In case you are wondering who I am, My name is Joe Briones. I am a Sophomore at ASU, majoring in business and minoring in Film and Media Production. When beginning this project, many people have asked me, why am I making this? 

I grew up in a household of storytellers. Growing up, my mother would read tons of stories to my sister and me. My father would do the same but, would tell us his own stories. Whenever I heard these stories, I would picture myself in them. Whether it be in a film or a book, I would always imagine being the characters. Whenever I found a character I enjoyed, I never wanted to stop being them. I not only wanted to be like them, but I wanted to be the person to tell these stories. One of my favorite characters growing up was Indiana Jones. I wondered who told this story, I found out that it was no one else but, Steven Spielberg. From that young age, I knew that I wanted to become a writer or a director. I would sometimes create movies with my sister, or ask my friends. I took up acting and participated in theater and I've found that learning acting, and understanding acting, has helped me understand directing. I hope to direct films that revolve around characters that inspire people; that can reach out to the audience and create them to be better people. I hope to increase the good morales in everybody and have everyone leave the theater in wonder. 

There has never been another moment in my life where I wanted to be something other than a director. To be someone who can bring these characters and stories to life. I know that my time to learn filmmaking is now, and there is no better way to learn than to create one with an incredible team of wonderful student filmmakers.   

The film centers around a young college student, Chase. Chase is an introverted person when it comes to crowds and talking to girls he likes. However, he is very extroverted around his best friends, Meghan and Simon. Chase one day sees, the beautiful girl in the green dress, get into a car. Unable to see her face, he is still very intrigued by her. However, he looks away for a moment and she disappears. Chase begins to have more of these moments where he sees her but, each time he tries to have some sort of contact or connection, she disappears. Chase's friends begin to notice his behavior, and start to wonder why he is acting strange. 

The story discusses many themes, including what it means to have a relationship. Whether it is a romantic one or a friendship. The film creates symbols and parallels from the book 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald relating to the main character Gatsby, who is also unable to get the girl he desires. The film also discusses how in life sometimes little things can create our minds to go to crazy places. This is symbolized through Chase's wonderment of the difference between coincidences and fate, asking "How many times does a coincidence have to occur before its called fate?"

This film is created through Studio 21 Entertainment and MGE productions. 

Classic films serve as a huge inspiration to this film. My favorite part of classic films is that they serve as a foundation for modern cinema. Camera shots, lessons, and acting in many modern films are reflected in older films. I've enjoyed going to the source of the beginning of cinema, watching films before color and sometimes silent films. Today it is very easy to capture moments with a camera. Pretty much before the 2000s, it was not as easy. Many of the classic or older films are one of few moments that were captured, and to me, it gives off a very unique feeling that modern cinema may not be able to give. I hope to come to the roots of these older films, and try to reflect that same feeling into cinema today. A feeling of being there in the moment and being with the characters. In the specification, a big inspiration to this story comes from American Graffiti, a film by Geroge Lucas. American Graffiti captures moments in an era, which is what I hope to do with this film. 

With your contribution, you will not only help me be a better filmmaker but, you will also be supporting a diverse group of students who are eager on telling stories that people will see themselves reflected into. You can support us by:

- contributing to our campaign! Any type of pledge to this campaign will help us reach our goal and make this vision a reality for everyone to enjoy and discuss!

- sharing this with friends and family! By sharing our camping with your friends and family, you will not only help us reach a wider audience but will also support the next generation of filmmakers that want to bring richer stories to the big screen.

- follow our social media page and our crowdfunding campaign! The more followers we gather the higher chance we'll get to be "featured" on Seed and Spark and get more engagement in our campaign!

Instagram: @phantomobsession or @studio21e

By supporting us, your funds will go directly into helping us with locations, food, media, and equipment. Shooting a movie requires many different types of locations, some of our locations require permits that will cost some money. The film will also require many different shots, some that can only be shot with certain equipment. The money will also go towards submissions to film festivals and any type of miscellaneous items. Last but not least, we get hungry on sets. The days can get long. So food and drinks are very helpful and motivational. :) 

As filmmakers in the pandemic, we use extra precaution by testing before coming on set, crew wearing masks at all times, and keeping clean. We will always do what is safest for our crew. If the time comes to delay production due to the pandemic, we will take the steps to do so. We have covid safety officers that help monitor these rules and assist us in creating this short film during an ongoing pandemic. 

Titles designed by: Jadyn Clement