Magical Girls
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Shorts Program
Two queer, twentysomething best friends discover their strengths and battle their flaws, looking for connection at a college costume party.
Magical Girls
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Shorts Program
Green Light
This campaign raised $14,574 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
135 supporters | followers
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Two queer, twentysomething best friends discover their strengths and battle their flaws, looking for connection at a college costume party.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"Magical Girls" is a coming-of-age story about two queer twentysomethings and best friends: Edie and Thea. The story begins with the two getting ready for a college Halloween costume party. Edie, anxious and quiet in demeanor, is nervous about making the move on her longtime crush, Sam. While Thea, who's outgoing with a grungy edge, is looking for a one-night stand to rebound after a long-term relationship.
Director's Statement
As a queer twentysomething, I want to tell the stories I wish I had growing up. Stories of queer love and friendship that aren't always traumatic or have the queer identity being a driving force of conflict.
By telling Magical Girls, I'm reflecting on my own journey of self-discovery - full of myself and my people trying our best, making mistakes, expanding our world, and finding our place in it.
Look/Feel
This Halloween College Costume Party is an intimately dreamy, electric, and stylized atmosphere. Our set will be decorated in art, beer pong, and drugs. Everyone is going all out to show off their hottest costumes. It's an absolute rager. The audience follows Edie and Thea as they navigate intense and vulnerable conversations, and indulge in various substances portrayed through a trip-induced lens.
Timeline
We are currently in pre-production. Our full queer-led cast and crew have been busy with test shoots, rehearsals, and fundraising.
We will be shooting the last week of August! Then, wrapping out the year in post-production to begin our distribution plan in 2024.
Budget Goals
We are asking for your help to raise $12,434. This will cover our minimum production costs, including feeding our cast and crew, equipment rentals, and festival submissions.
Stretch Goals
- If we raise $21,096, we can cover the purchasing and processing costs to shoot on 16mm film! Why film? We work professionally in this medium and believe film brings to life the characters and spaces through its cinematic visual qualities. As film enthusiasts, we intend to keep this format alive as it does our stories.
- If we raise $31,000, we can pay our cast and crew a fair wage. We are all industry workers who are unemployed due to the writer's strike. Everyone is volunteering their time to make "Magical Girls" happen. We couldn't do this without our fabulous team.
Distribution and Marketing
Our distribution plan begins with submitting to film festivals in the 2024 season.
We will release Magical Girls in time for the Halloween season with ambitions to host film screenings at local Chicago venues, such as LGBT businesses, reaching our local target audience.
Lastly, we will submit our film to online short film platforms, such as Short of the Week, Vimeo Staff Picks, and Omeleto, making “Magical Girls” accessible to our audience nationwide.
Please Follow & Share!
Sharing our campaign on your social media is as helpful as a contribution. And doing BOTH goes a long way to helping bring 'Magical Girls' to life!
You can follow our journey on Instagram @magicalgirlsfilm
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT
We want to thank you for believing in us and our story!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Development & Pre-Production
Costs $465
Including copyright fees and printing costs to fundraise. These costs will ensure our crowdfunding campaign is a success!
Cast and Crew Meals
Costs $2,080
This project wouldn't happen without our incredible cast & crew! This money will provide lunch & coffee to 35 people for 4 days of shooting
Production Design
Costs $1,600
This money will create our Halloween costume party atmosphere: allocated to our Set Decoration, Costumes, Props, Hair & Makeup, and SPFX
Legal Fees, Accounting, & Insurance
Costs $979
Costs associated with purchasing production insurance and filing our LLC
Camera, Grip, & Electric Rentals
Costs $3,000
It's a party, and we want it to look good! This cost covers our rental package for things like camera lenses, lights, and grip gear.
Seed&Spark Fees
Costs $592
Seed&Spark takes about 3% of how much we fundraise. This money covers the costs associated with using the crowdfunding site you're on.
Music Licensing
Costs $500
We want our party to sound good! This money covers the licensing fees to create our party soundscape.
Marketing & Distribution
Costs $1,300
Help us connect our film with our target audience! This money goes towards our festival submissions and marketing costs.
10% Contingency
Costs $1,918
This money is set aside for the protection of any unforeseen incident that may occur while bringing "Magical Girls" to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Creative Team of Magical Girls:
Laney Naling - Writer & Director (She/Her/Hers)
Laney comes from a visual background, having studied cinematography at Columbia College Chicago. Her professional credits working in the camera department include Amazon’s “Night Sky,” Disney+ “Saturdays,” Hulu’s “The Bear,” and MUBI’s upcoming feature, “My First Film.” Laney loves to explore the dynamics of friendship and lovers in queer, women-led stories - themes you will see in “Magical Girls,” her directorial debut. Laney is inspired by Chantal Ackerman, Ashley Connor, Celine Sciamma, & Miranda July.
Madi Delk - Producer (She/Her/Hers)
Madi Delk is a filmmaker who believes the power of storytelling can change the world. She directs and produces stories that challenge the narrative about women’s issues and advocate for environmental justice. Credits include “Empire,” “Power Book IV: Force,” and most recently as the Executive Producers’/Showrunner/Director's Assistant on Amazon Studio’s “Night Sky.” Madi graduated in 2018 from DePaul University with a double major in Theatre Arts, Directing, and Community Psychology; and a double minor in Management and Community Service Studies.
Julia Benson - Director of Photography (She/Her/Hers)
Julia graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2020 with a focus in cinematography. Since graduation, Julia became a Local 476 member as a grip and electrician, working on shows such as “Night Sky,” “The Bear,” “The Chi,” “Beanie Mania,” and “Invitation to a Murder.” Julia is inspired by films grounded in reality, with a touch of surrealism that delves into a person’s psyche.
Brianna Pitterle - Production Designer (She/Her/Hers)
Brianna studied film with a concentration in production design at Columbia College Chicago. She was nominated for Best Set Design at IndieX Film Festival for her work on the film "Z is For..." Other Production Designer credits include "Decrescendo," and "Bookstore Snippets," where she also acted as the Costume Designer.
Lariana Santiago - Costume Designer (She/Her/Hers)
Lariana was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She was the Assistant Costume Designer on “The Bear” and “Night Sky.” Credits also include “Somebody Somewhere,” “4400,” “Chicago Med,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “The Chi.” In her spare time, Lariana loves curating and styling parties and dinners.
Meet the Cast of Magical Girls:
Kiah McKirnan - "Sam" (She/Her/They)
Originally from the City of Chicago, Kiah McKirnan can be seen opposite J.K Simmons & Sissy Spacek in Amazon’s “Night Sky,” alongside Kate Winslet in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” & most recently as the lead in “Perpetrator,” a feminist horror directed by Jennifer Reeder, coming to Shudder in September 2023. @kiahmckirnan
Sierra Kruse - "Edie" (She/Her/Hers)
Sierra Kruse is an actor, poet, and activist from Portland, OR. Now in Chicago, she has been seen on stage recently in the devised play, “The F*ggots and their Friends Between Revolutions” based on the book of the same name. In her work, Sierra focuses on the female experience, specifically the balance between modern candor and poetic beauty through a working-class lens.
Theodore Caballero - "Thea" (They/Them/Theirs)
Theodore Caballero is a Chicago-based LGBTQIA+ actor. Beginning their acting career at five years old, Theo has performed in eight films varying in genre and topic. Some of their most notable works are "Boysenberry Night" (2022) and "Cerecloth" (2023). Theo enjoys acting in projects that push their physical and mental limits and is ecstatic to be a part of "Magical Girls".
Matt Grimes - “Chris” (He/They)
Matt is a Massachusetts-born, Chicago-based actor signed with Promote Talent Agency. Credits include "First Girlfriend," "Ordinary People," and "Day Break." He is also a freelance photographer, tarot reader, and astrologer. Matt is excited to finally play a non-binary character in "Magical Girls."
Nicki Rossi - “Andie” (She/They)
Nicki is a senior acting major at Columbia College Chicago. You may recognize her from projects such as “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again,” and “Head Over Heels.” They are a lover of all things performance and expression. Finding satisfaction in the creation of it all.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"Magical Girls" is a coming-of-age story about two queer twentysomethings and best friends: Edie and Thea. The story begins with the two getting ready for a college Halloween costume party. Edie, anxious and quiet in demeanor, is nervous about making the move on her longtime crush, Sam. While Thea, who's outgoing with a grungy edge, is looking for a one-night stand to rebound after a long-term relationship.
Director's Statement
As a queer twentysomething, I want to tell the stories I wish I had growing up. Stories of queer love and friendship that aren't always traumatic or have the queer identity being a driving force of conflict.
By telling Magical Girls, I'm reflecting on my own journey of self-discovery - full of myself and my people trying our best, making mistakes, expanding our world, and finding our place in it.
Look/Feel
This Halloween College Costume Party is an intimately dreamy, electric, and stylized atmosphere. Our set will be decorated in art, beer pong, and drugs. Everyone is going all out to show off their hottest costumes. It's an absolute rager. The audience follows Edie and Thea as they navigate intense and vulnerable conversations, and indulge in various substances portrayed through a trip-induced lens.
Timeline
We are currently in pre-production. Our full queer-led cast and crew have been busy with test shoots, rehearsals, and fundraising.
We will be shooting the last week of August! Then, wrapping out the year in post-production to begin our distribution plan in 2024.
Budget Goals
We are asking for your help to raise $12,434. This will cover our minimum production costs, including feeding our cast and crew, equipment rentals, and festival submissions.
Stretch Goals
- If we raise $21,096, we can cover the purchasing and processing costs to shoot on 16mm film! Why film? We work professionally in this medium and believe film brings to life the characters and spaces through its cinematic visual qualities. As film enthusiasts, we intend to keep this format alive as it does our stories.
- If we raise $31,000, we can pay our cast and crew a fair wage. We are all industry workers who are unemployed due to the writer's strike. Everyone is volunteering their time to make "Magical Girls" happen. We couldn't do this without our fabulous team.
Distribution and Marketing
Our distribution plan begins with submitting to film festivals in the 2024 season.
We will release Magical Girls in time for the Halloween season with ambitions to host film screenings at local Chicago venues, such as LGBT businesses, reaching our local target audience.
Lastly, we will submit our film to online short film platforms, such as Short of the Week, Vimeo Staff Picks, and Omeleto, making “Magical Girls” accessible to our audience nationwide.
Please Follow & Share!
Sharing our campaign on your social media is as helpful as a contribution. And doing BOTH goes a long way to helping bring 'Magical Girls' to life!
You can follow our journey on Instagram @magicalgirlsfilm
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT
We want to thank you for believing in us and our story!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Development & Pre-Production
Costs $465
Including copyright fees and printing costs to fundraise. These costs will ensure our crowdfunding campaign is a success!
Cast and Crew Meals
Costs $2,080
This project wouldn't happen without our incredible cast & crew! This money will provide lunch & coffee to 35 people for 4 days of shooting
Production Design
Costs $1,600
This money will create our Halloween costume party atmosphere: allocated to our Set Decoration, Costumes, Props, Hair & Makeup, and SPFX
Legal Fees, Accounting, & Insurance
Costs $979
Costs associated with purchasing production insurance and filing our LLC
Camera, Grip, & Electric Rentals
Costs $3,000
It's a party, and we want it to look good! This cost covers our rental package for things like camera lenses, lights, and grip gear.
Seed&Spark Fees
Costs $592
Seed&Spark takes about 3% of how much we fundraise. This money covers the costs associated with using the crowdfunding site you're on.
Music Licensing
Costs $500
We want our party to sound good! This money covers the licensing fees to create our party soundscape.
Marketing & Distribution
Costs $1,300
Help us connect our film with our target audience! This money goes towards our festival submissions and marketing costs.
10% Contingency
Costs $1,918
This money is set aside for the protection of any unforeseen incident that may occur while bringing "Magical Girls" to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Creative Team of Magical Girls:
Laney Naling - Writer & Director (She/Her/Hers)
Laney comes from a visual background, having studied cinematography at Columbia College Chicago. Her professional credits working in the camera department include Amazon’s “Night Sky,” Disney+ “Saturdays,” Hulu’s “The Bear,” and MUBI’s upcoming feature, “My First Film.” Laney loves to explore the dynamics of friendship and lovers in queer, women-led stories - themes you will see in “Magical Girls,” her directorial debut. Laney is inspired by Chantal Ackerman, Ashley Connor, Celine Sciamma, & Miranda July.
Madi Delk - Producer (She/Her/Hers)
Madi Delk is a filmmaker who believes the power of storytelling can change the world. She directs and produces stories that challenge the narrative about women’s issues and advocate for environmental justice. Credits include “Empire,” “Power Book IV: Force,” and most recently as the Executive Producers’/Showrunner/Director's Assistant on Amazon Studio’s “Night Sky.” Madi graduated in 2018 from DePaul University with a double major in Theatre Arts, Directing, and Community Psychology; and a double minor in Management and Community Service Studies.
Julia Benson - Director of Photography (She/Her/Hers)
Julia graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2020 with a focus in cinematography. Since graduation, Julia became a Local 476 member as a grip and electrician, working on shows such as “Night Sky,” “The Bear,” “The Chi,” “Beanie Mania,” and “Invitation to a Murder.” Julia is inspired by films grounded in reality, with a touch of surrealism that delves into a person’s psyche.
Brianna Pitterle - Production Designer (She/Her/Hers)
Brianna studied film with a concentration in production design at Columbia College Chicago. She was nominated for Best Set Design at IndieX Film Festival for her work on the film "Z is For..." Other Production Designer credits include "Decrescendo," and "Bookstore Snippets," where she also acted as the Costume Designer.
Lariana Santiago - Costume Designer (She/Her/Hers)
Lariana was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She was the Assistant Costume Designer on “The Bear” and “Night Sky.” Credits also include “Somebody Somewhere,” “4400,” “Chicago Med,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “The Chi.” In her spare time, Lariana loves curating and styling parties and dinners.
Meet the Cast of Magical Girls:
Kiah McKirnan - "Sam" (She/Her/They)
Originally from the City of Chicago, Kiah McKirnan can be seen opposite J.K Simmons & Sissy Spacek in Amazon’s “Night Sky,” alongside Kate Winslet in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” & most recently as the lead in “Perpetrator,” a feminist horror directed by Jennifer Reeder, coming to Shudder in September 2023. @kiahmckirnan
Sierra Kruse - "Edie" (She/Her/Hers)
Sierra Kruse is an actor, poet, and activist from Portland, OR. Now in Chicago, she has been seen on stage recently in the devised play, “The F*ggots and their Friends Between Revolutions” based on the book of the same name. In her work, Sierra focuses on the female experience, specifically the balance between modern candor and poetic beauty through a working-class lens.
Theodore Caballero - "Thea" (They/Them/Theirs)
Theodore Caballero is a Chicago-based LGBTQIA+ actor. Beginning their acting career at five years old, Theo has performed in eight films varying in genre and topic. Some of their most notable works are "Boysenberry Night" (2022) and "Cerecloth" (2023). Theo enjoys acting in projects that push their physical and mental limits and is ecstatic to be a part of "Magical Girls".
Matt Grimes - “Chris” (He/They)
Matt is a Massachusetts-born, Chicago-based actor signed with Promote Talent Agency. Credits include "First Girlfriend," "Ordinary People," and "Day Break." He is also a freelance photographer, tarot reader, and astrologer. Matt is excited to finally play a non-binary character in "Magical Girls."
Nicki Rossi - “Andie” (She/They)
Nicki is a senior acting major at Columbia College Chicago. You may recognize her from projects such as “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again,” and “Head Over Heels.” They are a lover of all things performance and expression. Finding satisfaction in the creation of it all.