Scratch-Off
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Satire
This is a cautionary tale about luck, loss, and legs. A newlywed and recent father wins $6 off a scratch-off, which kickstarts a “lucky week” of mismanagement as a wound on his leg slowly grows more infected.
Scratch-Off
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Satire
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,170 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
59 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This is a cautionary tale about luck, loss, and legs. A newlywed and recent father wins $6 off a scratch-off, which kickstarts a “lucky week” of mismanagement as a wound on his leg slowly grows more infected.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The notion of film as an “empathy machine” often showcases the therapeutic experience of watching a character reach catharsis. But you could also vicariously experience getting the shit kicked out of you and being told, as you lay curled up on the ground covered in bruises and spit, that it’s your own fault. To me, that’s fun.
This use of empathy takes advantage of the fact that film is, indeed, a machine. It’s a simulated experience you can stand up and walk away from, a safe space where you can experience your fears and anxieties play out to full fruition without actually experiencing them. Call it exposure therapy!
And it’s my intent as a director to embrace the mechanical, to embrace the artifice. What we’re looking at here is a little guy in a little world we made up for you, and rather than trick you into thinking it’s real, I’m pulling up a seat for you right next me behind the glass as we examine this specimen and laugh at him and even join in spitting on him from the observation deck if you so choose, before sitting back down and realizing he’s actually us. So I ask you, as a man trying to take your money: would you like a seat?
- Taylor
Harry, our lucky guy, is a new father who just welcomed baby Matthew into their little family. On his morning run, he picks up a scratch-off at the local deli. And--what do you know--he wins six bucks! In his excitement, he jolts up and jabs his leg against the table, leaving a scratch. But he doesn't care; the scratch-off is good luck.
Good things come in pairs...
Harry's wife, Diane, also finally got a project approved at work, which means she is going on a business trip and leaving Harry home alone to take care of the baby. She is concerned, however, because unlike her, a very put-together businesswoman, Harry often lets chaos get the best of him.
But Harry believes in his luck!
Harry swears to his wife that he can hold the fort down, and there is nothing she needs to worry about. Diane flies out. Harry proudly takes on the task of caring for Matthew and himself while she's gone.
Day 1 after Diane's gone. Harry wakes up late, leaving him no time to shower or clean his wound before work. He hurriedly drops Matthew off at daycare without eating breakfast. At work, Harry's buddy Mike asks Harry to get drinks after work. Harry tries to refuse and explain that he needs to take care of Matthew since Diane is out of town, but to Mike that means... Drinks at Harry's after work!
Did Harry forget about baby Matthew? Will he finally have time to shower on Day 2? Day 3? When can he finally tend to the scratch on his leg? Find out on the next episode of Scratch-Off, premiering Saturday Mornings on ABC Family!
(My producers tell me I have to clarify that this is not, in fact, premiering on ABC Family, nor is it a TV show but rather a short film)
Can Harry's luck persist through Diane's absence?
I’ve always considered myself a bit unlucky. Not in any grand, cosmic sense, but on a more day-to-day level. Ironically unfortunate things happen to everyone, but surely they must, statistically, happen to some people more than others, right? This notion quickly became a crutch, however, for things that were the direct result of my own actions and miscommunications, and it made me realize how easy it is to shift blame to a faceless, ethereal force rather than take action and solve the things in one’s own life. Much of this also had to do with alienation and my apprehension to ask for communal help on tasks too Herculean to accomplish on my own, which really boils down to pride and insecurity. So I want to take this notion and push it to its logical extreme in a controlled, abstract setting like a narrative film, taking a satirical approach because I find that the best way to criticize these things is to laugh at them.
Some films I had in mind:
I’m from a small suburban town, which I moved away from to go to school in New York. Over the course of the next three years, I was saturated with stories in and about the city, where you’re always plugged in, always aware of your surroundings, always being reminded of your situation. This has fostered a culture of intellectualizing and overanalyzing the day-to-day, whereas the suburbs have an abstract quality to them, existing in a vacuum that lends itself more to the otherworldly dissection we’re attempting with this film. The characters, existing in this abstract, face less exhortation to scrutinize their lifestyles from the pseudointellectual hubbub of a place like New York, and the ultimate goal Harry and Diane are striving for is the picture perfect lifestyle the suburbs advertise, a perfect vehicle for the domestic dread and the artifice we’re exploring. And outside of the story, I feel a sense of coming full circle as a filmmaker, returning to the suburbs to make this film.
- Taylor
Principal photography will take place in late November. We have already found these locations: a house on Long Island, an office space, and a hospital ward in New Jersey. We have also gathered 90% of the crew (a team of wonderful and talented people!) and secured 95% of the equipment. Lastly, we have funded 10% of the total budget!
But--
Although we are big kids now who can hold the fort down (unlike Harry), we still really need your help. When you contribute to Scratch-Off, you become a part of a larger community of people who want to help each other grow as artists and tell our truths. If you've ever wanted to make art on a larger scale and haven't had the opportunity, meet other artists, or just because you love Taylor's content--this is your chance!
Fiscal Contributions
By making a pledge to Scratch-Off, you can also get a series of fun perks listed on the right side of the page. These perks range from getting a limited-edition, custom made scratch-off card with words of encouragement from Taylor, to becoming an executive producer for the film and perhaps... meeting Taylor in New York City for the premiere?
Our funds will go to these needs:
However, it ain't only about the cha-ching cha-ching--there are other ways you can help too!
In-Kind Donations
We would also love the help in the form of goods, locations, or services. You will get credit in the film, as well as the perks listed on the right side!
We also need:
- A grocery store/deli to film in
- A truck for temporary transportation
- A passenger van for temporary transportation
- Truck and van drivers
- Craft services (snacks, water, coffee)
- Catering (in Long Island and New Jersey)
- A crib
Follow Our Campaign and Spread the Word!
It would simply mean so much to us if you follow our campaign on Seed & Spark and spread the word! You can share with your friends and families via text, social media, or word-of-mouth. We appreciate every kind of help you so kindly offer! If you wish to share out campaign, here is a slogan you could simply copy and paste:
Help filmmaker @Taylor_J_Williams by supporting his senior thesis film SCRATCH-OFF, a cautionary tale about the importance of asking for help from others! Join them on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/scratch-off
Learn more about our team under the "Team" tab!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $2,600
Rental fees for the house, the office, and the hospital ward.
Transportation
Costs $1,600
Truck to transport equipment, passenger van to transport cast and crew. Vroom vroom!
Food
Costs $1,800
Food to satisfy our bellies and coffee to satisfy our minds.
Props, Set, Dressing, Costumes
Costs $1,200
Making the world of Scratch-Off come true!
Additional Equipment Rental
Costs $200
A few small pieces.
Insurance
Costs $1,000
SUUUPER IMPORTANT to keep everyone safe!
COVID-19 Safety
Costs $200
Everyone is vaccinated but still gotta be cautious.
Miscellaneous and Contingency
Costs $1,400
Fees for Seed&Spark, possible post-production and festivals costs, and Murphy's Law (contingency)!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Taylor J. Williams is a senior at NYU who has been directing films since he was 8 years old, well over half his life ago. While enamored with every aspect of the filmmaking process, including film discussion on his YouTube channel, his passion is telling satirical stories that use abstract environments to comment on real-world emotions. ‘Scratch-Off’ is a personal story born from his own experiences and pitfalls, transfigured into a wacky narrative likened to a Saturday morning cartoon. This is a story he has been wanting to bring to the screen for three years now, and he can’t wait to finally see it through.
Rachel Cheung is a native New Yorker and a senior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts pursuing a B.F.A in Film and Television with a minor in producing. She has produced several films during her time at NYU, but is especially excited to help Scratch-Off come into fruition during her last year. When she’s not producing or in class, she works as a development intern at Dive, a production company based in Los Angeles or hanging out with her three dogs.
Elenore Wang is a New York/Beijing based filmmaker. She is a senior at NYU Tisch, majoring in Film & TV, minoring in Entertainment Business and English. Spending 2/3 of her life in Beijing and 1/3 in the U.S., she has gained a unique multi-cultural insight. She has recently worked on a feature as a producer's assistant, and is excited to bring her skills to Scratch-Off. She won 10 RMB from a scratch-off when she was in elementary school.
Kendall Laughton is a New York-based director of photography in his Junior year at NYU. Having fallen in love with movies at a young age, Kendall not only makes films but works as a projectionist at multiple theaters in New York. He has worked in close collaboration with Taylor on multiple projects over the past two years. Kendall loves shooting projects that capture honest and universal emotions through comic and surreal stories. As such Kendall couldn’t be more excited to help bring ’Scratch Off’ to life.
Sam Clegg is a documentary and narrative filmmaker, and he is currently a senior at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Working as a director, DP, and gaffer, he is drawn to stories about eccentricity and people who are not afraid to be different. You may also run into him at a skatepark or bagel shop near you.
Sebastian Duran is a New York based Sound mixer with a love for storytelling. He was 2019’s Tisch 48 winner for best Sound Design and recently completed work on the National Geographic doc First Wave. Sebastian is excited to explore the world of Scratch-Off through sound.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The notion of film as an “empathy machine” often showcases the therapeutic experience of watching a character reach catharsis. But you could also vicariously experience getting the shit kicked out of you and being told, as you lay curled up on the ground covered in bruises and spit, that it’s your own fault. To me, that’s fun.
This use of empathy takes advantage of the fact that film is, indeed, a machine. It’s a simulated experience you can stand up and walk away from, a safe space where you can experience your fears and anxieties play out to full fruition without actually experiencing them. Call it exposure therapy!
And it’s my intent as a director to embrace the mechanical, to embrace the artifice. What we’re looking at here is a little guy in a little world we made up for you, and rather than trick you into thinking it’s real, I’m pulling up a seat for you right next me behind the glass as we examine this specimen and laugh at him and even join in spitting on him from the observation deck if you so choose, before sitting back down and realizing he’s actually us. So I ask you, as a man trying to take your money: would you like a seat?
- Taylor
Harry, our lucky guy, is a new father who just welcomed baby Matthew into their little family. On his morning run, he picks up a scratch-off at the local deli. And--what do you know--he wins six bucks! In his excitement, he jolts up and jabs his leg against the table, leaving a scratch. But he doesn't care; the scratch-off is good luck.
Good things come in pairs...
Harry's wife, Diane, also finally got a project approved at work, which means she is going on a business trip and leaving Harry home alone to take care of the baby. She is concerned, however, because unlike her, a very put-together businesswoman, Harry often lets chaos get the best of him.
But Harry believes in his luck!
Harry swears to his wife that he can hold the fort down, and there is nothing she needs to worry about. Diane flies out. Harry proudly takes on the task of caring for Matthew and himself while she's gone.
Day 1 after Diane's gone. Harry wakes up late, leaving him no time to shower or clean his wound before work. He hurriedly drops Matthew off at daycare without eating breakfast. At work, Harry's buddy Mike asks Harry to get drinks after work. Harry tries to refuse and explain that he needs to take care of Matthew since Diane is out of town, but to Mike that means... Drinks at Harry's after work!
Did Harry forget about baby Matthew? Will he finally have time to shower on Day 2? Day 3? When can he finally tend to the scratch on his leg? Find out on the next episode of Scratch-Off, premiering Saturday Mornings on ABC Family!
(My producers tell me I have to clarify that this is not, in fact, premiering on ABC Family, nor is it a TV show but rather a short film)
Can Harry's luck persist through Diane's absence?
I’ve always considered myself a bit unlucky. Not in any grand, cosmic sense, but on a more day-to-day level. Ironically unfortunate things happen to everyone, but surely they must, statistically, happen to some people more than others, right? This notion quickly became a crutch, however, for things that were the direct result of my own actions and miscommunications, and it made me realize how easy it is to shift blame to a faceless, ethereal force rather than take action and solve the things in one’s own life. Much of this also had to do with alienation and my apprehension to ask for communal help on tasks too Herculean to accomplish on my own, which really boils down to pride and insecurity. So I want to take this notion and push it to its logical extreme in a controlled, abstract setting like a narrative film, taking a satirical approach because I find that the best way to criticize these things is to laugh at them.
Some films I had in mind:
I’m from a small suburban town, which I moved away from to go to school in New York. Over the course of the next three years, I was saturated with stories in and about the city, where you’re always plugged in, always aware of your surroundings, always being reminded of your situation. This has fostered a culture of intellectualizing and overanalyzing the day-to-day, whereas the suburbs have an abstract quality to them, existing in a vacuum that lends itself more to the otherworldly dissection we’re attempting with this film. The characters, existing in this abstract, face less exhortation to scrutinize their lifestyles from the pseudointellectual hubbub of a place like New York, and the ultimate goal Harry and Diane are striving for is the picture perfect lifestyle the suburbs advertise, a perfect vehicle for the domestic dread and the artifice we’re exploring. And outside of the story, I feel a sense of coming full circle as a filmmaker, returning to the suburbs to make this film.
- Taylor
Principal photography will take place in late November. We have already found these locations: a house on Long Island, an office space, and a hospital ward in New Jersey. We have also gathered 90% of the crew (a team of wonderful and talented people!) and secured 95% of the equipment. Lastly, we have funded 10% of the total budget!
But--
Although we are big kids now who can hold the fort down (unlike Harry), we still really need your help. When you contribute to Scratch-Off, you become a part of a larger community of people who want to help each other grow as artists and tell our truths. If you've ever wanted to make art on a larger scale and haven't had the opportunity, meet other artists, or just because you love Taylor's content--this is your chance!
Fiscal Contributions
By making a pledge to Scratch-Off, you can also get a series of fun perks listed on the right side of the page. These perks range from getting a limited-edition, custom made scratch-off card with words of encouragement from Taylor, to becoming an executive producer for the film and perhaps... meeting Taylor in New York City for the premiere?
Our funds will go to these needs:
However, it ain't only about the cha-ching cha-ching--there are other ways you can help too!
In-Kind Donations
We would also love the help in the form of goods, locations, or services. You will get credit in the film, as well as the perks listed on the right side!
We also need:
- A grocery store/deli to film in
- A truck for temporary transportation
- A passenger van for temporary transportation
- Truck and van drivers
- Craft services (snacks, water, coffee)
- Catering (in Long Island and New Jersey)
- A crib
Follow Our Campaign and Spread the Word!
It would simply mean so much to us if you follow our campaign on Seed & Spark and spread the word! You can share with your friends and families via text, social media, or word-of-mouth. We appreciate every kind of help you so kindly offer! If you wish to share out campaign, here is a slogan you could simply copy and paste:
Help filmmaker @Taylor_J_Williams by supporting his senior thesis film SCRATCH-OFF, a cautionary tale about the importance of asking for help from others! Join them on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/scratch-off
Learn more about our team under the "Team" tab!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $2,600
Rental fees for the house, the office, and the hospital ward.
Transportation
Costs $1,600
Truck to transport equipment, passenger van to transport cast and crew. Vroom vroom!
Food
Costs $1,800
Food to satisfy our bellies and coffee to satisfy our minds.
Props, Set, Dressing, Costumes
Costs $1,200
Making the world of Scratch-Off come true!
Additional Equipment Rental
Costs $200
A few small pieces.
Insurance
Costs $1,000
SUUUPER IMPORTANT to keep everyone safe!
COVID-19 Safety
Costs $200
Everyone is vaccinated but still gotta be cautious.
Miscellaneous and Contingency
Costs $1,400
Fees for Seed&Spark, possible post-production and festivals costs, and Murphy's Law (contingency)!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Taylor J. Williams is a senior at NYU who has been directing films since he was 8 years old, well over half his life ago. While enamored with every aspect of the filmmaking process, including film discussion on his YouTube channel, his passion is telling satirical stories that use abstract environments to comment on real-world emotions. ‘Scratch-Off’ is a personal story born from his own experiences and pitfalls, transfigured into a wacky narrative likened to a Saturday morning cartoon. This is a story he has been wanting to bring to the screen for three years now, and he can’t wait to finally see it through.
Rachel Cheung is a native New Yorker and a senior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts pursuing a B.F.A in Film and Television with a minor in producing. She has produced several films during her time at NYU, but is especially excited to help Scratch-Off come into fruition during her last year. When she’s not producing or in class, she works as a development intern at Dive, a production company based in Los Angeles or hanging out with her three dogs.
Elenore Wang is a New York/Beijing based filmmaker. She is a senior at NYU Tisch, majoring in Film & TV, minoring in Entertainment Business and English. Spending 2/3 of her life in Beijing and 1/3 in the U.S., she has gained a unique multi-cultural insight. She has recently worked on a feature as a producer's assistant, and is excited to bring her skills to Scratch-Off. She won 10 RMB from a scratch-off when she was in elementary school.
Kendall Laughton is a New York-based director of photography in his Junior year at NYU. Having fallen in love with movies at a young age, Kendall not only makes films but works as a projectionist at multiple theaters in New York. He has worked in close collaboration with Taylor on multiple projects over the past two years. Kendall loves shooting projects that capture honest and universal emotions through comic and surreal stories. As such Kendall couldn’t be more excited to help bring ’Scratch Off’ to life.
Sam Clegg is a documentary and narrative filmmaker, and he is currently a senior at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Working as a director, DP, and gaffer, he is drawn to stories about eccentricity and people who are not afraid to be different. You may also run into him at a skatepark or bagel shop near you.
Sebastian Duran is a New York based Sound mixer with a love for storytelling. He was 2019’s Tisch 48 winner for best Sound Design and recently completed work on the National Geographic doc First Wave. Sebastian is excited to explore the world of Scratch-Off through sound.