Midnight Snack
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Animation, Comedy
An 11-year-old psychiatric patient sneaks out for a late night snack, only for her to discover a vampire.
Green Light
This campaign raised $14,087 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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An 11-year-old psychiatric patient sneaks out for a late night snack, only for her to discover a vampire.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
INTRODUCTION
“Midnight Snack” is a 5-7 minute 2D adult animated comedy short that serves as a proof of concept for a larger series titled "Off the Edge." This is my thesis short film to complete my Masters' degree in Writing and Producing for TV at Loyola Marymount University.
THE PLOT
At Cliffside Children's Psychiatric Hospital, 11-year-old conspiracy theorist HARLEY DAVID sneaks out for a midnight snack. However, in between sips of juice and digging around for snacks, she discovers vampires are the cause of overdrawing blood (a form of medical abuse). So, she takes it upon herself to convince the vampire to spare her friends.
Warning: This film may or may not include Scooby Doo chase scenes, obscure pop culture references, and other ridiculous jokes.
MEET HARLEY
An 11-year-old fifth grader with BPD, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD. Raised by her poor Aunt and Uncle after her parents were removed from custody, Harley is a tough cookie.
Because she’s trans/non-binary Harley gets her own room to herself! SUPER AWESOME, right?? She totally loves to decorate her space full of KTS (BTS) merch, outline the wall with conspiracy theories, and just do gwirly things! Ya know, like take testosterone and plan for the inevitable government takeover...
MEET THE VAMPIRE
A 60-year-old vampire that figured out less attention means less death (of his own kind!) A set up in a psych ward means endless blood from endless people, and if someone sees a vampire, no one will believe them! HA!
But the life of a vampire is so BORING SOMETIMES. Lots of yuck stuff, not enough powers, and the same routine every day can get real old. Maybe the plan was too smart. If he got caught it'd be nice to confess his secrets. Even if he has to deal with a dead body afterwards.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Hi! My name is Alyssa Landrith. I am a current graduate student in Writing and Producing for TV at Loyola Marymount University! I am an award-winning writer and producer, who uses comedy as a way to heal from tragedy, including my own experience in a psych ward.
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At the beginning of 2023, I checked myself into a psychiatric ward for depression and suicidal thoughts. The pressures in my life surrounding personal relationships, my career, and post-traumatic stress from my past suddenly crumbled the perception of my world. I needed a break from reality and a plan on how to fix my life.
Being in a psychiatric ward is like entering a whole new world closed off from the outside. I came across incompetent doctors, that didn't even bother to get to the root of what happened to me and how to fix it. They also tried to take my blood FIVE TIMES in THREE DAYS! This, alongside the mostly kind but the occasionally power-hungry nurses, alongside many amazing and unimaginable people led to an unforgettable experience in the ward.
I made friends, got threatened, and witnessed first-hand the horrors and wonders of the medical industry. And I also had some of the biggest laughs of my life, which inspired this short as a proof of concept for a larger TV series titled "Off the Edge."
WELCOME TO CLIFFSIDE CHILDREN'S
A Scooby Doo Mansion + Children's Hospital, Cliffside Children's Psychiatric Facility is named for the gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean off the edge of the property's cliff. No comment on patient interactions with said cliff.
FEATURED STAFF
Jesús
A nurse that saw Jesus in his own private way, Jesús is a chosen name, meant to reflect his new journey in the world of mental health as an “angel.” Despite good intentions, Jesus is self-absorbed, flamboyant af, more often focused on his rivalry with Mr. Carl than he is on patients, and typically tends to do things more because they’re fun rather than something he has to do. That adorable candy striper uniform? He knows Mr. Carl is shitting himself he’s so pissed.
TONE & DESIGN
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THE FINANCIAL STUFF
Where Does the Money Go?
It goes to the Pre-Production, Production, Post-production and Marketing! These steps are all crucial the development and success of an indie film.
Pre-Production: Designing, Colors, Storyboard, and Rigging. Designers create the look of the characters, backgrounds, and props. A Storyboard artist develops the shots within the film. Riggers take the character and prop designs and create them into moving digital puppets that move like people with limbs.
Production: Animation, Composing, Voice Recording. Animation clocks every moment of every limb. For every second, there are 24 single frames of movement. This means animating 12 shots per second. This is 840 shots per animator. A composer writers the film score from scratch, making sure to emphasize tone, feel, and character per scene. Actors record together in a booth to bring the characters to life.
Post-Production: Compositing, Editing, and Sound Design. A compositor color corrects the film, accentuating mood, tone, and enhancing design. Editors marry each shot of the film with the score, voice recording, and the sound. A sound mixer blends the music, sound elements, and voices to create a synchronous and smooth final sound.
Why is Animation So Expensive, Alyssa?
Honestly, this work is hours and hours of labor done for the love of the art. Most of my team are recent graduates, and we'd like to pay them as much as we are able at the student level. For comparison, a single episode of Family Guy costs $2 million dollars, while South Park costs $1 million per episode. So, in comparison, this film is dramatically cheaper.
Why Fund a Film Festival Submission / Marketing?
Film Festivals are HUGE publicity for a film and leads to more FANS!! Fans not only include film lovers and people of all ages, but also include other filmmakers, writers, agents/managers, and animators, opening the door for new connections and jobs.
If the film gets award buzz, it may open the door for distribution deals (so people can watch our film nationwide!), prestige (think "Oscar Buzz"), and possible representation or "big breaks" for our team!
What Happens When You Reach Your Goal?
We can get to work without worrying about funding! On another note, if we reach our FULL GOAL, I will personally price match 10% of the goal from my own personal funds as a donation to the charity "To Write Love Her Arms."
Our film is not only here to raise awareness for mental illness, but I'd like to take it a step further and donate from my own funds to ensure the healthcare and support of those struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. For more information about "To Write Love on Her Arms" please check out https://twloha.com/about/
Outside of Your Price Match TWLOA Donation, What Perks Can I Get From My Contribution?
We have some really exciting perks for all budget levels! This includes:
The Midnight Snack Pack! An exclusive set of pins featuring our Blood Bag Capri Sun, The Vampire (he glows-in-the-dark!), and a Bottle of Bug Spray (it makes sense in the movie! We PROMISE!).
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ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE US TO KNOW?
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU from every member of this team for supporting our work! Even if you don't donate, it would mean the world to us if you liked, followed, and shared.
**We have to reach 80% of our goal for us to keep our funding and for you to get PERKS!**
Keeping this in mind, anything you can contribute will greatly help our campaign!
Thank you again so much and be sure to make time for self-care!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Animation Software Licenses!
Costs $650
We need to animate! Rigs require up-to-date animation software and having that paid for would be a huge help!
Animators :)
Costs $5,500
The incredible people that will make Harley run off the page! We cannot do this film without them!
Designers
Costs $2,000
Our gorgeous designers give us Harley, her space, and her things color and life!
Compositor
Costs $650
We need spooky colors! But in purple, blue, or grey? A compositor will answer those questions and many more!
Contingency Fund
Costs $2,000
Underestimated costs? What about a production position we didn't anticipate? For emergencies, this fund allows us to expect the unexpected.
Sound Team!
Costs $1,000
Harley is a TALKER and music lover! Strong sound, dialogue & composing will amp up the horror & comedy, and allow our sound to sync nicely.
Festival Entrees!
Costs $2,000
Festivals Foster FANS! A must for career newbies, a great festival can create a fan base and solidify our credibility as filmmakers.
Marketing
Costs $2,000
Harley wants to get the TRUTH out there, so SPREAD THE WORD! More marketing = more money + fans, which can help make the film fantastic!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CREATOR
)(8).jpg)
DESIGN TEAM
ANIMATION TEAM
)(7).jpg)
ANIMATORS
Hannah Berg
Santiago Canamar
Soovene Choi
Tina Montazer
Shiva Prasad
Rohith Annam
PRODUCING TEAM
NOTE: Our Wonderful Animators, Cast, and Composer Bios
COMING SOON!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
INTRODUCTION
“Midnight Snack” is a 5-7 minute 2D adult animated comedy short that serves as a proof of concept for a larger series titled "Off the Edge." This is my thesis short film to complete my Masters' degree in Writing and Producing for TV at Loyola Marymount University.
THE PLOT
At Cliffside Children's Psychiatric Hospital, 11-year-old conspiracy theorist HARLEY DAVID sneaks out for a midnight snack. However, in between sips of juice and digging around for snacks, she discovers vampires are the cause of overdrawing blood (a form of medical abuse). So, she takes it upon herself to convince the vampire to spare her friends.
Warning: This film may or may not include Scooby Doo chase scenes, obscure pop culture references, and other ridiculous jokes.
MEET HARLEY
An 11-year-old fifth grader with BPD, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD. Raised by her poor Aunt and Uncle after her parents were removed from custody, Harley is a tough cookie.
Because she’s trans/non-binary Harley gets her own room to herself! SUPER AWESOME, right?? She totally loves to decorate her space full of KTS (BTS) merch, outline the wall with conspiracy theories, and just do gwirly things! Ya know, like take testosterone and plan for the inevitable government takeover...
MEET THE VAMPIRE
A 60-year-old vampire that figured out less attention means less death (of his own kind!) A set up in a psych ward means endless blood from endless people, and if someone sees a vampire, no one will believe them! HA!
But the life of a vampire is so BORING SOMETIMES. Lots of yuck stuff, not enough powers, and the same routine every day can get real old. Maybe the plan was too smart. If he got caught it'd be nice to confess his secrets. Even if he has to deal with a dead body afterwards.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Hi! My name is Alyssa Landrith. I am a current graduate student in Writing and Producing for TV at Loyola Marymount University! I am an award-winning writer and producer, who uses comedy as a way to heal from tragedy, including my own experience in a psych ward.
At the beginning of 2023, I checked myself into a psychiatric ward for depression and suicidal thoughts. The pressures in my life surrounding personal relationships, my career, and post-traumatic stress from my past suddenly crumbled the perception of my world. I needed a break from reality and a plan on how to fix my life.
Being in a psychiatric ward is like entering a whole new world closed off from the outside. I came across incompetent doctors, that didn't even bother to get to the root of what happened to me and how to fix it. They also tried to take my blood FIVE TIMES in THREE DAYS! This, alongside the mostly kind but the occasionally power-hungry nurses, alongside many amazing and unimaginable people led to an unforgettable experience in the ward.
I made friends, got threatened, and witnessed first-hand the horrors and wonders of the medical industry. And I also had some of the biggest laughs of my life, which inspired this short as a proof of concept for a larger TV series titled "Off the Edge."
WELCOME TO CLIFFSIDE CHILDREN'S
A Scooby Doo Mansion + Children's Hospital, Cliffside Children's Psychiatric Facility is named for the gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean off the edge of the property's cliff. No comment on patient interactions with said cliff.
FEATURED STAFF
Jesús
A nurse that saw Jesus in his own private way, Jesús is a chosen name, meant to reflect his new journey in the world of mental health as an “angel.” Despite good intentions, Jesus is self-absorbed, flamboyant af, more often focused on his rivalry with Mr. Carl than he is on patients, and typically tends to do things more because they’re fun rather than something he has to do. That adorable candy striper uniform? He knows Mr. Carl is shitting himself he’s so pissed.
TONE & DESIGN
THE FINANCIAL STUFF
Where Does the Money Go?
It goes to the Pre-Production, Production, Post-production and Marketing! These steps are all crucial the development and success of an indie film.
Pre-Production: Designing, Colors, Storyboard, and Rigging. Designers create the look of the characters, backgrounds, and props. A Storyboard artist develops the shots within the film. Riggers take the character and prop designs and create them into moving digital puppets that move like people with limbs.
Production: Animation, Composing, Voice Recording. Animation clocks every moment of every limb. For every second, there are 24 single frames of movement. This means animating 12 shots per second. This is 840 shots per animator. A composer writers the film score from scratch, making sure to emphasize tone, feel, and character per scene. Actors record together in a booth to bring the characters to life.
Post-Production: Compositing, Editing, and Sound Design. A compositor color corrects the film, accentuating mood, tone, and enhancing design. Editors marry each shot of the film with the score, voice recording, and the sound. A sound mixer blends the music, sound elements, and voices to create a synchronous and smooth final sound.
Why is Animation So Expensive, Alyssa?
Honestly, this work is hours and hours of labor done for the love of the art. Most of my team are recent graduates, and we'd like to pay them as much as we are able at the student level. For comparison, a single episode of Family Guy costs $2 million dollars, while South Park costs $1 million per episode. So, in comparison, this film is dramatically cheaper.
Why Fund a Film Festival Submission / Marketing?
Film Festivals are HUGE publicity for a film and leads to more FANS!! Fans not only include film lovers and people of all ages, but also include other filmmakers, writers, agents/managers, and animators, opening the door for new connections and jobs.
If the film gets award buzz, it may open the door for distribution deals (so people can watch our film nationwide!), prestige (think "Oscar Buzz"), and possible representation or "big breaks" for our team!
What Happens When You Reach Your Goal?
We can get to work without worrying about funding! On another note, if we reach our FULL GOAL, I will personally price match 10% of the goal from my own personal funds as a donation to the charity "To Write Love Her Arms."
Our film is not only here to raise awareness for mental illness, but I'd like to take it a step further and donate from my own funds to ensure the healthcare and support of those struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. For more information about "To Write Love on Her Arms" please check out https://twloha.com/about/
Outside of Your Price Match TWLOA Donation, What Perks Can I Get From My Contribution?
We have some really exciting perks for all budget levels! This includes:
The Midnight Snack Pack! An exclusive set of pins featuring our Blood Bag Capri Sun, The Vampire (he glows-in-the-dark!), and a Bottle of Bug Spray (it makes sense in the movie! We PROMISE!).
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE US TO KNOW?
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU from every member of this team for supporting our work! Even if you don't donate, it would mean the world to us if you liked, followed, and shared.
**We have to reach 80% of our goal for us to keep our funding and for you to get PERKS!**
Keeping this in mind, anything you can contribute will greatly help our campaign!
Thank you again so much and be sure to make time for self-care!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Animation Software Licenses!
Costs $650
We need to animate! Rigs require up-to-date animation software and having that paid for would be a huge help!
Animators :)
Costs $5,500
The incredible people that will make Harley run off the page! We cannot do this film without them!
Designers
Costs $2,000
Our gorgeous designers give us Harley, her space, and her things color and life!
Compositor
Costs $650
We need spooky colors! But in purple, blue, or grey? A compositor will answer those questions and many more!
Contingency Fund
Costs $2,000
Underestimated costs? What about a production position we didn't anticipate? For emergencies, this fund allows us to expect the unexpected.
Sound Team!
Costs $1,000
Harley is a TALKER and music lover! Strong sound, dialogue & composing will amp up the horror & comedy, and allow our sound to sync nicely.
Festival Entrees!
Costs $2,000
Festivals Foster FANS! A must for career newbies, a great festival can create a fan base and solidify our credibility as filmmakers.
Marketing
Costs $2,000
Harley wants to get the TRUTH out there, so SPREAD THE WORD! More marketing = more money + fans, which can help make the film fantastic!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CREATOR
DESIGN TEAM
ANIMATION TEAM
ANIMATORS
Hannah Berg
Santiago Canamar
Soovene Choi
Tina Montazer
Shiva Prasad
Rohith Annam
PRODUCING TEAM