Shedding Velvet
Savannah, Georgia | Film Short
Horror, LGBTQ
In this psychological body horror short, a Trans boy winds up back in his rural southern hometown. Forced back into his estranged Father's life, they must both confront their fears, as they undergo transformations that challenge their relationship and reality itself.
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In this psychological body horror short, a Trans boy winds up back in his rural southern hometown. Forced back into his estranged Father's life, they must both confront their fears, as they undergo transformations that challenge their relationship and reality itself.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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Our protagonist Austin shows up at his estranged father, Michael’s, house in the woods. Michael is a game hunter by trade, specializing in Deer. The two are distant and awkward, there is an elephant in the room, Austin’s Transgender identity. He meets Nonna, a focal point of their rural southern community. She gives Austin a Deer Carving, a present meant for his Mom. That night he has a strange dream, his body has begun a strange transformation. He is confused, but intrigued.
As the story progresses the tension with his Father grows stronger, causing him to hide the changes with his body. His Father is not just a drunk, but abusive, memories begin to plague Austin. They attempt to coexist, yet each interaction causes the two to grow further apart. Finally, the two are thrown into a heated argument. Julien spills all his repressed feelings towards his Father, and Michael responds with violence. This results in Juliens final transformation into an anthropomorphic deer creature.
Austin
(16-21) Transman/Transmasc, The strained relationship with his father causes the suppression of his true emotions. Yet, the new changes to his body offer an escape.
Michael
(40-60) Austins estranged Father, who doesn’t understand his son. Deep down he has affection for him, but doesn’t know how to show it. His inability to express his emotions may be his downfall.
Nonna
(50-80) Owner of the market, motherly figure, has known Austin since his childhood and has accepted and supported him through all of his changes.
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Pre-Production
June-September 2025
Crowdfunding
July 28th - Aug 27th
Oddities Market
Aug 17th, Sept 17th
Production
October
FILMING
Oct 2-5th
Post-Production
Oct-May 2026
Distribution
Screening
Festivals
SCAD showcase
May 25-29
Hello! I am Jules Robinson, the director of the horror short Shedding Velvet. I am a senior Film/TV major at Savannah College of Art and Design, creating this film for my senior capstone project.
There is a significant lack of Transgender stories told through film. Despite the increase of Queer films in recent years, even today much of the mainstream representation in Hollywood is inaccurate and harmful. There is a lack of research, as well as actual LGBTQ+ crew members working on the projects.
For this project I am aiming to explore Transgender identities, as a Trans filmmaker, working with other Queer filmmakers. Pulling from my own experiences, I am aiming to explore familial relationships, specifically the unique bond between Father and Son. I have always been fascinated by the implications of body horror as a metaphor for aspects of the Trans experience. This short will be exploring just that, as the primary plot focuses on Austin's transformation into a Deer creature.
Furthering that idea, the growing of antlers for male deers is an annual process that is brought on by Testosterone production. This process marks their transition into adulthood, which is exactly what Austin is going through with his gender identity. Michael doesn’t want to accept the fact that his son is growing up, regardless of how he previously knew him in childhood. The poetic elements are furthered with the addition that Michael hunts deer to survive, the very thing Austin is becoming. Overall, it will be narrative driven, playing with experimental elements as Julien struggles to piece together his dreams and reality.
Thank you so much for all your continued support. Every crew member is putting thier all into making this dream a reality. Even the smallest amount goes a long way, please consider joining us along our journey as we create this film! We will have various merch items for sale, and will be hosting a new markets and events in person in Savannah GA. If interested follow the instagram @sheddingvelvetfilm for updates and other content. Thank you so much from the crew of Shedding Velvet <3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Meals for crew members
Costs $1,000
One meal a day averages about $15 per crew member. 4 days of shooting and 20 crew members means food can get expensive!
SFX for the deer transformation
Costs $1,000
This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the film. We want the SFX of his transformation to be practical and as realistic as possible.
Taxidermy deer (and other PD)
Costs $300
The production design and set dressing is critical for making the film immersive and realistic, one of the main aspects is taxidermy.
Cabin in the woods
Costs $1,000
The script involves many interior and exterior scenes filmed over multiple days (forest, cabin, shop, etc.).
Camera Equipment
Costs $700
We require special glass for the camera lens in order to create that vintage look, style, and appeal (along with other odds and ends).
Armorer + Weapons
Costs $600
In order to have a safe environment on set we require an armorer to handle the PROP guns and weapons of the shoot.
Hair + Makeup + Costumes
Costs $400
In order to keep the visual style of a vintage small town we need period accurate worn in clothing and makeup.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director - Jules Robinson
Producer - Alex Lockhart
DP - Hunter Lorenson
1st AC - Delia Dresser
2nd AC - Edda Gilbert
Stedicam Op - Amanda Mullens
Editor - Sofia Martinez
Gaffer - MC Garrison
Key Grip - Ella Cendrowski
1st AD - Peyton Dixon
PD - Costume - Wyatt Painter
PD - SFX - Jules O’Toole
PD - Prop/Set - Lindsey Blagg
Key PA - Teddy Schoenbeck
Social Media Manager - Flora Cerabino-Hess
VFX Supervisor - Benji Hopkins
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Our protagonist Austin shows up at his estranged father, Michael’s, house in the woods. Michael is a game hunter by trade, specializing in Deer. The two are distant and awkward, there is an elephant in the room, Austin’s Transgender identity. He meets Nonna, a focal point of their rural southern community. She gives Austin a Deer Carving, a present meant for his Mom. That night he has a strange dream, his body has begun a strange transformation. He is confused, but intrigued.
As the story progresses the tension with his Father grows stronger, causing him to hide the changes with his body. His Father is not just a drunk, but abusive, memories begin to plague Austin. They attempt to coexist, yet each interaction causes the two to grow further apart. Finally, the two are thrown into a heated argument. Julien spills all his repressed feelings towards his Father, and Michael responds with violence. This results in Juliens final transformation into an anthropomorphic deer creature.
Austin
(16-21) Transman/Transmasc, The strained relationship with his father causes the suppression of his true emotions. Yet, the new changes to his body offer an escape.
Michael
(40-60) Austins estranged Father, who doesn’t understand his son. Deep down he has affection for him, but doesn’t know how to show it. His inability to express his emotions may be his downfall.
Nonna
(50-80) Owner of the market, motherly figure, has known Austin since his childhood and has accepted and supported him through all of his changes.
Pre-Production
June-September 2025
Crowdfunding
July 28th - Aug 27th
Oddities Market
Aug 17th, Sept 17th
Production
October
FILMING
Oct 2-5th
Post-Production
Oct-May 2026
Distribution
Screening
Festivals
SCAD showcase
May 25-29
Hello! I am Jules Robinson, the director of the horror short Shedding Velvet. I am a senior Film/TV major at Savannah College of Art and Design, creating this film for my senior capstone project.
There is a significant lack of Transgender stories told through film. Despite the increase of Queer films in recent years, even today much of the mainstream representation in Hollywood is inaccurate and harmful. There is a lack of research, as well as actual LGBTQ+ crew members working on the projects.
For this project I am aiming to explore Transgender identities, as a Trans filmmaker, working with other Queer filmmakers. Pulling from my own experiences, I am aiming to explore familial relationships, specifically the unique bond between Father and Son. I have always been fascinated by the implications of body horror as a metaphor for aspects of the Trans experience. This short will be exploring just that, as the primary plot focuses on Austin's transformation into a Deer creature.
Furthering that idea, the growing of antlers for male deers is an annual process that is brought on by Testosterone production. This process marks their transition into adulthood, which is exactly what Austin is going through with his gender identity. Michael doesn’t want to accept the fact that his son is growing up, regardless of how he previously knew him in childhood. The poetic elements are furthered with the addition that Michael hunts deer to survive, the very thing Austin is becoming. Overall, it will be narrative driven, playing with experimental elements as Julien struggles to piece together his dreams and reality.
Thank you so much for all your continued support. Every crew member is putting thier all into making this dream a reality. Even the smallest amount goes a long way, please consider joining us along our journey as we create this film! We will have various merch items for sale, and will be hosting a new markets and events in person in Savannah GA. If interested follow the instagram @sheddingvelvetfilm for updates and other content. Thank you so much from the crew of Shedding Velvet <3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Meals for crew members
Costs $1,000
One meal a day averages about $15 per crew member. 4 days of shooting and 20 crew members means food can get expensive!
SFX for the deer transformation
Costs $1,000
This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the film. We want the SFX of his transformation to be practical and as realistic as possible.
Taxidermy deer (and other PD)
Costs $300
The production design and set dressing is critical for making the film immersive and realistic, one of the main aspects is taxidermy.
Cabin in the woods
Costs $1,000
The script involves many interior and exterior scenes filmed over multiple days (forest, cabin, shop, etc.).
Camera Equipment
Costs $700
We require special glass for the camera lens in order to create that vintage look, style, and appeal (along with other odds and ends).
Armorer + Weapons
Costs $600
In order to have a safe environment on set we require an armorer to handle the PROP guns and weapons of the shoot.
Hair + Makeup + Costumes
Costs $400
In order to keep the visual style of a vintage small town we need period accurate worn in clothing and makeup.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director - Jules Robinson
Producer - Alex Lockhart
DP - Hunter Lorenson
1st AC - Delia Dresser
2nd AC - Edda Gilbert
Stedicam Op - Amanda Mullens
Editor - Sofia Martinez
Gaffer - MC Garrison
Key Grip - Ella Cendrowski
1st AD - Peyton Dixon
PD - Costume - Wyatt Painter
PD - SFX - Jules O’Toole
PD - Prop/Set - Lindsey Blagg
Key PA - Teddy Schoenbeck
Social Media Manager - Flora Cerabino-Hess
VFX Supervisor - Benji Hopkins