Like Clockwork

New York City, New York | Film Short

Drama, Romance

Janet Oh

1 Campaigns | New York, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $9,137 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

63 supporters | followers

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An understated ode to classic romance and coming-of-age films, this story is for those who are still soul-searching.  A young woman in her 20s reaches a crossroads in her life when she receives a life-changing opportunity and reconnects with an old fling.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Like Clockwork is about Ali, a grad student who's feeling stuck in life and love. But through sharing her experience, we hope to show you that it's okay to feel lost sometimes. It's okay to make mistakes and change your mind. We're all trying to figure out who we are and what we want from life.

The Story

 

Grad student Ali is reluctant to accept a job offer that would uproot her life in New York City and completely change the trajectory of her life. But when she spontaneously runs into an old fling, old feelings flood back in, making it harder for the romantic soul to make the biggest decision in her life.

Taking inspiration from classic romance films like When Harry Met Sally and the Before Sunrise trilogy, we aim to make a thoughtful romance and coming-of-age film that explores the messy, beautiful, and complicated journey of navigating your 20s.

ALI (short for Alice) - a busy graduate student in Child and Adolescent Psychology who feels stuck in a stagnant routine. Her past heartbreaks have left her feeling guarded and isolated, despite living with the same roommate for seven years. But things are about to change as Ali is presented with two new opportunities that will challenge her to break out of her comfort zone and take charge of her life. 

Z - Ali's former fling. Their brief encounter during a weekend trip to New York City left a lasting emotional impression on both of them, and a possibility of something more. After three long years of separation, Z and Ali find themselves unexpectedly reunited on the same rooftop where their spark ignited. Though Z's charming ways still entice her, Ali notices a newfound maturity and groundedness in him. As they confront their complicated past and current feelings, Ali must decide whether to take a leap of faith with Z once again or forge ahead on her own path.

LARA - Ali's outgoing roommate in the heart of New York City for seven years. Through the ups and downs of college and relationships, they've stood by each other's side. But as time passed, they've grown apart, and their differences have become increasingly noticeable. As they each seek to find their own way, Lara begins to question whether their friendship still holds the same value.

"During my early 20s, I suddenly found myself in an identity crisis. As many of my peers headed to LA to pursue their artistic dreams, I remained in NYC/NJ post-college due to financial concerns. Though delaying the future "I wanted" was difficult, I gradually realized that I lacked a clear vision for my future beyond my career. As I began reflecting on my unresolved emotional wounds from childhood and past relationships, I felt compelled to write a story about the anxieties and pressures of transitioning into adulthood as a woman. Now, at 25, the midpoint between youth and maturity, I remain uncertain of what lies ahead, but I have a better sense of who I am and my path forward. My goal for this film is for viewers to see themselves in the story and to take away a sense of hope and inspiration." 

 

"As a first-time director, I was excited to bring any story to life on the big screen, and this project immediately stood out to me. The character of Ali is one that many can identify with, especially young women in their 20s, and what sets this film apart from traditional romance movies is that while there is a love interest, the focus is not solely on the romantic relationship. Instead, the story is about Ali's transformation into an independent, self-assured woman. As a filmmaker, I am thrilled to bring this unique perspective to the screen and to inspire others to embrace their own paths of self-discovery and personal growth."

 

"As a storyteller, I am passionate about using authentic storytelling to document people's lives. This project, which is centered around the theme of romance in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, resonates with me deeply. I believe that romantic stories have the power to touch people on a deep level, bringing out their vulnerabilities and inspiring personal growth. Drawing on my previous experience working on an indie rom-com with a music video director, I am eager to create a dialogue around romance in portraiture."

 

This setting is the perfect canvas for our minimalist love story that pays tribute to classic romance films such as When Harry Met Sally. However, as true New Yorkers, we know what it feels like to be just another face in the crowd, overlooked by strangers who are too busy in their own lives to notice. In a city of millions, we all crave human connection, and pursuing love becomes a natural yearning. Through this film, we hope to capture the city's charm and the existential angst that comes with living in a concrete jungle.  

Our production has a tight 4-day shooting schedule and 12-hour workdays, and we need your generous support to ensure its success! Your contribution will make it possible for us to provide our talented cast and crew with fair compensation, as well as purchase essential film equipment, props, and food. Additionally, your support will help us ensure the safety of our team by providing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on set.

  • No amount is too small! Tap the blue button to pledge any amount and support our mission. Plus, if you pledge $25+, you'll receive an exclusive advanced copy of the film before it's uploaded publicly.
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Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Insurance

Costs $1,000

Better safe than sorry!

Travel Expenses

Costs $300

Please help our cast & crew to our multiple set locations!

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

CAST

Costs $1,350

Please help us support our cast!

CREW

Costs $4,040

Please help us support our crew!

Catering

Costs $1,500

Please help us feed our cast and crew! (cost based on a 3.5-day shoot).

Vintage Wristwatch

Costs $100

Have a unique vintage wristwatch you want to be featured in our film? Loan it to us!

Film Equipment

Costs $2,500

Camera, Lighting, Sound, and other equipment rental needs!

Production Design/Makeup & Wardrobe

Costs $600

Help us bring our story alive!

About This Team

Lauren is a visual storyteller and first-time director/producer. A professional graphic designer, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A in Advertising, Cum Laude, and a minor in Human Relations. She is honored to work on a story with a character that many can identify with, especially young women in their 20s.

Janet is a rising Korean American screenwriter and producer based in NYC. Inspired by her all-time favorite TV show, Doctor Who, she began writing and directing sci-fi/fantasy short films in high school before falling in love with the rom-com genre. She holds a B.A in Cinema Studies from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a Certificate in Scriptwriting & YA Fiction from the Oxford University Creative Writing Summer School. 

Jon, our Director of Photography, is a Freelance Artist who uses still photography and lighting to work with motion photography. He has worked on projects with Ashton Sanders, Google, The Pretty Reckless, and more.

 

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