In a world that often depicts disordered eating and body dysmorphia as traits that only belong to those that exist in the extremes, Portraits aims to paint a picture of the quiet, and sometimes silent, world of someone suffering from a generalized eating disorder.
In a world that often depicts disordered eating and body dysmorphia as traits that only belong to those that exist in the extremes, Portraits aims to paint a picture of the quiet, and sometimes silent, world of someone suffering from a generalized eating disorder.
-
Story
Mission Statement
Our story follows a woman facing the struggles one endures with body image. The team consists of strong creators, that are committed to diversified storytelling while also tackling the stigma that exists around mental illness & eating disorders, with a director who has experienced this first hand.About The Project
The idea for Portaits dates back to a journal entry I made during the Spring of 2016, but the inception of this film has a lengthy and detailed history behind it. After dealing with body image issues since the age of 10, I finally learned about generalized eating disorders during the Fall of 2016. I realized what I had been suffering from since 2009 and I got to work writing a story that showed this fairly invisible disease. Generalized Eating Disorders don't fall under any of the well known categories, but can pull bits and pieces from each, and can be just as debilitating and dangerous. To be clear, this story isn't a PSA on the dangers of eating disorders, and never calls it exactly what it is, but it does give a lens into a world that isn't frequently talked about and oftentimes written off as standard behavior for an adolescent.
After this film fell flat on its face in the Spring of 2017 due to extenuating and educational circumstances, I formulated a new plan for production with Tyler C. Peterson, our Production Designer and Executive Producer, in the Spring of 2018. Shortly after this plan was developed I joined his production company, Lux Daze Media, and became their first female director under the name. Here we are, 3 months later, with a campaign and a full team of committed and beautifully diverse individuals.
The journey to create this movie was certainly a tough one. It took a lot of learning and will continue to throughout our casting and production process, but I'm excited to see where it takes us. The road to recovery is not simple, but requires meaningful and significant steps of acceptance. My one hope is that someone will see Grayson, our main character, take her first steps towards recovery and realize they can as well.
Thank you all for your support and your time. I hope you join us on this journey, as we are all already excited and ready to roll this Fall!
Best,
Laura Gede
Writer and Director of Portraits
It's so easy to jump aboard and join the Portraits team! Here's a list of options below that are all fantastic ways to help us out.
- Hit the blue follow button to the right! It's free for you, and really helps us out on the platform.
- Follow and interact with our social media accounts! Here are links to our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And check out our website mentioned in the video, Here. Also free!
- SHARE! Possibly the best way to get this film made, is by sharing this campaign around to your social media channels, friends, and family! Also free. ;)
- Donate an item or service you have access to that can help bring the film to life! This could be anything from props, costume pieces, or food services.
- Lastly, any monetary donation. Check out our list of incentives to donate for some awesome perks! Your money is directly going towards the production of Portraits.
We really thank you so much for supporting independent filmmakers, and giving a voice to tell stories of those who otherwise may not have one.
Incentives
$5
Your Name on the Big Screen
Keep a look out in the credits for your name! You helped us make this movie, so you get to be on the big screen!
$15
Digital Shout Out
We want to make sure everyone knows you helped us out!
We will give you a digital shout out in our Instagram story on the official Lux Daze Media account!
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$25
Check it Out
You will get a digital copy of the film before it's released to the public!
You helped us make it, so you see it first!
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$50
Receive a Portrait
You will recieve a unique portrait of our main character, signed by the artist and the crew, that is created during the film. (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
Claimed: 6 of 30
$100
Read the Script
Here's a taste! But with this incentive, you can read the whole, original, shooting script that brought the film to life! Signed by the cast and crew. (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$250
Movie Poster
Recieve your own copy of the official Portraits movie poster, signed by the cast and crew! (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$500
A Piece of the Pot
You will recieve a piece of pottery created by the sculpture artist behind the scenes making the magic for us!
Check out her Instagram @shelbyyjuneceramics
This will come with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist and the crew. (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
Claimed: 1 of 20
$1,000
Associate Producer
We absolutely could not have made this without you! It's only fitting you be listed as an Associate Producer in our credits and IMDb!
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$2,000
Executive Producer
Honestly, you're the real deal. You may as well back up your bags and head to Hollywood if you select this perk!
You will earn our eternal thanks and be listed as an Executive Producer in our credits and IMDb.
Includes all above Incentives.
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Your Name on the Big Screen
Keep a look out in the credits for your name! You helped us make this movie, so you get to be on the big screen!
$15
Digital Shout Out
We want to make sure everyone knows you helped us out!
We will give you a digital shout out in our Instagram story on the official Lux Daze Media account!
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$25
Check it Out
You will get a digital copy of the film before it's released to the public!
You helped us make it, so you see it first!
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$50
Receive a Portrait
You will recieve a unique portrait of our main character, signed by the artist and the crew, that is created during the film. (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
Claimed: 6 of 30
$100
Read the Script
Here's a taste! But with this incentive, you can read the whole, original, shooting script that brought the film to life! Signed by the cast and crew. (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$250
Movie Poster
Recieve your own copy of the official Portraits movie poster, signed by the cast and crew! (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$500
A Piece of the Pot
You will recieve a piece of pottery created by the sculpture artist behind the scenes making the magic for us!
Check out her Instagram @shelbyyjuneceramics
This will come with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist and the crew. (U.S. Only)
Includes all of the above Incentives.
Claimed: 1 of 20
$1,000
Associate Producer
We absolutely could not have made this without you! It's only fitting you be listed as an Associate Producer in our credits and IMDb!
Includes all of the above Incentives.
$2,000
Executive Producer
Honestly, you're the real deal. You may as well back up your bags and head to Hollywood if you select this perk!
You will earn our eternal thanks and be listed as an Executive Producer in our credits and IMDb.
Includes all above Incentives.
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Laura Gede // Writer & Director
Laura Gede is a writer, director, and production designer based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Laura graduated from Towson University with and honors degree in Electronic Media & Film and Theatre. She has spent the last 6 years on sets including the Netflix Original Series House of Cards as well as other local and traveling productions. Laura has written and directed numerous short projects for film and for the stage including The Observer's Paradox (winner of "Best of Fest" & "Best Long Narrative" for the 2016 Media Arts Festival), Doors Left Open (winner of "Best Long Narrative" for the 2014 Halfway There Film Festival), and numerous experimental short films and theatrical pieces. Laura is currently a freelance filmmaker and the Executive Director of the Maryland Film Industry Coalition.
Mei Lin Lau Mann // Producer
Mei Lin is a Panamanian producer currently based in Baltimore, Maryland. Mei graduated from Towson University with a degree in Electronic Media and Film and a minor in Business Administration. She has mainly been on sets since the early stages of pre-production as a producer, but has also been an Assistant Director and Line Producer in different short films. Mei is a full time freelancer who has been involved in several ads and commercials, feature films and well-known TV shows in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Mei is currently attending American University this fall to pursue a graduate degree and expand her skill set.Tyler C. Peterson // Production Designer & Executive Producer
Tyler is a Baltimore-based filmmaker, and the founder of Lux Daze Media. Tyler is a 2017 graduate of Towson University, studying Electronic Media & Film and Mass Communications. He is hot off the heels of production on Summer Hill, his latest short film, which is due to premiere in 2019. A Production Designer as well, Tyler has designed such films such as Just Another Day, Avalon, and Invictus 344, among others. He works fulltime as a Video Producer at Tenable, an international cybersecurity company. -
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers
