STAG
Springville, California | Film Short
Drama, Family
A father and son, who are polar opposites in their views, go on a hunting trip as one last time to bond before the son goes off to college.
STAG
Springville, California | Film Short
Drama, Family
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,896 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
67 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A father and son, who are polar opposites in their views, go on a hunting trip as one last time to bond before the son goes off to college.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
why this story, why now
In today’s social and political climate, we desperately need stories about people who disagree — people on opposite sides of the aisle, with different beliefs, different values, different identities — who still choose to love each other.
We all have someone in our lives like this. Maybe a parent. A child. A sibling. A friend. Someone we love, even if we no longer understand them. Stag is about that kind of love — the hard kind. The kind that asks us to reach across what feels like an impossible divide.
what the film is about
Stag is a story about a conservative father and his queer, creative son — two men who could not be more different — spending a weekend together in the mountains. It’s about the effort it takes to connect when words fail, when worldviews clash, and when silence stretches long and heavy.
This film explores the space between masculinity and vulnerability, between generational grief and healing, between speaking and simply being. It’s a relationship-affirming film, full of tension, heart, and hope.
why i had to make it
This is a deeply personal story. I wrote Stag inspired by hunting trips I took with my own father, specifically just weeks after my grandfather died. At the time, I was a teenager searching for who I was in a conservative, rural world. We didn’t talk about our feelings. We didn’t talk about much at all. But we did go to the mountains together.
It was in nature — under the trees, in the quiet air, around campfires and lakes — that we deeply bonded. That’s the heart of this film.
I believe words often divide us more than connect us. Stag is about finding another way — through presence, effort, and love.
a long time coming
I wrote this script in early 2020, just before the pandemic. It took five years to bring it to life. But I believe the timing is exactly right.
We filmed Stag in Springville and the very same mountains I used to go to with my dad - the Sierra Nevadas. Our two lead actors both lost a grandfather and father in the past year — and they brought that lived experience to every frame. They poured their hearts into this, and so did I.
why your support matters
This is my second short film as a director, and it’s the one I feel most called to share. Not just because it’s close to my heart — but because I believe it can do something. I believe it can encourage families to connect in hard times. I believe it can encourage queer kids and the parents who are trying to understand them. I believe it can offer softness and nuance to conversations around masculinity, identity, and grief.
I believe it can help people feel less alone.
With your support, we can finish post-production, bring this story to festivals, and give Stag the life it deserves. Thank you for believing in stories like this — and in people like Orion and his father.
hometown love
This project is not just about getting another film under my belt as a director. Filmmaking has awoken a love in me for the beauty of where I'm from. I have a mission and desire to capture the beauty of Springville and rural central California. My first film, Ribbons of Euphoria (2023) was shot entirely in Springville, and I plan to shoot more projects in the area. Like John Steinbeck, who wrote profound human stories within the backdrop of his beloved homeland of the Salinas Valley, I also desire to tell moving stories immersed within the backdrop of the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
rewards for giving
$10: the YOUNG BUCK tier
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$25: the WILDLIFE tier
- Name in the credits
- Private link to view the film
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$50: the FATHER OF THE FOREST tier
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$100: the STAG tier
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$250: the SEQUOIA tier
- Director Shoutout at the Premiere
- Permanent access to the film
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$500: the MOVING MOUNTAINS tier: Associate Producer
- Associate Producer credit on the film and IMDB
- Permanent access to the film
- Director Shoutout at the Premiere
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$1,000: ORION'S tier: Executive Producer
- Executive Producer credit on the film and IMDB
- Immediate access to the film
- An invitation to the film festivals we get into
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Director Shoutout at the Premiere
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
where the money goes
You've heard it said before, it takes a lot of money to make a movie. We've already shot the project, we just need financial support in post-production to finish the film. This money goes toward paying industry professionals to do work that includes: editing, vfx, color grading, original score, sound design & mixing, title design, music licensing, and festival submissions. Check out this helpful graphic that explains post-production, and below, a budget breakdown!
 (6).png)
post-production budget breakdown
editing work: $500
color grading: $1,000
original film score: $500
sound design & mixing: $1,000
vfx work: $250
title, credits, & poster designs: $450
film festival submission fees budget: $500
- festival submission fees can range from $25 - $100 per submission (Sundance was $95!) this budget will help us get started to submit to 10-15 festivals
music licensing: $2,000
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
VFX Work
Costs $250
A little look behind the curtain - we were not able to film a real deer for Stag, but I found a great visual effects artist who can make one
Original Score
Costs $500
Music makes or breaks a film! I was so pleased with Jack Gillette's original music on my last short film, I would love to hire him again.
Title & Credits Design, and Poster
Costs $500
We need a title that perfectly fits the tone of our film. Also, when we get into film festivals, we need a cool poster!
Festival Submissions
Costs $500
Everybody asks - why don't you just submit it to as many festivals as you can? Because each one is over $60!!! (Sundance is $95 this year)
Sound Mix & Design
Costs $1,000
Another vital part of post-production. I'm so thankful to friends I have in the film industry who can help me get great deals like this.
Color Grade
Costs $1,000
You don't want to watch a film with a bad color grade! It just screams student film. I've been connected to a fantastic colorist!
Editing
Costs $500
I tried editing on my own. Let's just say, it takes real talent, technical skills, and knowledge of film editing. I'm happy to have Kyle!
Music Licensing
Costs $2,000
We want George Strait in our film! But we can't have him without permission. I feel these songs will greatly help a necessary comedic moment
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
meet the team
Stag was made with deep love, care, and collaboration. Many of us have worked together before — on films shot in the same mountains, with stories just as personal. Each team member brought not only their craft but their heart to this project, and together we’ve built something that feels like family. Here are just a few of the incredible people helping bring Stag to life:
Nick Giannetto (Writer/Director)
Nick is an actor, writer, and director. This is his second film as a director. His first project, Ribbons of Euphoria (2023), which he wrote, directed and starred in, is a 25 minute short film shot on 16mm film on a ranch in Springville. As an artist raised in rural California, Nick brings lived experience and deep emotional insight to every frame of this film.
Michael Todd Behrens (Lead Actor – Father)
Michael brings quiet power and emotional complexity to the role of the father, drawing from his experience on Yellowstone and Horizon: An American Saga.
Gaël Mouton-Sady (Lead Actor – Orion)
A rising actor with deep theatrical roots, Gael infuses Orion with raw vulnerability, heart, and purpose—marking his screen debut before heading to NYU Tisch.
Johnny David Biedenharn (Cinematographer)
Johnny brings over a decade of camera experience and a poetic eye to the project, reuniting with Nick after shooting his first film Ribbons of Euphoria on 16mm in the area.
Sonia Cardenas-Garcia (Producer / 1st AD / Wardrobe)
Sonia wears many hats on this project—producing, assisting direction, and designing wardrobe—bringing her stylist’s eye and steady hand to every stage of production.
Kyle Henke (Editor)
Kyle is a versatile editor and producer with deep roots in independent film, crafting Stag with emotional precision and a keen instinct for pacing and tone.
Jack Gillette (Composer)
After composing the haunting score for Ribbons of Euphoria, Jack returns to bring a tender, grounded soundscape to Stag, bridging silence and memory with music.
Jack Tashdjian (Colorist)
Jack is a professional colorist whose eye for tone and texture brings rich, cinematic depth to every frame.
Christopher Pentecost (Re-Recording Mixer)
Christopher is a skilled re-recording mixer with a refined touch for shaping soundscapes that elevate the emotional impact of a story.
Alec van Staveren (VFX Artist)
Alec is a VFX artist known for seamlessly blending visual effects into grounded storytelling with clarity and precision.
Grady Borte (Title Design & Poster)
Grady’s design work is integral to the visual language of Stag, creating titles, credits, and poster art that echo the film’s emotional tone and quiet strength.
the stag film team at our wrap party in camp nelson, ca
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
why this story, why now
In today’s social and political climate, we desperately need stories about people who disagree — people on opposite sides of the aisle, with different beliefs, different values, different identities — who still choose to love each other.
We all have someone in our lives like this. Maybe a parent. A child. A sibling. A friend. Someone we love, even if we no longer understand them. Stag is about that kind of love — the hard kind. The kind that asks us to reach across what feels like an impossible divide.
what the film is about
Stag is a story about a conservative father and his queer, creative son — two men who could not be more different — spending a weekend together in the mountains. It’s about the effort it takes to connect when words fail, when worldviews clash, and when silence stretches long and heavy.
This film explores the space between masculinity and vulnerability, between generational grief and healing, between speaking and simply being. It’s a relationship-affirming film, full of tension, heart, and hope.
why i had to make it
This is a deeply personal story. I wrote Stag inspired by hunting trips I took with my own father, specifically just weeks after my grandfather died. At the time, I was a teenager searching for who I was in a conservative, rural world. We didn’t talk about our feelings. We didn’t talk about much at all. But we did go to the mountains together.
It was in nature — under the trees, in the quiet air, around campfires and lakes — that we deeply bonded. That’s the heart of this film.
I believe words often divide us more than connect us. Stag is about finding another way — through presence, effort, and love.
a long time coming
I wrote this script in early 2020, just before the pandemic. It took five years to bring it to life. But I believe the timing is exactly right.
We filmed Stag in Springville and the very same mountains I used to go to with my dad - the Sierra Nevadas. Our two lead actors both lost a grandfather and father in the past year — and they brought that lived experience to every frame. They poured their hearts into this, and so did I.
why your support matters
This is my second short film as a director, and it’s the one I feel most called to share. Not just because it’s close to my heart — but because I believe it can do something. I believe it can encourage families to connect in hard times. I believe it can encourage queer kids and the parents who are trying to understand them. I believe it can offer softness and nuance to conversations around masculinity, identity, and grief.
I believe it can help people feel less alone.
With your support, we can finish post-production, bring this story to festivals, and give Stag the life it deserves. Thank you for believing in stories like this — and in people like Orion and his father.
hometown love
This project is not just about getting another film under my belt as a director. Filmmaking has awoken a love in me for the beauty of where I'm from. I have a mission and desire to capture the beauty of Springville and rural central California. My first film, Ribbons of Euphoria (2023) was shot entirely in Springville, and I plan to shoot more projects in the area. Like John Steinbeck, who wrote profound human stories within the backdrop of his beloved homeland of the Salinas Valley, I also desire to tell moving stories immersed within the backdrop of the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
rewards for giving
$10: the YOUNG BUCK tier
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$25: the WILDLIFE tier
- Name in the credits
- Private link to view the film
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$50: the FATHER OF THE FOREST tier
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$100: the STAG tier
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$250: the SEQUOIA tier
- Director Shoutout at the Premiere
- Permanent access to the film
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$500: the MOVING MOUNTAINS tier: Associate Producer
- Associate Producer credit on the film and IMDB
- Permanent access to the film
- Director Shoutout at the Premiere
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
$1,000: ORION'S tier: Executive Producer
- Executive Producer credit on the film and IMDB
- Immediate access to the film
- An invitation to the film festivals we get into
- Exclusive Stag t-shirt
- Director Shoutout at the Premiere
- Immediate access to a sneak peak of the film
- Private link to view the film
- An invitation to the premiere screening of Stag + after party in Springville, October 11th
- Name in the credits
- Immediate access to the first Stag teaser clip
- Personalized "Thank you" from the Director
where the money goes
You've heard it said before, it takes a lot of money to make a movie. We've already shot the project, we just need financial support in post-production to finish the film. This money goes toward paying industry professionals to do work that includes: editing, vfx, color grading, original score, sound design & mixing, title design, music licensing, and festival submissions. Check out this helpful graphic that explains post-production, and below, a budget breakdown!
post-production budget breakdown
editing work: $500
color grading: $1,000
original film score: $500
sound design & mixing: $1,000
vfx work: $250
title, credits, & poster designs: $450
film festival submission fees budget: $500
- festival submission fees can range from $25 - $100 per submission (Sundance was $95!) this budget will help us get started to submit to 10-15 festivals
music licensing: $2,000
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
VFX Work
Costs $250
A little look behind the curtain - we were not able to film a real deer for Stag, but I found a great visual effects artist who can make one
Original Score
Costs $500
Music makes or breaks a film! I was so pleased with Jack Gillette's original music on my last short film, I would love to hire him again.
Title & Credits Design, and Poster
Costs $500
We need a title that perfectly fits the tone of our film. Also, when we get into film festivals, we need a cool poster!
Festival Submissions
Costs $500
Everybody asks - why don't you just submit it to as many festivals as you can? Because each one is over $60!!! (Sundance is $95 this year)
Sound Mix & Design
Costs $1,000
Another vital part of post-production. I'm so thankful to friends I have in the film industry who can help me get great deals like this.
Color Grade
Costs $1,000
You don't want to watch a film with a bad color grade! It just screams student film. I've been connected to a fantastic colorist!
Editing
Costs $500
I tried editing on my own. Let's just say, it takes real talent, technical skills, and knowledge of film editing. I'm happy to have Kyle!
Music Licensing
Costs $2,000
We want George Strait in our film! But we can't have him without permission. I feel these songs will greatly help a necessary comedic moment
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
meet the team
Stag was made with deep love, care, and collaboration. Many of us have worked together before — on films shot in the same mountains, with stories just as personal. Each team member brought not only their craft but their heart to this project, and together we’ve built something that feels like family. Here are just a few of the incredible people helping bring Stag to life:
Nick Giannetto (Writer/Director)
Nick is an actor, writer, and director. This is his second film as a director. His first project, Ribbons of Euphoria (2023), which he wrote, directed and starred in, is a 25 minute short film shot on 16mm film on a ranch in Springville. As an artist raised in rural California, Nick brings lived experience and deep emotional insight to every frame of this film.
Michael Todd Behrens (Lead Actor – Father)
Michael brings quiet power and emotional complexity to the role of the father, drawing from his experience on Yellowstone and Horizon: An American Saga.
Gaël Mouton-Sady (Lead Actor – Orion)
A rising actor with deep theatrical roots, Gael infuses Orion with raw vulnerability, heart, and purpose—marking his screen debut before heading to NYU Tisch.
Johnny David Biedenharn (Cinematographer)
Johnny brings over a decade of camera experience and a poetic eye to the project, reuniting with Nick after shooting his first film Ribbons of Euphoria on 16mm in the area.
Sonia Cardenas-Garcia (Producer / 1st AD / Wardrobe)
Sonia wears many hats on this project—producing, assisting direction, and designing wardrobe—bringing her stylist’s eye and steady hand to every stage of production.
Kyle Henke (Editor)
Kyle is a versatile editor and producer with deep roots in independent film, crafting Stag with emotional precision and a keen instinct for pacing and tone.
Jack Gillette (Composer)
After composing the haunting score for Ribbons of Euphoria, Jack returns to bring a tender, grounded soundscape to Stag, bridging silence and memory with music.
Jack Tashdjian (Colorist)
Jack is a professional colorist whose eye for tone and texture brings rich, cinematic depth to every frame.
Christopher Pentecost (Re-Recording Mixer)
Christopher is a skilled re-recording mixer with a refined touch for shaping soundscapes that elevate the emotional impact of a story.
Alec van Staveren (VFX Artist)
Alec is a VFX artist known for seamlessly blending visual effects into grounded storytelling with clarity and precision.
Grady Borte (Title Design & Poster)
Grady’s design work is integral to the visual language of Stag, creating titles, credits, and poster art that echo the film’s emotional tone and quiet strength.