Desperate to salvage her less-than-remarkable 13th birthday, Georgia Lin plots an escape to the crowded streets of Brooklyn with her little sister Cassie in tow. What begins as a simple, hopeful plan, however, soon spirals as her familial responsibilities collide with her desire for independence.
Desperate to salvage her less-than-remarkable 13th birthday, Georgia Lin plots an escape to the crowded streets of Brooklyn with her little sister Cassie in tow. What begins as a simple, hopeful plan, however, soon spirals as her familial responsibilities collide with her desire for independence.
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Story
Mission Statement
Seeds features the story of two Chinese American girls growing up in a middle-class community. It is written, directed, and produced by Asian American women. We are dedicated to building an inclusive team and, in doing so, prioritizing the voices of underrepresented communities.About The Project
is a short film about sisterhood, growing up, and the tiny, quiet sacrifices we make for the people we love. I'm Denise, the writer-director of Seeds. Georgia and Cassie's story, though not autobiographical, is deeply informed by my upbringing as the middle child of three girls. By uniting universal themes with the specificity of this world, I hope to bring to life a story that is rarely seen on screen: one that regards young Asian American girls with complexity, humor, and empathy.
As I graduate New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Film & TV program, I am so excited to bring the skills I’ve gained from the past four years into a project like this. I am even more thrilled to be making this film with a crew of close friends and talented, experienced collaborators, the majority of whom are women and people of color (check out the Team tab to meet some of them!).
We begin filming Seeds in Brooklyn at the end of June. Our budget has been carefully constructed to ensure every dollar is being spent on what matters most. With support from NYU's Advanced allotment, this $3,000 is the last stretch of funding we're hoping to raise with your help. Your contribution will go toward covering location fees, transportation, equipment rentals, and meals for our incredible cast & crew.No donation is too small and every dollar counts—plus, with each tier, you'll get access to exclusive perks that will take you behind-the-scenes on our process. We also welcome businesses that would like to contribute through in-kind donations. If you're unable to donate, no worries! You can still help by sharing our campaign with your friends and family. If you'd like to receive updates throughout production, follow us here and on Instagram @seeds.film.
Before I wrap this up, I'd just like to thank you for taking the time to check out our campaign. This film has been nearly a year in the making, and working on it has not only reaffirmed my love for filmmaking, but reminded me of how stories can illuminate our real lives. In many ways, this story is for a younger me, who wanted so badly to be her own person. Above all else, this story is for my sisters, Claire and Elaine, who have time and again showed me what love in all its complicated forms looks and feels like. I look forward to giving it my all.with gratitude,
writer & director of Seeds
Incentives
$15
Seed
You will receive a personal thank you note from the director and your name will be included in the credits!
$25
Sprout
Along with a personal thank you note and credit in the film, you will receive exclusive online access to the film before its public premiere!
$50
Vine
In addition to the above items, you will also receive a digital signed copy of the script and exclusive Seeds stickers!
$100
Blossom
In addition to the above items, you'll get access to a special behind-the-scenes production yearbook, which includes exclusive photos, film artwork, a director's diary, cast & crew spotlights, mood boards, and more!
$500
Melon
Welcome to the team! In addition to the above items, you will join our team as an Associate Producer! You will be credited in the film as such and receive an invite to our premiere screening.
$1,000
Patch
Thank you so much for your generous contribution! In addition to the above items, you will join our team as an Executive Producer! You will be credited in the film as such and receive an invite to our premiere screening.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
Seed
You will receive a personal thank you note from the director and your name will be included in the credits!
$25
Sprout
Along with a personal thank you note and credit in the film, you will receive exclusive online access to the film before its public premiere!
$50
Vine
In addition to the above items, you will also receive a digital signed copy of the script and exclusive Seeds stickers!
$100
Blossom
In addition to the above items, you'll get access to a special behind-the-scenes production yearbook, which includes exclusive photos, film artwork, a director's diary, cast & crew spotlights, mood boards, and more!
$500
Melon
Welcome to the team! In addition to the above items, you will join our team as an Associate Producer! You will be credited in the film as such and receive an invite to our premiere screening.
$1,000
Patch
Thank you so much for your generous contribution! In addition to the above items, you will join our team as an Executive Producer! You will be credited in the film as such and receive an invite to our premiere screening.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Denise Zhou is a California-raised, NYC-based writer, director, producer, and editor. During her time in NYU’s Film & TV Program, she has worked on numerous narrative, doc, and short form projects. Her own films have gone on to win at Tribeca Film Festival’s “Our City, My Story” competition, and she has worked professionally at Big Beach Films, Sesame Street, and Viacom. Most recently, she assistant edited Lulu Wang’s The Farewell, which premiered at Sundance 2019 and will be released by A24 this July. She is passionate about inclusive storytelling, youth development, and fish tacos. You can find more of her work at www.denisezhou.com.
Priya Khanolkar is a recent graduate from the Film & TV program at Tisch School of the Arts, where she has produced and 1st AD’d many Intermediate and Advanced films. Priya has interned for Ally Entertainment, Nantucket Film Festival, and is currently working at HarperCollins Publishers. She was also Co-Director of NYU’s Fusion Film Festival, which works to empower women in film, TV, and new media. Priya strives to make an impact in the film industry by promoting gender equality & people of color. She knows that at the core of every great film there’s a phenomenal story waiting to come to life, and that’s what drew her to this production.
Jenny Wang is a senior at NYU Film & TV. She has worked on many short films as a director of photography, with a passion for telling stories of women and people of color. Previously, she worked two years on at a floating sea turtle hospital in China, researching and rescuing sea turtles. Her passion for film grew, as her job required her to film the release of rehabilitated sea turtles into the wild. She loves to dance anywhere and everywhere.
Jiwon Uhm is a senior studying Film & TV at Tisch School of the Arts. Although from South Korea, she grew up in Indonesia (and still doesn’t know how the imperial system works). During her time at NYU, she has 1st AD’d on numerous student and independent productions. She currently works as a production assistant at Living With Yourself on Netflix.
Dora Chen is a recent graduate from the Film & TV program at Tisch School of the Arts. After spending two-thirds of her life in China and one-third in the U.S, and having traveled to many countries such as Hungary, Cuba, and Vietnam, her experience has brought great appreciation in diversity, history, people and cultures. Professionally, she has worked on numerous productions, including student theses, branded content, and documentaries, as a key member of the production team. She has previously interned at Magnet Media and participated in many commercial productions as a crew member in the Grip & Electric Department.
Cynthia Tong is a recent graduate of the NYU Wagner School of Public Service, and received a B.A. in Public Policy. Having focused on social policy in her studies, her interests lie in exploring the relationship between art, politics, and identity. She most recently interned at the W.O.W. Project, a Manhattan-based social initiative that promotes the preservation of the Chinatown community and its culture through public programs and community outreach. She could probably (likely) beat you in a pork bun eating contest.
Ellie Zarr is a film editor and recent graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She has edited numerous short films across many genres and is excited to work on Seeds this summer. She currently works as an assistant editor at NBC.
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