that really hit was the fact that I was at the funeral as a toddler.
Soon after, I started to have flashes of the funeral, and for some reason, my heart began to ache.
The last part came to me within the last year. I was watching a video and my ears sat straight up when I heard there’s no word in the English language to denote the loss of a child. The closest thing we have is the Sanskrit Vilomah, which means “against the natural order.”
When those three puzzle pieces came together, I sat down and wrote the first draft in an hour. When I finished, I knew this had to be my first film, and JUST US was born.
From v.c. rhone (Executive Producer/Co-Director):
Kawan originally approached me about working together on a different project - a sci-fi short film. I am currently transitioning to feature films, so I had to pass.
However, I always ask anyone who wants to work with me, "What else are you working on?" He mentioned an idea and concept that he was tossing around about men dealing with grief. I asked him to send the script to me.
I connected immediately with the concept.
Having lost a child with a life-threatening miscarriage, I fully understand what all of that is about. However, not one time had I ever stopped to think about what the father of my unborn child may have experienced.
I agreed to do this one last short film collaboration!
We developed the script over a period of five months and there are so many elements that many will connect with because truly, grief is a non-linear experience, and no one should go through it alone.
Men face unique challenges when grieving, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in their emotional journey.
During the grief process:
- 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression, but less than half seek help.
- Men are more likely to binge drink to cope and are three times more likely to die as a result of alcohol or substance abuse.
- Men are lonelier than women, often avoiding seeking help due to a lack of inner choices.
- 80% of men feel alone in their grief, which can affect their coping mechanisms.
- Men often bottle up their feelings and may appear less emotional, focusing on practical issues.
Unfortunately, men have no sanctioned way of grieving, yet grief is not a choice. Many men have become accustomed to not feeling their emotions. The underlying wounds of masculinity were by and large caused by men, and healing is accelerated in the company of other men.
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Your contributions will help us:
- Purchase wilderness safety equipment as we are filming in the mountains and want to ensure the protection of everyone on set
- Secure equipment rental
- Secure insurance to protect the equipment we rent
- Secure locations
- Secure permits to film
- Shoot and edit a new trailer
- Feed our cast and crew
To save costs we are all driving up the mountain via carpool and staying on site where we are filming for the duration of the film shoot. We have a very "food-motivated" crew (haha!) so it's important that we keep everyone fed for their entire stay!
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Please Follow & Share
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
- Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Facebook and Instagram. Encourage your friends to follow us too!
- SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #JustUsMovie
- Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates! Tell your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about men's mental health challenges and initiatives.
- KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
- Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
- Sharing our campaign on your social media is helpful. Joining our team by contributing is SUPER helpful. Doing BOTH goes a long way to help bring Just Us to life!
Thank you for supporting JUST US!
~ Kawan & v.c.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
SPECIAL: Probe Macro Lens & Track Kit
Costs $200
We are creating a stylized, pivotal scene where our lead actors engage in a replicated "dance of sorts" without dialogue.
BTS / Set Photographer Volunteer
Costs $200
We are looking for a photographer to capture BTS footage but most importantly to capture photos of cast for our movie poster.
Location
Costs $900
The story takes place in a secluded cabin in the woods that the couple is attempting to sell after a tragedy.
Cast
Costs $1,000
We have a small cast but are asking them to do big things that tug at the heartstrings of viewers.
Meals
Costs $1,200
Cast and Crew will be staying on site at the cabin for the entire film shoot and we are food-motivated-creatives!
Rentals, Costumes, Props, etc.
Costs $1,500
There are many costs to making a movie - cameras, lights, costumes, props, PR, etc. Important to our success!
Crew
Costs $2,000
We "got the band back together!" Thrilled to work with dedicated crew members - worth their weight in gold. Can't do this without them!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
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v.c. rhone (Executive Producer/Co-Director)
v.c. rhone believes strongly in the transformative power of responsible storytelling. She writes, produces, and directs across genres, embracing social scenes in a way that’s both provocative and entertaining.
v.c. co-wrote and produced NOT AFRAID - addressing the Murdered Missing Indigenous Women crisis - receiving a Best Producer nomination and the Indigenous Culture and Film Award at the Windrider Summit & Sundance Film Festival Experience in Park City, UT.
v.c. has worked with legendary, Emmy-nominated actors - many who have appeared in mainstream films and television series. She produced the award-nominated film, MAMA DESERVES TO BE SERVED, starring Merrick McCartha (Grey’s Anatomy, Amazon’s Countdown, All American), which premiered at the prestigious Micheaux Film Festival.
v.c. is an NBC TV Writers Semifinalist and a ScreenCraft Finalist. Her screenplay, BECKY BRENNEMAN'S BANGIN' BAT MITZVAH, debuted in the top 5% on Coverfly.
Her award-winning documentary PIE A LA MODE addressing land rights has screened at over 20 festivals globally.
She completed her undergraduate studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she studied under Academy Award Winner, Carol Dysinger.
v.c. is a former mayor-appointed city official of Huntington Beach. She worked boldly and tirelessly with the local police department engaging in ride-alongs, leading panels and meeting frequently with the Chief of Police to improve human relations.
v.c. is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors and Film Independent. She has been featured in the Los Angeles Times for her dedication to using the arts as a bridge to promote human dignity.
Kawan Glover (Writer/Co-Director)
Kawan Glover transcends survivor and lives as a “thriver!” From the ages of 20 to 24 he conquered a stroke and three brain surgeries. This put him on the path of becoming author of the Amazon bestselling memoir “FAVOR,” a public speaker, and a screenwriter. He also started his own company, Overcome Adversity, LLC, which he ran for over half a decade.
Kawan wrote his first feature film screenplay four years ago and hasn’t looked back since. He has a bachelor’s from the University of Maryland and has taken TV writing courses with Sterling Anderson and Michael Jamin. He holds a certification from the Entertainment Business School, where he studied with Kaia Alexander, and subsequently became the Chief of Business Development.
Kawan loves Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and anime, which are an escape from his sometimes unfair reality of living with a disability. He found his home in sci-fi, fantasy, and drama inspired by shows like ARCANE, THE MANDALORIAN, and SUCCESSION. Most recently, he’s taken inspiration from shows like FALLOUT, THE LAST OF US, and THE RINGS OF POWER.”
Kawan has a glass-half-full disposition and often says, “I’m not really disabled, I’m just able to do things differently.” His life mission is to positively impact over eight billion people by creating and highlighting stories about, as he calls it, "the gift of loss."
Amber Ford (Producer)
Experienced Game-Changer with a demonstrated and growing impact in the entertainment industry. Amber is skilled in Acting, Film Production, Management, Dance and Stage Production, and Stunt Coordination. Born and raised in Dallas, TX she is an award-winning dancer and choreographer who has toured the US and Europe.
Amber moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue dance and her love for the visual arts quickly expanded to film. She has produced dance tours, music videos and film and is now also writing and directing her own content alongside acting and designing fight choreography.
Benjamin Charles Oliverio (Director of Photography)
With a critical and hyper focused technical eye, Benjamin “Benji” Charles Oliverio, has lensed several projects with v.c. rhone. He is committed to the craft of cinematography and is ever curious about technique. Never afraid to try new things, Benji is always up for any new cinematic challenge and has a gift for understanding the creative voice of directors. As the DP for HOWL, Benji helped create the iconic, Universal classic film look for the film which earned it a premiere spot at the Newport Beach Film Festival, receiving high acclaim.
Annie Acosta (1st AD)
An emerging director in her own right, Annie Acosta is a graduate of Chapman University’s Business School. She has worked in many different film departments, gaining insight on the innerworkings of each one. She was the Production Coordinator for WE GOT OURS produced by v.c. rhone and starring Omar Gooding, Luenell, and Rell Battle. This is her 8th project with v.c. rhone.
Ella Hahn (Assistant Production Designer/Art Department)
Highly skilled in the area of art, design and set decorating, Ella has a quiet strength and is evolving with each project she embarks upon. This is her 4th production with v.c. rhone. She is excited to take a more leading role in the art department for this production.
Tim Burr (Sound Mixer)
Skilled in both on set and studio sound mixing, Tim Burr primarily works with rock bands and acclaimed musical artists as a sound engineer for their studio recordings. His audio is crisp, precise, and great to work with during the post-production process. This is his 4th project with v.c. rhone.
Jacob Tyler (G&E)
Jake’s primary background is in editing, VFX, and SFX. However, he has started to expand into other roles and often shows up to v.c.’s sets ready to pitch in. His invaluable insight into the post-production process is always appreciated on set. Because he has usually spent a great deal of time with the script, he understands where the director wants to go and works diligently on set to help them get there. This is Jake’s 5th project with v.c. rhone.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After experiencing a tragic loss, Andre retreats into solitary confinement. Separating from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kayla, he eventually files for divorce and puts their once-joyful home on the market. But when Kayla experiences a medical mishap and spends the night in the ER, Andre arrives. Will this mark the beginning of the end or the beginning of their healing journey?
From Kawan (Writer/Co-Director):
JUST US came to me in three parts.
The first part came a few years ago. I saw an interview about a woman who lost a child and her marriage resulted in divorce. She said she regretted the marriage ending and realized that she got all the care she needed, but her then-husband got no support, and thus had to grieve alone.
The second part was when I discovered that my sister, the one who passed, was only a little younger than me. She’d probably be in her mid to late twenties if she were alive today. The part that really hit was the fact that I was at the funeral as a toddler.
Soon after, I started to have flashes of the funeral, and for some reason, my heart began to ache.
The last part came to me within the last year. I was watching a video and my ears sat straight up when I heard there’s no word in the English language to denote the loss of a child. The closest thing we have is the Sanskrit Vilomah, which means “against the natural order.”
When those three puzzle pieces came together, I sat down and wrote the first draft in an hour. When I finished, I knew this had to be my first film, and JUST US was born.
From v.c. rhone (Executive Producer/Co-Director):
Kawan originally approached me about working together on a different project - a sci-fi short film. I am currently transitioning to feature films, so I had to pass.
However, I always ask anyone who wants to work with me, "What else are you working on?" He mentioned an idea and concept that he was tossing around about men dealing with grief. I asked him to send the script to me.
I connected immediately with the concept.
Having lost a child with a life-threatening miscarriage, I fully understand what all of that is about. However, not one time had I ever stopped to think about what the father of my unborn child may have experienced.
I agreed to do this one last short film collaboration!
We developed the script over a period of five months and there are so many elements that many will connect with because truly, grief is a non-linear experience, and no one should go through it alone.
Men face unique challenges when grieving, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in their emotional journey.
During the grief process:
- 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression, but less than half seek help.
- Men are more likely to binge drink to cope and are three times more likely to die as a result of alcohol or substance abuse.
- Men are lonelier than women, often avoiding seeking help due to a lack of inner choices.
- 80% of men feel alone in their grief, which can affect their coping mechanisms.
- Men often bottle up their feelings and may appear less emotional, focusing on practical issues.
Unfortunately, men have no sanctioned way of grieving, yet grief is not a choice. Many men have become accustomed to not feeling their emotions. The underlying wounds of masculinity were by and large caused by men, and healing is accelerated in the company of other men.
Your contributions will help us:
- Purchase wilderness safety equipment as we are filming in the mountains and want to ensure the protection of everyone on set
- Secure equipment rental
- Secure insurance to protect the equipment we rent
- Secure locations
- Secure permits to film
- Shoot and edit a new trailer
- Feed our cast and crew
To save costs we are all driving up the mountain via carpool and staying on site where we are filming for the duration of the film shoot. We have a very "food-motivated" crew (haha!) so it's important that we keep everyone fed for their entire stay!
Please Follow & Share
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
- Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Facebook and Instagram. Encourage your friends to follow us too!
- SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #JustUsMovie
- Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates! Tell your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about men's mental health challenges and initiatives.
- KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
- Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
- Sharing our campaign on your social media is helpful. Joining our team by contributing is SUPER helpful. Doing BOTH goes a long way to help bring Just Us to life!
Thank you for supporting JUST US!
~ Kawan & v.c.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
SPECIAL: Probe Macro Lens & Track Kit
Costs $200
We are creating a stylized, pivotal scene where our lead actors engage in a replicated "dance of sorts" without dialogue.
BTS / Set Photographer Volunteer
Costs $200
We are looking for a photographer to capture BTS footage but most importantly to capture photos of cast for our movie poster.
Location
Costs $900
The story takes place in a secluded cabin in the woods that the couple is attempting to sell after a tragedy.
Cast
Costs $1,000
We have a small cast but are asking them to do big things that tug at the heartstrings of viewers.
Meals
Costs $1,200
Cast and Crew will be staying on site at the cabin for the entire film shoot and we are food-motivated-creatives!
Rentals, Costumes, Props, etc.
Costs $1,500
There are many costs to making a movie - cameras, lights, costumes, props, PR, etc. Important to our success!
Crew
Costs $2,000
We "got the band back together!" Thrilled to work with dedicated crew members - worth their weight in gold. Can't do this without them!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
v.c. rhone (Executive Producer/Co-Director)
v.c. rhone believes strongly in the transformative power of responsible storytelling. She writes, produces, and directs across genres, embracing social scenes in a way that’s both provocative and entertaining.
v.c. co-wrote and produced NOT AFRAID - addressing the Murdered Missing Indigenous Women crisis - receiving a Best Producer nomination and the Indigenous Culture and Film Award at the Windrider Summit & Sundance Film Festival Experience in Park City, UT.
v.c. has worked with legendary, Emmy-nominated actors - many who have appeared in mainstream films and television series. She produced the award-nominated film, MAMA DESERVES TO BE SERVED, starring Merrick McCartha (Grey’s Anatomy, Amazon’s Countdown, All American), which premiered at the prestigious Micheaux Film Festival.
v.c. is an NBC TV Writers Semifinalist and a ScreenCraft Finalist. Her screenplay, BECKY BRENNEMAN'S BANGIN' BAT MITZVAH, debuted in the top 5% on Coverfly.
Her award-winning documentary PIE A LA MODE addressing land rights has screened at over 20 festivals globally.
She completed her undergraduate studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she studied under Academy Award Winner, Carol Dysinger.
v.c. is a former mayor-appointed city official of Huntington Beach. She worked boldly and tirelessly with the local police department engaging in ride-alongs, leading panels and meeting frequently with the Chief of Police to improve human relations.
v.c. is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors and Film Independent. She has been featured in the Los Angeles Times for her dedication to using the arts as a bridge to promote human dignity.
Kawan Glover (Writer/Co-Director)
Kawan Glover transcends survivor and lives as a “thriver!” From the ages of 20 to 24 he conquered a stroke and three brain surgeries. This put him on the path of becoming author of the Amazon bestselling memoir “FAVOR,” a public speaker, and a screenwriter. He also started his own company, Overcome Adversity, LLC, which he ran for over half a decade.
Kawan wrote his first feature film screenplay four years ago and hasn’t looked back since. He has a bachelor’s from the University of Maryland and has taken TV writing courses with Sterling Anderson and Michael Jamin. He holds a certification from the Entertainment Business School, where he studied with Kaia Alexander, and subsequently became the Chief of Business Development.
Kawan loves Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and anime, which are an escape from his sometimes unfair reality of living with a disability. He found his home in sci-fi, fantasy, and drama inspired by shows like ARCANE, THE MANDALORIAN, and SUCCESSION. Most recently, he’s taken inspiration from shows like FALLOUT, THE LAST OF US, and THE RINGS OF POWER.”
Kawan has a glass-half-full disposition and often says, “I’m not really disabled, I’m just able to do things differently.” His life mission is to positively impact over eight billion people by creating and highlighting stories about, as he calls it, "the gift of loss."
Amber Ford (Producer)
Experienced Game-Changer with a demonstrated and growing impact in the entertainment industry. Amber is skilled in Acting, Film Production, Management, Dance and Stage Production, and Stunt Coordination. Born and raised in Dallas, TX she is an award-winning dancer and choreographer who has toured the US and Europe.
Amber moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue dance and her love for the visual arts quickly expanded to film. She has produced dance tours, music videos and film and is now also writing and directing her own content alongside acting and designing fight choreography.
Benjamin Charles Oliverio (Director of Photography)
With a critical and hyper focused technical eye, Benjamin “Benji” Charles Oliverio, has lensed several projects with v.c. rhone. He is committed to the craft of cinematography and is ever curious about technique. Never afraid to try new things, Benji is always up for any new cinematic challenge and has a gift for understanding the creative voice of directors. As the DP for HOWL, Benji helped create the iconic, Universal classic film look for the film which earned it a premiere spot at the Newport Beach Film Festival, receiving high acclaim.
Annie Acosta (1st AD)
An emerging director in her own right, Annie Acosta is a graduate of Chapman University’s Business School. She has worked in many different film departments, gaining insight on the innerworkings of each one. She was the Production Coordinator for WE GOT OURS produced by v.c. rhone and starring Omar Gooding, Luenell, and Rell Battle. This is her 8th project with v.c. rhone.
Ella Hahn (Assistant Production Designer/Art Department)
Highly skilled in the area of art, design and set decorating, Ella has a quiet strength and is evolving with each project she embarks upon. This is her 4th production with v.c. rhone. She is excited to take a more leading role in the art department for this production.
Tim Burr (Sound Mixer)
Skilled in both on set and studio sound mixing, Tim Burr primarily works with rock bands and acclaimed musical artists as a sound engineer for their studio recordings. His audio is crisp, precise, and great to work with during the post-production process. This is his 4th project with v.c. rhone.
Jacob Tyler (G&E)
Jake’s primary background is in editing, VFX, and SFX. However, he has started to expand into other roles and often shows up to v.c.’s sets ready to pitch in. His invaluable insight into the post-production process is always appreciated on set. Because he has usually spent a great deal of time with the script, he understands where the director wants to go and works diligently on set to help them get there. This is Jake’s 5th project with v.c. rhone.