Nectar
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Romance
Two neighbors form a voyeuristic connection through the windows of their apartments, in search of escape from their separate worlds. Xavier is an expressive poet looking to break his writer's block. Omar is reserved, finding freedom in this newfound exploration of his sexuality.
Nectar
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Romance
1 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
5 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$768
Goal: $7,000 for production
Two neighbors form a voyeuristic connection through the windows of their apartments, in search of escape from their separate worlds. Xavier is an expressive poet looking to break his writer's block. Omar is reserved, finding freedom in this newfound exploration of his sexuality.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
Nectar is a story about two strangers who connect through their windows. It's sensual, exciting, and full of yearning. But its inception came from a place of separation and isolation.
After a move to a new neighborhood, Nectar's writer/director, Topher Leon, was living alone, working remotely, and feeling distant from the world around him. As a new house was being constructed in the neighboring lot with a window directly across from his, he began imagining this future bystander into his life.
It was through this contemplation that the story of Nectar began. It started as an examination of barriers to connection, of voyeurism, of queer sensuality between strangers. Until it became two formed characters: Xavier and Omar. Xavier is a free-spirited poet that is escaping heartbreak and weighed down by writer's block. Omar is reserved, but eager to discover a new form of connecting as he deals with family challenges.
THE PROOF OF CONCEPT
We shot a proof of concept teaser to invite potential supporters into Nectar.
Get a taste (get it?) of Nectar and help us bring this world to life. Watch below and enjoy!
THE BUDGET
Our production goal is $7,000, and we need to reach at least 80% to get funded. These funds will cover the BASICS OF PRODUCTION — cast and crew wages, food, equipment rentals, production design, locations, etc. Costs are estimates.
Crew (40%)
The backbone of production. This budget supports the skilled professionals handling cinematography, lighting, sound, and intimacy coordination.
Cast (15%)
The heart of our story. We’re committed to assembling a talented cast, with a mix of working actors and rising talent, all fairly compensated for their work.
Equipment (15%)
Professional cameras, lighting, and sound gear to capture the vibrant essence of the story with cinematic quality.
Production Design (12%)
The costumes, set pieces, and props needed to craft a visually rich world.
Catering & Craft Services (10%)
Keeping the team fueled for long shooting days.
Location (8%)
Covers the costs of securing two separate residential locations to bring Nectar to life.
THE WORLD
Below are some visuals and details about the tone and color of the world of Nectar. With this short film, we are hoping to convey an intimate, lush world filled with longing, anticipation, and warmth.
The Boy Next Door, 2015
Police Academy, 1984
Chris Fernandez, Isolation 2020
Thomas Pringault, Shutterstock
Check out this curated playlist of music that conveys the tone of Nectar. If you have any suggestions of other songs to add, DM us on Nectar's Instagram (@nectar_film)
or reach out to [email protected].
A desire for closeness through physical barriers can sometimes imbue a deeper sense of intimacy. Not only are the characters playing with voyeurism, but the audience is invited into this secret to see what happens behind closed doors in full view of the window across alleyways. The risk of getting caught is worth the benefit of being seen and experiencing something magical.
Ultimately, this is a story of sensuality. The separation and shared anticipation heightens the tension. It is grounded by dramatic elements, but its flirty sense of humor brings levity and light. While the characters work through distance and through communication, they are both chasing something new. They both find escape and passion in this new person they’ve only met through their windows.
If the fantasy is the soft flesh of the fruit, the vivacity of connection is the juice. The nectar.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rental
Costs $560
Two locations, with close proximity, and shared sightlines are needed for this film. This is for scouting and renting!
Equipment Rental
Costs $1,050
Cameras, sound equipment, rental fees, and more. What it takes to make a film!
Craft Services
Costs $700
Folks gotta eat! This will help pay for food, snacks, coffee, and more to keep everyone energized.
Production Design
Costs $840
The script calls for some fruit, books, flowy clothes, a phone, and maybe even a joint!
Crew Stipends
Costs $2,800
The skilled professionals handling cinematography, lighting, sound, and intimacy coordination. The backbone of a production!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Topher Leon - writer and director
Topher Leon is an ALTA Award-nominated theatre and film director. He loves eating fresh pears, being gay, and reading Mary Oliver poems. Selected directing credits include: "Desire in a Tinier House" (Pride Films & Plays); "Love, and Other Tragedies" (Baby Pomegranate Productions); "Go Tonight" (The Mad Ones Lab);"Salt Fire" and "Appalachian Dove Song" (Pride Arts). Selected assisting credits include "We're Gonna Be Okay" (American Theater Company); "PUNK" (The New Coordinates); "Resolution" and "BITE" (Pride Films & Plays). Topher has also worked with Bay Street Theater, The Factory Theater, Redtwist Theatre, and more.
Cody Dericks - actor playing the role of Xavier
Cody Dericks has been a Chicago resident for almost 11 years and an out homosexual for almost 20. Previous Chicago theatrical credits include "Oliver!", "Hairspray", and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", along with the very gay plays "Afterglow", "Holding the Man", and "Jerker." Cody is thankful to Topher for ending what he's called his "soft retirement" from acting. Lately, you can find him singing and dancing, along with choreographing, for both the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and the Kiki Queens. Although he famously struggles to comprehend poetry thanks to owning an aggressively literal mind, he considers the lyrics of Jeff Buckley to be some of the most gorgeous elevated language ever written. That Shakespeare guy isn't so bad either. Follow him everywhere and read his many many thoughts on film @codymonster91
Rich Adrian Lazatin - actor playing the role of Omar
Rich Adrian Lazatin is honored to be part of this beautiful, queer short. Previous film credits include “Eat Cute” (dir. RJ Silva), “Debaters” (dir. Alex Heller - 2025 Sundance Film Festival Selection), and “Patient” (dir. Lori Felker). Theatre credits include “King Lear” (CIRCA Pintig Theatre), “Concentration” (Ruth Page), and “YPF39” (Pegasus Theatre). Rich would like to thank his friends, his family, and his partner for their unending support. Rich is represented by Gray Talent Group.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
Nectar is a story about two strangers who connect through their windows. It's sensual, exciting, and full of yearning. But its inception came from a place of separation and isolation.
After a move to a new neighborhood, Nectar's writer/director, Topher Leon, was living alone, working remotely, and feeling distant from the world around him. As a new house was being constructed in the neighboring lot with a window directly across from his, he began imagining this future bystander into his life.
It was through this contemplation that the story of Nectar began. It started as an examination of barriers to connection, of voyeurism, of queer sensuality between strangers. Until it became two formed characters: Xavier and Omar. Xavier is a free-spirited poet that is escaping heartbreak and weighed down by writer's block. Omar is reserved, but eager to discover a new form of connecting as he deals with family challenges.
THE PROOF OF CONCEPT
We shot a proof of concept teaser to invite potential supporters into Nectar.
Get a taste (get it?) of Nectar and help us bring this world to life. Watch below and enjoy!
THE BUDGET
Our production goal is $7,000, and we need to reach at least 80% to get funded. These funds will cover the BASICS OF PRODUCTION — cast and crew wages, food, equipment rentals, production design, locations, etc. Costs are estimates.
Crew (40%)
The backbone of production. This budget supports the skilled professionals handling cinematography, lighting, sound, and intimacy coordination.
Cast (15%)
The heart of our story. We’re committed to assembling a talented cast, with a mix of working actors and rising talent, all fairly compensated for their work.
Equipment (15%)
Professional cameras, lighting, and sound gear to capture the vibrant essence of the story with cinematic quality.
Production Design (12%)
The costumes, set pieces, and props needed to craft a visually rich world.
Catering & Craft Services (10%)
Keeping the team fueled for long shooting days.
Location (8%)
Covers the costs of securing two separate residential locations to bring Nectar to life.
THE WORLD
Below are some visuals and details about the tone and color of the world of Nectar. With this short film, we are hoping to convey an intimate, lush world filled with longing, anticipation, and warmth.
The Boy Next Door, 2015
Police Academy, 1984
Chris Fernandez, Isolation 2020
Thomas Pringault, Shutterstock
Check out this curated playlist of music that conveys the tone of Nectar. If you have any suggestions of other songs to add, DM us on Nectar's Instagram (@nectar_film)
or reach out to [email protected].
A desire for closeness through physical barriers can sometimes imbue a deeper sense of intimacy. Not only are the characters playing with voyeurism, but the audience is invited into this secret to see what happens behind closed doors in full view of the window across alleyways. The risk of getting caught is worth the benefit of being seen and experiencing something magical.
Ultimately, this is a story of sensuality. The separation and shared anticipation heightens the tension. It is grounded by dramatic elements, but its flirty sense of humor brings levity and light. While the characters work through distance and through communication, they are both chasing something new. They both find escape and passion in this new person they’ve only met through their windows.
If the fantasy is the soft flesh of the fruit, the vivacity of connection is the juice. The nectar.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rental
Costs $560
Two locations, with close proximity, and shared sightlines are needed for this film. This is for scouting and renting!
Equipment Rental
Costs $1,050
Cameras, sound equipment, rental fees, and more. What it takes to make a film!
Craft Services
Costs $700
Folks gotta eat! This will help pay for food, snacks, coffee, and more to keep everyone energized.
Production Design
Costs $840
The script calls for some fruit, books, flowy clothes, a phone, and maybe even a joint!
Crew Stipends
Costs $2,800
The skilled professionals handling cinematography, lighting, sound, and intimacy coordination. The backbone of a production!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Topher Leon - writer and director
Topher Leon is an ALTA Award-nominated theatre and film director. He loves eating fresh pears, being gay, and reading Mary Oliver poems. Selected directing credits include: "Desire in a Tinier House" (Pride Films & Plays); "Love, and Other Tragedies" (Baby Pomegranate Productions); "Go Tonight" (The Mad Ones Lab);"Salt Fire" and "Appalachian Dove Song" (Pride Arts). Selected assisting credits include "We're Gonna Be Okay" (American Theater Company); "PUNK" (The New Coordinates); "Resolution" and "BITE" (Pride Films & Plays). Topher has also worked with Bay Street Theater, The Factory Theater, Redtwist Theatre, and more.
Cody Dericks - actor playing the role of Xavier
Cody Dericks has been a Chicago resident for almost 11 years and an out homosexual for almost 20. Previous Chicago theatrical credits include "Oliver!", "Hairspray", and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", along with the very gay plays "Afterglow", "Holding the Man", and "Jerker." Cody is thankful to Topher for ending what he's called his "soft retirement" from acting. Lately, you can find him singing and dancing, along with choreographing, for both the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and the Kiki Queens. Although he famously struggles to comprehend poetry thanks to owning an aggressively literal mind, he considers the lyrics of Jeff Buckley to be some of the most gorgeous elevated language ever written. That Shakespeare guy isn't so bad either. Follow him everywhere and read his many many thoughts on film @codymonster91
Rich Adrian Lazatin - actor playing the role of Omar
Rich Adrian Lazatin is honored to be part of this beautiful, queer short. Previous film credits include “Eat Cute” (dir. RJ Silva), “Debaters” (dir. Alex Heller - 2025 Sundance Film Festival Selection), and “Patient” (dir. Lori Felker). Theatre credits include “King Lear” (CIRCA Pintig Theatre), “Concentration” (Ruth Page), and “YPF39” (Pegasus Theatre). Rich would like to thank his friends, his family, and his partner for their unending support. Rich is represented by Gray Talent Group.