Project LIMINAL
Calgary, Canada | Film Feature
Sci-Fi, Thriller
Haunted by the death of his family and consumed by guilt, Brandon becomes addicted to a revolutionary simulation that allows users to experience anything they desire. What begins as an escape slowly turns into a psychological unraveling where the simulation and reality become impossible to separate.
Project LIMINAL
Calgary, Canada | Film Feature
Sci-Fi, Thriller
8 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
C$375
Goal: C$45,000 for development
Haunted by the death of his family and consumed by guilt, Brandon becomes addicted to a revolutionary simulation that allows users to experience anything they desire. What begins as an escape slowly turns into a psychological unraveling where the simulation and reality become impossible to separate.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What if the only place you could truly escape your pain… wasn’t real?
After losing his wife and child in a tragic accident, Brandon Jones is consumed by grief. Desperate for relief, he enrolls in Project LIMINAL, an experimental therapy program that uses fully immersive simulated realities to help patients process trauma and heal. What begins as a groundbreaking form of therapy quickly becomes an addiction. As the simulated world grows more comforting than his real one, Brandon slowly loses his grip on reality. The line between what’s real and what’s simulated begins to disappear, forcing him to confront a terrifying question:
If your perfect reality felt more real than your actual life… would you ever come back?
Project LIMINAL is a psychological sci-fi thriller that explores grief, addiction, escapism, and humanity’s growing dependence on technology. It’s an emotionally grounded story wrapped inside an unsettling science-fiction world that asks audiences to question not only Brandon’s reality—but their own.
Project LIMINAL isn’t just a story we imagined—it’s a story deeply rooted in real experiences and a shared passion for meaningful storytelling.
For years, I searched for my purpose without realizing I had been living it all along. While driving from my hometown to Calgary to begin a new chapter of my life, memories of creating throughout my childhood came rushing back—making stop-motion films, acting, writing, drawing, and making music. In that moment, I realized storytelling had always been the one constant in my life. That realization gave me the confidence to stop waiting and finally bring Project LIMINAL to life.
Many of the emotions behind this film also come from my own experiences with phone addiction, past struggles with drug addiction, and a year-long psychotic episode where I completely lost touch with reality. During that time, paranoia, anxiety, isolation, and distorted thinking completely changed the way I experienced the world. While Brandon’s story is fictional, the emotions behind it are very real.
Joining me is co-writer, producer, and director Victoria Givlin, founder of Ascent Stories. With nearly a decade of experience producing independent films and a background in acting, directing, and business leadership, Victoria brings both creative vision and production expertise to Project LIMINAL. Together, we’re committed to creating a film that is as emotionally authentic as it is visually immersive.
We believe this story couldn’t be more relevant. Every day we’re surrounded by phones, social media, AI, endless entertainment, and digital distractions that make it easier than ever to escape uncomfortable emotions instead of confronting them. Project LIMINAL asks one simple but unsettling question:
What happens when escaping reality becomes easier than living in it?
This campaign is funding a proof-of-concept short film for the Project LIMINAL feature film.
Our goal isn’t simply to make a short—it’s to create a cinematic proof of concept that showcases the world, tone, emotional depth, and visual style of the feature. This short will allow us to demonstrate what’s possible, submit to film festivals, and use it to help secure producers, investors, and industry partners to bring the full feature to life.
We’ve assembled a passionate team that believes in this story, and now we’re inviting you to become part of it.
Every dollar raised goes directly onto the screen.
Your support will help fund:
• Professional cast and crew
• Camera, lighting, and sound equipment
• Locations and permits
• Production design, props, costumes, and makeup
• Visual effects
• Original score and sound design
• Editing, color grading, and post-production
• Festival submissions to help launch the feature film
This campaign isn’t just funding a short film—it’s helping build the foundation for a feature-length psychological sci-fi thriller.
Once the short film is complete, we’ll submit it to film festivals while using it as a proof of concept to attract financing and industry support for the feature film.
Whether you pledge, follow, or simply share this campaign, you’re helping prove that ambitious, original stories still deserve to be told.
Every contribution brings us one step closer to turning Project LIMINAL into a reality.
Thank you for believing in this story—and for becoming part of the journey.
Welcome to Project LIMINAL!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Casting Director
Costs C$2,500
Project Liminal needs a cast! We have a great Casting Director : Mike Migliara - we want to secure their involvement with this money!
Budget/Schedule - Line Producer/AD
Costs C$5,000
This money goes to compensate our producing team for the hard work of making a legit budget and schedule for Project Liminal
Production Budget
Costs C$37,500
All the things it takes to make a movie. Actors, sets, costumes, hair & make-up, lights, cameras, stunts, etc! You get it.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Devon Taylor is a Canadian actor and filmmaker based in Calgary Alberta, known for his work in television, film, and short-form storytelling.
His screen credits include the television series "How NOT to Hire a Hitman" as Dustin, the upcoming feature film "Until There Is One", the upcoming short film "The Awakening", leading in the upcoming feature film, "Chasing a Ghost" and more.
He brings a strong on-camera foundation developed through over six years as a full-time content creator, reaching more than 120,000 followers across platforms and performing on camera since childhood.
As a filmmaker, Devon is drawn to stories that explore the intersection of technology, grief, and identity. With a passion for psychological thrillers and immersive world-building, he aims to create films that challenge perception, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impact.
Victoria Givlin is a Calgary-based Director, Producer and Founder of Ascent Stories, an emerging production company focused on bold, human-centered storytelling. With nine years of industry experience, she brings a rare blend of creative vision, business leadership, and community impact to her work. She's worked with clients including Red Bull, Mercedes Benz, BMO, ATB and Travel Alberta recently. She's also just graduated from the Alberta Producer Accelerator Program, organized by Access Canada, Edmonton Screen and the Munincipality of Alberta.
Since relocating to Calgary in 2023, Victoria has produced, "Before I Go", "Check Engine", and "Spaceboy", and is currently producing the psychological horror project from the FISH FUND CSIF Production Grant 2026 Winner, "The Awakening". With a background in acting and directing, she guides projects from development through delivery with both artistic sensitivity and production expertise. She also is currently in production for her first feature, Written and Directed by Laila Blue called, "Boxed In", a psychological art-house thriller that follows Alex, a PTSD war vet who's reality is slipping after his girlfriend goes missing on the Highway of Tears. "Boxed In" was selected for Telefilm's Reelworld Emerging Artists Writing program in 2026.
Prior to producing full-time, Victoria spent two years in multimedia marketing sales, becoming the top saleswoman in the country alongside her mother--selling $1.2 million in 2023 and $1.77 million in 2024. This experience sharpened her leadership, negotiation, and financial management skills, which now directly inform her producing practice.
Committed to ethical leadership and community impact, Victoria is drawn to stories that explore the human psyche, balance darkness and light, and uplift underrepresented voices. In 2025, she launched a zodiac calendar initiative supporting local artists and RESET, a Calgary-based nonprofit serving women who have been trafficked-reflecting her dedication to merging creative production with meaningful social change.
Born and raised in Montreal, Mike Migliara's journey into the world of Casting began when he dropped out of University in 2000. He was offered a Casting Assistant position at The Montreal Casting House. After more than a decade of servicing among the best Canadian Producers and Directors as a Casting Director, he returned to Concordia University in 2012 whereby he completed his BFA from Concordia University in Theatre and Film Studies.
Along the way, he became the most sought-after acting coached. Many actors who are now Canadian household names, became his clients: Tim Rozon, Michael Mando, Cindy Sampson, to name a few.
His teaching techniques are revered for their unique blend of academic knowledge in theatre and film, coupled with his insider insights into the casting process, equipping actors with a comprehensive understanding of the skills necessary to secure coveted roles.
Migliara has created an uncluttered, comprehensive audition list and system. He has created an acting system that is easy, fast, and proven as reliable.
Migliara's acting system uniquely includes the POV of business strategies, marketing, and growth - by which he refers to as "audition strategy and career management. His system has proven to be effective. Every semester, many of his students are exceeding; booking auditions, roles, and being repped by reputable talent agents.
As a member of the Casting Directors Society of Canada (CDC), Mike has left an indelible mark on both Hollywood and Canadian productions. His portfolio boasts collaborations with esteemed entities such as Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, and Ubisoft, where he has contributed to Casting Leads, Supporting, and Principal roles across various mediums including Feature Films, TV series, Video Games, Commercials & High Profile Music Videos. Beyond his casting endeavors,
Mike is the visionary behind "The Screen Acting Academy (SAA)", a beacon of innovation in Performing Arts education. Rejecting the notion of gate-keeping, the academy operates on the belief that anyone with the passion and dedication for screen acting can excel and make it - given the right education and training.
SAA's curriculum not only hones acting skills but also imparts invaluable knowledge on navigating the intricacies of the entertainment industry, ensuring students are equipped with effective business strategies for a quick and successful entry in the Film, Television, Voice Over, and Performance capture markets.
At The Screen Acting Academy, personalized attention is paramount. Graduates receive one-on-one instruction, networking opportunities, and guidance from industry professionals. The academy serves as a launchpad for aspiring actors, assisting them in securing representation, crafting their brand, and fostering their growth through ongoing mentorship.
And finally, Mike is the Vice President and a Development Producer for Knightshoot Media Inc. He develops content, for both scripted and unscripted, that are based on true stories. He pitches to some of the biggest production houses in Canada.
We are still in the process of building the full team! We will be adding more people as time goes on!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What if the only place you could truly escape your pain… wasn’t real?
After losing his wife and child in a tragic accident, Brandon Jones is consumed by grief. Desperate for relief, he enrolls in Project LIMINAL, an experimental therapy program that uses fully immersive simulated realities to help patients process trauma and heal. What begins as a groundbreaking form of therapy quickly becomes an addiction. As the simulated world grows more comforting than his real one, Brandon slowly loses his grip on reality. The line between what’s real and what’s simulated begins to disappear, forcing him to confront a terrifying question:
If your perfect reality felt more real than your actual life… would you ever come back?
Project LIMINAL is a psychological sci-fi thriller that explores grief, addiction, escapism, and humanity’s growing dependence on technology. It’s an emotionally grounded story wrapped inside an unsettling science-fiction world that asks audiences to question not only Brandon’s reality—but their own.
Project LIMINAL isn’t just a story we imagined—it’s a story deeply rooted in real experiences and a shared passion for meaningful storytelling.
For years, I searched for my purpose without realizing I had been living it all along. While driving from my hometown to Calgary to begin a new chapter of my life, memories of creating throughout my childhood came rushing back—making stop-motion films, acting, writing, drawing, and making music. In that moment, I realized storytelling had always been the one constant in my life. That realization gave me the confidence to stop waiting and finally bring Project LIMINAL to life.
Many of the emotions behind this film also come from my own experiences with phone addiction, past struggles with drug addiction, and a year-long psychotic episode where I completely lost touch with reality. During that time, paranoia, anxiety, isolation, and distorted thinking completely changed the way I experienced the world. While Brandon’s story is fictional, the emotions behind it are very real.
Joining me is co-writer, producer, and director Victoria Givlin, founder of Ascent Stories. With nearly a decade of experience producing independent films and a background in acting, directing, and business leadership, Victoria brings both creative vision and production expertise to Project LIMINAL. Together, we’re committed to creating a film that is as emotionally authentic as it is visually immersive.
We believe this story couldn’t be more relevant. Every day we’re surrounded by phones, social media, AI, endless entertainment, and digital distractions that make it easier than ever to escape uncomfortable emotions instead of confronting them. Project LIMINAL asks one simple but unsettling question:
What happens when escaping reality becomes easier than living in it?
This campaign is funding a proof-of-concept short film for the Project LIMINAL feature film.
Our goal isn’t simply to make a short—it’s to create a cinematic proof of concept that showcases the world, tone, emotional depth, and visual style of the feature. This short will allow us to demonstrate what’s possible, submit to film festivals, and use it to help secure producers, investors, and industry partners to bring the full feature to life.
We’ve assembled a passionate team that believes in this story, and now we’re inviting you to become part of it.
Every dollar raised goes directly onto the screen.
Your support will help fund:
• Professional cast and crew
• Camera, lighting, and sound equipment
• Locations and permits
• Production design, props, costumes, and makeup
• Visual effects
• Original score and sound design
• Editing, color grading, and post-production
• Festival submissions to help launch the feature film
This campaign isn’t just funding a short film—it’s helping build the foundation for a feature-length psychological sci-fi thriller.
Once the short film is complete, we’ll submit it to film festivals while using it as a proof of concept to attract financing and industry support for the feature film.
Whether you pledge, follow, or simply share this campaign, you’re helping prove that ambitious, original stories still deserve to be told.
Every contribution brings us one step closer to turning Project LIMINAL into a reality.
Thank you for believing in this story—and for becoming part of the journey.
Welcome to Project LIMINAL!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Casting Director
Costs C$2,500
Project Liminal needs a cast! We have a great Casting Director : Mike Migliara - we want to secure their involvement with this money!
Budget/Schedule - Line Producer/AD
Costs C$5,000
This money goes to compensate our producing team for the hard work of making a legit budget and schedule for Project Liminal
Production Budget
Costs C$37,500
All the things it takes to make a movie. Actors, sets, costumes, hair & make-up, lights, cameras, stunts, etc! You get it.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Devon Taylor is a Canadian actor and filmmaker based in Calgary Alberta, known for his work in television, film, and short-form storytelling.
His screen credits include the television series "How NOT to Hire a Hitman" as Dustin, the upcoming feature film "Until There Is One", the upcoming short film "The Awakening", leading in the upcoming feature film, "Chasing a Ghost" and more.
He brings a strong on-camera foundation developed through over six years as a full-time content creator, reaching more than 120,000 followers across platforms and performing on camera since childhood.
As a filmmaker, Devon is drawn to stories that explore the intersection of technology, grief, and identity. With a passion for psychological thrillers and immersive world-building, he aims to create films that challenge perception, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impact.
Victoria Givlin is a Calgary-based Director, Producer and Founder of Ascent Stories, an emerging production company focused on bold, human-centered storytelling. With nine years of industry experience, she brings a rare blend of creative vision, business leadership, and community impact to her work. She's worked with clients including Red Bull, Mercedes Benz, BMO, ATB and Travel Alberta recently. She's also just graduated from the Alberta Producer Accelerator Program, organized by Access Canada, Edmonton Screen and the Munincipality of Alberta.
Since relocating to Calgary in 2023, Victoria has produced, "Before I Go", "Check Engine", and "Spaceboy", and is currently producing the psychological horror project from the FISH FUND CSIF Production Grant 2026 Winner, "The Awakening". With a background in acting and directing, she guides projects from development through delivery with both artistic sensitivity and production expertise. She also is currently in production for her first feature, Written and Directed by Laila Blue called, "Boxed In", a psychological art-house thriller that follows Alex, a PTSD war vet who's reality is slipping after his girlfriend goes missing on the Highway of Tears. "Boxed In" was selected for Telefilm's Reelworld Emerging Artists Writing program in 2026.
Prior to producing full-time, Victoria spent two years in multimedia marketing sales, becoming the top saleswoman in the country alongside her mother--selling $1.2 million in 2023 and $1.77 million in 2024. This experience sharpened her leadership, negotiation, and financial management skills, which now directly inform her producing practice.
Committed to ethical leadership and community impact, Victoria is drawn to stories that explore the human psyche, balance darkness and light, and uplift underrepresented voices. In 2025, she launched a zodiac calendar initiative supporting local artists and RESET, a Calgary-based nonprofit serving women who have been trafficked-reflecting her dedication to merging creative production with meaningful social change.
Born and raised in Montreal, Mike Migliara's journey into the world of Casting began when he dropped out of University in 2000. He was offered a Casting Assistant position at The Montreal Casting House. After more than a decade of servicing among the best Canadian Producers and Directors as a Casting Director, he returned to Concordia University in 2012 whereby he completed his BFA from Concordia University in Theatre and Film Studies.
Along the way, he became the most sought-after acting coached. Many actors who are now Canadian household names, became his clients: Tim Rozon, Michael Mando, Cindy Sampson, to name a few.
His teaching techniques are revered for their unique blend of academic knowledge in theatre and film, coupled with his insider insights into the casting process, equipping actors with a comprehensive understanding of the skills necessary to secure coveted roles.
Migliara has created an uncluttered, comprehensive audition list and system. He has created an acting system that is easy, fast, and proven as reliable.
Migliara's acting system uniquely includes the POV of business strategies, marketing, and growth - by which he refers to as "audition strategy and career management. His system has proven to be effective. Every semester, many of his students are exceeding; booking auditions, roles, and being repped by reputable talent agents.
As a member of the Casting Directors Society of Canada (CDC), Mike has left an indelible mark on both Hollywood and Canadian productions. His portfolio boasts collaborations with esteemed entities such as Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, and Ubisoft, where he has contributed to Casting Leads, Supporting, and Principal roles across various mediums including Feature Films, TV series, Video Games, Commercials & High Profile Music Videos. Beyond his casting endeavors,
Mike is the visionary behind "The Screen Acting Academy (SAA)", a beacon of innovation in Performing Arts education. Rejecting the notion of gate-keeping, the academy operates on the belief that anyone with the passion and dedication for screen acting can excel and make it - given the right education and training.
SAA's curriculum not only hones acting skills but also imparts invaluable knowledge on navigating the intricacies of the entertainment industry, ensuring students are equipped with effective business strategies for a quick and successful entry in the Film, Television, Voice Over, and Performance capture markets.
At The Screen Acting Academy, personalized attention is paramount. Graduates receive one-on-one instruction, networking opportunities, and guidance from industry professionals. The academy serves as a launchpad for aspiring actors, assisting them in securing representation, crafting their brand, and fostering their growth through ongoing mentorship.
And finally, Mike is the Vice President and a Development Producer for Knightshoot Media Inc. He develops content, for both scripted and unscripted, that are based on true stories. He pitches to some of the biggest production houses in Canada.
We are still in the process of building the full team! We will be adding more people as time goes on!