RIVER
Orange, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
In a not so distant future, River lives on the fringes of society, dancing on the line between man and woman, while avoiding being caught doing so. Violence is one wrong step away for River, who is forced to confront who the world wants them to be and who they know they are.
RIVER
Orange, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,080 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
57 supporters | followers
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In a not so distant future, River lives on the fringes of society, dancing on the line between man and woman, while avoiding being caught doing so. Violence is one wrong step away for River, who is forced to confront who the world wants them to be and who they know they are.
In Partnership With
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
By focusing on a non-binary and trans love story, River is trying to bridge a gap of under representation in the industry. These types of love stories are rarely told and are rarely told well. River hopes to break away from the typical male gaze direction that is utilized in filmmaking and create a more authentic story. With a diverse cast and crew dedicated to telling this story River will be an eye opening film for anyone who watches it.
The world today is a scary place for many people. With political, social and environmental strife there is a feeling of uneasiness. During times like these art is one of the only ways our voices can be heard. Film has always been one of the most influential and reflective visual artforms. Utilizing the expressive powers of filmmaking, River hopes to bring its audience into the story and make them confront a new perspective.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Artistic Locations
Costs $1,000
Our film requires many obscure, expensive locations, such as an art gallery and underground art haven.
Stunt Coordinator
Costs $900
"River" contains stunt sequences that exhibit the violent acts thrust upon our main character when they experience discrimination.
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Keep our crew fed and energized throughout our 12-hour shoot days!
Professional Camera and Lighting Equipment
Costs $1,500
We hope to rent a Red Epic camera package to allow for kinetic camera movements to capture the energy of the story.
Production Design
Costs $700
Art design is heavy for our film. In order to create our underground haven, we are going to need to completely transform an empty warehouse.
Make-Up and Wardrobe
Costs $400
To create the desired look for our gender binary characters, we need professional make-up application & specifically designed costuming.
Share this update!
About This Team
Sam Crainich (Director)
Sam believes that she's a filmmaker because she simply has no other choice. Film is the preeminent storytelling device. As a writer and director, she is drawn to the way that this mechanism pulls you into a character's mind and life. For Sam, this project represents the culmination of the past four years of knowledge she's gained from her work and schooling. "River", her senior thesis film and the third short she will direct, is a story about all of the struggles that young artists face when up against adversity. The art that is being made may be inspiring a new world and generation, but in reality that only makes it all the more terrifying.
Ariel Du (Producer)
Ariel is an international student from China, majoring in Creative Producing and minoring in Film Studies. She aims to be culturally educated, create and support conscious films that bridge different gaps in our society, and offer more compassionate understanding towards different communities. She is currently working as a short film programmer for the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, past internships include BBC Worldwide Productions, Film Independent (Spirit Awards 2016 and LA Film Festival 2016), and assisting international distribution of Hunger Games in China.
Nicholas Bradford (Director of Photography)
Nicholas' interest in filmmaking started when he was 13. Nick quickly realized the immense effect a film can make on a person’s life and how beautifully a film can improve the way we think and act towards each other. After reading the script, it was obvious to Nick that there was a clear vision behind telling an important and visceral story. Nick is currently in post-production on his thesis film, Where You Burn It. Nicholas directed and edited a short documentary which received a Northwest Regional Emmy Award in 2014.
Gi-Ling Lo (Production Designer)
Gi-Ling is a Fine Arts major and Production Design minor at Chapman University. Influenced by the many movies she watched with her parents at a young age, she chooses to be a filmmaker because she dreams of applying her artistic skills towards creating a unique vision. Gi-Ling was drawn towards working on River because she is interested in exploring the many facets of the LGBTQ community through atmosphere and environment. Her previous production design projects include “Stopwatch” directed by Michael Wolfe and “Clarinet Klub” directed by Fed Erico.
Tasha Jocz (Editor)
Tasha has always been interested in film, ever since she saw Moulin Rouge! as a child. In eighth grade, after making a birthday video for a friend, she decided that filmmaking would be the career path she wanted to follow.Not only do Tasha and director have a relationship with past films but the story of "River" drove her to wanting to edit it. Having a story of substance that you're passionate about makes working on a film more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Hannah Spellman (Sound Designer)
Hannah is a senior film production major with an emphasis in sound design, and inherited her love of movies from her dad. She became interested in filmmaking after attending film camp in sixth grade, where she wrote, directed, edited and starred in a horror short about her cat brainwashing her into murder. Ever since, she's been fascinated with film production, especially producing, editing and sound. She was brought to the project by director and fellow sound aficionado Sam Crainich, who she's wanted to work with since her freshman year. In the past she's done video production and editing for the Panther Online, Indeed.com, and The Passionate Few.
Jordan Kaiser (Unit Production Manager)
Jordan is very excited to be on board for “River” since it has such an important message. As a creative producing major, Jordan has had a love of film since a young age, when her and her father would have a special tradition of going to the movies every Sunday. Since attending Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Jordan has produced, production managed, production designed, and location managed a multitude of projects. In the future Jordan hopes to work in the production department at a major studio or network following her production internships with companies like NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Claudia Marino (Location Manager)
As a filmmaker, Claudia Marino feels she has a responsibility to tell stories about people and situations that need to be heard. Not only does she strive to be apart of something that caters to bring people joy and entertainment, but also to open mind and hearts. “River” allows the audience to look into the world that may not be common for all, but it is certainly one that open minds and allows one to look within themselves. As a location manager, she feels it is important to correlate each location with the story that is being told, helping to bring the world and environment to come alive.
Alice Tsui (1st Assistant Director)
Alice loves how film has the power to change people's thoughts. She was drawn to "River" because she's a big supporter of films about minorities, and loved the idea of a movie exploring gender non-conformity. Alice recently finished directing her own thesis back in November, titled "Lulu's Lunchbox," a film about an Asian American girl trying to balance her two different cultures. She is set to graduate from film school in May.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
By focusing on a non-binary and trans love story, River is trying to bridge a gap of under representation in the industry. These types of love stories are rarely told and are rarely told well. River hopes to break away from the typical male gaze direction that is utilized in filmmaking and create a more authentic story. With a diverse cast and crew dedicated to telling this story River will be an eye opening film for anyone who watches it.
The world today is a scary place for many people. With political, social and environmental strife there is a feeling of uneasiness. During times like these art is one of the only ways our voices can be heard. Film has always been one of the most influential and reflective visual artforms. Utilizing the expressive powers of filmmaking, River hopes to bring its audience into the story and make them confront a new perspective.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Artistic Locations
Costs $1,000
Our film requires many obscure, expensive locations, such as an art gallery and underground art haven.
Stunt Coordinator
Costs $900
"River" contains stunt sequences that exhibit the violent acts thrust upon our main character when they experience discrimination.
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Keep our crew fed and energized throughout our 12-hour shoot days!
Professional Camera and Lighting Equipment
Costs $1,500
We hope to rent a Red Epic camera package to allow for kinetic camera movements to capture the energy of the story.
Production Design
Costs $700
Art design is heavy for our film. In order to create our underground haven, we are going to need to completely transform an empty warehouse.
Make-Up and Wardrobe
Costs $400
To create the desired look for our gender binary characters, we need professional make-up application & specifically designed costuming.
Share this update!
About This Team
Sam Crainich (Director)
Sam believes that she's a filmmaker because she simply has no other choice. Film is the preeminent storytelling device. As a writer and director, she is drawn to the way that this mechanism pulls you into a character's mind and life. For Sam, this project represents the culmination of the past four years of knowledge she's gained from her work and schooling. "River", her senior thesis film and the third short she will direct, is a story about all of the struggles that young artists face when up against adversity. The art that is being made may be inspiring a new world and generation, but in reality that only makes it all the more terrifying.
Ariel Du (Producer)
Ariel is an international student from China, majoring in Creative Producing and minoring in Film Studies. She aims to be culturally educated, create and support conscious films that bridge different gaps in our society, and offer more compassionate understanding towards different communities. She is currently working as a short film programmer for the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, past internships include BBC Worldwide Productions, Film Independent (Spirit Awards 2016 and LA Film Festival 2016), and assisting international distribution of Hunger Games in China.
Nicholas Bradford (Director of Photography)
Nicholas' interest in filmmaking started when he was 13. Nick quickly realized the immense effect a film can make on a person’s life and how beautifully a film can improve the way we think and act towards each other. After reading the script, it was obvious to Nick that there was a clear vision behind telling an important and visceral story. Nick is currently in post-production on his thesis film, Where You Burn It. Nicholas directed and edited a short documentary which received a Northwest Regional Emmy Award in 2014.
Gi-Ling Lo (Production Designer)
Gi-Ling is a Fine Arts major and Production Design minor at Chapman University. Influenced by the many movies she watched with her parents at a young age, she chooses to be a filmmaker because she dreams of applying her artistic skills towards creating a unique vision. Gi-Ling was drawn towards working on River because she is interested in exploring the many facets of the LGBTQ community through atmosphere and environment. Her previous production design projects include “Stopwatch” directed by Michael Wolfe and “Clarinet Klub” directed by Fed Erico.
Tasha Jocz (Editor)
Tasha has always been interested in film, ever since she saw Moulin Rouge! as a child. In eighth grade, after making a birthday video for a friend, she decided that filmmaking would be the career path she wanted to follow.Not only do Tasha and director have a relationship with past films but the story of "River" drove her to wanting to edit it. Having a story of substance that you're passionate about makes working on a film more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Hannah Spellman (Sound Designer)
Hannah is a senior film production major with an emphasis in sound design, and inherited her love of movies from her dad. She became interested in filmmaking after attending film camp in sixth grade, where she wrote, directed, edited and starred in a horror short about her cat brainwashing her into murder. Ever since, she's been fascinated with film production, especially producing, editing and sound. She was brought to the project by director and fellow sound aficionado Sam Crainich, who she's wanted to work with since her freshman year. In the past she's done video production and editing for the Panther Online, Indeed.com, and The Passionate Few.
Jordan Kaiser (Unit Production Manager)
Jordan is very excited to be on board for “River” since it has such an important message. As a creative producing major, Jordan has had a love of film since a young age, when her and her father would have a special tradition of going to the movies every Sunday. Since attending Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Jordan has produced, production managed, production designed, and location managed a multitude of projects. In the future Jordan hopes to work in the production department at a major studio or network following her production internships with companies like NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Claudia Marino (Location Manager)
As a filmmaker, Claudia Marino feels she has a responsibility to tell stories about people and situations that need to be heard. Not only does she strive to be apart of something that caters to bring people joy and entertainment, but also to open mind and hearts. “River” allows the audience to look into the world that may not be common for all, but it is certainly one that open minds and allows one to look within themselves. As a location manager, she feels it is important to correlate each location with the story that is being told, helping to bring the world and environment to come alive.
Alice Tsui (1st Assistant Director)
Alice loves how film has the power to change people's thoughts. She was drawn to "River" because she's a big supporter of films about minorities, and loved the idea of a movie exploring gender non-conformity. Alice recently finished directing her own thesis back in November, titled "Lulu's Lunchbox," a film about an Asian American girl trying to balance her two different cultures. She is set to graduate from film school in May.