Love In Process
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Romantic Comedy, LGBTQ
When Gracie finds old photos, she uncovers a hidden love story. This leads her to grapple with her identity and feelings for Phoebe, confronting the complexities of queer relationships and finding the courage to embrace her true self and love.
Love In Process
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Romantic Comedy, LGBTQ
4 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,088 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
80 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
When Gracie finds old photos, she uncovers a hidden love story. This leads her to grapple with her identity and feelings for Phoebe, confronting the complexities of queer relationships and finding the courage to embrace her true self and love.
In Partnership With
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When Gracie stumbles upon old photographs, she discovers a concealed love story behind the images. Gracie then embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, where she grapples with being out in her own identity and emotions for her girl friend, Phoebe.
As Gracie continues to delve into the mystery behind the photographs in search of the people they portray, she confronts the complexities of queer relationships and the challenges endured by those who came before her. Wrestling with her own fears and insecurities, Gracie finds the courage to embrace her true self and the love that defines her.
Gracie played by Christina Hilliard
Gracie (22, Female, Asian American) is a quiet and introspective photographer, often retreating into herself and her work to avoid confronting her own emotions. She finds it difficult to express vulnerability, masking her true feelings behind a calm exterior, while yearning for deeper connections and self-understanding.
Phoebe played by Whit Bates
Phoebe (21, Female) is confident and outgoing, embracing her sexuality and desires with clarity and assertiveness. Her playful warmth and directness highlight the contrast with Gracie’s reticence, driving her to push for a deeper connection despite the emotional barriers.
The aesthetic of *Love in Process* blends intimate realism with nostalgic surrealism, using wide shots and long focal lengths to emphasize emotional distance. Dream sequences shot in grainy Super 8 Black and White evoke a wistful, timeless quality, contrasting Gracie’s internal struggles with her identity.
Gracie's Isolation
- Wide Shots: Gracie will be framed in expansive wide shots, reinforcing her physical and emotional isolation. The vastness around her will symbolize her internal loneliness, as she struggles to connect with those closest to her.
Observer’s Lens
- Long Focal Lengths: By utilizing longer focal lengths, Gracie will appear more distanced from her surroundings, placing her in the role of an observer. This choice will emphasize her discomfort with intimacy and her fear of being exposed, as though she is on the outside looking in.
Dream Sequences
- Nostalgia & Surrealism: In dream sequences where Gracie imagines the hidden lives behind the photographs, we will switch to Super 8 Black and White film. The grainy, textured quality of this medium will evoke a sense of faded nostalgia, while also creating a surreal, timeless atmosphere that reflects Gracie’s romanticized longing for connection.
Love in Process is vital today as it reclaims lesbian history in an era where queer visibility is growing but remains underrepresented, especially in nuanced, complex ways. By paying homage to the pioneering lesbian photographers of the 20th century, the film bridges the gap between past and present, offering a healing narrative for contemporary queer audiences who yearn to see their identities reflected authentically. In a cinematic landscape that has often erased or sidelined dyke culture, this story asserts that lesbians have always been here, challenging the ongoing cultural gatekeeping and affirming the beauty, struggle, and resilience of queer women throughout history.
We will be filming at the end of October all over the Chicagoland area in locations given generously to us by close collaborators of our director, Rey Tang. Many of our heads of departments have been secured and we recently cast all our lead and supporting players.
We still need your help! The funds will propel us through production, ensuring we can pay our generous and dedicated team of creatives and bring our team's artistic vision to life. Here’s how your contributions will power our journey:
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When we get the GREEN LIGHT, reaching 80% of our goal, we plan to allocate funds to pay our cast, crew, equipment, crafty, and art.
When we reach 100% of our goal, we will be able to give a stipend to our producers and have our post-production needs covered and funds to dedicate to film festival fees. Some festivals we'd love to consider:
- NewFest - New York's LGBTQ+ film festival showcasing diverse queer narratives.
- San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival (Frameline) - One of the largest LGBTQ+ film festivals globally.
- Inside Out Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival - A key festival in Canada for LGBTQ+ films.
- Out on Film - Atlanta’s festival that highlights queer cinema.
- Cleveland International Film Festival - Features queer films among its diverse selection.
If we are lucky enough to exceed our goal, we hope to be able to pay our cast and crew as close to their full rate as possible and potentially give a small gift to our friends who have so kindly donated their spaces as locations for the shoot.
Give Today. As a microbudget short, any financial support would go a long way.
Services. Know of anyone in your community willing to donate their services? Chef? Photographer? Driver? Store front owner? We would love to have your help.
Spread the Word. Please tell someone else about the project! By engaging with potential viewers through social media, screenings, and other events, we hope to cultivate a dedicated following who are eager to support our work.
Follow us. Follow our journey by taking a look at our social media profiles (@rm.19productions and @reytangerine) and following our Seed&Spark Campaign where we'll put frequent updates!
Check out our event! We have a fundraising event at Dorothy's on October 9th, come support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production and Producer Fees
Costs $800
Our producers have given much of their time freely, but we'd love to pay them and also cover hard drives and production kits.
Cast
Costs $850
Our cast (leads and support) agreed to a generous rate for the love of the story, but it's important for us to give our talent what we can!
Crew
Costs $3,550
Our crew members have agreed to a generous rate and we want to be able to pay them that and more if possible!
Camera Equipment
Costs $800
We are hoping to get a generous discount from Keslow Camera!
G&E Equipment
Costs $200
Lighting brings the vision come to life!
Insurance
Costs $600
We got to make sure our locations, equipment, and people are covered!
Post-Production
Costs $2,100
Editing, sound, music, color, festivals -- So much to be covered in post-production!
Art Department
Costs $350
Help us build the world - wardrobe, set design, and more!
Food
Costs $750
Feed the people - crafty and meals!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Christina Hilliard (she/her) as Gracie
Christina is a mixed-Filipina, Chicago-based actress, comedian, performance artist, improviser, and sketch writer, originally from Southern California. Since moving to Chicago in 2021, Christina has built a name for herself through her wide-swinging, surrealist solo characters, culminating in her 2024 solo show “Magic Boy.” In 2023, she made her feature film debut as the titular role of Coco in Coco World. Recently, she performed in Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago Festival with her comedy group, Stir Friday Night. You can find Christina performing all over the city especially at the Annoyance and iO, as well as on the Patch Co ensemble at The Second City. As an avid gardener, food lover, and life enthusiast, Christina will happily cook her grandma’s sinigang recipe for whoever asks! :)
Whit Bates (she/they) as Phoebe
Whitney Ann Bates (they/them) is an actor and aerialist from Tennessee. Whit loves working in film to share queer, human stories. They have an MFA in Acting from Regent University and are represented by The Rock Talent Agency.
Rey Tang (She/They)
Rey Tang is a Chicago-based writer, photographer, filmmaker, and performer. Rey got her start in making short films with her friends in high school. In her senior year, she won the National Medal from Scholastic Arts and Writing. Graduating Northwestern with a degree in Radio/TV/Film, she pursued a concentration in Creative Writing for Media and Advanced Directing for the Screen. Her short films have screened in festivals such as NFMLA, Asian CineVision, CineYouth, Chicago OnScreen, and many more. Likewise, in 2022, she was selected as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Early Career Bootcamp. Later that year, she also premiered LDR Season 1 Vol. 1, a web series about queer long distance relationships that Rey wrote, starred in, and produced. In 2023, her feature in development Back to Sixteen was selected as part of Femme Fatales fellowship Fatales Forward. Rey is currently represented by Stewart Talent Agency Chicago. (@reytangerine)
Kendra is a Chicago-based cinematographer who works with both film and digital formats. She enjoys thinking about how to push, bend, and break formal conventions to tell stories and portray characters in meaningful ways. She is drawn, in particular, to projects that challenge societal norms and stigmas. Kendra believes deeply in collaboration and working alongside the director to craft a compelling visual language.
Rm. 19 Productions - Production Company
Rm. 19 has been a dedicated resource to bringing Love In Process to life. The company is dedicated to thought-provoking and innovative content that amplifies diverse voices and stories. Rm. 19's focus on fostering creative, women-led projects ensures that "Love in Process" captures the complexities of queer identity and relationships with both sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the company's ongoing mission to champion unique and impactful storytelling. (@rm.19productions)
Julia Relova (she/her) - Producer
Julia is a Filipino-American producer and director based in Chicago. She has worked in several different industries including tech, nonprofits, and entertainment. In all her work she aims to engage and connect people through storytelling. She is a co-founder of Rm. 19 Productions which produces short films, features, and events across the US including Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles. Relova works hard to take on content that is thought-provoking, fun, and women-led. Relova is proud to have received her Master's from Northwestern University for Leadership in Creative Enterprises and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Davidson College. (@juliarelova)
Jamie Kreppein (she/her) - Producer
Jamie Kreppein is a film and theatre maker based in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on championing the work of women and femme filmmakers and expanding the canon with diverse and exciting stories. She is a producer, director, live events coordinator, and stage manager, and is one of the founders of Rm. 19 Productions. Jamie is also passionate about community building and arts education, serving as the technical director and film coordinator at Warren Township High School, and as one of the leaders of Hotel Collective, a resource and network for emerging Chicago artists. Recent projects include features Roller Babiez (director, producer), Year One (co-producer, assistant director), Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, IL (associate producer, production designer), Departing Seniors (background coordinator) and short films By a Thread (associate producer, screenwriter) and Downstate (co-director).
Lalo Ayala (he/they) - Production Designer
Lalo is a Mexican-American Production Designer hailing from rural Illinois. Some of their passions include telling queer/latinx narratives, disability politics and making filmwork more accessible to all. They are most excited about getting the opportunity to help build a supportive and inclusive film community in their hometown of Chicago. They regard vulnerability as an asset and kindness as superpower.
Yuxin Liu (they/them) - Sound
Yuxin is a versatile sound professional based in Chicago with a background in music, initially as a pianist with performance experience across Europe and the US. Yuxin's foray into film in 2018 sparked a passion for audio, leading to deep immersion in film scoring, audio post-production and sound design since 2019. As an indie musician, Yuxin released the EP "Pink Area" in 2021.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When Gracie stumbles upon old photographs, she discovers a concealed love story behind the images. Gracie then embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, where she grapples with being out in her own identity and emotions for her girl friend, Phoebe.
As Gracie continues to delve into the mystery behind the photographs in search of the people they portray, she confronts the complexities of queer relationships and the challenges endured by those who came before her. Wrestling with her own fears and insecurities, Gracie finds the courage to embrace her true self and the love that defines her.
Gracie played by Christina Hilliard
Gracie (22, Female, Asian American) is a quiet and introspective photographer, often retreating into herself and her work to avoid confronting her own emotions. She finds it difficult to express vulnerability, masking her true feelings behind a calm exterior, while yearning for deeper connections and self-understanding.
Phoebe played by Whit Bates
Phoebe (21, Female) is confident and outgoing, embracing her sexuality and desires with clarity and assertiveness. Her playful warmth and directness highlight the contrast with Gracie’s reticence, driving her to push for a deeper connection despite the emotional barriers.
The aesthetic of *Love in Process* blends intimate realism with nostalgic surrealism, using wide shots and long focal lengths to emphasize emotional distance. Dream sequences shot in grainy Super 8 Black and White evoke a wistful, timeless quality, contrasting Gracie’s internal struggles with her identity.
Gracie's Isolation
- Wide Shots: Gracie will be framed in expansive wide shots, reinforcing her physical and emotional isolation. The vastness around her will symbolize her internal loneliness, as she struggles to connect with those closest to her.
Observer’s Lens
- Long Focal Lengths: By utilizing longer focal lengths, Gracie will appear more distanced from her surroundings, placing her in the role of an observer. This choice will emphasize her discomfort with intimacy and her fear of being exposed, as though she is on the outside looking in.
Dream Sequences
- Nostalgia & Surrealism: In dream sequences where Gracie imagines the hidden lives behind the photographs, we will switch to Super 8 Black and White film. The grainy, textured quality of this medium will evoke a sense of faded nostalgia, while also creating a surreal, timeless atmosphere that reflects Gracie’s romanticized longing for connection.
Love in Process is vital today as it reclaims lesbian history in an era where queer visibility is growing but remains underrepresented, especially in nuanced, complex ways. By paying homage to the pioneering lesbian photographers of the 20th century, the film bridges the gap between past and present, offering a healing narrative for contemporary queer audiences who yearn to see their identities reflected authentically. In a cinematic landscape that has often erased or sidelined dyke culture, this story asserts that lesbians have always been here, challenging the ongoing cultural gatekeeping and affirming the beauty, struggle, and resilience of queer women throughout history.
We will be filming at the end of October all over the Chicagoland area in locations given generously to us by close collaborators of our director, Rey Tang. Many of our heads of departments have been secured and we recently cast all our lead and supporting players.
We still need your help! The funds will propel us through production, ensuring we can pay our generous and dedicated team of creatives and bring our team's artistic vision to life. Here’s how your contributions will power our journey:
When we get the GREEN LIGHT, reaching 80% of our goal, we plan to allocate funds to pay our cast, crew, equipment, crafty, and art.
When we reach 100% of our goal, we will be able to give a stipend to our producers and have our post-production needs covered and funds to dedicate to film festival fees. Some festivals we'd love to consider:
- NewFest - New York's LGBTQ+ film festival showcasing diverse queer narratives.
- San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival (Frameline) - One of the largest LGBTQ+ film festivals globally.
- Inside Out Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival - A key festival in Canada for LGBTQ+ films.
- Out on Film - Atlanta’s festival that highlights queer cinema.
- Cleveland International Film Festival - Features queer films among its diverse selection.
If we are lucky enough to exceed our goal, we hope to be able to pay our cast and crew as close to their full rate as possible and potentially give a small gift to our friends who have so kindly donated their spaces as locations for the shoot.
Give Today. As a microbudget short, any financial support would go a long way.
Services. Know of anyone in your community willing to donate their services? Chef? Photographer? Driver? Store front owner? We would love to have your help.
Spread the Word. Please tell someone else about the project! By engaging with potential viewers through social media, screenings, and other events, we hope to cultivate a dedicated following who are eager to support our work.
Follow us. Follow our journey by taking a look at our social media profiles (@rm.19productions and @reytangerine) and following our Seed&Spark Campaign where we'll put frequent updates!
Check out our event! We have a fundraising event at Dorothy's on October 9th, come support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production and Producer Fees
Costs $800
Our producers have given much of their time freely, but we'd love to pay them and also cover hard drives and production kits.
Cast
Costs $850
Our cast (leads and support) agreed to a generous rate for the love of the story, but it's important for us to give our talent what we can!
Crew
Costs $3,550
Our crew members have agreed to a generous rate and we want to be able to pay them that and more if possible!
Camera Equipment
Costs $800
We are hoping to get a generous discount from Keslow Camera!
G&E Equipment
Costs $200
Lighting brings the vision come to life!
Insurance
Costs $600
We got to make sure our locations, equipment, and people are covered!
Post-Production
Costs $2,100
Editing, sound, music, color, festivals -- So much to be covered in post-production!
Art Department
Costs $350
Help us build the world - wardrobe, set design, and more!
Food
Costs $750
Feed the people - crafty and meals!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Christina Hilliard (she/her) as Gracie
Christina is a mixed-Filipina, Chicago-based actress, comedian, performance artist, improviser, and sketch writer, originally from Southern California. Since moving to Chicago in 2021, Christina has built a name for herself through her wide-swinging, surrealist solo characters, culminating in her 2024 solo show “Magic Boy.” In 2023, she made her feature film debut as the titular role of Coco in Coco World. Recently, she performed in Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago Festival with her comedy group, Stir Friday Night. You can find Christina performing all over the city especially at the Annoyance and iO, as well as on the Patch Co ensemble at The Second City. As an avid gardener, food lover, and life enthusiast, Christina will happily cook her grandma’s sinigang recipe for whoever asks! :)
Whit Bates (she/they) as Phoebe
Whitney Ann Bates (they/them) is an actor and aerialist from Tennessee. Whit loves working in film to share queer, human stories. They have an MFA in Acting from Regent University and are represented by The Rock Talent Agency.
Rey Tang (She/They)
Rey Tang is a Chicago-based writer, photographer, filmmaker, and performer. Rey got her start in making short films with her friends in high school. In her senior year, she won the National Medal from Scholastic Arts and Writing. Graduating Northwestern with a degree in Radio/TV/Film, she pursued a concentration in Creative Writing for Media and Advanced Directing for the Screen. Her short films have screened in festivals such as NFMLA, Asian CineVision, CineYouth, Chicago OnScreen, and many more. Likewise, in 2022, she was selected as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Early Career Bootcamp. Later that year, she also premiered LDR Season 1 Vol. 1, a web series about queer long distance relationships that Rey wrote, starred in, and produced. In 2023, her feature in development Back to Sixteen was selected as part of Femme Fatales fellowship Fatales Forward. Rey is currently represented by Stewart Talent Agency Chicago. (@reytangerine)
Kendra is a Chicago-based cinematographer who works with both film and digital formats. She enjoys thinking about how to push, bend, and break formal conventions to tell stories and portray characters in meaningful ways. She is drawn, in particular, to projects that challenge societal norms and stigmas. Kendra believes deeply in collaboration and working alongside the director to craft a compelling visual language.
Rm. 19 Productions - Production Company
Rm. 19 has been a dedicated resource to bringing Love In Process to life. The company is dedicated to thought-provoking and innovative content that amplifies diverse voices and stories. Rm. 19's focus on fostering creative, women-led projects ensures that "Love in Process" captures the complexities of queer identity and relationships with both sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the company's ongoing mission to champion unique and impactful storytelling. (@rm.19productions)
Julia Relova (she/her) - Producer
Julia is a Filipino-American producer and director based in Chicago. She has worked in several different industries including tech, nonprofits, and entertainment. In all her work she aims to engage and connect people through storytelling. She is a co-founder of Rm. 19 Productions which produces short films, features, and events across the US including Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles. Relova works hard to take on content that is thought-provoking, fun, and women-led. Relova is proud to have received her Master's from Northwestern University for Leadership in Creative Enterprises and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Davidson College. (@juliarelova)
Jamie Kreppein (she/her) - Producer
Jamie Kreppein is a film and theatre maker based in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on championing the work of women and femme filmmakers and expanding the canon with diverse and exciting stories. She is a producer, director, live events coordinator, and stage manager, and is one of the founders of Rm. 19 Productions. Jamie is also passionate about community building and arts education, serving as the technical director and film coordinator at Warren Township High School, and as one of the leaders of Hotel Collective, a resource and network for emerging Chicago artists. Recent projects include features Roller Babiez (director, producer), Year One (co-producer, assistant director), Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, IL (associate producer, production designer), Departing Seniors (background coordinator) and short films By a Thread (associate producer, screenwriter) and Downstate (co-director).
Lalo Ayala (he/they) - Production Designer
Lalo is a Mexican-American Production Designer hailing from rural Illinois. Some of their passions include telling queer/latinx narratives, disability politics and making filmwork more accessible to all. They are most excited about getting the opportunity to help build a supportive and inclusive film community in their hometown of Chicago. They regard vulnerability as an asset and kindness as superpower.
Yuxin Liu (they/them) - Sound
Yuxin is a versatile sound professional based in Chicago with a background in music, initially as a pianist with performance experience across Europe and the US. Yuxin's foray into film in 2018 sparked a passion for audio, leading to deep immersion in film scoring, audio post-production and sound design since 2019. As an indie musician, Yuxin released the EP "Pink Area" in 2021.