Scapegoat - Short Film
Nashville, Tennessee | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
"Scapegoat" hijacks the suspense genre to examine the nuances of faith, shame, and guilt. At Big Dawg Films, we know filmmaking is a battle. Are you willing to put a dog in the fight?
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,725 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
75 supporters | followers
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"Scapegoat" hijacks the suspense genre to examine the nuances of faith, shame, and guilt. At Big Dawg Films, we know filmmaking is a battle. Are you willing to put a dog in the fight?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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Scapegoat is the story of a priest who longs to help, but can't shake the feeling he doesn't belong. It's the story of a fugitive who longs for justice and a fresh start. A film about human connection under tense circumstances. An opportunity to use film to not only entertain us, but also to engage with our own humanity.
Why make Scapegoat? And, why should we be the ones who make it?
Great questions. Here's a note from Gabe (Co-director, Writer, Executive Producer, & Actor).
I read Les Miserables when I was too young to really understand it. Yet, the story of Jean Valjean being forgiven by the Bishop stuck with me for years. The Bishop was generous and merciful. An undeserved, almost haunting, gift of silver meant that Jean Valjean could begin a new life. I believe we need more stories that challenge us to be more merciful - to others and to ourselves.
I got my Masters in Clinical Social Work, and my undergrad was in the same field of study. I loved working with people and fostering the practice of empathy. When I made the career-switch to video production, I brought this training with me. The narratives I write and the themes I explore - all root back into a desire to fairly and honestly unpack some part of the human experience.
For the past few years, Landon and I have had the privilege of working closely together. I've worked professionally as a creative producer and he's been my director of photography. Alongside each other, we've been able to write, produce, and direct narrative and industrial content, honing our skills and growing our competence as filmmakers. We've got our own shorthand and communication patterns and, most importantly, we trust each other.
Grateful,
Gabe C
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
The script has been written and re-written and finalized. We have had table reads. We have secured our filming location. We've built the team and cast the roles. All that's left is to fund it, film it, and finish it!
Your financial support allows us to pay the incredible team of creatives who make up our cast and crew, both for principal filming and for post-production. It also funds things like production insurance, props (e.g., we have to rent a police cruiser), wardrobe, gear rental, and food for the crew.
TIMELINE | Here's what your support allows us to accomplish and when...
January 2026 | Launch our Seed&Spark campaign.
February 2026 | Principal Filming
March 2026 | Post-Production
April 2026 | Early Access Screening & Submission to Film Festivals
Fall 2026 | Festival time!
Thanks so much for checking out our campaign! Any gift, no matter how big or small, means the world to us.
Follow us on Instagram at @bigdawgfilms for updates!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew Day Rates
Costs $4,500
We gotta pay the people!!!
Principal Photography
Costs $2,500
All the costs affiliated with the actual shoot days. Location, Set Design, Food & Crafty, Gear Rental, Production Insurance, and etc.
Post Production
Costs $2,500
Color, sound design, composition. Film festival entry fees.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Big Dawg Films is a cinematic powerhouse made up of high-quality people. We prioritize community and excellence, and, over the past few years, have built shared language and camaraderie that allows us to thrive and collaborate. Founded and led by Gabe Cyrus.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Scapegoat is the story of a priest who longs to help, but can't shake the feeling he doesn't belong. It's the story of a fugitive who longs for justice and a fresh start. A film about human connection under tense circumstances. An opportunity to use film to not only entertain us, but also to engage with our own humanity.
Why make Scapegoat? And, why should we be the ones who make it?
Great questions. Here's a note from Gabe (Co-director, Writer, Executive Producer, & Actor).
I read Les Miserables when I was too young to really understand it. Yet, the story of Jean Valjean being forgiven by the Bishop stuck with me for years. The Bishop was generous and merciful. An undeserved, almost haunting, gift of silver meant that Jean Valjean could begin a new life. I believe we need more stories that challenge us to be more merciful - to others and to ourselves.
I got my Masters in Clinical Social Work, and my undergrad was in the same field of study. I loved working with people and fostering the practice of empathy. When I made the career-switch to video production, I brought this training with me. The narratives I write and the themes I explore - all root back into a desire to fairly and honestly unpack some part of the human experience.
For the past few years, Landon and I have had the privilege of working closely together. I've worked professionally as a creative producer and he's been my director of photography. Alongside each other, we've been able to write, produce, and direct narrative and industrial content, honing our skills and growing our competence as filmmakers. We've got our own shorthand and communication patterns and, most importantly, we trust each other.
Grateful,
Gabe C
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
The script has been written and re-written and finalized. We have had table reads. We have secured our filming location. We've built the team and cast the roles. All that's left is to fund it, film it, and finish it!
Your financial support allows us to pay the incredible team of creatives who make up our cast and crew, both for principal filming and for post-production. It also funds things like production insurance, props (e.g., we have to rent a police cruiser), wardrobe, gear rental, and food for the crew.
TIMELINE | Here's what your support allows us to accomplish and when...
January 2026 | Launch our Seed&Spark campaign.
February 2026 | Principal Filming
March 2026 | Post-Production
April 2026 | Early Access Screening & Submission to Film Festivals
Fall 2026 | Festival time!
Thanks so much for checking out our campaign! Any gift, no matter how big or small, means the world to us.
Follow us on Instagram at @bigdawgfilms for updates!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew Day Rates
Costs $4,500
We gotta pay the people!!!
Principal Photography
Costs $2,500
All the costs affiliated with the actual shoot days. Location, Set Design, Food & Crafty, Gear Rental, Production Insurance, and etc.
Post Production
Costs $2,500
Color, sound design, composition. Film festival entry fees.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Big Dawg Films is a cinematic powerhouse made up of high-quality people. We prioritize community and excellence, and, over the past few years, have built shared language and camaraderie that allows us to thrive and collaborate. Founded and led by Gabe Cyrus.