Shield
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
Zoe was put in foster care after the death of her brother. Trauma made it difficult to place her in a permanent home until Rachel embraces the challenges in an inspiring story about facing fears, finding inner strength and being brave enough to embrace the scars that make us beautiful.
Shield
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Family
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,560 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
99 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Zoe was put in foster care after the death of her brother. Trauma made it difficult to place her in a permanent home until Rachel embraces the challenges in an inspiring story about facing fears, finding inner strength and being brave enough to embrace the scars that make us beautiful.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Inspiration Behind the Story
I've encountered beautiful souls who have journeyed through the foster care system-- I listened to the stories of the struggles their families endured, how they were separated from siblings at times, the heaviness and holiness each foster home brought to their lives--wanting to be loved but feeling unloved. Some became caretakers of siblings and made them grow up faster than expected-- the absence of a father or the death of a mother.
Their stories never left me. Traumatic circumstances could've become the destruction of them; despite their tough upbringings, they've become some of the most successful people I know. I believe that truth for anyone. I wanted to give others their inspiration and hope. It is why I wrote SHIELD.
Synopsis of SHIELD
Zoe was put in foster care after the death of her brother, who was her sole guardian. She latches onto the only thing that reminds her of him– a blanket. Trauma has alienated her from everyone and has made it difficult for Zoe to find a permanent home. That is, until Rachel decides to become her caregiver. Rachel’s creative use of comic books is just the thing to help Zoe let go of her pain in this inspiring story about facing our fears, finding our inner strength and being brave enough to embrace the scars that make us beautiful.
The Team
We have assembled a notable, all-female, multi-cultured cast and a diverse crew with experienced women in key positions (NYWIFT, IFP, ARRAY, SAG-AFTRA members). The funds we raise will support all of our departments-- from cast and crew, to catering and the film-inspired comic book. We are shooting on location and the expenses-- including insurance and permits-- are a large portion of our budget. Most of our crew and cast have committed to work for lower rates due to our indie budget and their passion for the film. Some of our crew members will be working multiple positions like the superheroes they are and all are committed to making sure this film is a success.
Production
SHIELD is seeking to raise $12k to make production and post-production happen as well as the comic book that was inspired by the script. Moreover, We're working hard to partner with foster care and women organizations, as well as comic book stores, to bring awareness to the needs of foster children and the empowerment of young girls. Pretty dope stuff.
So what do you say? Can we count on you to help make this dream a reality and bring awareness to this cause?
Samples of Storyboard
Here's an up-close, sneak peek view at the storyboards we're working on for SHIELD!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Shield's Squad
Costs $7,800
cost of our crew for a three-day shoot.
Shield's Cast
Costs $1,500
our SAG-AFTRA cast loves this script so much they were willing to take a lower rate to be a part!
Set Design
Costs $300
we want Zoe's room to look the part. lots of comic books, toys, trophies,certificates, medals, etc.
Costume Design & MUA
Costs $300
we will be digging through closets, but there are some items we will need to purchase.
Distribution Deliverables
Costs $600
bring our project to the screen(s)! we want everyone to see this important film!
Locations, Production Insurance & Permit Fees
Costs $1,000
Need proper NYC insurance & permits for film as well as locations needed: bodega, school (classroom, principal's office, hall) & apartment.
Production Craft Services
Costs $500
...because movie-making superheroes have to eat, right?
Share this update!
About This Team
Danielle Eliska (Writer/Director) hails from Detroit. She's received her MFA in Dramatic Writing for Film, Television and Theatre from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. More than a scriptwriter, Danielle Eliska has directed documentaries, short films, music videos and theatre productions-- currently working on several screenwriting, filmmaking and photography projects-- looking forward to directing her first feature narrative film in the near future. She is the founder and COC of MERAKI society, a multimedia production house committed to telling stories about powerful women, the Black Diaspora and Black Culture. (www.danielleeliska.com)
Mario Moore (Art Director) is a Detroit native, currently residing in New York City. Moore received a BFA in Illustration from the College for Creative Studies and an MFA in Painting from the Yale School of Art. He was an Artist-in-Residence at Knox College, Galesburg, IL, the Fountainhead residency and the Albers Foundation and is an upcoming Fellow for Princeton's Lewis Center for the Arts 2018- 2019 Hodder Fellowship.
Moore’s phenomenal work has afforded him many opportunities-- from multiple exhibitions (nationally and internationally) and featured articles in newspapers and magazines. He has also worked on two large production films (Real Steel 2011 and Red Dawn 2012) as a set sculptor. A few places his work has been exhibited include the Charles H. Wright Museum, George N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem State University’s Diggs Gallery, Driscoll Babcock Gallery and the Detroit Artists Market. His work was also included in the Studio Visit Volume 31 (2015) and the Studio Museum in Harlem’s catalog, Speaking of People: Ebony, Jet and Contemporary Art (2014). (www.mariomoorestudio.com)
Lauren Sowa (Producer/Amy) grew up in beautiful Landisville, Pennsylvania, surrounded by cornfields and the Amish. In 2016, she and Tim Eliot founded Form & Pressure Films to tell stories that inspire and provoke thought, while encouraging diversity and equality on set and on screen. Lauren has been featured in the films 42 Seconds of Happiness (now available on Amazon Prime), Café Artist, The Rainbow Experiment (premiered at Slamdance 2018), and The Devil’s Well. Upcoming: the indie feature Paris is in Harlem. She received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Proud member of Actor's Equity and SAG-AFTRA. Lauren is a big-time animal lover, and has yet to meet a pretzel she doesn't like. When not acting, you can find her reading a good book, taking photographs, catching up on old films, and doing yoga! (www.laurensowa.com)
Austin Smoak (cinematographer) is a graduate of Florida State University's the Film School, Austin worked in the camera department in Los Angeles for 12 years before moving to New York.
As a Cinematographer, Austin has shot everything from independent features and television to documentaries and music videos. Her most recent work includes projects for PBS, MTV, Comedy Central and Showtime. Her work on the New Media Series, L.A. Macabre has earned her several nominations for Best Cinematography. In addition, Austin has had the opportunity to work as a Cinematographer all over the world including work in Europe, India and Nigeria.
Austin loves working closely with directors to bring their vision to life and help tell their stories. (https://austinleesmoak.com/ )
Tim Eliot (Producer) is a co-founder of Form & Pressure. He wrote and acted in their latest short, Marisol, currently in post-production. He has been featured on Boardwalk Empire, The 3Bits, and duder. Recent and upcoming films include The Rainbow Experiment (the Opening Night Feature of the 2018 Harlem International Film Festival), Seven Lovers, and Down To Earth.
A veteran of classical and downtown theater, Tim played MacBeth with Everett Quinton and several Sleep No More alums in a Catholic Church in Chinatown, Hamlet at the cell, and Romeo at Yale. He has done numerous immersive projects with Stella Artois, Target, Secret Cinema, and AMC. Regional theater includes Sexual Perversity (ART), The Little Tragedies (MXAT), Cherry Docs (New Rep), The Real Thing (Northern Stage), Compleat Works (Nat’l Tour), Much Ado, Cymbeline, Elizabeth Rex (Opera House Arts). He directed Romeo & Juliet in an abandoned garage in Long Island City, Much Ado in a garden/gallery in Chelsea, and Erdman’s Suicide!? in a former piano factory in Hell’s Kitchen. Tim is a graduate of the William Esper Studio, the ART/MXAT Institute at Harvard, and Yale University. (www.timeliot.com)
Gisela Adisa (Rachel) is a Broadway actress whose credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. First National Tour: Sister Act (Deloris Understudy) and Colman Domingo's Lights Out. Film and TV include “Ride By Night", "Chasing Taste", "Jamerican" and Co-Stars on “Younger” and "Royal Pains". (http://iamgisela.com/ )
Julee Cerda (Ms. Chang) is an American actress born in Seoul, South Korea. She was raised in New York but spent part of her childhood in her father's country, the Dominican Republic. After graduating from Marist College with a B.A., she enrolled in several acting programs in New York City including T. Schreiber Studio, the Ward Acting School for Meisner, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, and the LAByrinth Theater Company.
She has recently appeared on television as cousin Jazmina in Orange is the New Black (Season 4), and as Dana Treister in House of Cards (Season 4). Other TV credits include: Blue Bloods, The Family, Limitless, Allegiance, Royal Pains, White Collar, and Nurse Jackie. Her film credits include: Nancy Meyers' The Intern (2016), No Letting Go (2015) and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2014). (www.juleecerda.com)
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Inspiration Behind the Story
I've encountered beautiful souls who have journeyed through the foster care system-- I listened to the stories of the struggles their families endured, how they were separated from siblings at times, the heaviness and holiness each foster home brought to their lives--wanting to be loved but feeling unloved. Some became caretakers of siblings and made them grow up faster than expected-- the absence of a father or the death of a mother.
Their stories never left me. Traumatic circumstances could've become the destruction of them; despite their tough upbringings, they've become some of the most successful people I know. I believe that truth for anyone. I wanted to give others their inspiration and hope. It is why I wrote SHIELD.
Synopsis of SHIELD
Zoe was put in foster care after the death of her brother, who was her sole guardian. She latches onto the only thing that reminds her of him– a blanket. Trauma has alienated her from everyone and has made it difficult for Zoe to find a permanent home. That is, until Rachel decides to become her caregiver. Rachel’s creative use of comic books is just the thing to help Zoe let go of her pain in this inspiring story about facing our fears, finding our inner strength and being brave enough to embrace the scars that make us beautiful.
The Team
We have assembled a notable, all-female, multi-cultured cast and a diverse crew with experienced women in key positions (NYWIFT, IFP, ARRAY, SAG-AFTRA members). The funds we raise will support all of our departments-- from cast and crew, to catering and the film-inspired comic book. We are shooting on location and the expenses-- including insurance and permits-- are a large portion of our budget. Most of our crew and cast have committed to work for lower rates due to our indie budget and their passion for the film. Some of our crew members will be working multiple positions like the superheroes they are and all are committed to making sure this film is a success.
Production
SHIELD is seeking to raise $12k to make production and post-production happen as well as the comic book that was inspired by the script. Moreover, We're working hard to partner with foster care and women organizations, as well as comic book stores, to bring awareness to the needs of foster children and the empowerment of young girls. Pretty dope stuff.
So what do you say? Can we count on you to help make this dream a reality and bring awareness to this cause?
Samples of Storyboard
Here's an up-close, sneak peek view at the storyboards we're working on for SHIELD!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Shield's Squad
Costs $7,800
cost of our crew for a three-day shoot.
Shield's Cast
Costs $1,500
our SAG-AFTRA cast loves this script so much they were willing to take a lower rate to be a part!
Set Design
Costs $300
we want Zoe's room to look the part. lots of comic books, toys, trophies,certificates, medals, etc.
Costume Design & MUA
Costs $300
we will be digging through closets, but there are some items we will need to purchase.
Distribution Deliverables
Costs $600
bring our project to the screen(s)! we want everyone to see this important film!
Locations, Production Insurance & Permit Fees
Costs $1,000
Need proper NYC insurance & permits for film as well as locations needed: bodega, school (classroom, principal's office, hall) & apartment.
Production Craft Services
Costs $500
...because movie-making superheroes have to eat, right?
Share this update!
About This Team
Danielle Eliska (Writer/Director) hails from Detroit. She's received her MFA in Dramatic Writing for Film, Television and Theatre from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. More than a scriptwriter, Danielle Eliska has directed documentaries, short films, music videos and theatre productions-- currently working on several screenwriting, filmmaking and photography projects-- looking forward to directing her first feature narrative film in the near future. She is the founder and COC of MERAKI society, a multimedia production house committed to telling stories about powerful women, the Black Diaspora and Black Culture. (www.danielleeliska.com)
Mario Moore (Art Director) is a Detroit native, currently residing in New York City. Moore received a BFA in Illustration from the College for Creative Studies and an MFA in Painting from the Yale School of Art. He was an Artist-in-Residence at Knox College, Galesburg, IL, the Fountainhead residency and the Albers Foundation and is an upcoming Fellow for Princeton's Lewis Center for the Arts 2018- 2019 Hodder Fellowship.
Moore’s phenomenal work has afforded him many opportunities-- from multiple exhibitions (nationally and internationally) and featured articles in newspapers and magazines. He has also worked on two large production films (Real Steel 2011 and Red Dawn 2012) as a set sculptor. A few places his work has been exhibited include the Charles H. Wright Museum, George N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem State University’s Diggs Gallery, Driscoll Babcock Gallery and the Detroit Artists Market. His work was also included in the Studio Visit Volume 31 (2015) and the Studio Museum in Harlem’s catalog, Speaking of People: Ebony, Jet and Contemporary Art (2014). (www.mariomoorestudio.com)
Lauren Sowa (Producer/Amy) grew up in beautiful Landisville, Pennsylvania, surrounded by cornfields and the Amish. In 2016, she and Tim Eliot founded Form & Pressure Films to tell stories that inspire and provoke thought, while encouraging diversity and equality on set and on screen. Lauren has been featured in the films 42 Seconds of Happiness (now available on Amazon Prime), Café Artist, The Rainbow Experiment (premiered at Slamdance 2018), and The Devil’s Well. Upcoming: the indie feature Paris is in Harlem. She received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Proud member of Actor's Equity and SAG-AFTRA. Lauren is a big-time animal lover, and has yet to meet a pretzel she doesn't like. When not acting, you can find her reading a good book, taking photographs, catching up on old films, and doing yoga! (www.laurensowa.com)
Austin Smoak (cinematographer) is a graduate of Florida State University's the Film School, Austin worked in the camera department in Los Angeles for 12 years before moving to New York.
As a Cinematographer, Austin has shot everything from independent features and television to documentaries and music videos. Her most recent work includes projects for PBS, MTV, Comedy Central and Showtime. Her work on the New Media Series, L.A. Macabre has earned her several nominations for Best Cinematography. In addition, Austin has had the opportunity to work as a Cinematographer all over the world including work in Europe, India and Nigeria.
Austin loves working closely with directors to bring their vision to life and help tell their stories. (https://austinleesmoak.com/ )
Tim Eliot (Producer) is a co-founder of Form & Pressure. He wrote and acted in their latest short, Marisol, currently in post-production. He has been featured on Boardwalk Empire, The 3Bits, and duder. Recent and upcoming films include The Rainbow Experiment (the Opening Night Feature of the 2018 Harlem International Film Festival), Seven Lovers, and Down To Earth.
A veteran of classical and downtown theater, Tim played MacBeth with Everett Quinton and several Sleep No More alums in a Catholic Church in Chinatown, Hamlet at the cell, and Romeo at Yale. He has done numerous immersive projects with Stella Artois, Target, Secret Cinema, and AMC. Regional theater includes Sexual Perversity (ART), The Little Tragedies (MXAT), Cherry Docs (New Rep), The Real Thing (Northern Stage), Compleat Works (Nat’l Tour), Much Ado, Cymbeline, Elizabeth Rex (Opera House Arts). He directed Romeo & Juliet in an abandoned garage in Long Island City, Much Ado in a garden/gallery in Chelsea, and Erdman’s Suicide!? in a former piano factory in Hell’s Kitchen. Tim is a graduate of the William Esper Studio, the ART/MXAT Institute at Harvard, and Yale University. (www.timeliot.com)
Gisela Adisa (Rachel) is a Broadway actress whose credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. First National Tour: Sister Act (Deloris Understudy) and Colman Domingo's Lights Out. Film and TV include “Ride By Night", "Chasing Taste", "Jamerican" and Co-Stars on “Younger” and "Royal Pains". (http://iamgisela.com/ )
Julee Cerda (Ms. Chang) is an American actress born in Seoul, South Korea. She was raised in New York but spent part of her childhood in her father's country, the Dominican Republic. After graduating from Marist College with a B.A., she enrolled in several acting programs in New York City including T. Schreiber Studio, the Ward Acting School for Meisner, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, and the LAByrinth Theater Company.
She has recently appeared on television as cousin Jazmina in Orange is the New Black (Season 4), and as Dana Treister in House of Cards (Season 4). Other TV credits include: Blue Bloods, The Family, Limitless, Allegiance, Royal Pains, White Collar, and Nurse Jackie. Her film credits include: Nancy Meyers' The Intern (2016), No Letting Go (2015) and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2014). (www.juleecerda.com)