Julia, a single mom, is strong-willed woman who wants the best for her baby, Phoebe, but the weight of raising her alone, is chipping away at her. Just as Julia bursts at the seams, her estranged mother shows up. Will Julia lay down her pride and accept help, or is their relationship beyond repair?
Julia, a single mom, is strong-willed woman who wants the best for her baby, Phoebe, but the weight of raising her alone, is chipping away at her. Just as Julia bursts at the seams, her estranged mother shows up. Will Julia lay down her pride and accept help, or is their relationship beyond repair?
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Story
Mission Statement
Telling the story of a woman suffering from grief and postpartum depression is not a popular choice, when society would rather we sweep our feelings under a rug. This story goes out of its way to portray a raw and honest depiction of one woman's struggle. Female Writer/Director and Female DPAbout The Project
The Story
Let Me Do Right By You, the short film, is an excerpt drawn from the 105 page feature screenplay that is currently gaining momentum at festivals. It is a dark, and in some instances, bleak story with ironic humor peppered throughout to relieve the drama when needed.
The short film opens with Julia, a young, single mom, in despair. She's a strong-willed woman who wants the best for her daughter, Phoebe, but the responsibility of providing for her child alone, is chipping away at her. What she needs is help, but she is too proud to ask for it. Just as Julia unravels at the seams, her estranged mother, Debbie, shows up. Debbie is the last person on Earth that Julia wants to see, but as Julia continues to breakdown, she quickly realizes that she is going to have to make a choice. Will she continue to bear the weight alone? Or will she choose to accept the help she needs and do right by Phoebe.
The Inspiration
I was deeply inspired to write this story a year after the birth of my child. It’s a story that’s close to my heart and I want it done well, not only because I set the creative bar high for myself, but I want to honor the real consequences of women suffering from postpartum depression.
Additional themes that are touched on in this film that are equally crucial: forgiveness and sacrifice.
As a new parent, the demand and learning curve did and continues to extend me beyond what I thought was possible. Balancing raising a child and shutting out the voices of depression, while pursuing my film career, were an everyday struggle. Yes, “this period in our life is temporary”, and yes, “the days are long but the years are short”, yada yada. But some days it's almost too hard to cope.
I wrote Let Me Do Right By You as a reminder to not just parents, but to anyone who is fighting to survive mentally and physically, that if you are in a dark place that you feel you cannot climb out of, find someone you can reach out to. It may take a lot of effort, believe me I know, but find a friend, call a hotline, attend a meeting, get out of the house, just DO something before you slip deeper into your present darkness. You were never meant to do this alone, and you definitely don't have to.
VISUAL STYLECHARACTERS
JULIA : Early 30’s, her bitterness brings out her odd sense of humor, she is much too young to have been dealt the amount of grief life has given her. On the cusp of self-destruction.
DEBBIE: Late 50’s to early 60’s, An ex-addict that tries to be a better grandparent than she was a mother, but the residue of her younger, worldly actions bear a mark on her.
PHOEBE: 1-2 years old, Julia's daughter, relatively happy little girl. Unaware of her mother's despair.
ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS: David, Store Clerk, Store Associate, Mary, Business Clerk, including a few featured extras.
DId you know that the feature screenplay of Let Me Do Right By You is already gaining momentum at festivals? Check out our laurels below!
What We Need (The Budget)
The film will shoot over two days.
45% of the budget will go towards EQUIPMENT
33% of the budget will go towards SALARIES for actors and crew (cinematographer, sound designer, set designer, wardrobe designer, gaffer etc)
7% of the budget will go towards SET DESIGN
4% of the budget will go towards FOOD & TRANSPORT
4% of the budget will go towards LOCATIONS
5% of the budget will go towards INSURANCE & FEES
1% of the budget will go towards HARD DRIVES to save the project files on for the editor.FUNDS raised BEYOND the goal:
Festival Submissions can cost $50-$80 on average, per festival. As you can imagine, that can quickly get expensive. Most of these extra generous donations will thus be going towards such festive run expenses, travel, music licensing, marketing/social ads, and/or travel expenses.
What YOU Get:There are many perks of contributing to this campaign! From a personal shoutout, to an invitation to set, to naming one of the film's characters, it's up to you!
All perks $50 and up, will receive a postcard and a link to the film, in addition to the perk level they have selected.
But it's not just that. Many of you have known me for a very long time. You've seen me hustle the film and acting scene for over a decade. By contributing to this project, you are not only helping getting it made, you are helping my achieve my dreams. I just want you to know how much that means to me.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you find that you are passionate about helping the project, but not financially able to contribute at this time, help get the word out by promoting this campaign on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Indiegogo has tools right below the campaign's title at the top right of the page, that can help you share directly to your platforms!
Don't forget to click on THE TEAM tab below the video to read more about some of the talented people already attached to our project!
Incentives
$3
Support Female Filmmaker Button - no shipping
Just want the button? Here you go! All proceeds go to the film :)
*Must arrange pickup from me at Austin Revolution film festival, otherwise you can choose button with shipping option :)
Claimed: 9 of 25
$5
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
I know that for some, even donating just $5 can be a sacrifice. I know, I've been there. If you feel like you could give up a coffee or a smoothie this month to support this campaign, it would mean the world to us. I just want you to know there is not amount too small. Your generosity speaks volumes and we see it. Thank you, xoxo
$7
Support Female Filmmaker Button w/ Shipping
Just want the button? Here you go! All proceeds go to the film :)
*Shipping and handling included in this option. If you want to pick up on 8/25 at our Wrap Party between 2:30-5p, then you can choose the other perk level. Otherwise I will have this in the mail to you soon and you can where it proudly!
Claimed: 5 of 25
$10
THANK YOU
Eternal gratitude from the bottom of our hearts - we mean it!
$15
SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUTOUT
We will shout your name from the rooftops! Well... the rooftops of our social media platforms!
$20
CREDIT IN THE FILM
Want to be in our End Credits along with the cast and crew? Then this one's for you!
Also includes perks below this tier.
$30
WEAR YOUR SUPPORT
Receive some flair! (aka button) designed by me (Sarah) and proudly wear your support for female filmmakers!
Also includes perks below this tier.
$50
WATCH THE FILM
We will send you a digital link to the film once the film has completed its edit and festival run!
Also includes perks below this tier.
$100
PREMIERE
Invitation to the premiere in Austin, TX. Date TBD
Travel & accommodations not provided.
Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 17 of 20
$300
INVITATION TO SET
You're invited to set!
We have a scene and you could be there! Come out and see us in action!
You'll receive an official call sheet for our shoot date, arrive on location in Austin, TX, and lights, camera, ACTION!
Will we see you on set?Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 2 of 6
$500
Associate Producer
With this donation you will be considered an Associate Producer, with a title credit in the film, a Support Female Filmmakers button, an official IMDB credit, and an invitation to the premiere!
Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 4 of 5
$1,000
Executive Producer
With this donation you will be considered an Associate Producer, with a title credit in the film, a Support Female Filmmakers button, an official IMDB credit, a signed cast and crew photo, and an invitation to the premiere!
Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$2,500
Your Name in Lights!
With this donation we will name a character after YOU! That's right! YOU!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$10,000
DINNER WITH THE DIRECTOR
You are cordially invited to a private dinner party in Austin, TX with the director, editor and producers. You will enjoy a delicious supper at one of the director's favorite spots while being able to pick the brain of real industry professionals. You will also receive all of the perks listed above.
Also includes perks below this tier.
Location and date TBD. Allergies will be taken into consideration.
Claimed: 0 of 1
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$3
Support Female Filmmaker Button - no shipping
Just want the button? Here you go! All proceeds go to the film :)
*Must arrange pickup from me at Austin Revolution film festival, otherwise you can choose button with shipping option :)
Claimed: 9 of 25
$5
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
I know that for some, even donating just $5 can be a sacrifice. I know, I've been there. If you feel like you could give up a coffee or a smoothie this month to support this campaign, it would mean the world to us. I just want you to know there is not amount too small. Your generosity speaks volumes and we see it. Thank you, xoxo
$7
Support Female Filmmaker Button w/ Shipping
Just want the button? Here you go! All proceeds go to the film :)
*Shipping and handling included in this option. If you want to pick up on 8/25 at our Wrap Party between 2:30-5p, then you can choose the other perk level. Otherwise I will have this in the mail to you soon and you can where it proudly!
Claimed: 5 of 25
$10
THANK YOU
Eternal gratitude from the bottom of our hearts - we mean it!
$15
SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUTOUT
We will shout your name from the rooftops! Well... the rooftops of our social media platforms!
$20
CREDIT IN THE FILM
Want to be in our End Credits along with the cast and crew? Then this one's for you!
Also includes perks below this tier.
$30
WEAR YOUR SUPPORT
Receive some flair! (aka button) designed by me (Sarah) and proudly wear your support for female filmmakers!
Also includes perks below this tier.
$50
WATCH THE FILM
We will send you a digital link to the film once the film has completed its edit and festival run!
Also includes perks below this tier.
$100
PREMIERE
Invitation to the premiere in Austin, TX. Date TBD
Travel & accommodations not provided.
Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 17 of 20
$300
INVITATION TO SET
You're invited to set!
We have a scene and you could be there! Come out and see us in action!
You'll receive an official call sheet for our shoot date, arrive on location in Austin, TX, and lights, camera, ACTION!
Will we see you on set?Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 2 of 6
$500
Associate Producer
With this donation you will be considered an Associate Producer, with a title credit in the film, a Support Female Filmmakers button, an official IMDB credit, and an invitation to the premiere!
Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 4 of 5
$1,000
Executive Producer
With this donation you will be considered an Associate Producer, with a title credit in the film, a Support Female Filmmakers button, an official IMDB credit, a signed cast and crew photo, and an invitation to the premiere!
Also includes perks below this tier.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$2,500
Your Name in Lights!
With this donation we will name a character after YOU! That's right! YOU!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$10,000
DINNER WITH THE DIRECTOR
You are cordially invited to a private dinner party in Austin, TX with the director, editor and producers. You will enjoy a delicious supper at one of the director's favorite spots while being able to pick the brain of real industry professionals. You will also receive all of the perks listed above.
Also includes perks below this tier.
Location and date TBD. Allergies will be taken into consideration.
Claimed: 0 of 1
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
SARAH JOY BYINGTON
DIRECTOR & WRITER
SARAH JOY BYINGTON is an award winning actress, screenwriter, and aspiring director from Austin, TX. She started her career as an actor, and began experimenting with other facets of production beginning in 2010. Since then, she has worked on dozens of various commercial and film productions, including everything from crafty to costuming on productions like AMC’s The Son. Over the last decade, Sarah has continued to put her storytelling skills to use, acting in more than 20 films. Notable credits include Friday’s Child (AJ Edwards), Parkland (Peter Landesman), and The Night We Met (Jon Cring), for which she took home the Best Actress award at the Atlantic City Cinefest in 2017. Sarah has also produced over 20 commercials and short films including her entry “Payday” that took home semifinalist for Doritos Crash The Super Bowl in their final year.
Sarah is drawn to dark, raw stories, as well as absurd tales of eccentric characters, all the while unearthing her fears and weaving her own flaws into her stories. She wants to give the voiceless a vehicle, so that these voices have a chance to carry too. She believes that her purpose is to make known the sufferings of the many faces outside our own bubble, and to address our modern dilemma: can we shock this generation into caring about the beautiful, imperfect world around us?
IVY CHIU
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Born in Taiwan, raised in Texas, Ivy Chiu is a Director of Photography whose work has taken her across the world. She has shot projects in Germany, India, Haiti, French Polynesia, Mongolia, and all over the US. Her cinematography is story-driven and strives to capture the authentic human experience.
Since graduating from the University of Texas, Ivy has photographed numerous commercials, documentaries, and narrative films. Most recently, she lensed Rooster Teeth's “Encounter Culture,” a Facebook docuseries premiering in August 2019.
Ivy is currently shooting her second feature film “Inbetween Girl,” directed by Mei Makino.COURTNEY JONES
PRODUCER
Courtney Jones is a Producer who began her career freelancing in Wilmington, North Carolina. After working as the Production Director at Production For Use & Louis Black Productions, she began working as a Production Coordinator, UPM, and Producer. Courtney produced AFS grant recipient SHOOT THE MOON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES (winner of the Indie Memphis 2018 Jury Prize), and was Line Producer on the Diane Paragas film, YELLOW ROSE, which took home the Jury Prize at the Bentonville Film Festival, CAAM, and LAAPFF). Courtney is a Producer on the upcoming WHAT BREAKS THE ICE, starring Sophia Hublitz (OZARK) and Madelyn Cline (BOY ERASED). She shoots a myriad of still photography, including set photography on Ethan Hawke's Blaze Foley biopic, BLAZE and Rooster Teeth’s LAZER TEAM 2, and is currently in development on several feature projects.
CHRISTIAN SOSA
PRODUCER
CHRISTIAN SOSA is a Texas based filmmaker and business school graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Finance. Sosa has co-developed independent film slates for financing and produced features films for over a decade. Recent credits include: Julio Quintana’s film, ‘THE VESSEL,’ starring Martin Sheen and Executive Produced by Terrence Malick and Sarah Green, Writer/Director A.J. Edwards ‘FRIDAY’S CHILD’ starring Tye Sheridan, Imogen Poots, Jeffrey Wright and Caleb Landry Jones which world premiered at the 2018 SXSW Film Festival, Writer/Director Brian Presley's post-civil war western adventure/drama based upon true stories of ‘THE ORPHAN TRAIN,’ Writer/Director Henry Butash's New Jersey picture ‘THE ATLANTIC CITY STORY’ starring Jessica Hecht, Mike Faist, and Gary Wilmes, Snap Chat's Original mini-series ‘DEAD OF NIGHT,’ set to release in the Fall of 2019. Sosa recently signed on to P12 Films as President of Domestic Distribution.
SAM BUTLER
EDITOR
SAM BUTLER is a highly skilled editor in both the narrative and commercial industries. He has edited hundreds of videos for companies all over the globe, over a dozen short films and web series, and five feature films. Most recently he was the editor for AJ Edward’s film Friday’s Child that has won several awards including Best Narrative Feature(Buffalo Intl’ Film Festival) and Best Actor (Shanghai Intl’ Film Festival) and premiered at SXSW 2018, as well as “Home”, a web series from Bob Billiam’s Productions in LA, the premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2018. -
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