Kansas
Buffalo, New York | Film Short
Film-Noir, Romantic Comedy
In a barren, surreal world, Paul and Estelle fall into a love both intoxicating and overwhelming. Guided by a tender narrator, their romance drifts between passion and collapse. Through strange trials, they test if devotion can endure desire, absurdity, and time itself.
Kansas
Buffalo, New York | Film Short
Film-Noir, Romantic Comedy
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $25,101 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
105 supporters | followers
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In a barren, surreal world, Paul and Estelle fall into a love both intoxicating and overwhelming. Guided by a tender narrator, their romance drifts between passion and collapse. Through strange trials, they test if devotion can endure desire, absurdity, and time itself.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Paul and Estelle are two lonely souls who stumble into each other in the most unlikely place: a barbershop.
Paul only sweeps the floors, but when Estelle sits in the chair, he impulsively cuts her hair. The result is a disaster—but in that messy moment, something undeniable sparks between them.
Their love grows quickly, passionately, almost too big for the lives they’ve built.
What begins as a strange but beautiful connection becomes a literal test of how much love two people can endure through the very poetry they privately share. Paul and Estelle push their relationship to its breaking point, trying to prove if love this powerful can avoid erosion and truly last.
Kansas is a story of desire that burns brighter than reason—a love that feels infinite, even if it means running away to sell dresses in Kansas.
Message from the Director / Writer, Patrick Gallo:
Kansas was first written twenty years ago, when depression weighed heavy on me. I was adrift, aching for love, searching in the dark. Out of that loneliness, I dreamed a way to meet someone whose very presence might lift the sorrow at first sight.
Kansas became the vessel to feel that longing as deeply as I could, even as I struggled to breathe beneath it. I did not know it would drift in and out of my life for so long, but timing has its own unique rhythm.
And now, in November 2025, in the fading colors and light of Autumn, I will gather what we’ve raised and turn this long-held therapy of cinema into life itself.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $5,500
Without Actors there is no film.
Crew Meals / Crafty
Costs $1,500
A well fed crew is a happy crew.
Location Fees / Permits
Costs $3,000
Not all locations are free...
Wardrobe and Costuming
Costs $500
We are creating a period piece that will need period appropriate wardrobes with a number of costume changes.
Production Design / Set Decoration
Costs $2,500
The environment adds to the story. Kansas is set in a real place and this will help pay for the set decoration to create its reality.
Lights, Camera, Action
Costs $6,000
A good camera, versatile lighting package, and killer audio will help bring Kansas to life.
Color Correction / Audio Mixing
Costs $6,000
Post is critical. Help us make Kansas look and sound as good as it can possibly be.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
PATRICK GALLO - WRITER/DIRECTOR
With over three decades in the entertainment industry, Patrick Gallo has established himself as a consummate actor on stage and screen. He trained in acting, musical theater, and dance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, setting the stage for a dynamic and accomplished career. As a Director, Patrick has created multiple award-winning short films, theater, and television productions, and is currently focused on directing Kansas, a film that he aims to make aesthetically compelling, absurdly hilarious and poetically fascinating. As an actor, he’s appeared in major films and television—most notably in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, as Mario Puzo in The Offer, and as Stu Grossbard on Curb Your Enthusiasm, among many others.
DANIEL ROHN - PRODUCER
Daniel is a Film and Television professional with close to two decades of experience. He has traveled extensively domestically and internationally as a Unit ProductionManager and Line Producer for programs on The Travel Channel, PBS, and HGTV. He has worked on productions, both scripted and unscripted, ranging from micro budget feature films to multi-million dollar films and series. When not on location for a job he enjoys spending time at his home in the HudsonValley and volunteering at a Wild Life rehabilitation Center.
LAUREN MURPHY - CINEMATOGRAPHER
As both cinematographer and adventurer, Lauren’s work has spanned land, water, air, and the depths of the Earth. Whether rigging Go-Pros in a cave miles underground or running through a dense forest with a camera on her shoulder, Lauren is always ready to capture the shot. While exploring a haunted asylum or rappelling off the side of a mountain are perks of the job, Lauren excels at leading a team and translating a director's emotions and desires into a compelling visual story. She has had the opportunity to work with major networks, top-tier brands, independent film companies, and wonderful friends.
TYLER MARCHEWSKI - DP
Tyler Marchewski is a seasoned cinematographer and camera operator whose versatile work spans commercials, narrative, live comedy and music, sports, theater, and television. Comfortable working in many formats, Tyler brings both technical expertise and visual storytelling to every frame. In his spare time he loves taking in a beautiful view with an espresso beverage that matches the season.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Paul and Estelle are two lonely souls who stumble into each other in the most unlikely place: a barbershop.
Paul only sweeps the floors, but when Estelle sits in the chair, he impulsively cuts her hair. The result is a disaster—but in that messy moment, something undeniable sparks between them.
Their love grows quickly, passionately, almost too big for the lives they’ve built.
What begins as a strange but beautiful connection becomes a literal test of how much love two people can endure through the very poetry they privately share. Paul and Estelle push their relationship to its breaking point, trying to prove if love this powerful can avoid erosion and truly last.
Kansas is a story of desire that burns brighter than reason—a love that feels infinite, even if it means running away to sell dresses in Kansas.
Message from the Director / Writer, Patrick Gallo:
Kansas was first written twenty years ago, when depression weighed heavy on me. I was adrift, aching for love, searching in the dark. Out of that loneliness, I dreamed a way to meet someone whose very presence might lift the sorrow at first sight.
Kansas became the vessel to feel that longing as deeply as I could, even as I struggled to breathe beneath it. I did not know it would drift in and out of my life for so long, but timing has its own unique rhythm.
And now, in November 2025, in the fading colors and light of Autumn, I will gather what we’ve raised and turn this long-held therapy of cinema into life itself.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $5,500
Without Actors there is no film.
Crew Meals / Crafty
Costs $1,500
A well fed crew is a happy crew.
Location Fees / Permits
Costs $3,000
Not all locations are free...
Wardrobe and Costuming
Costs $500
We are creating a period piece that will need period appropriate wardrobes with a number of costume changes.
Production Design / Set Decoration
Costs $2,500
The environment adds to the story. Kansas is set in a real place and this will help pay for the set decoration to create its reality.
Lights, Camera, Action
Costs $6,000
A good camera, versatile lighting package, and killer audio will help bring Kansas to life.
Color Correction / Audio Mixing
Costs $6,000
Post is critical. Help us make Kansas look and sound as good as it can possibly be.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
PATRICK GALLO - WRITER/DIRECTOR
With over three decades in the entertainment industry, Patrick Gallo has established himself as a consummate actor on stage and screen. He trained in acting, musical theater, and dance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, setting the stage for a dynamic and accomplished career. As a Director, Patrick has created multiple award-winning short films, theater, and television productions, and is currently focused on directing Kansas, a film that he aims to make aesthetically compelling, absurdly hilarious and poetically fascinating. As an actor, he’s appeared in major films and television—most notably in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, as Mario Puzo in The Offer, and as Stu Grossbard on Curb Your Enthusiasm, among many others.
DANIEL ROHN - PRODUCER
Daniel is a Film and Television professional with close to two decades of experience. He has traveled extensively domestically and internationally as a Unit ProductionManager and Line Producer for programs on The Travel Channel, PBS, and HGTV. He has worked on productions, both scripted and unscripted, ranging from micro budget feature films to multi-million dollar films and series. When not on location for a job he enjoys spending time at his home in the HudsonValley and volunteering at a Wild Life rehabilitation Center.
LAUREN MURPHY - CINEMATOGRAPHER
As both cinematographer and adventurer, Lauren’s work has spanned land, water, air, and the depths of the Earth. Whether rigging Go-Pros in a cave miles underground or running through a dense forest with a camera on her shoulder, Lauren is always ready to capture the shot. While exploring a haunted asylum or rappelling off the side of a mountain are perks of the job, Lauren excels at leading a team and translating a director's emotions and desires into a compelling visual story. She has had the opportunity to work with major networks, top-tier brands, independent film companies, and wonderful friends.
TYLER MARCHEWSKI - DP
Tyler Marchewski is a seasoned cinematographer and camera operator whose versatile work spans commercials, narrative, live comedy and music, sports, theater, and television. Comfortable working in many formats, Tyler brings both technical expertise and visual storytelling to every frame. In his spare time he loves taking in a beautiful view with an espresso beverage that matches the season.