Sick Enough
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama
"Sick Enough" is a dramatic short film inspired by real-life experiences of individuals seeking recovery from eating disorders. Our goal is to depict to audiences that this condition isn't merely superficial; rather, it often serves as a coping mechanism.
Sick Enough
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,035 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
60 supporters | followers
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"Sick Enough" is a dramatic short film inspired by real-life experiences of individuals seeking recovery from eating disorders. Our goal is to depict to audiences that this condition isn't merely superficial; rather, it often serves as a coping mechanism.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Sick Enough:
What is "Sick Enough" about?
Writer Olivia Benedict wrote "Sick Enough" based on the true stories of people who have sought recovery from an eating disorder.
Directors Statement
“I was thrilled when Olivia came to me with the opportunity to direct “Sick Enough” and immediately understood the responsibility of delicacy of addressing a subject such as eating disorders. It is estimated that 9% of the US population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime, and that less than 6% of people with this disorder are medically underweight. Reflecting on how most of film narratives address this disorder, I am often surprised at how these films rely mostly on shock factors. My goal is to focus more on the subtlety of storytelling, differing to the representations of this disorder I see depicted time and time again in popular media or films.
As the protagonist of the story, Stella’s journey revolves around regaining bodily autonomy after a sexual assault. Her strength and resilience will run throughout the course of the film as she confides in someone for the first time, Lory. In the most unlikely of friendships, Stella and Lory highlight the importance of compassion, the vitality of youth and in taking ownership of your own story. I want to evoke the sensation of a fully realized world that these characters inhabit, that is both intricate and at times feels voyeuristic. It's a world with tales that linger like haunting echoes, yet simultaneously resonates with hope and enduring connections.
“Sick Enough” unfolds as a universal coming-of-age narrative, and my hope as director is to convey the notion that there is always a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, even if that tunnel takes unexpected turns. The film underscores the significance of realising that the journey to self-understanding is as crucial a lesson as understanding others.“
Who are the characters?
"Sick Enough" explores Stella's journey regaining bodily autonomy after a sexual assault while seeking recovery in a eating disorder treatment center.
Visual References
We are looking forward to shooting "Sick Enough" in May of 2024 in New Paltz, New York and to begin submitting to film festivals by August of 2024, our goal is to submit to 45 plus film festivals.
Our budget for production.
Don't be shy, contact us! We are happy to talk about "Sick Enough" with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $1,500
We need to rent gear and equipment in order to make this film happen.
Crew Rates
Costs $3,700
This will cover the cost of hiring a crew for a four day shoot. Sound mixer, gaffer, grip etc.
Food for cast and crew
Costs $700
This will cover the cost to feed the cast and crew for four days.
Insurance
Costs $600
We'll need insurance for all of the rented gear and locations
Art Department
Costs $500
We need to dress our characters up and the set!
Actor Wages
Costs $1,000
We are auditioning amazing actors to tell this story!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Share this update!
About This Team
Olivia Benedict - Executive Producer,Writer,Actress
Olivia Benedict is a Bi-Coastal Actress, Producer, Writer, and Director. This year, Olivia wrote, produced, and starred in two award-winning short films, “Hot Mess!” and “Midway,” which have had festival screenings in New York City, London, and Austin. Her latest project was directing, producing, and playing a supporting role in a sitcom pilot. Olivia is a host and a producer of the live dating game show, “Love is Live,” filling the house monthly at The Peoples Improv Theater in New York City. She is a recent Michael Howard Studios Acting Conservatory graduate and then went on to study in London at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Summer Shakespeare School.
Allegra Venturi - Director, Producer
Born and raised in London, UK, Allegra is Spanish- Italian actress, director and producer. While attending her Conservatory program, she accomplished her debut short film, 'Last Night', taking on roles as a co-writer, producer, and actress. She has starred in numerous short films in both the US and UK that have successfully entered the festival circuit. Notably, the short film 'Curtain Call,' premiered at the San Francisco Independent Festival and won Best Short Film at ARFF Paris (Around International Film Festival) in July 2023. Since then, she has acted in two other short films, 'Friuli', a WW2 drama based in Italy and 'Erased', a gripping drama-thriller from acclaimed director Hunter Lyon. Her second short film, ‘Quizas, Quizas’ which she wrote and plans to direct is currently in development. In addition to her work in film, her experience extends to event production, overseeing a diverse range of special events such as pop-up group exhibitions, individual showcases and private dinners. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to make her directorial debut with ’Sick Enough’, and further explore her deep love of storytelling.
Caroline Pace - Producer
Caroline Pace is a New York City-based producer, screenwriter, and director originally from Nashville, Tennessee. Since moving to the Big Apple, Caroline has worked in Paramount, Hulu, Comedy Central, Disney, and NBCUniversal’s production offices. She has created multiple short films that have successfully entered the festival circuit. During Caroline’s tenure at Belmont University, she focused on her screenwriting degree. She was one of the students who helped evolve the program from its infancy into a globally ranked Top 40 film program by Variety in 2019. The content she has written and produced has accumulated over 200,000 views on YouTube alone.
Griff Orme - Cinematographer
Griff Orme is a New York and Austin-based cinematographer. He has shot multiple narrative projects that have been nominated for best cinematography in the film festival circuit and has filmed 30-plus commercials for acclaimed brands such as Jack Daniels, Solid-Core and
Core Power Yoga.
Emma Smith Watts - Actress (Lory)
Emma Smith Watts is an LA based Actress and Comedian. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama where she studied method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute & on camera at Stone Street Studios. She currently has 3 films in the festival circuit. One of which Drew Barrymore & Ross Matthews make cameos - Jackpot - Emma plays Erin the Lead Role, a chaotic drunk who is a little too in touch with her inner child. Directed by Emmy-Award Nominee Josh Ricks, the film is an Official Selection at HollyShorts, New York Shorts International & Big Apple Film Fests. Netflix-Fave Director Ludovic Littee (Orange Is The New Black, House Of Cards) booked Emma directly on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted. Her strawberry blonde hair and comedic tendencies has led to her commercial success - appearing in commercials for brands such as Apple, Dunkin’, Ulta Beauty, and First Response.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Sick Enough:
What is "Sick Enough" about?
Writer Olivia Benedict wrote "Sick Enough" based on the true stories of people who have sought recovery from an eating disorder.
Directors Statement
“I was thrilled when Olivia came to me with the opportunity to direct “Sick Enough” and immediately understood the responsibility of delicacy of addressing a subject such as eating disorders. It is estimated that 9% of the US population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime, and that less than 6% of people with this disorder are medically underweight. Reflecting on how most of film narratives address this disorder, I am often surprised at how these films rely mostly on shock factors. My goal is to focus more on the subtlety of storytelling, differing to the representations of this disorder I see depicted time and time again in popular media or films.
As the protagonist of the story, Stella’s journey revolves around regaining bodily autonomy after a sexual assault. Her strength and resilience will run throughout the course of the film as she confides in someone for the first time, Lory. In the most unlikely of friendships, Stella and Lory highlight the importance of compassion, the vitality of youth and in taking ownership of your own story. I want to evoke the sensation of a fully realized world that these characters inhabit, that is both intricate and at times feels voyeuristic. It's a world with tales that linger like haunting echoes, yet simultaneously resonates with hope and enduring connections.
“Sick Enough” unfolds as a universal coming-of-age narrative, and my hope as director is to convey the notion that there is always a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, even if that tunnel takes unexpected turns. The film underscores the significance of realising that the journey to self-understanding is as crucial a lesson as understanding others.“
Who are the characters?
"Sick Enough" explores Stella's journey regaining bodily autonomy after a sexual assault while seeking recovery in a eating disorder treatment center.
Visual References
We are looking forward to shooting "Sick Enough" in May of 2024 in New Paltz, New York and to begin submitting to film festivals by August of 2024, our goal is to submit to 45 plus film festivals.
Our budget for production.
Don't be shy, contact us! We are happy to talk about "Sick Enough" with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $1,500
We need to rent gear and equipment in order to make this film happen.
Crew Rates
Costs $3,700
This will cover the cost of hiring a crew for a four day shoot. Sound mixer, gaffer, grip etc.
Food for cast and crew
Costs $700
This will cover the cost to feed the cast and crew for four days.
Insurance
Costs $600
We'll need insurance for all of the rented gear and locations
Art Department
Costs $500
We need to dress our characters up and the set!
Actor Wages
Costs $1,000
We are auditioning amazing actors to tell this story!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Share this update!
About This Team
Olivia Benedict - Executive Producer,Writer,Actress
Olivia Benedict is a Bi-Coastal Actress, Producer, Writer, and Director. This year, Olivia wrote, produced, and starred in two award-winning short films, “Hot Mess!” and “Midway,” which have had festival screenings in New York City, London, and Austin. Her latest project was directing, producing, and playing a supporting role in a sitcom pilot. Olivia is a host and a producer of the live dating game show, “Love is Live,” filling the house monthly at The Peoples Improv Theater in New York City. She is a recent Michael Howard Studios Acting Conservatory graduate and then went on to study in London at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Summer Shakespeare School.
Allegra Venturi - Director, Producer
Born and raised in London, UK, Allegra is Spanish- Italian actress, director and producer. While attending her Conservatory program, she accomplished her debut short film, 'Last Night', taking on roles as a co-writer, producer, and actress. She has starred in numerous short films in both the US and UK that have successfully entered the festival circuit. Notably, the short film 'Curtain Call,' premiered at the San Francisco Independent Festival and won Best Short Film at ARFF Paris (Around International Film Festival) in July 2023. Since then, she has acted in two other short films, 'Friuli', a WW2 drama based in Italy and 'Erased', a gripping drama-thriller from acclaimed director Hunter Lyon. Her second short film, ‘Quizas, Quizas’ which she wrote and plans to direct is currently in development. In addition to her work in film, her experience extends to event production, overseeing a diverse range of special events such as pop-up group exhibitions, individual showcases and private dinners. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to make her directorial debut with ’Sick Enough’, and further explore her deep love of storytelling.
Caroline Pace - Producer
Caroline Pace is a New York City-based producer, screenwriter, and director originally from Nashville, Tennessee. Since moving to the Big Apple, Caroline has worked in Paramount, Hulu, Comedy Central, Disney, and NBCUniversal’s production offices. She has created multiple short films that have successfully entered the festival circuit. During Caroline’s tenure at Belmont University, she focused on her screenwriting degree. She was one of the students who helped evolve the program from its infancy into a globally ranked Top 40 film program by Variety in 2019. The content she has written and produced has accumulated over 200,000 views on YouTube alone.
Griff Orme - Cinematographer
Griff Orme is a New York and Austin-based cinematographer. He has shot multiple narrative projects that have been nominated for best cinematography in the film festival circuit and has filmed 30-plus commercials for acclaimed brands such as Jack Daniels, Solid-Core and
Core Power Yoga.
Emma Smith Watts - Actress (Lory)
Emma Smith Watts is an LA based Actress and Comedian. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama where she studied method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute & on camera at Stone Street Studios. She currently has 3 films in the festival circuit. One of which Drew Barrymore & Ross Matthews make cameos - Jackpot - Emma plays Erin the Lead Role, a chaotic drunk who is a little too in touch with her inner child. Directed by Emmy-Award Nominee Josh Ricks, the film is an Official Selection at HollyShorts, New York Shorts International & Big Apple Film Fests. Netflix-Fave Director Ludovic Littee (Orange Is The New Black, House Of Cards) booked Emma directly on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted. Her strawberry blonde hair and comedic tendencies has led to her commercial success - appearing in commercials for brands such as Apple, Dunkin’, Ulta Beauty, and First Response.