Kevin's List
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Romantic Comedy
Set on ending his life on his birthday, a reclusive man offers his belongings to a sex worker for one night together to fulfill his romantic bucket list. Their journey reveals a deep connection and bridges isolated worlds.
Green Light
This campaign raised $3,800 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
22 supporters | followers
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Set on ending his life on his birthday, a reclusive man offers his belongings to a sex worker for one night together to fulfill his romantic bucket list. Their journey reveals a deep connection and bridges isolated worlds.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Kevin's List is a romantic comedy/drama road film that presents a melancholic yet heartfelt exploration of loneliness and human connection. The story follows two people from very different backgrounds, both of whom have been marginalized and stereotyped by society. Despite outward differences, they share a profound, unspoken bond—a mutual understanding of one another.
While the premise may suggest a fully provocative story, Kevin's List weaves serious drama with lightheartedness. As we move into the second act, the tone shifts to incorporate quirky rom-com elements reminiscent of Punch Drunk Love and The Graduate. Kevin's List subverts traditional rom-com tropes by addressing the typical "first sex scene" in our first act, challenging the notion that sexual tension is the foundation of romance, instead focusing on a deep, emotional connection.
As people increasingly struggle with feelings of isolation in a world dominated by technology, social media, and disconnected relationships, the emphasis Kevin's List places on looking past external labels and recognizing the humanity in one another becomes increasingly relevant.
The character of Kevin is inspired by hikikomori, a Japanese term to describe individuals who've withdrawn from society, isolating themselves at home. Being Japanese-American, I've seen this once uniquely Asian phenomenon become prevalent worldwide as people everywhere grapple with disconnection, loneliness, and the overstimulation of the digital age.
In telling Kevin’s story, a shared experience of isolation, I hope to bridge the cultural gap between Japan and the West while also reminding viewers of our common humanity and how the yearning for genuine connection never fades.
By focusing on a heartfelt relationship between people from often-stereotyped groups, we're trying to tell a story outside of the superficiality that fills much of today's life, from the emphasis on appearances to the transactional nature of relationships. Whether in the U.S., Japan, or anywhere else, we hope Kevin's List resonates with those who crave stories of real connection or might not have other stories to connect with, in an era where loneliness is prevalent in spite of the illusion of constant connectivity.
- In the Mood for Love is the biggest inspiration for Kevin's List, exploring a bond between two lonely, pure-hearted people drawn together by shared circumstances. The film's delicate portrayal of longing and love mirrors the connection our characters seek - a link that gives them a rare sense of companionship among their isolation.
- Licorice Pizza is a key reference, a feel-good romantic comedy that navigates serious themes, balancing humor with reflections on identity, personal growth, and societal expectations. As we hope to, their blend of warmth and depth creates an engaging narrative that resonates emotionally.
- Paris, Texas is our main atmospheric reference, capturing the essence of small-town America. Their portrayal of desolate spaces and dead-end towns perfectly complements our themes of isolation and introspection. The mix of visual emptiness and emotional weight creates a profoundly lonely mood, very similar to the atmosphere we aim to evoke.
To give you an idea of the atmosphere of the small American town that this story takes place in, here are some the places that make up the stops along our characters' journeys. This is a road movie after all!
We hope you liked that little sneak peek into Kevin and Daisy's world, and we're excited to share more of it with you!
Check out progress updates, BTS footage, and keep up with the production of KEVIN'S LIST @kevinslistfilm on Instagram and (insert link) on IMDB, or on this campaign page. Tag @kevinslistfilm on instagram and we'll repost you!
We'll continue to keep this page, our social medias, and our Seed&spark supporters individually on the film's progression after it releases, so be sure to stay tuned!
Our goal with this film is first to cover our production costs to get Kevin's List made, then help with the costs to get the footage professionally color-graded and edited, and then to submit to a number of international film festivals and push to develop the project into a full-length feature film!
$3,500 - WE DID IT!
Fully fund our production costs to rent equipment, pay for transportation costs, wardrobe, location rentals, and feed our cast and crew.
------ STRETCH GOALS ------
$4,450 - KEEP IT GOING!
Cover our post-production costs, allowing us to get our film professionally color-graded and polished in the editing room.
$5,350 - WE'RE GOING GLOBAL!
Assist with our festival submission fees so we can screen Kevin's List across the world!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera + Accessories - Sony FX6
Costs $700
To cover the costs of the camera to shoot Kevin's List on - we've chosen the Sony FX6 for its amazing nighttime capabilities!
On-set Food
Costs $1,000
Meals and crafty to feed our cast & crew for our 6 shoot days between NJ and NY, plus some hot cocoa to keep us going on the colder days!
Lighting Equipment - Astera Titan Tubes
Costs $425
We need to pay for lighting equipment so you can properly see the beautiful characters and locations in our mostly-nighttime story!
Location Rentals
Costs $725
To cover the costs on our many, many filming locations. This is a road movie after all!
Location Moving Costs
Costs $325
To cover the gasoline and toll costs to drive from Brooklyn to Southern New Jersey for our 2 weekends of filming, plus equipment pickups!
Lenses
Costs $500
We want you to see Kevin's List in the best quality possible!
Wardrobe
Costs $350
Everything in Kevin's List is going to be stylized, down to their shoelaces!
Incidentals and Miscellaneous Costs
Costs $350
To cover any unforeseen costs on set, as well as our miscellaneous costs (like hand warmers for our cast and crew!)
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Dylan Gill - Director
Dylan Gill is a first-generation Japanese-American filmmaker born and raised in New Jersey. His passion for visual storytelling began at age two, when he first started drawing. This early love for art eventually blossomed into a deeper love for filmmaking. Initially inspired by the American cinema greats Martin Scorsese, Sidney Lumet, and Paul Thomas Anderson, Dylan owes much of his current sensibility to the international influences of the Dardenne Brothers, Lukas Moodysson, and Thomas Vinterberg.
Dylan's style blends the hyperrealism of the Italian neorealism movement with the surreal, dreamlike qualities found in the works of directors like David Lynch and Terrence Gilliam. He attempts to bridge cinematic traditions across cultures, bringing a distinctive perspective to the psychological landscape of his characters.
Adam Yonteff - Producer
Adam Yonteff is a film producer born and raised in New Jersey, with a background in both narrative filmmaking and commercial production. Working on a number of ambitious NYU short films, he's gained a reputation for his ability to bring creative visions to life under strenuous logistical situations and constraints. Adam is particularly drawn to personal, thought-provoking projects that tackle a wide range of social issues and reflect the diverse population of America. He enjoys pushing the envelope with films that challenge norms while connecting with audiences on a deep, emotional level.
Milan Szatmari - Cinematographer
Milan Szatmari is a Hungarian-born cinematographer who is now based in New York City. With an extensive portfolio of narrative cinematography, Milan is known for his meticulous approach to crafting shots that not only enhance the visual aesthetic but also reflect the deeper soul of the story he is telling. His work demonstrates a profound understanding of how each frame contributes to the emotional and narrative impact of a film.
Milan has gained invaluable experience working on multiple feature films as part of camera crews in both Hungary and America. This international experience has provided him with a deep insight into high-level professional filmmaking, sharpening his technical skills and his eye for storytelling.
Joon Choi
Joon Choi is an actor based in NYC originally from Seoul, South Korea. He began his training at The Acting Studio - New York in 2022 and completed the Meisner technique course in 2024. He has had a feature role in a play directed by James Price in the 2022 Chelsea Rep Summerfest and starred in the 2023 Chelsea Rep Summerfest as Skip in the play “Skip” written by Jeremy Kareken and directed by Brandon Miller. He has filmed a couple of shorts with NYFA and is passionate not just about film but also theatre as well as hip-hop, martial arts, and video games.
Dasha Bavykina
Born and raised in Belarus, Dasha started off acting at the age of 5. As a student she ran Broadway Performance Club, where she choreographed and toured with 4 musicals: Memphis, All Shook Up, Burlesque and Catch Me If You Can. Currently she is based in NYC and trains with Sean Folster and Gigi Buffington. When she doesn’t act, she is either teaching NewStyle Hustle, taking a long walk in the park or learning new dances (currently on her Tango journey!).
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Kevin's List is a romantic comedy/drama road film that presents a melancholic yet heartfelt exploration of loneliness and human connection. The story follows two people from very different backgrounds, both of whom have been marginalized and stereotyped by society. Despite outward differences, they share a profound, unspoken bond—a mutual understanding of one another.
While the premise may suggest a fully provocative story, Kevin's List weaves serious drama with lightheartedness. As we move into the second act, the tone shifts to incorporate quirky rom-com elements reminiscent of Punch Drunk Love and The Graduate. Kevin's List subverts traditional rom-com tropes by addressing the typical "first sex scene" in our first act, challenging the notion that sexual tension is the foundation of romance, instead focusing on a deep, emotional connection.
As people increasingly struggle with feelings of isolation in a world dominated by technology, social media, and disconnected relationships, the emphasis Kevin's List places on looking past external labels and recognizing the humanity in one another becomes increasingly relevant.
The character of Kevin is inspired by hikikomori, a Japanese term to describe individuals who've withdrawn from society, isolating themselves at home. Being Japanese-American, I've seen this once uniquely Asian phenomenon become prevalent worldwide as people everywhere grapple with disconnection, loneliness, and the overstimulation of the digital age.
In telling Kevin’s story, a shared experience of isolation, I hope to bridge the cultural gap between Japan and the West while also reminding viewers of our common humanity and how the yearning for genuine connection never fades.
By focusing on a heartfelt relationship between people from often-stereotyped groups, we're trying to tell a story outside of the superficiality that fills much of today's life, from the emphasis on appearances to the transactional nature of relationships. Whether in the U.S., Japan, or anywhere else, we hope Kevin's List resonates with those who crave stories of real connection or might not have other stories to connect with, in an era where loneliness is prevalent in spite of the illusion of constant connectivity.
- In the Mood for Love is the biggest inspiration for Kevin's List, exploring a bond between two lonely, pure-hearted people drawn together by shared circumstances. The film's delicate portrayal of longing and love mirrors the connection our characters seek - a link that gives them a rare sense of companionship among their isolation.
- Licorice Pizza is a key reference, a feel-good romantic comedy that navigates serious themes, balancing humor with reflections on identity, personal growth, and societal expectations. As we hope to, their blend of warmth and depth creates an engaging narrative that resonates emotionally.
- Paris, Texas is our main atmospheric reference, capturing the essence of small-town America. Their portrayal of desolate spaces and dead-end towns perfectly complements our themes of isolation and introspection. The mix of visual emptiness and emotional weight creates a profoundly lonely mood, very similar to the atmosphere we aim to evoke.
To give you an idea of the atmosphere of the small American town that this story takes place in, here are some the places that make up the stops along our characters' journeys. This is a road movie after all!
We hope you liked that little sneak peek into Kevin and Daisy's world, and we're excited to share more of it with you!
Check out progress updates, BTS footage, and keep up with the production of KEVIN'S LIST @kevinslistfilm on Instagram and (insert link) on IMDB, or on this campaign page. Tag @kevinslistfilm on instagram and we'll repost you!
We'll continue to keep this page, our social medias, and our Seed&spark supporters individually on the film's progression after it releases, so be sure to stay tuned!
Our goal with this film is first to cover our production costs to get Kevin's List made, then help with the costs to get the footage professionally color-graded and edited, and then to submit to a number of international film festivals and push to develop the project into a full-length feature film!
$3,500 - WE DID IT!
Fully fund our production costs to rent equipment, pay for transportation costs, wardrobe, location rentals, and feed our cast and crew.
------ STRETCH GOALS ------
$4,450 - KEEP IT GOING!
Cover our post-production costs, allowing us to get our film professionally color-graded and polished in the editing room.
$5,350 - WE'RE GOING GLOBAL!
Assist with our festival submission fees so we can screen Kevin's List across the world!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera + Accessories - Sony FX6
Costs $700
To cover the costs of the camera to shoot Kevin's List on - we've chosen the Sony FX6 for its amazing nighttime capabilities!
On-set Food
Costs $1,000
Meals and crafty to feed our cast & crew for our 6 shoot days between NJ and NY, plus some hot cocoa to keep us going on the colder days!
Lighting Equipment - Astera Titan Tubes
Costs $425
We need to pay for lighting equipment so you can properly see the beautiful characters and locations in our mostly-nighttime story!
Location Rentals
Costs $725
To cover the costs on our many, many filming locations. This is a road movie after all!
Location Moving Costs
Costs $325
To cover the gasoline and toll costs to drive from Brooklyn to Southern New Jersey for our 2 weekends of filming, plus equipment pickups!
Lenses
Costs $500
We want you to see Kevin's List in the best quality possible!
Wardrobe
Costs $350
Everything in Kevin's List is going to be stylized, down to their shoelaces!
Incidentals and Miscellaneous Costs
Costs $350
To cover any unforeseen costs on set, as well as our miscellaneous costs (like hand warmers for our cast and crew!)
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Dylan Gill - Director
Dylan Gill is a first-generation Japanese-American filmmaker born and raised in New Jersey. His passion for visual storytelling began at age two, when he first started drawing. This early love for art eventually blossomed into a deeper love for filmmaking. Initially inspired by the American cinema greats Martin Scorsese, Sidney Lumet, and Paul Thomas Anderson, Dylan owes much of his current sensibility to the international influences of the Dardenne Brothers, Lukas Moodysson, and Thomas Vinterberg.
Dylan's style blends the hyperrealism of the Italian neorealism movement with the surreal, dreamlike qualities found in the works of directors like David Lynch and Terrence Gilliam. He attempts to bridge cinematic traditions across cultures, bringing a distinctive perspective to the psychological landscape of his characters.
Adam Yonteff - Producer
Adam Yonteff is a film producer born and raised in New Jersey, with a background in both narrative filmmaking and commercial production. Working on a number of ambitious NYU short films, he's gained a reputation for his ability to bring creative visions to life under strenuous logistical situations and constraints. Adam is particularly drawn to personal, thought-provoking projects that tackle a wide range of social issues and reflect the diverse population of America. He enjoys pushing the envelope with films that challenge norms while connecting with audiences on a deep, emotional level.
Milan Szatmari - Cinematographer
Milan Szatmari is a Hungarian-born cinematographer who is now based in New York City. With an extensive portfolio of narrative cinematography, Milan is known for his meticulous approach to crafting shots that not only enhance the visual aesthetic but also reflect the deeper soul of the story he is telling. His work demonstrates a profound understanding of how each frame contributes to the emotional and narrative impact of a film.
Milan has gained invaluable experience working on multiple feature films as part of camera crews in both Hungary and America. This international experience has provided him with a deep insight into high-level professional filmmaking, sharpening his technical skills and his eye for storytelling.
Joon Choi
Joon Choi is an actor based in NYC originally from Seoul, South Korea. He began his training at The Acting Studio - New York in 2022 and completed the Meisner technique course in 2024. He has had a feature role in a play directed by James Price in the 2022 Chelsea Rep Summerfest and starred in the 2023 Chelsea Rep Summerfest as Skip in the play “Skip” written by Jeremy Kareken and directed by Brandon Miller. He has filmed a couple of shorts with NYFA and is passionate not just about film but also theatre as well as hip-hop, martial arts, and video games.
Dasha Bavykina
Born and raised in Belarus, Dasha started off acting at the age of 5. As a student she ran Broadway Performance Club, where she choreographed and toured with 4 musicals: Memphis, All Shook Up, Burlesque and Catch Me If You Can. Currently she is based in NYC and trains with Sean Folster and Gigi Buffington. When she doesn’t act, she is either teaching NewStyle Hustle, taking a long walk in the park or learning new dances (currently on her Tango journey!).