Peregrine
San Marcos, Texas | Film Short
Drama, Nature
Peregrine is about Prudence, a dancer who recently got rejected by her dream school and decides to take a trip with her sister Mia and their friends to retreat from the pain. This film deals with rejection, escapism, the healing process, & realizing what matters more than the pain you're feeling.
Peregrine
San Marcos, Texas | Film Short
Drama, Nature
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $6,482 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
49 supporters | followers
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Peregrine is about Prudence, a dancer who recently got rejected by her dream school and decides to take a trip with her sister Mia and their friends to retreat from the pain. This film deals with rejection, escapism, the healing process, & realizing what matters more than the pain you're feeling.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Synopsis: Set in the late 1960s, Peregrine is a narrative drama short film about the pain of rejection, escapism, and the process of healing. The story opens on Prudence, dancing in a studio alone and frustrated after being rejected by her dream school. In an attempt to make her feel better, Prudence’s sister Mia decides to drive them to a vacation ranch house with friends to help Prudence feel better. Mia looks for ways to get through to Prudence, who has become emotionally-distant. The only person who gets Prudence’s attention is their friend John, who has recently returned from a trip to India. Prudence becomes fascinated with the idea of meditation and looking for a peace of mind, so far as to neglect the reality around her.
Inspiration
The inspiration for Peregrine came from the real-life story behind the Beatles’ song “Dear Prudence.” In 1968 (during the transcendental meditation movement in India and the ongoing anti-war peace movements in the U.S.), the Beatles took a trip to India with a group of people, including the musician Donovan, Mia Farrow and her sister Prudence. Prudence became obsessed with meditating and would lock herself in a room for days praying. I wondered what would make someone devote themselves so strongly to spirituality to the point where they would shut themselves out from the real world they live in. Peregrine was also inspired by Donovan's song "Peregrine". The lyrics in the song are "And there will come a time when to each other we'll be kinder" / "And there will come a peace of mind." The sister relationship would ultimately be what brings Prudence back down to earth and remind her what she's missing out on. I also want to keep this story set in the late 1960s because I feel like the historical events are relevant to the themes of Peregrine.
Why this Story? Why now?
The main theme in Peregrine is very relevant (especially now) and that's searching for a peace of mind. Even as a coming-of-age story, the pain and lost sense of direction can be applied to what's going on today. Normally coming-of-age stories focus on the idea of finding yourself. Prudence is at a point in her life where she’s lost herself and is trying to find her way back. Kind of like the state of America. Prudence is dealing with deep emotional pain & existential misdirection. She is at a point when all the pieces are broken and she doesn't know where to begin to put them back together. I believe the experience Prudence is undergoing is something that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives.
Creative Vision
Peregrine's cinematography / visual approach will be an essential part of representing the emotional state of the characters and the deep themes in the narrative. Film is a visual language, so we want to make sure every shot means something and contributes to the message of the story. Symbolic imagery will be used to help convey this, such as overhead drone shots that symbolize the peregrine falcon. Water is also a recurring visual motif that represents healing. Framing and blocking will be used to visually depict the theme of distance between characters. Even though the story is almost entirely grounded in reality, there will be surrealistic elements that combat that style and elevate the theme of escapism. We have some very exciting complex shots planned for this film and we can't wait for you to see them!
Check out the director's past work:
Support the project!
Your contribution would help support the principal photography / production of the film. This includes: paying principal cast, locations, equipment rentals, food / craft services, art department, and insurance / additional expenses. Check out our wishlist for a full budget breakdown!
Our goal is $8,000—but if we were to surpass that amount, ideally, it would help fund post-production fees (sound mix + color) and festival / distribution! Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.
If you can't donate, you can also support Peregrine by: following and sharing this campaign! We'll be hosting some fundraising events as well, so please keep a look out for that. Follow @redorchidfilms on Instagram to stay updated!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $750
We're looking to secure locations, such as the ranch house and dance studio.
Cast
Costs $850
We're paying our extremely talented leading cast!
Professional Crew
Costs $1,700
We're hiring a professional cinematographer + additional key crew that can execute the complicated set-ups in the film.
Art Department
Costs $1,500
This film is set in the 1960s and we'll need a substantial budget for key period piece props, like renting a vintage car!
Catering Meals
Costs $500
To provide meals for our cast & crew during production!
Additional Expenses
Costs $1,000
Production insurance, reimbursement fees, etc.
Distribution
Costs $400
We plan to submit this short film into festivals and would like some help with the submission fees and additional costs.
Fundraising
Costs $500
We plan to allocate funds towards fundraiser events, incentive costs (printing posters, shipping, etc.), giveaways, and raffle prizes!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $800
Outside of sourcing equipment, we need a budget for gear that isn't available to us.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Emery Jones, Writer / Director / Producer / Editor (they/them): Emery is a nonbinary Texas filmmaker with a key interest in animation, symbolism, and nonbinary/queer representation. They've written and directed 7 narrative short films. Emery received Austin Film Society's Harrison McClure Endowment Fund for their 4th film, Halfway to Heaven. They graduated in December 2024 with an undergraduate degree in the Texas State University film program, and most recently in the AFS Creative Careers program.
Jasmine Aurelio, Producer (she/her): Jasmine Aurelio is a filmmaker and Texas State University alum with a focus in writing, producing, and editing. She has written, directed, and edited two short films, LEAP and Tabo, which won Best Student Short at the Dream Machine Summer 2023 Film Festival. Jasmine also co-produced Emery’s film, Halfway to Heaven, and remains committed to telling stories that uplift BIPOC voices and underrepresented perspectives.
Michelle Ragay, 1st Assistant Director (she/her): Michelle Ragay is a Filipino-American filmmaker and Air Force veteran based in Austin, Texas. Raised on a U.S. Army base in Germany, her work draws from a multicultural upbringing and a love for the surreal, often exploring identity, belonging, and family. Her background in language and military intelligence led her to work on international docuseries like Female Voice of Kurdistan. She has served as Assistant Director and Associate Producer on acclaimed short films including Encore, which screened at Hofer Filmtage, and Das Cello, which premiered at Tirana Film Fest. A recent alum of the WGF Veterans Writing Program and AFS Creative Careers, Michelle aims to contribute to Austin’s vibrant film scene through bold, cross-cultural storytelling.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Synopsis: Set in the late 1960s, Peregrine is a narrative drama short film about the pain of rejection, escapism, and the process of healing. The story opens on Prudence, dancing in a studio alone and frustrated after being rejected by her dream school. In an attempt to make her feel better, Prudence’s sister Mia decides to drive them to a vacation ranch house with friends to help Prudence feel better. Mia looks for ways to get through to Prudence, who has become emotionally-distant. The only person who gets Prudence’s attention is their friend John, who has recently returned from a trip to India. Prudence becomes fascinated with the idea of meditation and looking for a peace of mind, so far as to neglect the reality around her.
Inspiration
The inspiration for Peregrine came from the real-life story behind the Beatles’ song “Dear Prudence.” In 1968 (during the transcendental meditation movement in India and the ongoing anti-war peace movements in the U.S.), the Beatles took a trip to India with a group of people, including the musician Donovan, Mia Farrow and her sister Prudence. Prudence became obsessed with meditating and would lock herself in a room for days praying. I wondered what would make someone devote themselves so strongly to spirituality to the point where they would shut themselves out from the real world they live in. Peregrine was also inspired by Donovan's song "Peregrine". The lyrics in the song are "And there will come a time when to each other we'll be kinder" / "And there will come a peace of mind." The sister relationship would ultimately be what brings Prudence back down to earth and remind her what she's missing out on. I also want to keep this story set in the late 1960s because I feel like the historical events are relevant to the themes of Peregrine.
Why this Story? Why now?
The main theme in Peregrine is very relevant (especially now) and that's searching for a peace of mind. Even as a coming-of-age story, the pain and lost sense of direction can be applied to what's going on today. Normally coming-of-age stories focus on the idea of finding yourself. Prudence is at a point in her life where she’s lost herself and is trying to find her way back. Kind of like the state of America. Prudence is dealing with deep emotional pain & existential misdirection. She is at a point when all the pieces are broken and she doesn't know where to begin to put them back together. I believe the experience Prudence is undergoing is something that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives.
Creative Vision
Peregrine's cinematography / visual approach will be an essential part of representing the emotional state of the characters and the deep themes in the narrative. Film is a visual language, so we want to make sure every shot means something and contributes to the message of the story. Symbolic imagery will be used to help convey this, such as overhead drone shots that symbolize the peregrine falcon. Water is also a recurring visual motif that represents healing. Framing and blocking will be used to visually depict the theme of distance between characters. Even though the story is almost entirely grounded in reality, there will be surrealistic elements that combat that style and elevate the theme of escapism. We have some very exciting complex shots planned for this film and we can't wait for you to see them!
Check out the director's past work:
Support the project!
Your contribution would help support the principal photography / production of the film. This includes: paying principal cast, locations, equipment rentals, food / craft services, art department, and insurance / additional expenses. Check out our wishlist for a full budget breakdown!
Our goal is $8,000—but if we were to surpass that amount, ideally, it would help fund post-production fees (sound mix + color) and festival / distribution! Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.
If you can't donate, you can also support Peregrine by: following and sharing this campaign! We'll be hosting some fundraising events as well, so please keep a look out for that. Follow @redorchidfilms on Instagram to stay updated!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $750
We're looking to secure locations, such as the ranch house and dance studio.
Cast
Costs $850
We're paying our extremely talented leading cast!
Professional Crew
Costs $1,700
We're hiring a professional cinematographer + additional key crew that can execute the complicated set-ups in the film.
Art Department
Costs $1,500
This film is set in the 1960s and we'll need a substantial budget for key period piece props, like renting a vintage car!
Catering Meals
Costs $500
To provide meals for our cast & crew during production!
Additional Expenses
Costs $1,000
Production insurance, reimbursement fees, etc.
Distribution
Costs $400
We plan to submit this short film into festivals and would like some help with the submission fees and additional costs.
Fundraising
Costs $500
We plan to allocate funds towards fundraiser events, incentive costs (printing posters, shipping, etc.), giveaways, and raffle prizes!
Equipment Rentals
Costs $800
Outside of sourcing equipment, we need a budget for gear that isn't available to us.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Emery Jones, Writer / Director / Producer / Editor (they/them): Emery is a nonbinary Texas filmmaker with a key interest in animation, symbolism, and nonbinary/queer representation. They've written and directed 7 narrative short films. Emery received Austin Film Society's Harrison McClure Endowment Fund for their 4th film, Halfway to Heaven. They graduated in December 2024 with an undergraduate degree in the Texas State University film program, and most recently in the AFS Creative Careers program.
Jasmine Aurelio, Producer (she/her): Jasmine Aurelio is a filmmaker and Texas State University alum with a focus in writing, producing, and editing. She has written, directed, and edited two short films, LEAP and Tabo, which won Best Student Short at the Dream Machine Summer 2023 Film Festival. Jasmine also co-produced Emery’s film, Halfway to Heaven, and remains committed to telling stories that uplift BIPOC voices and underrepresented perspectives.
Michelle Ragay, 1st Assistant Director (she/her): Michelle Ragay is a Filipino-American filmmaker and Air Force veteran based in Austin, Texas. Raised on a U.S. Army base in Germany, her work draws from a multicultural upbringing and a love for the surreal, often exploring identity, belonging, and family. Her background in language and military intelligence led her to work on international docuseries like Female Voice of Kurdistan. She has served as Assistant Director and Associate Producer on acclaimed short films including Encore, which screened at Hofer Filmtage, and Das Cello, which premiered at Tirana Film Fest. A recent alum of the WGF Veterans Writing Program and AFS Creative Careers, Michelle aims to contribute to Austin’s vibrant film scene through bold, cross-cultural storytelling.