Growing up, I never had a female role model making the kinds of movies I wanted to make, particularly in the fantasy/science fiction genre. It's important to me to ensure future generations of girls have plenty of female role models filling these roles. This is where that begins.

"Solus" is the story of Lulu, a young girl who is enslaved to a house of the underworld where she is forced to lure souls to feed to the house. Only when she delivers the most valuable soul will she be released into the underworld to rescue her father from eternal punishment. It explores oppression, guilt and isolation in the rich setting of the traditional gothic ghost story intermingled with elements of fantasy and suspense. 

After a successful fundraiser on Seed and Spark for production, we were able to complete the filming for “Solus.” Since then, we’ve locked the edit, assembled a solid post production team, and begun the extensive effects process.

Making a film is always a challenge, no matter what type, especially on an independent budget. But making a fantasy film on an independent budget should be considered impossible.  

The amount of detailed work that goes into effects shots is excruciating, and the reason this film exists right now is because a group of professionals are pouring themselves into it with everything they have. The faces behind the film, the ones you never really see, are the people who are keeping this dream alive. 

“Solus” has 170 effects shots in it, and that’s where most of the post production costs will be going. We were fortunate to win a grant with Indie Memphis Film Festival which will mostly cover the cost of sound and music. Everything raised for post production is strictly to pay the people working on the film. They’ve dived in head first, and I’m so excited with what they’ve created so far. It’s truly spectacular what happens when talented and ambitious people join forces.

I knew this film would be a test of ambition, stamina, and dedication, and it definitely has not disappointed. I have poured everything I have into this for the past two years, and I couldn't be more proud with what we have so far. It’s been worth it every step of the way because stories mean everything to me.

Stories are an incredibly powerful tool in communication, inspiration, and positive change in the world, and I think we can all agree that we need a lot more of all of that.

Stories have shaped and molded me into the person I am today. It's not only a way to communicate but also a way to make sense of the world, in both the best of times and the worst. A good story is a faithful friend, a wise mentor, and a challenging leader, and it always inspires introspection. Telling stories is one of the greatest honors I have, and I hope to be able to give back to stories what they've always given me. As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will strive to be a more impactful storyteller because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is how I can create positive change in the world.

If you believe in dreams, the power of story, and a fierce post production team, then you’ve come to right the place. Let’s finish this journey together.   

-Rachel M. Taylor

Our $5,250 goal is the absolute bare minimum we need for post production. We'll still have to tighten our belts, but we can make it. 

If we raise $6,000- $7,000, we'll be able to finish the effects faster, and more focused attention can be given to the project.

If we raise $8,000-$9,000, we'll be able to hire an extra effects artist to help with a 3D model, thus finishing the project a lot faster.

If we raise $10,000-12,000, we'll be able to pay all our bills when they're actually due and be able to finish the project like a movie on a big-budget timeline. 

Interested in helping but not sure how? There are so many ways to support an independent project! And good news for you, we ALWAYS need extra help!

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