Purpose
Tempe, Arizona | Film Short
Drama
Purpose is a story of life, love, and loss. It is an emotional journey portraying the power of connection, and how something as simple as a conversation can have a great impact. This is a capstone film at ASU, the culmination for a group of talented filmmakers eager to bring you a captivating story.
Green Light
This campaign raised $3,590 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
30 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Purpose is a story of life, love, and loss. It is an emotional journey portraying the power of connection, and how something as simple as a conversation can have a great impact. This is a capstone film at ASU, the culmination for a group of talented filmmakers eager to bring you a captivating story.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Purpose.
"5!" Ellie is terrified. Esau places his hand on her
shoulder. Her body flinches away from the edge.
ESAU
It's okay Ellie. You're not alone.
"4!" The wind gets louder, they attempt to speak over it.
ELLIE
I've done everything alone!
"3!" Esau is audibly counting along, staring at the water.
ESAU
Not anymore....Are you ready?
Ellie, a 19-year-old girl, stands on a ledge at the top of an apartment building on New Year’s Eve, ready to end her life at the stroke of midnight. Despite the circumstances, Ellie is comfortably determined and at peace with this decision.
She is approached by a stranger named Esau, a depressed older man who came to the rooftop to commit suicide as well. Ellie is making this choice due to her fear of the future, while Esau is choosing this because he can’t let go of his past.
Esau tries to convince Ellie to reconsider by narrating a possible future for her, finding a purpose for himself in the process. As Esau narrates her hypothetical future life, she develops a curiosity and desire for her future.
Trying to find a choice to commit to and angered by the interruption of her plans, Ellie argues with Esau about the reason to live and further implores that he either jumps or leaves her alone.
When the countdown begins, Esau finally lets go and gets on the ledge next to Ellie. Suddenly both characters are fighting for their lives with a conversation.
We are a group of student filmmakers from Arizona State University, who have all worked over the last four years to lead to this very moment and this very film, which is our final senior capstone project with which we can practice our craft at a new and exciting scale, and have something to help propel us into this industry that we are all so passionate about.
"Purpose" is a story about life, love, and loss. We are passionate about this story because it highlights important issues that many face, including and especially those of our age, presented through Ellie. This is a project through which we not only wish to highlight our skills that we have worked so hard to build over the years, but also bring to you an important story that will connect with you emotionally and hopefully impact you in a positive way.
There is something in Purpose that can connect with anyone and everyone, no matter what stage of life you are in or what experiences you have had. This is a universal story about connection, friendship, and everything that makes life worth living. It is both a display of real thoughts, emotions and struggles, but also a celebration of life and all that it can be.
We are currently in the pre-production stage of our project. We have been approved for production through Arizona State University's Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Now we are working to prepare everything that we need for production, including schedules and locations, crew, shot lists and lighting plans, casting, and everything in between! We are planning to shoot this December, so the time between now and then will be crucial in solidifying everything practical surrounding the script that we have completed.
Your contributions will assist in all the necessary expenses for this large-scale project. That includes elements such as food for our hard-working cast and crew, insurance to rent high-quality equipment, wardrobe and hair and makeup items to get our actors picture-ready, props to bring the production design of our film to life, and contingency for everything that we can't predict!
Post-production for this project will be completed in the spring of 2025, and it will be premiered at Arizona State University's senior film showcase, and then published for the world to see online! As a contributor and supporter you will gain access to the film you helped bring to life! We hope to also submit the film to festivals and if we exceed our listed goal, we will be able to put even more into marketing the film and entering it into festivals and contests once it is complete! We want to and will produce something that we are proud to have made and that you can be proud to support!
We humbly ask that you support the film by contributing financially, sharing with friends and family, and staying tuned as we bring this project to life!
You can find our Instagram page here in order to share this project, or you can also share our page on Seed & Spark!
Thank you, and we are excited for you to join our journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crafty/Catering for Cast and Crew
Costs $850
This will help provide meals for our cast and crew throughout production!
Location Fees and Permits
Costs $600
This will help us get the necessary permits we need to shoot!
Production Design/Art Dept.
Costs $1,000
This will help us purchase the necessary props, costumes, and set dressing for our film!
Contingency
Costs $300
Some unexpected events could occur!
Insurance
Costs $500
This will go towards protecting our film against the unexpected!
Equipment (Sony FX6 + Lenses)
Costs $400
This will help us get the necessary equipment for filming including cameras, lenses, etc.
Practical Effects/Make-up
Costs $350
This will help us make our actors look true to the character we invisioned!
Marketing/Promoting
Costs $400
To help us submit this film to film festivals!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Team!
Kevin N Geary - Writer/Producer
Hi! My name is Kevin N. Geary and I’m excited to help my story come to life on the big screen through the eyes of our visionary Director, Jason. As a Film Production major at ASU with a focus on producing, my life goal is to shed light on important issues with structured stories and rich characters to make a positive impact on our world! See you at the movies!
Jason Phan - Director
I'm Jason Phan and I love to make films with impact and a message. My intention with creating is to not only make people smile but to teach them a lesson. I hope to make an audience feel the emotions of the characters in my films and to immersive them into the film's world!
Lauren Goebel - Producer
I’m Lauren Goebel and I would like to say that I am very excited to be the producer of this film! I’m looking forward to showing off my organization and project planning skills. Can’t wait to see where we take this project!
.jpg)
Tyler Kupfer - Producer
Hi, my name is Tyler Kupfer and I am a senior in film & media production at ASU and work as a Live Video Coordinator, and I am excited for the opportunity to join the crew of Purpose and create this amazing film!
.jpg)
Chantel Apodaca - Producer
Hi! My name is Chantel Apodaca, and I am super excited to be a part of this project as it explores the importance of one’s purpose and the process of accepting and embracing that purpose. I believe this film is something bigger than myself, and I’m eager to contribute to a story that will make a meaningful impact on anyone who watches it.
Scott Beck Horan - Director of Photography
I’m Scott Beck Horan and I would say I’ve always been interested by visual stories and how filmmaking “works". With eyes full of behind-the-scenes tips and tricks, I love being able to make someone’s vision a reality. Cinematography, especially lighting and camera are some of my favorite areas to work in and show my voice.
Aaron J Roberts - Production Designer
I'm Aaron J Roberts, I have a passion for Art and Storytelling. I love stepping into new worlds and getting introduced to unique characters, whether it be through a film or any other narrative device. My goal is to help immerse the audience in the stories we tell, both through the environment and the character design.
.jpg)
Gideon Friedman - Editor
Hi, I'm an artist from Arizona looking to show off my skills in various ways, whether it's through sound, editing, or art! For this film in particular I want to create a visual and audio landscape that will draw the viewer in, and allow them to experience something truly unique. I relate to the story in my own personal ways, so it deeply resonates with me.
Lexi Sarcione - 1st Assistant Director
Hello! I’m Lexi and I am so excited to be a part of this film because I strongly believe in the message and wish to spread awareness about mental health as I have struggled with it in the past. My passion is filmmaking and being able to share meaningful stories that will leave an impact. Being able to connect with audiences through unique visual languages is what I strive for.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Purpose.
"5!" Ellie is terrified. Esau places his hand on her
shoulder. Her body flinches away from the edge.
ESAU
It's okay Ellie. You're not alone.
"4!" The wind gets louder, they attempt to speak over it.
ELLIE
I've done everything alone!
"3!" Esau is audibly counting along, staring at the water.
ESAU
Not anymore....Are you ready?
Ellie, a 19-year-old girl, stands on a ledge at the top of an apartment building on New Year’s Eve, ready to end her life at the stroke of midnight. Despite the circumstances, Ellie is comfortably determined and at peace with this decision.
She is approached by a stranger named Esau, a depressed older man who came to the rooftop to commit suicide as well. Ellie is making this choice due to her fear of the future, while Esau is choosing this because he can’t let go of his past.
Esau tries to convince Ellie to reconsider by narrating a possible future for her, finding a purpose for himself in the process. As Esau narrates her hypothetical future life, she develops a curiosity and desire for her future.
Trying to find a choice to commit to and angered by the interruption of her plans, Ellie argues with Esau about the reason to live and further implores that he either jumps or leaves her alone.
When the countdown begins, Esau finally lets go and gets on the ledge next to Ellie. Suddenly both characters are fighting for their lives with a conversation.
We are a group of student filmmakers from Arizona State University, who have all worked over the last four years to lead to this very moment and this very film, which is our final senior capstone project with which we can practice our craft at a new and exciting scale, and have something to help propel us into this industry that we are all so passionate about.
"Purpose" is a story about life, love, and loss. We are passionate about this story because it highlights important issues that many face, including and especially those of our age, presented through Ellie. This is a project through which we not only wish to highlight our skills that we have worked so hard to build over the years, but also bring to you an important story that will connect with you emotionally and hopefully impact you in a positive way.
There is something in Purpose that can connect with anyone and everyone, no matter what stage of life you are in or what experiences you have had. This is a universal story about connection, friendship, and everything that makes life worth living. It is both a display of real thoughts, emotions and struggles, but also a celebration of life and all that it can be.
We are currently in the pre-production stage of our project. We have been approved for production through Arizona State University's Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Now we are working to prepare everything that we need for production, including schedules and locations, crew, shot lists and lighting plans, casting, and everything in between! We are planning to shoot this December, so the time between now and then will be crucial in solidifying everything practical surrounding the script that we have completed.
Your contributions will assist in all the necessary expenses for this large-scale project. That includes elements such as food for our hard-working cast and crew, insurance to rent high-quality equipment, wardrobe and hair and makeup items to get our actors picture-ready, props to bring the production design of our film to life, and contingency for everything that we can't predict!
Post-production for this project will be completed in the spring of 2025, and it will be premiered at Arizona State University's senior film showcase, and then published for the world to see online! As a contributor and supporter you will gain access to the film you helped bring to life! We hope to also submit the film to festivals and if we exceed our listed goal, we will be able to put even more into marketing the film and entering it into festivals and contests once it is complete! We want to and will produce something that we are proud to have made and that you can be proud to support!
We humbly ask that you support the film by contributing financially, sharing with friends and family, and staying tuned as we bring this project to life!
You can find our Instagram page here in order to share this project, or you can also share our page on Seed & Spark!
Thank you, and we are excited for you to join our journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crafty/Catering for Cast and Crew
Costs $850
This will help provide meals for our cast and crew throughout production!
Location Fees and Permits
Costs $600
This will help us get the necessary permits we need to shoot!
Production Design/Art Dept.
Costs $1,000
This will help us purchase the necessary props, costumes, and set dressing for our film!
Contingency
Costs $300
Some unexpected events could occur!
Insurance
Costs $500
This will go towards protecting our film against the unexpected!
Equipment (Sony FX6 + Lenses)
Costs $400
This will help us get the necessary equipment for filming including cameras, lenses, etc.
Practical Effects/Make-up
Costs $350
This will help us make our actors look true to the character we invisioned!
Marketing/Promoting
Costs $400
To help us submit this film to film festivals!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Team!
Kevin N Geary - Writer/Producer
Hi! My name is Kevin N. Geary and I’m excited to help my story come to life on the big screen through the eyes of our visionary Director, Jason. As a Film Production major at ASU with a focus on producing, my life goal is to shed light on important issues with structured stories and rich characters to make a positive impact on our world! See you at the movies!
Jason Phan - Director
I'm Jason Phan and I love to make films with impact and a message. My intention with creating is to not only make people smile but to teach them a lesson. I hope to make an audience feel the emotions of the characters in my films and to immersive them into the film's world!
Lauren Goebel - Producer
I’m Lauren Goebel and I would like to say that I am very excited to be the producer of this film! I’m looking forward to showing off my organization and project planning skills. Can’t wait to see where we take this project!
Tyler Kupfer - Producer
Hi, my name is Tyler Kupfer and I am a senior in film & media production at ASU and work as a Live Video Coordinator, and I am excited for the opportunity to join the crew of Purpose and create this amazing film!
Chantel Apodaca - Producer
Hi! My name is Chantel Apodaca, and I am super excited to be a part of this project as it explores the importance of one’s purpose and the process of accepting and embracing that purpose. I believe this film is something bigger than myself, and I’m eager to contribute to a story that will make a meaningful impact on anyone who watches it.
Scott Beck Horan - Director of Photography
I’m Scott Beck Horan and I would say I’ve always been interested by visual stories and how filmmaking “works". With eyes full of behind-the-scenes tips and tricks, I love being able to make someone’s vision a reality. Cinematography, especially lighting and camera are some of my favorite areas to work in and show my voice.
Aaron J Roberts - Production Designer
I'm Aaron J Roberts, I have a passion for Art and Storytelling. I love stepping into new worlds and getting introduced to unique characters, whether it be through a film or any other narrative device. My goal is to help immerse the audience in the stories we tell, both through the environment and the character design.
Gideon Friedman - Editor
Hi, I'm an artist from Arizona looking to show off my skills in various ways, whether it's through sound, editing, or art! For this film in particular I want to create a visual and audio landscape that will draw the viewer in, and allow them to experience something truly unique. I relate to the story in my own personal ways, so it deeply resonates with me.
Lexi Sarcione - 1st Assistant Director
Hello! I’m Lexi and I am so excited to be a part of this film because I strongly believe in the message and wish to spread awareness about mental health as I have struggled with it in the past. My passion is filmmaking and being able to share meaningful stories that will leave an impact. Being able to connect with audiences through unique visual languages is what I strive for.